Why Air Duct Cleaning is Essential this Time of the Year

For most people, this is the part of the year where we really put our central air systems into high gear.  That is because winter arrives, and it’s time to keep our house all warm and fuzzy.

The problem is, you haven’t cleaned your air ducts in many years, and over time, a lot of dust and debris has settled, untouched for many years.  It’s not really a huge deal, because, as they say, “Out of site, out of mind,” right?

But some things you may have noticed are:

• Higher electric bills
• Dust settling on furniture
• Lots of allergy problems at home
• Family members frequently sick

Are you finding that your family members (you included) are constantly sick during the winter months?  Consider your air ducts.

Every time you run your air conditioner or furnace, pollutants are re-circulated throughout your air-tight home, contaminating the air you breathe and aggravating allergies and asthma.

If you’re not quite sure, here is a list of common symptoms caused by indoor air pollution:

• Allergies
• Illnesses
• Eye irritation
• Sinus Congestion
• Headache
• Sore Throat
• Nausea
• Colds and Flu
• Asthma
• Diseases
• Fatigue
• Cough
• Congestion
• Wheezing and hypersensitivity
• Eye, nose & throat irritation

If you have questions, speak with a professional who can help resolve your concerns.  If you live in the greater Atlanta area, don’t hesitate to call our office and speak with a professional today.

678-494-4884

Hughes Dry Carpet Professionals

Hughes’ Habitat for Humanity Project Set for Gwinnett County

Hughes Dry has joined forces with Habitat For Humanity

In a unique opportunity, Larry Hughes, President of Hughes Dry has pledged to help reconstruct a house in Gwinnett Co and make it a house for a deserving family.  Along with other Best Pick companies featured by Home Reports that identifies top-notch contractors and service companies in the Atlanta metro area, Hughes Dry is making a significant financial contribution to transform a “fixer upper” into a comfortable, energy-efficient home.

Says Larry Hughes, ” About the only thing unchanged with the structure are the bones of the house.

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 Everything including the electrical, plumbing, heating and air will be gutted.”  Larry further states, “We’re excited to be part of such a worthy cause and to have the opportunity to work alongside with so many other great companies.”

The overall budget to complete this house rebuilding project totals in excess of $50k.  The initial ground breaking will commence in September.

Adrian Laos, webmaster for Hughes Dry and President of Webstuffguy LLC , states he will provide photos and a blog monitoring the progress of this project.  Check back to this blog for status updates.

Interested in contributing?  As an incentive and in appreciation of your personal contributions, Hughes Dry will award a Hughes Dry Gift Certificate to match any contributions up to $100.  Thus, if a Hughes Dry client wishes to donate $75 toward this Habitat for Humanity Project, Hughes Dry would send to the donor a $75 Hughes Dry Gift Certificate.  This certificate can be gifted or used personally for any of Hughes Dry Services to include:

Carpet or upholstery cleaning, air duct and dryer vent cleaning or carpet repairs.

Call Hughes Dry at 678-494-4884 for more details.  ”Our goal,” says Hughes, “is to raise and contribute $2750 which would pay for all the new flooring needs.”

We would like to thank everyone in advance for your generous spirit and willingness to contribute to a truly worthwhile cause.

Attention Pet Owners: Top 3 Tips for a More Sneeze-Free Spring.

Many families in Atlanta take great pleasure in keeping a domestic pet in their home. Yet, quite a few people who own pets are allergic to them. A recent study revealed that most people who had pets kept them indoors, including those prone to allergies. Allergies apart, the dander shed by domestic pets is known to trigger symptoms of sinusitis and asthma.

1. Restrict your pup or kitty from the bedroom.  Their dander and trapped pollen within their fur can greatly exacerbate allergy symptoms.
2. Step up grooming and washing or your pet.
3. Increase hand-washing especially after stroking or petting your pets.

Talk to a vet about getting a well balanced diet for your pet which can lead to a decrease in hair loss and reduce dander indoors. Vacuum your carpets regularly as these are the perfect havens for allergens. You can also use chemical solutions to get rid of allergens in the carpets. Also vacuum your furniture and beds, as animal fur could have deposited into the small gaps in them. Replacing your carpeting with wooden flooring or other solid surface flooring is yet another way to prevent dander build up on surfaces.

Did you also know that our cleaning method is the best in terms of reducing allergens?

Just read this snippet taken from www.hostdry.com

The HOST^® System of applying HOST Dry Carpet Cleaner to the carpet, brushing it through the carpet and then vacuuming up the HOST Dry Carpet Cleaner removes dirt and reduces allergens. Research studies have shown that one cleaning with the HOST System using HOST Machines reduces: Dust mites by 78%, Dust Mite Allergen by 75%, Cat Allergen by 85%, Mold Spores by 85%. EPA Establishment Number: 074202-WI-001.

