How to Kick Allergies to the Curb This Season

Posted on February 12, 2025February 7, 2025 by Jackie

12 Feb

Breath Easy: How to Kick Allergies to the Curb This Season

Allergy season is here, and if you’re like most people, you’re already experiencing itchy eyes, stuffy nose, and constant sneezing. But did you know that allergens—tiny particles like pollen, dust, and mold—can hitch a ride on your clothes, bedding, and furniture, making your symptoms worse?

In fact, approximately 50 million Americans suffer from allergies each year (American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology). And with pollen counts soaring during peak seasons, it’s no wonder many of us feel like we’re living in a constant battle against allergens.

Don’t worry! We’ve got some simple tips to help you fight back against these invisible foes and keep your home and wardrobe allergen-free this season. And the best part? Kona Cleaners is here to help!

What are allergens, anyway?

Allergens are substances that can trigger allergic reactions. These can be things like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mold, and even certain foods. They’re often super tiny and can hitch a ride on your clothes, bedding, or even the couch you nap on, spreading their maleficent ways throughout your home. According to the American Lung Association, dust mites alone can affect 10-20% of the population. But don’t fret—we’ve got the solution!

1. Wash your bedding and clothes often (yes, even those pajamas!)

Your clothes and bedding are like a magnet for allergens. Pollen sticks to clothes when you’re outside, and dust mites love bedding. In fact, dust mites thrive in humid environments and can live in bedding for years. To keep allergens in check, wash your clothes and sheets often. At Kona Cleaners, we make laundry day easier by ensuring your garments come back fresh and allergen-free, ready for you to enjoy the season.

2. Use dust mite-proof covers

Dust mites are like the ninja of allergens – you don’t see them coming, but they sure make an impact. They thrive in bedding and pillows, so consider getting dust-mite-proof covers for your mattresses and pillows. It’s a simple way to keep your sleeping space allergen-free, and it’ll help you catch some allergy-free ZZZs!

3. Vacuum (and then vacuum again!)

Allergens can hide in your carpets, rugs, and upholstery. A good vacuuming session will suck up a lot of those little troublemakers. But don’t stop there – try vacuuming your rugs and upholstery regularly, and consider using a vacuum with a HEPA filter to catch the smallest particles.

Need your rugs cleaned? Kona Cleaners has you covered! We’re experts at getting rid of all those allergens in your rugs so your house can feel fresher and cleaner. For more rug cleaning tips, read our blog Preparing for Spring: Why Winter is the Best Time for Area Rug Cleaning.

4. Clean your air vents and filters

Allergens love air vents. To them, it’s like a five-star hotel. Clean your air vents and change your filters regularly to keep the air in your home as clean as possible. Your nose will thank you!

5. Use an air purifier

When in doubt, call in the reinforcements! An air purifier can help remove pollen, dust, and pet dander from the air, especially in high-traffic areas like your living room or bedroom. It’s an easy way to give your lungs a break.

6. Stay indoors when pollen counts are high

If you’re allergic to pollen, check the pollen count before heading out. On high pollen days, keep the windows shut and try to stay indoors. If you do go outside, change clothes as soon as you come back in to prevent allergens from spreading in your home. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, high pollen counts can lead to a 30-40% increase in allergy symptoms.

7. Keep your pets clean

Pets are adorable, but they can be walking, wagging allergen machines. According to the Humane Society, weekly bathing reduces the amount of pet dander they spread around. Just remember to use a gentle pet shampoo to keep them happy and allergen-free!

8. Consider allergy-free laundry detergents

If you have super-sensitive skin or nose, switching to an allergy-friendly laundry detergent can make a big difference. Look for ones that are free of dyes and fragrances. Your clothes will smell fresh without all the extra allergens hanging around.

Conclusion

Allergy season doesn’t have to be a sneeze-fest! With a little effort and the help of Kona Cleaners, you can reduce allergens and enjoy the season with fewer sniffles and more smiles. Just remember to wash your bedding and clothes often, vacuum like a pro, and keep your air as clean as possible – your sinuses will thank you!

Find a Kona Cleaners near you here.

Keep Your Bedding and Towels Guest Ready

Posted on December 18, 2024December 12, 2024 by Jackie

18 Dec

Hosting Family for the Holidays? Here’s How to Keep Your Bedding and Towels Fresh and Fabulous!

The holidays are here, and so are your guests! Whether it’s Grandma, Uncle Joe, or that one cousin who always brings their dog (uninvited), you want your home to feel warm, cozy, and clean. A big part of that is making sure your bedding and towels are up to snuff. No one wants to sleep on sheets that smell like last summer’s sunscreen or dry off with a towel that feels more like an exfoliator! Don’t worry, though—we’ve got you covered.

Step 1: Give Your Bedding a Holiday Makeover

Start with the basics:

Wash Everything: Strip your guest bed and throw those sheets, pillowcases, and blankets in the wash. Use a detergent that smells great (but not too great—no one wants to feel like they’re sleeping in a perfume ad).
Check for Surprises: Coffee stains? Crumbs from a midnight snack? Don’t stress—just bring those to Kona Cleaners, and we’ll work some magic.
Fluff It Up: No one likes flat pillows. Give them a good fluff, or swap them out for fresh ones. Pro tip: Spraying a little linen spray on them makes it feel like a hotel stay.

