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Replace Your Mattress Every 5-7 Years?

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Posted in Dust Mite Covers ProductsTagged

From CBS Minnesota

“Doctors at theMinnesota Regional Sleep Disorders Center recommend considering a new mattress every seven years or when the mattress begins to affect sleep. Those over 40 years of age might want to buy one every 5-7 years because as we get older, our bodies are more susceptible to pressure.”

WOW!

Looking at the cost of a new mattress now days that would get really expensive. One of the reasons people think they should change out their mattress is because of dust mites. Years ago a study from a university said a mattress could double in weight after 12 years if left unprotected. Hard to believe but I guess it is possible.

If you need to buy a new mattress because it is uncomfortable that is one thing but there is no reason to do it because of dust mites. All you need to do is put a one of the specially made dust mite covers on the mattress and that will solve the problem. Once covered dust mites can’t get into it and those in it can’t get out. Problem solved and it did not cost a bundle.

If you are looking for a high quality mattress covers that will stop dust mites then check out the Allergy Store. They carry a wide selection of covers to fit every budget.

Are Dust Mite Sprays Effective

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Posted in Dust Mite Sprays

Dust mites can be very harmful, especially to people prone to allergies. Since dust mites  feed off dead skin, it is important to keep the bed including the  mattress, blankets, sheets and pillows clean. Many people also use preventive measures such as allergy bed covers but there is another option available: dust mite spray.  One question many ask is  are dust mite sprays effective? The answer is yes.

First the health problems caused by nasty these allergens can be serious. These include asthma, sinus headaches, sneezing and coughing. People often do not realize the problem is their bed  and end up spending precious time and money at doctor offices and pharmacies.

Of course, the best way to reduce these problems is by making sure that houses are kept clean regularly. For example, one should regularly clean carpets (get rid of it if you can), furniture, clothing and bedding because these areas are most prone to collecting dust mite allergens.

Many people prefer to use chemicals because they want fast results.  Since these chemicals will be going directly onto where you sleep you must make sure they are safe. You should be cautious and read the directions on the can or bottle thoroughly. No Pesticides!

As stated earlier, the chemical sprays can have their share of disadvantages. For example, they can cause respiratory problems in users. The good new is that there are various improvements being made in this type of treatment and healthier options in the category are coming out such as environmental essential oil sprays which contain a moderate amount of chemicals.

When someone asks are dust mite sprays effective, he or she should first gain some information and evaluate the level of germ problems in order to opt for the best spray type for that specific situation.

Yes! Dust Mites Are Gross

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Posted in What Are Dust MitesTagged

I was just talking to the lady next to me who had just finished reading an article about dust mites. She could not believe how gross they are or the fact she has them in her bed. As someone who has been dealing with them for years I found her reaction a bit funny. I thought everybody knew about them

We took a few minutes and discussed them and what she could do to keep them in check. Of course the first thing she want to know was how to kill them. She was a bit put out with me telling her there is not some deadly spray she could use to wipe them out.

I told her the first thing she needed to do was put some dust mite covers on the mattress, pillows and box springs. That takes care of the majority of the problem.

Then we talked about washing her sheets weekly in hot water, putting her bed spread in the dryer on air just to shake the dust out and the sprays available that neutralize the allergens that dust mites produce.  Think I have her convinced they are not going to take over her bedroom.

The interesting thing is I really don’t know her all that well but I can tell you all about her house. The topic of dust mites has a tendency to gross some people out when they first learn about them.

 

 

Cleaning Mold

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Posted in What Are Dust Mites
Summer brings the rainy season to south Florida.  In the western United States it means the beginning of the monsoon.  Along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, tropical storms and waves bring flooding rains.  For many parts of the country, summer means dampness.  Anytime you get dampness, you have the first ingredient necessary for a mold factory to begin production.
That is why the first step in any mold cleaning is to stop the water and prevent dampness from recurring.  In places like the bathroom, this can be easier said than done because the area is by nature designed to get wet.  In those instances, air circulation is critical.  You can install exhaust fans or just open a window.  If your mold is the result of a flood or water leak, then only once the water is removed and the area is dried out are you ready to clean.
If a porous surface has mold, it might be better to throw it away than to clean it.  This is true of acoustic ceiling tiles and wallpaper as well as sheetrock that has been damaged by water.  Some porous surfaces can be safely cleaned (such as leather) and washable fabrics.  When cleaning the surface, use a soap and water solution.  Any soap with a high pH value will clean mold.  We think the best cleaner for mold is M1 House Wash because it is so versatile.  You can use House Wash to remove mold from bathroom tiles, walls, leather, floors, counter tops, many wood surfaces and more.  If the surface is also stained by the mold, you can mix the House Wash with household bleach (something we do not recommend) or you can mix it with OxyBoost powdered bleach.  We recommend the use of OxyBoost for removing mold stains because it is made with sodium percarbonate.  When this ingredient comes in contact with the oxygen in hot water it creates an incredible stain fighting solution.  Also, OxyBoost does not create harmful, toxic gasses the way regular chlorine bleach can.  We have even used a mixture of HouseWash and OxyBoost to pressure wash the mold from the exterior of our mountain cabin and deck.  Because both of these places are situated close to a fresh water supply, we are always concerned to use non-toxic products to protect the waterway.  I’ve even used a mixture of HouseWash and OxyBoost in a carpet cleaning machine to clean the rug we used as our display flooring during the many home shows we did for our indoor environmental company.
There are many people that will tell you to use vinegar for cleaning mold, but aside from the smell I am always concerned about any damage it might do to the material you are trying to clean.
Once the surface mold is cleaned and any stain removed you are ready to treat with an antimicrobial.  For mold, we always recommend the use of Vital Oxide.  After the surface has completely dried, spray or coat it liberally with Vital Oxide.  This chlorine dioxide solution will kill any residual spores.  It will not damage most surfaces (I always recommend testing in a small place first) and once it has done its job of killing the mold it will oxidize into simple table salt.  It is amazing how something that is so strong and powerful a disinfectant and antimicrobial can break down safely with no toxic fumes or by-products.
If the area is one that will be repeatedly exposed to water (such as in a bathroom or outdoor patio furniture) you can use a coating to help keep the mold from coming back.  We use the companion product to the HouseWash, which is SureCote.  The clear SureCote sealant provides a protective coating that inhibits the growth of mold.  The coating is flexible and non-yellowing so it can be used on outdoor furniture and leather.  The duration of the protection really depends on how often the area is exposed to water.  Repeated dousing with water will cause the coating to break down.  What this means in practical terms is that in my shower that gets wet 2 or 3 times a day, the SureCote doesn’t last as long as it does on my front door, which while exposed to the elements every day only gets wet when the rains blow in from the north.  The SureCote in the bathroom may last several months, on my front door it lasts about 3 years.
If you are cleaning a large area do be sure to contain the mold clean up.  That means if you are gutting one room, make sure that room is sealed from the others and that you run a HEPA cleaner during and after the work. It makes no sense to clean one area and then just spread it to another!
Lastly, if the mold was in your closet, it won’t hurt to wash the clothes to remove any stray spores.  You can use AllergenWash by Alkaline Labs or if the clothing is hot water washable, just use hot water.  No special sprays or coatings should be necessary for your clothes.  Don’t hang them back in the closet until you have the mold clean up complete.  No need to do the same job over again is there?
Of course, if the mold is extensive and covers large areas, you will want to bring in an expert.  Just make sure to check their references and don’t let them scare you.  While some molds are toxic and cause allergies, others are benign.  Either way, you don’t want them in your house unless they are in your antibiotic or blue cheese.
Til Next Time!

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