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Tips for tackling seasonal allergies

Amanda Charles
Snowmass Sun
Amanda Charles/Snowmass Sun
Pavel.T.Osiak |

Ah, the sweet smells of summer: freshly cut grass, aromatic soils and mulch, lilacs in bloom and pollen — lots of it — blowing so gracefully through the air. Most of us have become accustomed to the senses of the warm season — after all, they are what keep us yearning for just a couple more months of it each year. But just like the cold season, which often finds us looting the pharmacy shelves for those Neti pots and cough drops, the warm season also has a way of exhausting us with stuffed noses, watering eyes and scratchy throats.

While I would argue that the majority of us won’t let a few sneezes stop us from running through the fields of wildflowers or leaving our windows wide open while we sleep, I would venture to say that if given some tips on how to prevent some of those tricky allergens from nestling themselves inside our homes — particularly our sofas, beds and carpets — most of us would be able to enjoy the best of what the summer brings without having to visit the doc for another allergy prescription.

Enlightening us with his business model and providing some useful tips for a healthier season, Pavel Osiak, owner of Summit Carpet Cleaning, takes a timeout to talk clean.



Snowmass Sun: What is the basis of your business, and what services do you offer your customers?




Pavel Osiak: We are a locally owned and operated cleaning business that has been servicing the valley for two years now. We specialize in all cleaning services from carpets and upholstery to stone and tile.

SS: What would you say is most important for maintaining an allergy-free home through the summer season?

PO: Most important is eliminating dust, especially because dust mites are the common trigger for asthma and allergy symptoms. You can remove dust with a damp or treated cloth that will trap it rather than scatter it. Secondly important is vacuuming, especially in areas that accumulate more dust, such as carpet and furniture. We recommend using a vacuum with a HEPA filter, which can trap small particles and prevent them from spreading into the air. On average, we suggest vacuuming at least once or twice per week.

SS: What initiatives can people take to eliminate some of the allergens in their homes?

PO: At least once a week, wash pillowcases, sheets and blankets in very hot water, preferably at 130 degrees or more, and dry them in a high-heat dryer to kill off the dust mites. Also, encase mattresses and non-washable pillows, comforters and other bedding in allergen-proof covers. Lastly, if you have a pet, you should give him or her a bath once a week to prevent bacteria like saliva, urine and dander from triggering any unwanted sensitivities.

SS: If someone is sensitive to harsh chemicals, what cleaning processes do you recommend?

PO: If you are one who is sensitive to allergens, switch to environmentally friendly cleaning products, which have natural and plant-based ingredients. Through our services, we offer all of the aforementioned tips, products and resources to ensure your home is clear of bacteria without triggering any further individual sensitivities or allergies you may have.

SS: What kind of local discounts, if any, do you offer for those interested in getting their carpets, beds and rugs clean?

PO: We consider ourselves friendly neighbors who will work with anyone’s budget. Right now we are offering 20 percent off on upholstery cleaning through July and provide free consultations any day of the week.