Just One HOST Carpet Cleaning Reduces Dust Mites by 78% and Dust Mite Allergen by 75%

A study of 25 homes, conducted in Wisconsin, to determine the effect of HOST Dry Extraction Carpet Cleaning on dust mites showed a 78% drop in the average mite count. An extended study of 63 homes in Georgia and Wisconsin showed mite allergen decreased by 75% one day after HOST Dry Extraction Carpet Cleaning. This research has been peer reviewed and was one of only 500 papers worldwide accepted for presentation at the Sixth International Conference on Indoor Air Quality and the Environment in Helsinki, Finland.

University laboratory tests prove HOST is not a food for dust mites. They eat only protein—skin scales—HOST is not a protein.

HOST Carpet Cleaning Dramatically Reduces Cat Allergen in Carpet

Pet allergens are one of the top indoor allergens to which people are sensitive. In 1995 and 1996 several homes, with a cat in residence for at least one year, were studied for the presence of cat allergens and the effects of HOST Dry Extraction Carpet Cleaning in reducing them.

The study established that cat allergens (dander, hair and saliva) in carpet can be decreased 85% with a single HOST Dry Extraction Cleaning of carpet; a second carpet cleaning reduces the number of these allergens to even lower levels.

This study was presented at the Seventh International IAQ Conference in Nagoya, Japan, July 1996.

Mold & Mold Spores Also Dramatically Reduced with One HOST Carpet Cleaning

Mold spores travel with wind current and are deposited on all indoor and outdoor surfaces. Mold allergens are found virtually everywhere in residential and commercial environments.

IAQ research showing HOST removes mold spores was confirmed by studies conducted in Wisconsin and Georgia. Mold spore levels in the Georgia test homes (humid climate) decreased by 85%. Levels in the Wisconsin homes (temperate climate) decreased by 94%.

This study was presented at the Seventh International IAQ Conference in Nagoya, Japan, July 1996.

20 Practical tips to reduce allergy symptoms

(Don’t forget to visit our website or call us at 678-494-4884)

As pollen counts soar, many Atlantan’s become miserable suffering from allergies with symptoms such as itchy and watery eyes, sneezing, runny noses, and congestion.  Though there are several effective over the counter and prescription drugs out there, many can have unwanted side effects.  There is a growing population which is choosing to be more drug-free.  Below are some practical measures that can be done to reduce exposure to allergens and alleviate allergy symptoms naturally.

Household Management Tips:

1. Keep doors and windows closed. Though it is tempting to let in “fresh” air especially during the cooler evening hours, one must avoid “inviting in” unwanted allergens.
2. Change filters and turn HVAC system fan to the “ON” position instead of “AUTO”. This will allow for a greater number of air exchanges which are in turn filtered.
3. Clean air ducts.  Though there are no universal standards as to how often air ducts should be cleaned, it is generally recommended every 3-5 years.  Removing debris, dust, and micro-organisms lurking within the hundreds of feet of one’s air handling system is a sensible idea for source removal.
4. Vacuum carpets and rugs daily, and upholstery weekly.  Use a good HEPA filter vacuum cleaner. If vacuuming exacerbates one’s allergies, consider a weekly maid service. *
5. Professionally clean carpets and rugs.  Carpet and rugs are huge filters which masterfully trap allergens. Consider using the Host Dry Extraction System which has proven to significantly reduce allergens and mold spores in nationwide studies. *
6. Keep pets out of the bedroom. Indoor – outdoor pets are especially adept at bringing in large quantities of allergens trapped within their fur.
7. Change bedding weekly. Launder sheets, pillow cases and other bedding like mattress covers, and blankets, in hot water (130 degrees or better.)
8. Sanitize mattresses and pillows twice a year or encase them.   Dust mites heavily  populate mattresses which are loaded with their food (one’s dead skin cells) and drink (humidity and perspiration.)  Though harmless, their fecal excretions and dead body parts can be extremely allergenic.
9. Avoid putting one’s clothes hamper in the bedroom. Clothes worn outside can be loaded with pollen and should be placed in a closed clothes hamper away from one’s sleeping area.
10. Sanitize all bathroom areas. High humidity areas such as bathrooms are often breeding grounds for mold and mildew that can exacerbate allergy symptoms. Consider dry vapor steam technology for those with chemical sensitivities. *

Outside Activities Tips:

1. When given a choice, avoid early morning outside activities from 5am to 9am, when pollen counts are typically at their highest.
2. Invest in pollen blockers such as surgical masks and nasal cream and powder treatments such as Nasal Ease.
3. Wear protective clothing such as hats, eyes wear and long sleeves. Immediatelychange into other clothing when one returns from outside for any extended period of time.
4. When traveling by car, keep windows and sunroof closed and use the recirculated air feature.

