To effectively control dust mite allergens, the mattress needs to be regularly cleaned (about every six months for allergy suffers). It should first be vacuumed, ideally with a truckmount so the exhaust is vented outside. If a truckmount is not available, use a HEPA-filter vacuum. After vacuuming, wet-clean the top and sides of the mattress. Don’t over-wet the fabric, as the customer will need to use the mattress that evening.
At this point, a dust mite allergen-neutralizer product should be sprayed on the surface. However, an application of mitacide or pesticide is not recommended for allergy patients, as these materials are poisons and could cause discomfort. It would be best to use a plant-based treatment that doesn’t contain perfumes or VOC’s to control the allergens in between hot-water extraction cleaning.
Don’t forget the pillows! An old pillow can contain up to 20 percent of its weight in dust mites, their fecal material and body parts. Every time your head hits the pillow the pressure acts as a billow blowing the allergens into the bedroom. The pillows can be cleaned and treated with a dust mite-neutralizing product, but replacing the pillow every six months would be the best advice to give your customers.
Next, turn your attention to the carpet in the bedroom. Clean the carpets in the bedroom using the hot-water extraction method. Because of chemical sensitivities, use cleaning agents that are free of perfumes, phosphates, builders, hydrocarbons and solvents. New products manufactured from plant-based alcohol ethoxylates meet these criteria. Apply an anti-allergen neutralizing product to control the allergens between cleanings.
After vacuuming, wet-clean the top and sides of the mattress. Additionally, clean the upholstery using an extraction method and treat it with an anti-allergen post-spray. This system can also be effective on pet allergens. Check with your distributor to see if the manufacturer has outside test data to prove product efficacy.
In addition to allergy suffers, it seems more and more of the population is concerned with health and safety issues. Many homeowners are now asking to see MSDS of the products that will be used to clean their home. If they see hazardous materials listed, they may demand cleaning with hot water only, which of course limits your ability to remove soil and allergens.
Your company will need to develop a unique marketing plan for allergy relief services that reflects your operation, your market and the prospective groups on which you intend to focus. The specifics of the plan are determined by the individual guidelines that can help you during the development.
One of the major reasons people develop allergic illnesses is overexposure to various allergens, especially those found in indoor air from pets and dust mites. It is now clear that allergies can in fact be controlled, and even prevented, by avoiding the triggers that cause them. This strategy is called environmental control.