We’re all familiar with the commonly-touted strategies for fighting against allergies. Whether it be over-the-counter antihistamines, decongestant sprays, opting for costly air purifiers, or in some cases, avoiding the outdoors entirely. But what if we told you that you can often find the trigger to your symptoms right within the walls of your very own home, and interact with the culprit day-to-day? Sofas, armchairs, lounges, stools, and dining chairs all carry the potential to act as safe harbours for allergens that can irritate your respiratory system and wreak havoc on those sensitive to pollutants. Yet despite the wide availability of upholstery cleaning, this crucial service remains an overlooked tool in the arsenal mustered against allergies. In this blog post, we will delve into the nitty-gritty details of professional upholstery cleaning, and how it can play a critical role in your journey to maintaining a healthy and allergen-free home in Adelaide.
Allergens found in upholstery
Upholstery can host a wide range of allergens, many of which are invisible to the naked human eye. These are the most common allergens our professional upholstery cleaning services in Adelaide help manage on a daily basis:
Dust Mites
Did you know that the primary component of household dust is human skin flakes? As their name suggests, dust mites are tiny bugs that thrive in warm, humid environments and- you guessed it- love munching away on dead skin cells. These little critters don’t bite, but their bodies, faeces and secretions contain proteins that can trigger respiratory and dermatological allergies in humans. According to BetterHealth, common symptoms include:
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Difficulty breathing
- A sensation of tightness in the chest
- Nasal congestion
- Nose itching
- Watery and itchy eyes
- Skin itching
- Skin rashes
Pollen
When we think of pollen, we may make the mistake of believing that we need a whole garden of flowering plants to feel its effects. In reality, however, these microscopic particles can travel many kilometres when airborne, flooding in through open windows and doors, and settling on upholstery. While the impact of pollen may not be tangible during winter months when most plants are dormant, come spring, the world bursts into bloom, and pollen becomes abundant. Fighting against hay fever can be challenging, but professional upholstery cleaning can provide an extra buffer against its most severe symptoms.
Pet Dander
Just like humans shed dead skin cells, so do our four-legged companions lose their fair share of pet dander. Even if our pets don’t use our furniture, their skin cells can still be easily transferred to upholstered surfaces, where they become firmly lodged in the fabric’s dense fibres. To discover more about how pets impact the hygiene of a home, be sure to read our informative article; Why Professional Carpet Cleaning Is Essential For Households With Pets. You might be surprised by what you discover!
Mould Spores
Whether you live in a humid and damp climate, your home suffers from poor ventilation, or you’ve purchased upholstered furniture that was previously exposed to such conditions, there is a chance your home could be silently invaded by mould spores. Like the vast majority of fungal species, mould produces clouds of tiny spores that disperse and settle on organic matter, where they then form new clusters. While mould is essential in the healthy functioning of ecosystems, it is not so beneficial to our homes or their inhabitants. Just as mould is pervasive, so are allergies triggered by its presence. Professional upholstery cleaning is a potent tool for successfully removing mould spores from a wide range of organic and synthetic fabrics and can help provide relief to those suffering from allergies.
How upholstery cleaning fights allergens
Regular and thorough upholstery cleaning is the most effective way of battling any allergens that may be lurking on your furniture. Removing dirt, dust, mould, dander, and other microscopic particles can drastically improve the indoor air quality of your home, and give you peace of mind that your environment is clean and hygienic. So exactly how often should you look to invest in upholstery cleaning? Generally, the answer to this question will be unique and based on your unique circumstances. However, as a rule of thumb, we suggest that professional cleaning is undertaken once every 6-12 months. A commitment to keeping your upholstery clean is essential to reducing allergens, preventing the build-up of harmful particles, and creating a healthy living environment for you and your family.
We’re here to help keep your upholstery clean and allergen-free.
At Refresh Carpet Care, our trained technicians are always ready to pack the van and visit your home to help you revitalise your upholstery. We rely on state-of-the-art steam and dry cleaning equipment to deliver exceptional results that eliminate common allergens. We don’t use harsh chemicals or additives, ensuring the safety of not only you and your family, but our waterways and local environment as well. So if you’re suffering from allergy symptoms and haven’t had your upholstery cleaned in the last year, it may be time to get in touch with our friendly team. Don’t let allergies get in the way of a comfortable home environment. Breathe easy with Refresh Carpet Care.
