130 Cecil Malone Drive, Ithaca, NY 14850
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Welcome to Our Monthly Newsletter
This month's topics are:
COVID-19
SANITIZATION
- Sanitizer Treatment for Area Rugs
CLEANING IN PLANT
- ABC Cleaning Plant Services
MISCELLANEOUS
CONSIGNMENT RUGS FOR SALE REMINDER
JUNE DISCOUNT SPECIAL
If there is a topic you would like us to cover in one of our upcoming newsletters, please call or text us at:
607-272-1566
or contact us
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REMINDER:
Don't forget to keep checking our website for our beautiful
We have a variety of rugs available to view on our website or come into our office!
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UNIVERSAL VIRUS VACCINE
Would it be at all possible to create a universal virus vaccine? One that could protect us from any current or future variant of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) as well as for protection against SARS (SARS-CoV-1) and MERS and even coronaviruses that cause the common cold or the virus that causes the flu?
This is not a new idea. It has been tried before. Vaccines against the flu date back as early as 1934! Attempts to create a vaccine against the many varieties of the viruses that cause the common cold date back to the 1960s.
The challenges to creating a universal virus vaccine are enormous. The vaccines available now for COVID-19 work well to prevent serious illness, but boosters to these vaccines have become necessary to work more effectively against new variants.
And, yes, more boosters will most likely have to be made available for any future variants. Unless, of course, a universal virus vaccine, specifically a universal coronavirus vaccine, becomes a reality.
A VACCINE FOR THE COMMON COLD
A universal common cold vaccine would have to trigger immunity against the more than 200 distinct viruses that mutate easily to give us the symptoms of the common cold.
The common cold is something that relatively healthy people have pretty much learned to live with. A cold, however, can make chronic airway diseases like asthma and COPD worsen, which can lead to the point where hospitalization can become necessary. The economic cost of employees calling in sick with the sniffles cannot be discounted either. Adults tend to get two to five infections a year and children can average up to 10 per year.
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, clinical trials were started against one specific type of cold virus and subsequent to that, a vaccine targeting ten different cold viruses was tested. Neither vaccine performed well and research into those vaccines was pretty much abandoned for over 20 years.
One of the major obstacles to creating and testing a universal cold vaccine in the last century was the lack of a small animal model. Most of the rhinoviruses that give humans the common cold do not affect mice.
The development of transgenic mice finally solved this problem. Scientists can add a gene to a mouse’s genome. This gene is the one that codes for the human cell receptor that rhinoviruses use to enter our cells and make us sick.
The above development has led to a renewed interest in cold vaccines. Biotech companies like Pfizer and Moderna are currently trying to develop a universal common cold vaccine.
THE FLU VACCINE
The first flu vaccine was released in 1934. It was a monovalent vaccine which is a vaccine designed to protect against a single strain of a germ, like a virus. A bivalent vaccine (two strains) was followed in 1945. The first trivalent (three strains) came in 1977. In 2013, the first quadrivalent (four strains) became available.
Each year, the World Health Organization choses the four influenza strains for the yearly quadrivalent vaccine using results from international surveillance. It is an educated and informed guess to predict which strains of the virus are likely to cause the most trouble in the upcoming flu season.
Unfortunately, the percentage of flu cases the flu vaccine prevents have fluctuated between 10% (2004-2005) and 60% (2010-2011). Perhaps, considering the harm influenza can cause, the vaccine is better than nothing, but disappointing, nevertheless.
The challenges to create a universal flu vaccine are as much a problem as the attempts to create a universal common cold vaccine and a universal coronavirus vaccine. Advances in technology have pointed to the possibility of focusing on parts of the docking protein at the surface of the influenza protein that may be common to the many different flu viruses.
The problems with bringing a universal flu vaccine to market include the fact that small laboratory animals do not live long enough to test the universality of the vaccine, infection after infection. Larger and long-lived animals such as pigs present other problems because of their size. Keeping human volunteers in a clinical trial for years to test a universal flu vaccine season after season, while withholding from them the already approved quadrivalent vaccines that could keep them out of the hospital, would present an ethical challenge. Currently, a small safety trial has begun in human volunteers with results to be known in the near future.
All is not lost. The technological innovations used in the development of a universal flu vaccine are also being used to solve the more urgent COVID-19 pandemic crisis.
NANOPARTICLES-ONE APPROACH TO A UNIVERSAL CORONAVIRUS VACCINE
Please continue reading here for more information about this subject.
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In This Issue
Consignment Rugs for Sale Reminder-We have added more rugs!
Universal Virus Vaccine
Sanitizer Treatment for Area Rugs
ABC Cleaning Plant Services
Flag Day History
JUNE Discount Special
Links to Our Services:
WELCOME!
