Allergies can be caused by a lot of things from pet dander, pests, mold to dust. For those who suffer from seasonal Allergies, a good Vacuum cleaner can make all the difference.

Sometimes you may have a device that spews allergens more than it picks them up. If you suffer from allergies, then you need to get the best vacuum for allergies. 

What Is a Specialized Vacuum Cleaner for Allergies

Vacuum cleaners for allergies make use of HEPA filtration. Devices that have HEPA filters tend to capture 99% of particles in the air that may cause allergic reactions and prevent them from being released back into the air.

When it comes to vacuum for allergies, you also need to consider whether the device is bagged or bagless. Bagged cleaners are the best for allergic people since you never have to come into contact with the dust.

Benefits of Using Vacuum for Allergies

Improves the Quality of Indoor Air

This is the main reason why anyone who suffers from allergies would want a HEPA vacuum cleaner. 

Such device not only helps in removing dust and debris to prevent buildup but also removes harmful micro-particles in the air. By removing these pollutants, the quality of air inside the house improves. 

Gets Rid of Allergens

When using traditional vacuum cleaners, you find that most allergens are left in the air or released from the vacuum cleaner itself. 

When you use HEPA filter, no allergens will be left in the air. They remove mold, tobacco smoke, pet dander, dust and even dust mites that could cause allergic reactions in some people. 

Gives You a Peace of Mind

There is a peace of mind that comes from never having to worry about allergies that could affect you. When you use HEPA filter vacuums, you are always sure that there are no allergens that may trigger a reaction in you or anyone else living in the house. 

How Does Vacuum for Allergies Work

Vacuum cleaners have filters that trap dust, debris and other particles in the air leaving you with clean floors, furniture and curtains. However, for someone who suffers from allergies, what you need is a device that goes beyond removing dust and debris but allergens as well. 

HEPA filter cleaner works for allergic people by removing dust, pet hair and pollutants like smoke from the air and ensuring that they don’t find their way back into the air. Such a vacuum makes use of two mechanisms the first one being outer filters that trap large particles like hair, dust and dirt.

Inside that filter is a mat of dense glass fibers that traps smaller particles. When you are using the vacuum cleaner, particles are trapped when they smash into glass fibers.

Most Common Types of Allergies

There are different types of allergies with some being seasonal, year-round or life-long. 

Mold Allergies

Mildew and mold are fungi that are caused by water. If you have carpet, laminate or even hardwood flooring, sometimes mold and mildew may grow due to exposure to water and some people tend to develop mold allergies. 

Since mold can grow in so many places and anytime, these allergic reactions tend to be year-round. 

Pet Allergies

Pets like dogs and cats can cause allergic reactions from what is called pet dander. Pet allergies manifest in so many ways from sneezing to watery eyes. Pet allergies also tend to be year-round unless you know how to deal with pet dander. 

Pollen Allergies

This is a seasonal allergy that occurs at a particular time of the year. Pollen may find its way inside the house leading to allergic reactions in some people. 

Drug Allergies

While prescription drugs go through rigorous processes to make them safe for people there are those who still develop drug-related allergies. 

Food Allergies

These are the most common type of allergies that affect a number of people. Food-related allergies occur when you consume a certain type of food like foods that have gluten, peanuts and the likes. 

The best way of preventing food-related allergies is to know what type of food causes your allergies reactions and stay away from it. 

Types of Vacuum Filters

HEPA

High-Efficiency Particulate Air filters known in short as HEPA filters are found in vacuum cleaners that are ideal for people who suffer from allergic reactions. 

They make use of fibers and an electrostatic field to trap even the smallest of particles and prevent them from being released back in the air.

HEPA filters are the best for those who suffer from allergies because they trap up to 99% of allergens like dust mite, smoke, pollen, dust and any other harmful microscopic particles in the air. 

Standard

Standard filters are found in most vacuum cleaners in the market and they trap dust and other debris when you are cleaning. Unlike HEPA filters, standard filters can only do so much and their efficiency is limited in that allergens still remain in the air. 

If you have someone who suffers from allergies, then getting a vacuum cleaner with standard filters will only make the situation worse because, no matter how many times you vacuum, your cleaner will not trap those allergens. 

Cartridge

Cartridge filters require to be changed every once in a while when they have too much dust trapped within them. With these filters, you just need to remove them and tap to get rid of the dust and as such, may not be the best for those who suffer from allergic reactions. 

Foam

These are normally secondary filters and don’t filter out dirt but the air that remains in the vacuum cleaner before it leaves the vacuum. They last longer than cartridge filters and are washable. 

Disk

These are the most common and are found in cordless vacuum cleaners. They work by separating the larger particles and act as the primary filter. 

They resemble coffee filters and are made of different materials from paper to cloth. They require to be changed every now and then but there are those that are washable. 

Vacuum for Allergies vs Other Types of Stains

Mold

Mold often grows where there is water or something is exposed to too much humidity. Mold is one of the particles that triggers allergic reactions.

Vacuums for allergies or HEPA vacuums are very effective in removing mold particles from carpets, upholstery, curtains and floors giving you an allergy free home.

