Chem-Dry Helps Homeowners Brace for 2015 Summer “Pollen Tsunami”

June 29, 2015 | By Business Wire News

NASHVILLE, Tenn.

As regions across the country are experiencing the effects of a particularly brutal allergy season that experts are dubbing the “Pollen Tsunami” of 2015, Chem-Dry, the world’s leading carpet and upholstery cleaning service, is arming consumers with scientifically-backed advice to significantly reduce home allergens.

Typically, trees release their pollen in early spring and other plants and grasses follow suit weeks later. Due to the long, ruthless winter, however, trees’ pollen has been delayed and is now combining with all other pollen released this time of year. This has created the perfect pollen storm, with pollen collecting in thick clumps on the ground and even coating cars.

Chem-Dry recently released a study, conducted by a leading independent air quality laboratory in a cross-section of U.S. and international homes, which proved its Hot Carbonating Extraction (HCE) cleaning process removed an average of 98 percent of common household allergens from carpets and upholstery. When the HCE process was combined with its sanitizer, Chem-Dry was also found to remove an average of 89 percent of airborne bacteria in the home. The HCE process harnesses the power of millions of microscopic bubbles to penetrate deep into carpet fibers, lifting particles to the surface so they can be easily extracted. In addition, by using 80 percent less water than typical steam cleaning, the HCE process leaves carpets dry in a couple of hours versus a couple of days, also reducing the risk of mold and mildew growth.

To supplement the study findings, Chem-Dry has prepared an Allergy Survival Kit, complete with tools and tips for keeping pollen and allergens at bay inside the home, particularly for the 50 million Americans who suffer from nasal allergies. Tips include:

Freshen Beds: Mattresses should be vacuumed at least once a month and turned over every six months to reduce dust mites. Linens should be washed every two weeks in hot water over 130 F. Pillows, mattresses and box springs should also have dust-proof covers.
Bathe Pets: Chances are pets will be spending more time outdoors. In addition to their dander, they will be bringing in more dirt this time of year, and should be bathed regularly. To keep their dander at bay, pets should be kept out of the bedroom and the bedroom doors should remain closed to prevent dander floating into the room.
Incorporate Doormats & Area Rugs: It is a common misconception that bare floors are cleaner than carpets, when in fact, dust and dirt particles settle on hard surfaces only to get stirred back into the air more easily than floors with carpets, and carried deeper into the home whenever there is activity in the room. Placing rugs down in high traffic areas will help trap these particles and keep them in place until it is time to vacuum.
Vacuum Upholstery & Carpets: Carpets should be vacuumed at least once a week with a HEPA-filter vacuum to pick up trapped pollen, dust and dirt particles, which settle on carpets and upholstery and get pushed deeper into the fibers over time.
Replace Blinds: Because blinds are near open windows, they collect a lot of dust and dirt particles and should be wiped down weekly. For less maintenance, consider replacing them altogether with window shades.

“Following these tips, combined with regular professional cleanings utilizing our HCE process, can be instrumental in reducing symptoms for the 1 in 5 Americans who suffer from allergies and the 24 million Americans with asthma,” said Dan Tarantin, CEO of Chem-Dry. “Carpets, area rugs and upholstered furniture help indoor air quality by acting like giant air filters that absorb and trap dirt, allergens and bacteria and prevent them from spreading throughout the home. But these areas must be professionally cleaned to remain optimally effective, as indicated by our recent study.”

About Chem-Dry

Founded in 1977, Chem-Dry is the world’s leading carpet and upholstery cleaning service with a network of more than 3,500 units in 48 countries serving over 10,000 homes a day worldwide. Its green-certified solution and proprietary Hot Carbonating Extraction cleaning process provide a deeper clean, allow surfaces to dry faster, and leave homes healthier. Chem-Dry has been ranked the number one carpet cleaning franchise by Entrepreneur magazine for 27 consecutive years and has also been featured in the magazine’s Top Home-Based Franchises list among the top 10 concepts for 19 consecutive years. For more information about Chem-Dry or to find a local operator, visit www.chemdry.com, or for more information on franchise opportunities, visit www.chemdryfranchise.com. Chem-Dry is owned by Harris Research, Inc., which is also the founder and owner of the fast-growing N-Hance Wood Renewal franchise.