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.

If someone drops a slice of pizza on your rug, and you simply blot out the sauce with a paper towel, chances are that the stain will embed itself in the material and slowly develop into a bacteria hot zone—yikes! This is why you need the Best rug cleaning Orange County to conduct a thorough, deep clean of your rugs will ensure a healthy environment in your home, but it doesn’t stop there.

How can best rug cleaning Orange County take care of your rug cleaning?

If you’re unsure about how to clean and maintain the rugs you have, don’t worry! There are several ways to make sure that your runners, throws, and rugs are well taken care of, but first, here are a few reasons why it’s crucial to keep always keep them in good condition:

Although they look amazing around your home, the truth is that area rugs can be a hassle to clean if you don’t maintain consistent upkeep. Whether it’s a small mat inside your front door or a large rug covering your living room, implementing good cleaning habits can restore a rug back to its original glory, while providing a vibrancy to your home for family and friends!

Why It’s Important to Keep Your Area Rugs Clean?

For many of us, plugging in the vacuum and running over it from top to bottom constitutes a good rug cleaning, but we couldn’t be more wrong. The truth is that rugs trap dirt, dust, hair, crumbs, debris, and lots of other germs that can be harmful to your health if they aren’t eradicated quickly. The same goes for any stains that a rug will surely accumulate over time.

How Frequently Should You Clean Your Area Rugs?

Depending on what materials your rug is made from, you may be required to do a deep clean on a more frequent basis. However, a professional cleaning for an area rug should take place once every 6 months or twice a year.
For smaller area rugs, you may have to resort to a more frequent schedule since they can collect dirt and grime at a much faster rate. It’s recommended that you clean smaller area rugs—door mats, bathroom mats, kitchen mats—once a month with normal wear and tear.
To get a better idea of when you should give your rugs a good refresher, click here for a useful guide.
Now that you know the timeframes of when you should clean your area rugs, the next part is rolling up your sleeves and getting to work!

Ways to Properly Clean Your Area Rugs

To conduct a general cleaning of your area rug, here are a few steps to follow:
1. Use a Vacuum First
The best way to start your rug cleaning is to break out the vacuum and suck up all the dirt and dust that you can. It’s also important to remember that some rugs will allow crud and grime to fall through to the floor underneath, so you may have to move the rug away from the area to remove any trapped debris. To be extra thorough, you can even vacuum the flip-side of your area rug. Each year, you should turn your rug over anyway to help preserve its integrity, so you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you’re prepared for the switch.
2. Use a Brush
A vacuum won’t be able to remove everything, which is why a brush can be used to round up hair, loose fibers, and pet hair that has become matted or bunched into the material. Make sure to find a brush with firm bristles and execute strokes that follow the rug’s nap.
3. Remove Stains Quickly
There are all sorts of stains that can be a detriment to your area rug, but the best thing you can do to get rid of them is to catch them as soon as they happen and treat them with the right supplies.
The ultimate factor for stain removal is the type of stain you’re dealing with, but overall, the best method is to wet the stain with warm water and blot it with a paper towel. You never want to rub a stain because doing that will only push the stain deeper into the material. Of course, this becomes a bit trickier with stains like tomato sauce, peanut butter, gum, paint, or bodily fluids, but in these cases, you may have to resort to commercial cleaning products and stain removers.
4. Give it a Shake
Since dust and dandruff are always pesky culprits when it comes to keeping your home clean, you can always take your rugs outside and give them a firm shake. You’d be amazed at how much lint, dirt, and dust bunnies will come loose! For a rug that’s too heavy to shake, try slinging it over a railing and beating with a tennis racket.
Although it’s a useful method, some cities have ordinances that prevent residents from ringing out their dirty rugs in the open air, so make sure to comply with your local laws before getting started.
5. Leave it to The Professionals
You can always take them to a professional dry cleaner like Kona Cleaners! Remember, Best rug cleaning orange county is the Top Rug Cleaners in Orange County it’s recommended that you give your area rugs a deep clean every 6 months to remove embedded dirt, tough stains, and strong odors that won’t come out during a routine effort.

Stop by one of our 14 locations or give us a call today to learn more about how we can help keep your area rugs looking like new!
Contact Us
Call us at 1.714.685.1900 or email us at aloha@konacleaners.com