Personal & Hygiene tips:

1. Take a shower if possible immediately after long exposed periods of time outdoors. Consider evening showers instead of early a.m.  showers.
2. If showering is not possible, brush hair thoroughly away from a work station or sleeping area.
3. Engage in frequent hand washing especially after petting pets and outdoor activities. Avoid rubbing eyes, especially with unwashed hands.
4. Use a sinus rinse of saline to cleanse the mucous lining of the nose before bed.
5. Consider herbal remedies to improved breathing and reduce congestion and inflammation. The use of natural herbs in teas, poultices, steam inhalations, massage oils, aromatherapy oils, and footbaths can all be effective not only physically, but they also can be soothing mentally and psychologically refreshing to one’s spirit.  Favorite herbs include Eucalyptus, Hyssop, Anise Oil, Cardamon Oil, Peppermint, Chamomile, and Comfrey Root.
6. Lastly, become educated in order to take charge of one’s particular allergies. Though the medical community can prescribe effective treatment programs, the educated consumer who is personally in touch with one’s allergies and takes preventive measures and adjusts one’s lifestyle tends to suffer less and reduces one’s dependence on medications.  Some helpful websites include the following:

1. www.aaaai.org (American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology)
2. www.allalergy.net
3. www.aafa.org (Allergy & Asthma Foundation of America)
4. www.pollen.org
5. www.herbwisdom.com
6. www.anniesremedy.com

Carpet Cleaning tips

Had an accident? Here are some helpful tips to hold you off until we get there and take care of the rest. Enjoy!
Proper care of your floor prevents damage, extends its life and keeps it looking new for years. How do you properly care for your flooring?
If you enjoy going barefoot, or even if you don’t, kick your shoes off at the door. Why remove your shoes? If you have a rough board that needs smoothing, you grab a sheet of sandpaper for the job. Guess what’s on the bottom of your shoes? Sand and dirt grind away at the fibers in your carpet, leading to an early death.
Take a closer look at the bottoms of those shoes and you’ll find oil, dirt and heaven only knows how many bits of leftover dog deposits. Small wonder why your carpet stubbornly refuses to come clean. Do wear slippers or socks inside. The oil from the bottom of your feet also dirties the carpet.
Vacuum your carpet regularly, and do not use liquid carpet shampoos to clean them. Ever wash your hair and forget to rinse out all the shampoo? The same thing happens to your carpet. The shampoo can’t be completely rinsed out, leaving a sticky residue. That residue acts like a big magnet pulling the dirt from the bottom of your shoes. Now you have clean shoes and even dirtier carpets. Use dry carpet cleaners instead. Stores selling vacuum cleaners carry dry carpet cleaners.
Getting out old shampoo becomes the trick. Rent a shampoo machine that cleans with water. Mix 1 cup vinegar per 2 ½ gallons of water and clean according to directions. Go back over the carpet with warm water only. The vinegar pulls out the old shampoo, cleaning the carpet as well. It may take a time or two, but your carpets will be soft and free from grime. The hot water reactivates the shampoo already in the carpet, providing the needed cleansing action.
Stains in carpet can be a hassle to remove. Never rub a stain, just blot. Rubbing breaks down the fibers and spreads the stain. Remove most food stains with shaving cream. Spray on and resist the temptation to rub it in, then let it set for 15 minutes. Rinse with a vinegar and water solution.
Club soda generally removes red wine stains. Remove red dye stains (found in drink mixes, Popsicles, dog and cat food) with a 30/70 solution of peroxide to water. Remember, peroxide is bleach, so test an inconspicuous spot first for color fastness. Apply the mixture, wait 30 minutes, then remove as much moisture as possible and rinse with a vinegar/water solution. If the stain remains, add a bit more peroxide to the mixture and retreat.
Brake cleaner also does a good quick job of removing most food stains. Dab a little on a clean cloth and gently blot the stain. Rinse with soap and water. Brake cleaner contains the same chemical professional dry cleaners use to clean stains in clothing. Do not pour brake cleaner directly into the carpet. It could dissolve the adhesive holding the fibers in the carpet.
Oops, the dog had an accident and the stain and smell refuse all attempts at removal. First try an enzyme product. Pour on enough to saturate to the pad and treat an area twice as large as the stain. Urine hits the pad and spreads. Let it set a couple of hours. You’ll find enzyme products at pet stores, RV or marine stores. They are used in the holding tanks to dissolve solid material.
Should that not remove all the stain or odor, baking soda and peroxide remain your best hope. Mix a 30/70 solution of peroxide to water adding 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda per cup of mixture. Yes, it bubbles and fizzles, but not before removing the stain and smell. Always test a spot first for colorfastness. Peroxide is bleach and may discolor the carpet. Blot up what you can with an old towel and rinse well with 1/3 cup vinegar per quart of water.
If you see red spots on your carpet where your pet just lost its lunch, switch food to a neutral colored food. The red dye in pet food is the culprit behind those spots. Dogs and cats are colorblind, so they can’t tell the difference. Again, use the 30/70 peroxide and water combination for removal.
Oil, grease, magic marker and ink can be the dickens to remove. Most janitorial companies or department stores carry a product called DeSolvit. WD40 or Orange Clean also work wonders at removing these stubborn stains. Rubbing alcohol removes ink. Blot on, allow to set 30 minutes and blot to remove. Rinse with sudsy water. Magic marker is generally permanent and you may not be able to remove it.
Gum – Freeze gum with ice cubes and chip off what you can with the blunt side of a kitchen knife. DeSolveit removes the rest.