Step 2: Towel TLC (Tender Loving Care)

Towels are the unsung heroes of hosting. Here’s how to keep them in tip-top shape:

Wash the Right Way: Towels can trap smells over time (yuck). Wash them with hot water and maybe even a splash of white vinegar to freshen them up.
The Fluff Factor: If your towels feel like sandpaper, it’s time to treat yourself (and your guests) to new ones. Your guests will thank you when they’re not exfoliating accidentally.
Put Them On Display: Roll or fold your towels neatly and place them in the guest bathroom. It’s like a spa, but at home.

Step 3: Be Ready for Holiday Mishaps

Chocolate Stains and Holiday Mishaps?! Let’s face it—holidays bring surprises like spilled cocoa on the couch or sticky candy canes left on the duvet. Don’t panic. Kona Cleaners is your holiday stain superhero.
Dust Be Gone: For guests with allergies, make sure bedding is dust-free. We offer hypoallergenic cleaning services to keep everyone breathing easily.

Step 4: Bonus Tips to Wow Your Guests

Always Have Extras: Extra pillows, blankets, and towels are lifesavers. Plus, they help avoid awkward conversations like, “Uh… where’s the blanket?”
Make It Cozy: Add some holiday cheer with a scented candle or a cute throw blanket. Your guests will feel like they’re staying at a boutique hotel (without the bill).

Let Kona Cleaners Save the Day!

Feeling overwhelmed by all the holiday prep? No problem. Bring your bedding, towels, and anything else that needs a deep clean to Kona Cleaners. We’ll make everything look and smell amazing—so you can focus on enjoying the holidays (and hiding the good snacks from your relatives). And don’t worry—we’re here for you after they leave, too.

Happy hosting, and may your holidays be full of joy, laughter, and spotless guest rooms!

Find a Kona Cleaners near you here.

How Often Should You Clean Your Comforters?

Posted on November 20, 2024November 18, 2024 by Jackie

20 Nov

So, Really, How Often Should You Clean Your Comforters?

Let’s be honest—when was the last time your comforter got some serious TLC? If you’re scratching your head trying to remember, it might be time for a friendly nudge. Comforters are like the unsung heroes of our beds.

We rely on them for warmth, comfort, and the occasional impromptu Netflix blanket fort, but they rarely get the love they deserve. So, how often should you clean your comforters? Let’s take a dive into this blog and uncover this mystery.

Comforter TLC 101: The Magic Number

For most people, taking your comforter to the dry cleaners three to four times a year is the golden rule. That’s once every season, and it’s just enough to keep things fresh (oops, I mean clean!) without overdoing it. However, there are some exceptions to this rule:

Pet Owners: If you share your bed with your furry friends, aim for more frequent cleanings—about four times a year or more. Pets add a little extra “love” (read: hair, dander, and who-knows-what-else) that your comforter could do without.
Allergy Sufferers: If seasonal sniffles are your nemesis, keeping your comforter pristine can make a world of difference. Trust me, your sinuses will thank you!
Sweaty Sleepers: If you find yourself waking up feeling like you just ran a marathon in your dreams, bump up your dry cleaning game. Sweat can break down the fibers of your comforter and create the perfect breeding ground for odor-causing bacteria.

Why Not DIY?

Sure, you might be tempted to throw that massive comforter into your washing machine and call it a day, but imagine cramming your comforter in, pushing down with all your might, praying the door actually shuts. If it does close, you might hear some suspicious noises during the wash cycle. Next thing you know, your machine is on strike, and you’re googling “washing machine repair” at 2 a.m. No one wants that!

Most home washing machines simply aren’t built to handle the bulk of a big comforter. Overloading can damage your machine’s motor or drum, leading to expensive repairs—or even a new machine. Not worth it!

The Kona Cleaners Difference

Why trust Kona Cleaners with your comforter? Here’s what sets us apart:

Deep Cleaning, No Corners Cut: At Kona Cleaners, we use state-of-the-art equipment specifically designed for handling bulky comforters, duvets, and quilts. Our gentle yet effective cleaning solutions dive deep into thick fabrics to remove all the hidden dirt and allergens that a standard home wash can’t touch.
Protecting Your Investment: We know your bedding is an investment, and at Kona Cleaners, we treat it as such. Regular professional cleanings help maintain your comforter’s fabric, keep the filling fluffy, and extend its lifespan. Think of it as a spa day for your sleep sanctuary—preventive care that ensures long-term comfort.
Odor Removal: Stubborn smells, be gone! Whether it’s pet odor, sweat, or that mysterious musty scent that creeps in over time, Kona Cleaners has the expertise to bring back that fresh, just-like-new smell to your comforter.
No Shrinking or Warping: You won’t find any post-wash surprises here. Kona Cleaners ensures your bedding keeps its shape and size, avoiding the dreaded dryer shrinkage. That means your comforter stays just as cozy and comfortable as the day you bought it—no toddler-sized mishaps included!

So, How Often Is “Too Often”?

If you’re starting to wonder whether you’re going overboard with your cleaning, rest assured that three to four times a year is just right for most comforters. If you’re dealing with special circumstances like pets, allergies, or sweat, don’t be afraid to up the number. Your comforter can handle it, and your nights will be better for it.

Final Thoughts

Remember, a clean comforter isn’t just about looking nice (although that’s a bonus!). It’s about better sleep, fewer allergies, and a touch of luxury. So, indulge (wink). Go ahead and treat your comforter to a spa day at our dry cleaners. It works hard for you, after all!

And next time you’re tempted to shove that thing into your home washer, just ask yourself, “Is my washing machine ready for this battle?” Chances are, the answer is no. Save yourself the headache and keep your comforter—and your appliances—happy.

Ready to give your comforter the care it deserves? Bring it to Kona Cleaners, and we’ll have it back to you fresh and clean. Your bed will thank you!