Does Cleaning Upholstery Help with Allergy Control?

Allergic reactions impact millions around the world, and plenty of the most common allergens are lurking where we least expect them—smack middle in the cozy of our personal domiciles.

Dust mites, pet dander, pollen and mold can settle into upholstered furniture and worsen allergy-related symptoms. But regular upholstery cleaning is not only about ensuring your furniture looks its best — it can also help improve indoor air quality and alleviate symptoms of allergies.

This article discusses how upholstery cleaning can positively impact allergy sufferers and provides some tips on successful cleaning.

What Are Allergens Really in Upholstered Furniture?

Sofas, chairs, ottomans, cushions — anything upholstered — are an allergen magnet. These particles tend to burrow deep into the fibers and padding, rendering them difficult to be removed from everyday surface cleaning. Here’s a deep dive into the allergens that proliferate in upholstery:

Dust Mites

Dust mites are tiny creatures that eat skin that people have shed and live in warm, humid conditions. They have a perfect home in upholstered furniture. Their waste products are strong allergens that cause symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose and itchy eyes.

Pet Dander

Even if pets aren’t sitting directly on furniture, their dander (minuscule flakes of skin) can make a home in upholstery. Pet dander is light and can float in the air, exacerbating allergies and asthma.

Pollen

Pollen particles can make a stopover on clothing, hair and shoes and ultimately land in furniture. Once they get in, they can fuel seasonal allergy symptoms all year.

Mold Spores

In damp climates, upholstery absorbs humidity, a haven for mold and mildew. Mold spores can cause serious allergic and respiratory disorders.

How Upholstery Cleaning Alleviates Allergies

This not only removes dirt and debris but also allergens, improves indoor air quality, and creates a healthier indoor environment. Here’s how it works:

Reduces Allergen Build-Up

Deep cleaning techniques (like steam cleaning or hot water extraction) reach the fabric and remove allergens trapped inside the upholstery. Cleaning also reduces overall allergen load in your home by getting rid of dust mites, pet dander, and pollen.

Improves Indoor Air Quality

Allergens stuck in upholstery don’t just remain there — they’re airborne when furniture is used. Cleaning gets rid of these particles so they are not floating in the air and helps ensure the quality of air in your home.

It Prevents Mold and Mildew

“If upholstered furniture absorbs moisture, mold and mildew can set up shop, and those mold spores end up floating around in the air.” Cleaning professionals remove mold spores, which promotes a moisture-free environment, lowering the risk of regrowth.

Eliminates Odors

Pet dander and mold are two allergens that create noxious odors. The cleaning removes allergens and neutralizes any odors from the fabric so your furniture smells fresh.

Enhances Longevity

Cleaning is the routine maintenance of your furniture, to protect your health by keeping the environment clean and hygienic, while preserving the material and use of your furniture for long term use.

3 Types of Upholstery Cleaning For Allergy Relief

Upholstery cleaning can be done in many effective ways. Fabric type, severity of the allergy problem, and professional assistance all help dictate method, according to our friends over at Capital Cleaning.

Vacuuming

The first line of defense against allergens is regular vacuuming, which should be done with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. HEPA vacuums capture fine particles such as dust mites and pollen, keeping them from being released back into the air.

Steam Cleaning

Steam cleaning employs steam to penetrate upholstery fibers, killing dust mites and bacteria. The heat loosens dirt and allergens from the fibers, allowing them to be removed more easily. For extremely deep cleaning, this is an ideal method which would work on most fabric types.

Hot Water Extraction

Typically done by experts, hot water extraction injects hot water and cleaners into the fabric and removes it, along with dirt and allergens. This method works exceptionally well for allergy relief, plus it leaves upholstery pristine.

Dry Cleaning

Popular with dry cleaning is less moisture and special cleaning agents to remove dirt and reduce the allergens. It’s also ideal for delicate fabrics that shouldn’t be steamed or treated with water-based methods.

Professional Cleaning

Professional upholstery cleaners use specialized equipment and knowhow to remove deeply embedded allergens. They can also use hypoallergenic treatments that repel allergens and prevent their build-up over time.

DIY Upholstery Cleaning Tips for Allergy Sufferers

Here’s what you can do if you’re more of the hands-on type, to properly clean upholstery and minimize any allergens:

Vacuum Regularly:

Vacuum all upholstery with a HEPA filter weekly. Concentrate on crevices and seams where dust and dander collect.

Use Non-Allergenic Detergents:

Use hypoallergenic cleaning products or those that do not contain strong cleaning agents that can aggravate allergies.

Wash Removable Covers:

Wash any removable covers on your upholstery in hot water to kill dust mites and allergens.

Spot Clean Stains Promptly:

Tackle spills and stains right away so that mold or bacteria do not set in.

Invest in Slipcovers:

Slipcovers can be easily washed and provide a barrier, keeping allergens off furniture upholstery and out of contact.

When to Call a Professional

Although DIY cleaning can assist in preserving upholstery, professional cleaning is advised when:

If someone in your house has severe allergies, professional cleaning can offer deeper cleaning and relief.

• Stubborn Stains or Odors: Professional have specialized equipment that cleans very tough stains and allergens.
• Annual Deep Clean: An annual professional scrub prevents allergens from piling up and ensures your upholstery is in top shape.

More Ways to Minimize Allergens

Although upholstery cleaning is an important step, in combination with other measures, it can help make your home more allergen-free:

• Install air purifiers with HEPA filters.
• Periodically wash bedding and curtains in hot water.
• Avoid humidity levels above 50% to help mold from growing.
• Restrict access of pets to upholstered furniture.
• If allergies are severe, consider using hard flooring instead of carpet.

Final Thoughts

Allergens and irritants are everywhere, but allergy relief begins at home and upholstery cleaning can contribute significantly towards a healthier home. Regular cleaning you’ve done removes dust mites, pet dander, pollen and mold spores, which act as allergens, which in turn reduces the microbial load in your environment place significantly.

Regardless if you choose to do it yourself or use professional furniture cleaning services, maintaining your upholstery can ensure better air quality, lessen allergy symptoms, and increase the comfort in your home.

 Cleaning your upholstery regularly will not only help to keep your investment safe, but it’ll also help your family stay healthy.