DO YOU OR YOUR LOVED ONES SUFFER FROM ALLERGIES?

Jason Crisp, Matthew Bentley and the team at Island Cleaning Solutions can help you keep household allergens at bay

Household allergens and irritants, like dust mites in mattresses and black mould in air conditioners, are a huge problem for people with allergies, and it’s these ‘hidden’ pollutants that we need help combating. Only professional deep cleaning can mitigate them, which is where Jason Crisp, Matthew Bentley and the team at Island Cleaning Solutions (ICS) come in. The service they provide goes far beyond cleaning surfaces and carpets – it’s about wellness.

“Dust mites are microscopic pests that feed on dead human skin cells and thrive in the warm, humid climate of Hong Kong. They inhabit mattresses, bedding, upholstered furniture, carpets and other soft furnishings,” opens Matthew, a DB resident. “A gross fact is that an allergic reaction in humans (including asthma and eczema) is due to inhalation of and contact with dust mite waste and decaying bodies.

“At ICS we utilise a certified asthma- and allergy-friendly vacuum process which, with the aid of its power suction nozzle, brings dust particles and mites to the surface and traps them in its water filtration system,” Matt adds. “For extra protection, our two-stage service then uses the natural sanitising power of steam to further remove allergy-causing dust mites and bacteria.”

ICS also offers an optional third-stage process of hotwater extraction to aid in the removal of stains and bad odours.

Black mould is another allergen prevalent in Hong Kong homes. A spore producing micro-fungus, it’s connected to adverse health conditions such as breathing difficulties and allergic reactions, particularly in infants and adults with respiratory health problems. Jason points out that black mould grows rapidly on surfaces and fabrics with high-moisture content, such as airconditioning units. Mould growth on air-conditioning units is especially dangerous as the spores are blown into the air where they can be inhaled.

“At ICS, we make use of a 100% natural and plantbased disinfectant proven to kill black mould and other pathogens. It’s safe for use on fabrics and hard surfaces alike,” Jason reassures. “We can then apply a bio-shield product in order to slow mould formation.”

ICS recommends you have your soft furnishings professionally cleaned no less than once a year and air-conditioning units every six to 12 months depending on usage. ICS also offers a monthly “filter refresh” air-con cleaning service with the option to add one of five essential-oil fragrances.

Diy Cleaning Tips

While regular professional deep cleaning is essential, Jason and Matt explain that there are several things you can do yourself in order to keep household allergens at bay:

• Clean air-conditioning filters once a month. Simply open the unit, remove the filter and rinse under cold water to remove the dust.

• Vacuum carpets, sofas and mattresses regularly to remove dust, dead skin cells and pet hair.

• Wash bedding, furnishings and other fabrics regularly, and don’t forget stuffed toys.

• Make use of anti-allergen bedding and mattress protectors if you suffer from allergies.

• Wipe down hard surfaces to remove dust and reduce clutter.

• Control cockroaches by covering food and garbage, and make use of bait traps.

• Use dehumidifiers to reduce the humidity of the air in your home.

• Keep windows closed to help prevent pollen and other airborne allergens entering your home.

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If you feel like you’re rearing sparring partners, rather than lifelong allies, how do you change things up?