Allergies

Dust Mites and Asthma

by Scarlette | No Comments Friday, July 15, 2011

What are Dust Mites?

Dust mites are tiny microscopic creatures that are often  a cause of allergy symptoms and asthma.  They belong to the family of eight-legged creatures called arachnids. This family also includes spiders, chiggers and ticks.

Dust mites are hardy creatures that live well and multiply easily in warm, humid places. They prefer temperatures at or above 70 degrees Fahrenheit with a relative humidity of 75 percent to 80 percent, and die when the humidity falls below 40 percent to 50 percent.

Can Dust Mites Cause Asthma?

Body parts and droppings from dust mites can trigger asthma in individuals with allergies to dust mites. Exposure to dust mites can cause asthma in children who have not previously exhibited asthma symptoms.

Typical symptoms of house dust mite allergies are itchiness, sneezing, inflamed or infected eczema, watering/reddening eyes, sneezing repeatedly and frequently; e.g., on waking up sneezing 10 or more times, runny nose and clogging in the lungs.

Actions You Can Take to Reduce Dust Mites in your Home:

The EPA suggests:

  • Wash bedding in hot water once a week. Dry completely.
  • Use dust proof covers on pillows and mattresses.
  • Vacuum carpets and furniture every week.
  • Choose stuffed toys that you can wash. Wash stuffed toys in hot water. Dry completely before your child plays with the toy.

Common house dust may also contain asthma triggers. These simple steps can help:

  • Dust often with a damp cloth.
  • Vacuum carpet and fabric-covered furniture to reduce dust build-up using a high efficiency (HEPA) filter. People with asthma or allergies should leave the area being vacuumed. Read more about Air Filters – Available Guide for Their Comparison.
At Bit a Bliss we are dedicated to providing extraordinary maid service in Plano, Frisco, Dallas and the surrounding area.  Everyone deserves a Bit a Bliss!  www.bitabliss.com

 

Why Chemicals in Cleaning Products Can Be So Harmful

by Jennifer | No Comments Tuesday, July 5, 2011

We’ve all heard over and over again that chemicals in cleaning products are harmful, and we should buy green instead. The FTC is putting stricter regulations on what is considered “green,” (To see FTC guidelines, click here) and it seems like almost everyone is on board, from product lines claiming to want to help the environment, to health enthusiasts who know we can all do better.

But why exactly are chemicals so bad?

-Chemicals are released into the environment through evaporation and being rinsed down the drain, thus prolonging our exposure, and damaging our eco-system.

-Even mild exposure over a long period of time can be harmful, because many chemicals are “bioaccumulative,” meaning they do not exit the body for a long period of time, and can eventually build up to toxic levels.

-Chemicals cause bodily harm, ranging from mild to moderate skin and eye irritation, to an increase of allergy attacks, as well as respiratory illness and permanent nerve damage.

-It is especially harmful for children, because even though they may not directly consume the cleaners from the bottle, exposure can still do a variety of damage. Their small bodies cannot fight off the chemicals as adult’s can, so it is exactly like they are being made vulnerable to a far greater concentration of the product. Also, their hands are constantly in their mouths, so anything they touch has the potential of being consumed.

-Keep in mind, the “active ingredients” are not the only culprits. “Inactive ingredients,” a.k.a. all those extra ingredients listed that you can’t pronounce, can also contain carcinogens and neurotoxins.

Click here to find reviews and information on certified green products

Here are a few previous blogs of ours to help you make your own products!
Green Cleaning For Your Baby
Cleaning With Lemon Juice
The Power Of Cleaning With Vinegar

Pet Owners Must Have List of Cleaning Products

by Scarlette | 1 Comment Thursday, April 21, 2011

Over %85 of our clients have pets, so I thought this might be a helpful list of “must haves” for keeping up with our best friends messes.

If you have any tips to share please comment!

1. Pet Bath Wipes – I use these for so many things.  They are great after a walk, to clean paws or to clean the pantaloons of a furrier dog…especially if there is an upset stomach involved.