Hard Stains

If you have kids or pets, stains are inevitable, but there is always a way of getting rid of them without ruining your investment. 

HEPA cleaners do a perfect job in removing dust, debris, pollutants and other particles in the air but will not work on hard stains and are also not effective when comparing them on vinyl plank vs laminate flooring. 

With stains, you use either an industrial cleaning product or a steam mop. There are however cleaners that have a steam mop that you can use alongside the vacuum cleaner to remove those hard stains. 

Pet Hair

If you have pets, whether dogs or cats, pet hair will always be everywhere from the floor to the furniture. Vacuum cleaners for allergies do a very good job in removing pet hair and any other pet dander that may be in the house. 

The HEPA filters trap even the smallest of pet hairs and ensure that they don’t make their way back into the air. 

Filters and Which One is the Best

One of the most important parts in a vacuum cleaner is the filter. Whether you are buying a device for the first time or have been vacuuming all your life, you want to get a unit that has a great filtration system. 

There are millions of particles in the air that cause all manner of health problems in some people especially those who are prone to allergic reactions.

Vacuum cleaners that regurgitate dust and other debris back into the air make the situation worse. The work of the filter is to trap dust, debris and other particles and prevent them from getting back in the air. 

Different vacuum cleaners have different filtration systems and the one you get will depend on what kind of cleaning you want to do from cartridge, foam, cloth to disk filters that work as either primary or secondary filters. 

The best filter, however, has to be HEPA filter especially for those who suffer from allergic reactions. The reason HEPA filters are recommended is that they are very efficient at removing dust particles, debris and allergens in the air and do not release them back into the air. 

Sealed Vacuum System

Vacuum cleaners are designed to pick up dust and other debris but with the right one, you can even control the quality of air in the house. A sealed vacuum system makes use of HEPA filtration to capture microscopic particles including pollen and smoke instead of releasing them back in the air.

For instance, a bagged vacuum cleaner is very effective in capturing dust but the suction power reduces when the bag is full. An upright vacuum, on the other hand, with a HEPA filter traps 99% of particles both small and big and ensures that they don’t make their way back into the air. 

What Type of Vacuum Is Best for Allergies

Upright

A premium upright vacuum has an upright unit that houses the motor, head and the dust bin. The handle then connects all the pieces together making cleaning very easy. 

Most upright vacuums are bagless meaning that there is a dust bin that you have to empty when full. For those who suffer from allergies, an upright vacuum cleaner may not be the ideal choice as you still come into contact with the dust and pet hair when you are emptying the bin. 

Canister

A canister cleaner is designed in a way that the dustbin and canister are separated from the hose and the vacuum head such that when cleaning you are not dragging the whole unit with you. 

They are either bagged or bagless. Bagless canister vacuums are the best choice and some of the best vacuums under $100 if you suffer from allergies since all you will be doing is throwing away the bag when full. 

Stick

Stick vacuum cleaners are light in weight and don’t require much storage space. They are also effective in cleaning corners and those hard to reach places. 

A stick vacuum is a perfect vacuum for shag carpets and ideal for those who suffer from allergies since you will be cleaning every area of the room including under furniture. Most cleaners are bagless which means that you still have to empty the bin when done which may trigger allergic reactions. 

Handheld

Handheld vacuum cleaners are effective for floor to ceiling cleaning. They make cleaning upholstery, curtains and furniture easy.

In the process, they end up picking other dust and other allergy-causing particles from the different surfaces around the house rather than just on the floor and as such work for those who suffer from allergies. 

Robot

Robot cleaners rely on a programmed system to do the cleaning. With robot vacuum cleaners you don’t even have to be in the house when cleaning. 

You just need to program cleaner to whatever area you want and at a particular time. As such, they are great for those who suffer from allergies since you don’t have to be there to breathe in all those particles when cleaning. 

Bagged

Bagged vacuum cleaners make use of a bag that traps dust, dirt and other debris. These devices work for those who suffer from allergies. This is because all you need is to remove the bag after cleaning and throw it away before replacing it with a clean one. 

Bagless

Bagless vacuum cleaners ,ake use of a dust bin that is located inside the unit and dust, dirt and other debris collect in it. 

When the dust bin is full, you need to empty it. This means that you will always be in contact with dust and other allergens even when you have cleaned the room.

What Makes a Great Vacuum for Allergies

Power

This is the suction power which determines just how effective the vacuum cleaner is at removing dust and other particles that may cause allergic reactions. Get a uniy that has enough power to remove both small and large particles with ease. 

Needs

At the end of the day, your needs matter most. What kind of cleaning will you be doing? Do you want a vacuum cleaner that you can use to clean the floor only or one that has extra attachments?

Suction

The suction will determine whether the vacuum cleaner will be able to remove all dust, dirt and other debris in the house. It also determines the quality of air in the house after you are done with the cleaning. 

Attachments

When buying a vacuum cleaner, to get value for your money get one that has extra attachments. These extra attachments come in handy when you want to clean other surfaces besides the floor like stairs, upholstery and curtains. 