Wax – Freeze with ice and chip off what you can with the blunt side of a knife. Wax needs heat for removal. Some of the newer carpets are quite sensitive to heat and scorch easily, so test an out of the way spot first. You can also use a hair dryer set to the hottest setting.
Set your iron to a low to medium heat. The less heat you use, the less chance of scorching your carpet. Take a white paper towel or paper bag with no writing on it (the dye will transfer to the carpet) Put the towel down on top of the wax and iron the towel for no longer than two seconds. Move the towel and redo if necessary. Generally once is enough.

Excerpts taken from http://www.doityourself.com/scat/floorcarpetcleaning#ixzz1GgmVMndt

Welcome to the Hughes Dry Carpet Care Blog!

Visit our site for Atlanta Carpet Cleaning or call us at 678-494-4884

You’ve done your research on Atlanta carpet cleaning, and you’ve found us.  If you are here reading this, it’s most likely because you are looking for a dry, healthier alternative to carpet cleaning.

Allergy sufferers wouldn’t consider any other method than our Host dry cleaning system.  It may be because research has shown that we can reduce over 85% of dust mites, dust mite allergen, cat allergen and over 97% of mold spores on the first cleaning alone!

Perhaps you have suffered setbacks with hot water extraction carpet cleaning, maybe your carpets were left saturated with water for days.  Perhaps you were told one price, then once your technician arrived, the quote sky-rocketed.  We hear these stories all the time.  We understand that a lot of trust goes into carpet cleaning.  From a technician coming inside your home, to the assurance that you’ve made the right decision in picking an outstanding carpet cleaning company.  At Hughes, we like to think that carpet cleaning company is US!

Our cleaning method, matched with our customer service, is the reason why not only we have been in business for over 20 years in Atlanta, but why we have received so many accolades and awards over the years.  You can find our reviews in publications such as the Home Report, Home Services Review, Select Services Directory, and many more, all with an exceptional Grade A report.

Our Cleaning:

Our carpet cleaning method not only leaves your carpets dry and ready to entertain, but it is also wool-safe certified, EPP (Environmentally Preferable Purchasing) approved, USDA and Green Seal Certified, which means for you, the homeowner, that we operate as a  Green company, and clean your carpets instilling a healthy, dry, organic cleaning system.

In fact, using our cleaning method, we save hundreds of thousands gallons of water per year!  According to industry estimates, there are about 200 billion square feet of carpet in the United States.  Cleaning all of this carpet just once with our Host method would save 9,770,000,000 gallons of water!

What about getting out tough stains? Yes, apart from all the health benefits, we specialize in spot cleaning and stains, and are technicians are trained to tackle the difficult challenges with an arsenal of spot cleaning techniques for stained carpets.  It’s what’s made us so successful for over 2 decades.

Our Customer Service:

Founder and President Larry Hughes makes no exception on how he expects his customers to be treated.  We understand you have many choices when it comes to Atlanta carpet cleaning, but one thing you can’t compare is exceptional customer service.  From the moment you pick up the phone to call us and speak with a carpet professional, to our follow-up phone call 10 days after your service has been completed, we make every effort to ensure that you will not only use us again in the future, but that you rave about us to all your friends, neighbors, and families.

Apart from carpet cleaning, we also offer many other services such as carpet repair, upholstery cleaning, air-duct cleaning, mattress sanitation, commercial carpet cleaning, area rug cleaning, and much much more.  Pick up the phone today and speak with a representative to answer all your carpet cleaning needs!  678-494-4884