2. Nature’s Miracle –  There are bound to be accidents on the carpet or upholstery.  With Nature’s Miracle you can eliminate the stain and the odor.  They have solutions for dogs, cats and birds.

3.  Scotch Fur Fighters – Use these hair removers for upholstery, car interiors, floors and clothing.  I have found that the Pet Hair Roller is great for removing hair from lampshades and window treatments!

4.  Pet Hammock Seat Cover – If you travel anywhere with your pet, this is a must!  It’s comfortable for them and the pet hair stays contained.

5.  Old Cloth Towels or Paper Towels – I am often drying a wet dog or wet feet and of course there are some things that you just wouldn’t want to put in your washing machine. That is when paper towels are life savers.

6.  Dyson Animal –  This is by far the best vacuum for picking up pet hair off of rugs, carpet and upholstery.  The life-time washable HEPA filter is great because it traps allergens and since you can wash it often you don’t have to worry about your vacuum smelling like your pet.

7. Doggie Zen Den – This particular place is only helpful if you live in Plano, Frisco or the surrounding area, but if you do, then take your pet there for grooming.  I can drop off my two Shelties and in a couple of hours I pick them up and they smell like sugar cookies.  And of course the staff is awesome! If you don’t live in the Plano/Frisco area, find a great groomer, consistent grooming will cut down on the pet odors and hair in your home.

At Bit a Bliss we are dedicated to providing extraordinary maid service in Plano, Frisco, Dallas and the surrounding area.  Everyone deserves a Bit a Bliss!  www.bitabliss.com

Keeping The Dust In Your Home Under Control

by Jennifer | No Comments Thursday, April 14, 2011

Minimizing dust in your home is a major factor in your overall health and well-being. Of course, there’s no way to completely eradicate all of it, especially because dust is constantly being formed from shedding skin, material fibers, pet hair, and other particulates. But keeping it from getting out of control is important because dust can trigger allergies, asthma attacks, and in extreme cases, a heart attack.

Regular cleaning by you and/or a maid service plays a key role in keeping dust under control. Avoid using feather dusters, and other things that do little more than move dust around. Instead, use a slightly dampened microfiber cloth or rag to hand-wipe all surfaces. Check out http://www.rd.com/home/8-smart-strategies-to-make-your-home-dust-proof/ for great tips on dusting.

At Bit a Bliss we are dedicated to providing extraordinary maid service in Plano, Frisco, Dallas and the surrounding area.  Everyone deserves a Bit a Bliss!  www.bitabliss.com

Preventing and Reducing Spring Allergies

by Jennifer | No Comments Sunday, March 13, 2011

Simple ways to reduce allergy inducing pathogens in the home for a brighter, more enjoyable spring!

- Keep your house clean, making sure your carpets are vacuumed regularly (and that the vacuum has a hepa filter) and your belongings are dusted often.  Doing just a little bit every day helps maintain a healthy home.

- Do your “spring cleaning,” and get rid of unwanted and unused items in your home that can increase clutter and make maintaining cleanliness difficult.

-Keep your pets well groomed, especially if they love the outdoors. They bring a numerous amount of particulates back in the home.

-Take your shoes off at the door. Just like your pets, you bring in a little piece of the outdoors every time you come back inside. If you have been out all day, change your clothes before you unwind.

-If you need allergy medicine, make sure you have what works best for you. Talk to your doctor about your options, and how severe your discomfort can be.

-When breaking out your spring and summer clothes that have been stored away all winter, run everything through the laundry before putting them where they belong.

-Make sure your air conditioner filters are clean. They should be replaced about every three to six months, depending on the size of your home, and if you have pets.

-Know your area’s most common allergens. You may be surprised to find out what’s bugging you! http://www.weather.com/outlook/health/allergies/common/states/TX-common-allergens

At Bit a Bliss we are dedicated to providing extraordinary maid service.  Everyone deserves a Bit a Bliss!  www.bitabliss.com