TheWellnessLiving Health Tips

A study conducted at The Woolcock Institute showed that vacuuming particularly worn carpets can just change the distribution of the allergen of dust acari (mites) in the carpet, rather than removing the allergens from all depths. Jason Sercombe from Woolcock said that since the carpets are an important tank of dust mites allergens and vacuum cleaning is the most common method of allergen management, the results are particularly appropriate to professionals trying to limit people’s exposure to common allergens.

“the results also help to explain why many tests aimed at reducing the exposure to the indoor allergens had limited success. “although soft furnishing like beds or sofas contain more concentrated sources of allergy-causing protein produced by house dust mites (known under the name of DER p 1), the big size of the carpets means that it is more likely to contain a larger total amount of allergen than other pieces of furniture” indicated Mr. Sercombe. Control measurements aimed to avoid allergen that count only on vacuum cleaning are likely to be of limited success unless a more rigorous cleaning is carried out. The Woolcock study also showed that the type of vacuum cleaners with revolving brushes in the head removed more dirtiness and allergen of the carpets that those with no brushes. However, the revolving brushes can kick dust back in the air if the aspiration system does not function correctly.

For the first time, the study showed that carpets that are several years old in domestic conditions contain not only great quantities of DER p 1 allergen but this allergen also occurs in all depths of the carpets. The Woolcock Institute carried out the study in order to better understand how action measurements to avoid allergen can be applied to the carpets. They examined the vertical distribution of allergy-causing protein produced by house dust mites present in several carpets used before and after a vacuum cleaning process with either a standard model or one or the other of two models of dry vacuum cleaner. “Previous studies noted that vacuum cleaners with two or three layer bags did better than those with single layer bag, and the integrity of gaskets and seals consituted important factors in effective cleaning”

“There are many vacuum cleaners on the market which claim to be suited for allergy sufferers. The aspect most important to look for is a HEPA filtration unit. HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter, which is now available in some affordable models of vacuum cleaners.”

Other effective ways to reduce allergen levels at home are: Washing bed linen articles once a week with hot water (55 Celsius degrees or more). Take into account that the special anti-mites additives provide little additional protection than hot water and normal detergent. Avoid using non-washable articles such as sheepskins. Wash pillows regularly or use mite-resistant pillow covers. Wash stuffed toys regularly.