What are Allergy Control Sprays?

Recently we made a list of the top five most important allergy relief products, allergy control sprays topped the list. This is because they are not expensive, are easy to use, and are very effective. If you missed it you can find our Top 5 Allergy Control Products here. 

There are two different types of sprays. The first type is tannic acid-based (Allersearch ADS Anti-allergen Spray). Tannic acid is found in the bark of trees, the leaves of tea, and the peels of grapes. It is a very powerful denaturing agent. This means it has the ability to neutralize proteins. Since all allergens are proteins, denaturing is an effective way to render an allergen inactive. 

When you denature a protein, you change the three-dimensional structure of the protein. It is similar to unfolding a towel and refolding it in another manner. It is still a towel, just folded differently. However, the difference is enough to keep the immune system from identifying the protein as an allergen.

Since the protein is not identified as an allergen, the allergic reaction is completely avoided. Not only is tannic acid a powerful denaturing agent, but it has a lasting residual effect. This means that tannic acid-based products need only be applied every 90 days or so. 

Sprays can be applied to any fiber surface. All you need to do is vacuum first to remove any loose soil and then apply a light spray. In addition to a spray, Alkaline Labs also makes a tannic acid-based powder for use on carpets known as X-Mite Carpet Powder.

This moist powder can be swept into carpets to denature the fibers not only on the top of the carpet but also down by the pad. The only downside to using tannic acid-based products is that tannic acid can stain or off-color light-colored fabrics and materials. You must always first test in an inconspicuous place to make sure that there is no discoloration or staining. 

Another type of allergy control spray does not depend on tannic acid as the active ingredient (Allerserach ADMS Anti-allergen Spray). These sprays use a combination of other acids, alkalis, and enzymes to neutralize proteins. They denature in much the same way as tannic acid. However, because tannic acid is not present you do not run the risk of staining or discoloration.

These denaturing agents do not have the powerful residual effect that you find with tannic acid-based products. They need to be applied about once a month. However, because they will not stain they can be applied to a greater variety of surfaces. 

Whether you use a tannic acid-based spray or one of the other allergy control sprays it is important to apply it properly. First, thoroughly vacuum the surfaces to be treated. This will remove any loose soil or allergen particles.

Next, lightly spray all surfaces of the object that is being treated. Have your spray nozzle set to the “mist” setting and not the “stream” setting. Move your arm back and forth, as you spray the mist from about 8 inches from the object being treated. It is not necessary to saturate the material being treated. A light mist is sufficient for most fabrics. 

If you are applying the spray to a hard surface, such as walls, do not spray directly on the hard surface. Apply to a rag and then wipe the wall. Many of our customers have found a Swiffer works well for applying it to the walls.

Remember, when treating to remove animal allergen it is important to clean the walls as well as the floors and furniture. 

In addition to walls and floors, allergy control sprays are great to use on decorative pillows, upholstered headboards and footboards, draperies, comforters, rugs, low pile carpets, and upholstered couches, chairs, and benches. 

When properly used on a regular basis, allergy control sprays are an important weapon in your allergy relief arsenal. 

Wishing you the best of health

The Allergy Store