Heat, Humidity and Carpets

25 May Heat, Humidity and Carpets

Heat, Humidity and Your Home Health

If you live in the Northern Virginia area, you know all about humidity. Spring is the season of allergies and summer is right around the corner with its tropical temperatures and high humidity. Now’s the right time to start thinking about protecting your family from the allergens, dust mites and other unwelcome visitors that spring brings.

Humidity and Health

According to the Centers for Disease Control, allergens are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness. Spring is prime time for allergens to kick into high gear, as you know if you suffer from seasonal allergies. And the humid warmth of summer is prime breeding ground for dust mites and other unwanted pests.

Any humidity level above 55 percent is considered high. That’s the temperature that fosters the growth of mold and fungus. It’s also the ideal environment for dust mites to reproduce.

On the other hand, extra-low levels of humidity can also mean extra trouble. At humidity levels below 40 percent, you’ll see an increase in pet dander, pollen and other undesirable elements that irritate your nose and lungs. Dry air also makes skin itchy and flaky.

Control Dust Mites

An estimated 20 million Americans are allergic to dust mites. The signs of dust allergy include a runny nose, itchy, watery eyes and other cold-like symptoms.

Dust mites can create even more serious problems. They aggravate illness in people with COPD, asthma or other respiratory diseases.

Dust in your house often contains a number of nasty things that can aggravate your symptoms, including pet dander, dead dust mites, mold spores, pet and human hair, fibers, ashes, and the saliva of various insects including ants and roaches. Make your spring cleaning count by using cleaning techniques that will control dust and dust mites.

Bedding. Wash your bedding in hot water and dry on hot heat to kill these allergy-causing pests. Use pillows and comforters filled with polyester instead of down. Consider using dust mite covers on your mattress and pillows.

Clean Carpets Healthier Home

Here are a few more tips that you can use as an excuse to stress less about housework. Some researchers say that leaving the bed unmade for most of the day causes dust mites to dry up and die.

Carpets. Carpets are magnets for dust mites, dander and mold spores, which can thrive in the soft loops of carpet fiber. One square yard of carpet can contain over 100,000 dust mites. Vacuuming is a must, but it’s not enough. Cleaning experts recommend weekly vacuuming with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter and regular professional cleaning.

Area rugs and throw rugs. If they are small enough and made of washable fibers, wash them in hot water and air dry them. If they are large or not washable, use a professional cleaning service.

Soft furnishings. Prime territory for dust mites, your upholstered furniture also needs regular vacuuming. Professional deep cleaning will kill the dust mites and other allergens.

Air quality. Keep the humidity level in your home low with an air conditioner or dehumidifier and use a HEPA filter on your air conditioner. Don’t allow smoking in your house and ask all visitors to remove their shoes at the door.

Dust them out. Since dust mites live on dust, make daily dusting part of your routine. Use a damp cloth to pick up every speck and always dust before you vacuum.

Deep Cleaning the Right Way

At CarpetKeepers, we’re the experts in pulling dust mites, pet dander, mold and other health-harming pests from carpet, upholstery, and rugs. Set up a regular cleaning schedule with us and you won’t have to worry about keeping your home fresh and healthy. Call Carpet Keepers today and start enjoying a stress-free spring and summer.