What’s That Lurking In Your Couch?

What’s that lurking in your couch? Is it an ant? Maybe a spider? Possibly a stale chip? Chances are it’s something worse. If your house is like most American homes, dust mites thrive in your pillows and upholstery. To make matters worse, during its 80-day lifespan, the average dust mite produces about 1,000 allergen waste particles — which can be particularly problematic for those who suffer from allergies and respiratory sensitivities.

Dust mites — among the most common triggers of asthma and allergies — thrive in warm, dark areas of the home including carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, curtains and mattresses. A good, thorough house cleaning that includes those areas typically cleaned less often can reduce the allergen triggers caused by dust mites. To help remove the unwanted dirt and non-living allergens that accumulate over time, Chem-Dry, a leading carpet and upholstery cleaning service, is committed to educating families on proper cleaning methods to help maintain a cleaner home environment.

The experts at Chem-Dry recommend the following techniques for overlooked hotspots to help minimize dirt and reduce non-living allergens.

• Furniture Upholstery. Upholstered furniture including sofas, love seats, recliners and dining room chairs provide a cozy haven for dust mites. To reduce dust build-up, thoroughly vacuum fabric-covered furniture and wash removable upholstery covers in hot water, letting them air dry.
• Carpets, Rugs and Mats. Carpeting, rugs and mats accumulate dust and can become a feeding ground for microscopic dust mites, picking up everything from pet accidents to tracked-in debris. Vacuuming alone cannot reach deep into carpet fibers, so consider a professional carpet and oriental rug cleaning at least three times a year.
• Curtains and Blinds. Window curtains and blinds collect dust and dirt easily. Remove dust build-up by shutting blinds and dusting with a microfiber cloth. Next, close the blinds in the opposite direction for a thorough wipe-down using a standard window cleaner and a clean cloth.
• Mattress. The average bed can harbor large numbers of dust mites, which are among the common triggers of hay fever, asthma and allergies. Mattresses are a dust mite’s paradise as people sweat and shed skin while they sleep. Vacuum the mattress thoroughly and turn it over. Mattresses should be vacuumed at least once a month and rotated every six months to help reduce dust mite buildup.
• On Top of Furniture. The tops and surfaces of furniture can be overlooked and easily collect dust. When cleaning surfaces such as table tops and shelves, use a dryer sheet as a dust cloth — it will pick up dust and help reduce static, making it harder for particles to adhere to the surface. Dust before vacuuming the floors so debris falls to the floor and can be collected in one pass.
• Behind Stove and Refrigerator. Over time, crumbs, grease and other particles accumulate in these areas, providing a food source for insects and pests. If possible, move the appliance out from the wall and unplug. Using a long-handled, slightly damp sponge, mop the back of the appliance to lift dust from the surface, then wipe the floor and walls with hot soapy water.

Experts generally recommend that most homes have their carpets and upholstery professionally cleaned at least two to three times per year, while bathrooms, kitchens, walls and tile or stone surfaces are typically recommended for a professional cleaning every 12 months. Using Chem-Dry’s proprietary Hot Carbonating Extraction method can help reduce dust mites in your home in as little as one day. Call for a free quote today!