Open for Business. Closed for Allergens.

Commercial carpets are always visible. Businesses only get one chance to make a great first impression, and how well that carpeting is cleaned and maintained can be a deciding factor. More people and more carpets means more dust mites and more allergens.

Microscopic in size, large numbers of dust mites can survive in small areas. In fact, about 100,000 dust mites live in one square yard of carpeting, according to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. These tiny creatures also live in upholstery and furniture, where they feed on dead skin cells, dirt and other pollutants. Commercial environments see more people through their doors, meaning more food for dust mites.

Large, uncontrolled populations of dust mites can cause problems for patrons. Dust mite droppings contain a certain protein proven to cause allergies and worsen asthma symptoms. Allergy symptoms include sneezing, watery eyes and runny nose. While not dangerous, these irritating symptoms are easily preventable.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, 18.7 million adults and 7 million children either diagnosed with or suffering from asthma. Being an environment that causes these conditions is bad for business. Don’t let this hurt your business; get rid of dust mites before they become a problem.

To avoid these potential health problems, regularly clean carpets, furniture, upholstery and any other crevices in which dust mites lurk. Regular cleaning, combined with steam cleaning twice a year, best keeps dust mites away.

Steam cleaning is preferred over insecticides, carpet shampooing or dry cleaning because the heat completely rids the area of dust mites and their food, which keeps them away longer. Steam cleaning should be performed every six to 12 months, and is a safe, chemical-free method of cleaning without harmful side effects for customers of any age and health condition.

Regularly steaming carpet and other fabrics gives business owners an effective method of preventing unnecessary discomfort for their patrons, and in turn, those patrons can breathe easily.