ABC Oriental Rug & Carpet Cleaning Co. has been family-owned and operated in Ithaca and surrounding areas for 50+ years!
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SANITIZER TREATMENT
FOR YOUR AREA RUGS
One would wonder why a sanitizer treatment for area rugs would be recommended by ABC even though these rugs will go through a minimum of
The reason is that a sanitizer treatment may be recommended for certain rugs that have a sizeable germ load from contamination, such as urine, feces, pet hair, and dander, etc. Without sanitization, the contamination could spread to other rugs in our plant as well as possibly be a health concern for our staff.
WHAT IS SANITIZING?
Sanitizing is the method of reducing the number of harmful pathogens that are present on a surface. According to the CDC, applying a sanitizer to a surface lowers the number of germs to a safe level based on public health standards and requirements.
WHY A RUG MAY NEED A SANITIZER TREATMENT
Soft surfaces such as rugs are porous, and this makes it difficult to remove all germs. Antimicrobial sanitizers that are EPA registered are specifically formulated for penetrating into porous rug materials and will avoid binding with soil or with the carpet fibers themselves.
A sanitizer treatment can provide protection from unwanted germs that can hide in rug fibers, and this protection will continue for up to 6 months.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN
SANITIZING and DISINFECTING?
The process of sanitizing can kill a majority of germs, but it cannot make antiviral claims. Disinfecting is much more potent than sanitizing and can kill nearly 100% of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and can target specific microorganisms such as the flu virus and the coronavirus. Unfortunately, as mentioned above, because of the porous quality of soft surfaces such as rugs, it is difficult even for disinfection to remove all germs.
Additionally, using disinfectants containing bleach, alcohol, and chlorine can damage or destroy rug fibers and foundations.
Sanitizing is a much gentler process and brings the germ level down to a safe level for humans and the indoor environment.
WHAT TYPES OF CONTAMINATION
MAY WARRANT A SANITIZER TREATMENT?
A sanitizer treatment is reserved for those circumstances when a rug has an overabundance of microorganisms caused by contamination from water damage, mold, mildew, vomit, blood, pet dander, pet hair, pet accidents, etc.
An exception is when there is excessive urine on area rugs. When urine dries, it hardens to crystals which attach to the fibers and cannot be removed by cleaning alone or sanitizing. They can only be removed by a special urine decontamination process.
Sanitizer treatment is especially recommended for rugs that don’t warrant total urine decontamination because the urine is not excessive.
ELIMINATION OF ODORS
Odors caused by bacteria, fungi, urine, vomit, smoke, rancid food, or other odor-causing substances can be eliminated by the addition of a sanitizer treatment.
WHAT TYPES OF CONTAMINATION
MAY REQUIRE A RUG TO BE DISCARDED
RATHER THAN SANITIZED?
For sewage, bodily fluids, infectious materials or bio-waste, the usual procedure would be to discard the rug.
But if the contamination is small, such as less than one square foot in size, and is not extensive or is located primarily on the surface of the rug, sanitation and cleaning may be acceptable.
A SANITIZER TREATMENT MAY BE ABLE TO SAVE A VALUABLE OR BELOVED RUG FROM BEING DISCARDED!
Under extreme soiling conditions, rugs would normally be discarded. However, if a rug has intrinsic or emotional value to the customer, the sanitizer treatment may allow the rug to still be of use. The treatment will help prevent germs from growing on the rug long after the sanitizer has been applied.
OTHER SITUATIONS WHERE A SANITIZER TREATMENT MAY BE WARRANTED
Please continue reading here for more information as well as important information on sanitizer treatment and care for oriental and area rugs involved in water damage.
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ABC CLEANING PLANT SERVICES
ABC's cleaning plant services are performed in Central New York's only Certified Cleaning Plant with a Certified Rug Specialist (CRS) on staff. We are competent and knowledgeable in Oriental rug identification, fiber, and construction elements, the type of dye systems used, and the cleaning methods required in order to achieve optimum results without damaging your valuables.
ITEMS CLEANED IN OUR PLANT
Through the years, ABC's cleaning plant services have included the cleaning of thousands upon thousands of rugs, upholstered furniture, luggage pieces, and mattresses. Today we specialize in oriental and area rug cleaning, treatment, and repair. We also clean upholstered furniture that is brought to our plant.
CLEANING MONKEYS?
One of our favorite customers has even brought in large and realistic stuffed monkeys for cleaning, which she likes to hang outside on her trees.
From stuffed animals of all sizes to tapestries to fabric bolts as well as many different and sometimes unusual items have all found their way to our plant. Why not just give us a call or text and see if we can clean your treasure! 607-272-1566.
ALL WORK DONE ON OUR PREMISES
All cleaning services are done on our premises in our own cleaning plant. Certification through the Association of Rug Care Specialists (ARCS), the National Institute of Rug Cleaning (NIRC), and the Wools of New Zealand Board assures our customers we are extremely proficient in all areas regarding oriental rugs and area rugs and other fine textiles and specialty rugs.
Should your oriental or area rugs need special attention such as repairs, dye removal, etc., our own rug repair technicians are available to give you an honest appraisal and cost estimate for these and other services.
PICK UP & DELIVERY SERVICES
For more information on our pickup & delivery services and service areas, please continue reading here.
QUICK LINKS TO OUR ABC CLEANING PLANT SERVICES
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FLAG DAY HISTORY
FLAG DAY - JUNE 14
On June 14, Americans have the opportunity to proclaim our respect and honor for our country by flying the American flag in the front of our homes, attending a Flag Day parade or other patriotic observances, and teaching our children about the history of the American flag and Flag Day.
The date of June 14 was chosen for Flag Day because it commemorates the date of June 14, 1777, when the Continental Congress adopted the first design for the national flag of the United States.
In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a presidential proclamation establishing June 14 as a national Flag Day.
In 1927, President Coolidge also issued a Flag Day presidential proclamation.
But it wasn’t until August 3, 1949, that Congress enacted legislation designating June 14 as the national Flag Day and President Truman signed the legislation into law.
This legislation also called upon the sitting president to issue a flag day proclamation every year. However, Flag Day is not an official holiday except in Pennsylvania.
AMERICAN FLAG HISTORY
At the time of the American Revolution in 1775, most regiments fought against the British under their own flags. In June of 1775, the Second Continental Congress created the Continental Army, with the hope of building a more organized battle plan, and the Continental Army needed to fly its own flag.
This eventually led to the first American flag known as the Continental Colors flag. It has also been called the Grand Union Flag, the Congress Flag, the Cambridge Flag and the First Navy Ensign.
The Continental Colors Flag consisted of 13 red and white alternating stripes and a Union Jack in the corner. Some felt this flag was too like that of the British and George Washington wanted the soon-to-be nation to have a new symbol of freedom.
Therefore, on June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress passed the now famous resolution (the Flag Act) that stated the colors and design of the new American flag.
The Flag Act stated: “Resolved, That the flag of the United States be made of thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation.”
The design of the American flag has been modified 27 times since then. In 1959, President Eisenhower ordered the 50th star for Hawaii, the last state to join the United States.
There were several variations of the early American flag used in different battles around the county.
After Vermont and Kentucky joined the union in 1791 and 1792, a Congressional act of 1794 adopted a flag with 15 stars and 15 stripes, effective in May of 1795.
In 1818, a Congressional act mandated the stripes be fixed at 13 and one new star be added on the 4th of July after each state’s admission to the Union.
There were no rules, however, for the arrangement of the stars. Thus in 1818, when the US consisted of 20 states, several flags were used simultaneously with different arrangements.
THE MYSTERY OF WHO CREATED THE FIRST AMERICAN FLAG
Who created the first American flag? Was it Betsy Ross or Francis Hopkinson? History has thus far had no sufficient evidence to prove one way or another who actually created the first flag. What evidence we do have suggests that Francis Hopkinson, a New Jersey delegate to the Continental Congress and a signer of the Declaration of Independence, designed the United States flag (even though his sketches have been lost) and Betsy Ross made improvements to Hopkinson’s design and sewed the first flag.
Betsy Ross was an upholsterer and upholsterers normally were not flag makers. However, Betsy Ross and George Washington were parishioners at the same church. Ross had actually sewn some buttons for Washington and had at one time made some flags for the Pennsylvania State Navy Board.
It is thought that George Washington himself asked Betsey Ross to sew the first flag. It is also possible that Colonel George Ross, Betsy’s deceased husband’s uncle and a signer of the Declaration of Independence, may have recommended her for the job.
Francis Hopkinson’s design featured six-sided stars and Ross demonstrated that 5-sided stars would be much easier to manufacture. She also suggested the proportions be changed from a square flag to one that would be one third longer than its width.
Besides changing from 6-sided stars to 5-sided stars, she suggested that the stars should not be scattered over the field but be either in lines or in some other form such as a circle or a star. Her ideas were adopted.
Unfortunately, the flag purported to have been the first flag created by Betsy Ross does not exist today.
CURRENT FLAG DESIGN
Please continue reading here for much more information on Flag day history, including the colors, the stars, origin of 'Old Glory,' Observances of Flag Day, Flag Etiquette, Flag Day Today, and much more.
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130 Cecil Malone Drive
Ithaca, NY 14850
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THANK YOU!!
We look forward to continuing
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