Exhaust

This is the last filter that air goes through before it leaves the cleaner and should matter when you are buying a vacuum cleaner. Look for a unit that allows fresh air and not dust to leave the vacuum. All this will be determined by the exhaust. 

Capacity

This is the capacity of the dust bin. If you suffer from allergies the last thing you want is to keep emptying the dust bin in between cleaning. Get a vacuum cleaner that has a large enough bin to allow you to clean the entire house without emptying the bin.

Height

The height comes into play if you want pain free cleaning. Get a unit whose height can be adjusted depending on where you are cleaning. The height also determines if you can clean those hard to reach places like under furniture and the stairs. 

Weight/Portability

The weight affects maneuverability. You want a vacuum that is light in weight such that you can easily move from one room to another and even clean the stairs.  

Filtration

At the end of the day, when you are looking for a vacuum cleaner for allergies, the filtration matters most. The kind of filtration will determine if the vacuum is able to not only remove dust and debris from the floor but the air as well.

Cleaners with HEPA filtration systems are the best for those who suffer from allergic reactions. 

Wire vs Wireless

A vacuum cleaner can either be corded or cordless. With a corded unit, you need to concern yourself with the length of the cord as it can limit your cleaning. Cordless cleaners use batteries and the battery runtime matters most in that case. 

Wheels

Wheels affect maneuverability. A vacuum cleaner that has wheels is easy to use since you don’t have to struggle to drag the unit from one room to the next. 

Warranty

Vacuum cleaners have different systems working together and as such, one system can malfunction. You want to get a unit that has a warranty to cover repairs when that happens. 

Certification

Buy vacuum cleaners that are certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America if you suffer from allergies. 

Price

You already have a budget of how much you are willing to spend on a vacuum cleaner. Determine the features you are looking for and make sure you don’t compromise on quality just to get a cheap unit. 

Does More Spending Mean More Quality

When it comes to vacuums for allergies, more spending does mean more quality. However, at the end of the day, you want a device that has HEPA filters if you suffer from allergies. 

Get a vacuum cleaner that also has extra attachments that you can use to clean other surfaces so that dust and allergens don’t resettle after you have cleaned the floor, something you will get in the more expensive models. 

Best Vacuum for Allergies vs Other Cleaning Tools

Vacuum for Allergies vs Floor Sweeper

A durable floor sweeper removes dust and debris from the floor before you clean. They are, however, not effective in removing allergens from the air. Instead, they spread dust and other allergens in the air when you are sweeping which will make things worse for you. 

Vacuum for Allergies vs Steam Mop

The perfect steam mop is effective in removing dust, debris, mold and dirt from the floors and other surfaces. They also kill germs and bacteria resulting in a clean home. While a steam mop or a portable car cleaner will get rid of allergens on the floor, they don’t guarantee quality air when you are done cleaning. 

Quick Tips for Cleaning Dust

Step 1 – Vacuum regularly

The only way you can maintain a dust-free environment inside the house is through regular vacuuming.

Step 2 – Beat cushions and rugs

While regular vacuuming will work, sometimes taking the cushions and rugs outside and beating them makes a difference in maintaining a dust free home. 

Step 3 – Use the right cleaning tools

Using dry rugs and feather dusters removes dust but in the end spreads it around. If you suffer from allergies, you should rather use damp rugs and cleaning clothes to clean the surfaces. 

How to Clean and Maintain a Vacuum for Allergies

Step 1 – Replace the filters

If you want your cleaner to work, ensure that you replace the filters every once in a while. If they are washable give them a good cleaning.

Step 2 – Empty the bin

Ensure that you always empty the bin when full and replace the bag for bagged vacuums. 

How to Use a Vacuum Cleaner for Allergies

Step 1 – Check the bin

Before you start cleaning, ensure that you empty the bin if full and replace the bag if you have a bagged unit. 

Step 2 – Adjust the height

The height determines suction and airflow. If the height is too low, airflow is limited and if it’s too high suction is limited. 

Step 3 – Remove any obstacles

Ensure that you remove any small objects that are on the way. 

Step 4 – Switch on the vacuum

Switch on the vacuum cleaner and using small gentle strokes start from the furthest corner towards the door. 

Step 5 – Use the attachments

Use the vacuum attachments to clean the upholstery, curtains, under furniture and stairs. 

Do’s and Don’ts To Do With a Vacuum Cleaner for Allergies

• Do empty the bin or replace the bag when they are nearly full so that the cleaner performs at maximum.
• Do remove hair and debris stuck in the brush roll as this may affect the functioning of the vacuum.
• Don’t use dirty filters as these will release dust back into the air. 
• Don’t drop the vacuum cleaner so that it does not malfunction. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should you clean tile floors?

How often you clean your tile floors will depend on the traffic in the house. Weekly vacuuming is, however, necessary to remove dust and other debris. 

Conclusion

The right vacuum cleaner can make all the difference to those who suffer from allergic reactions. The most important thing that you should consider when buying a cleaner for allergies is the kind of filtration it has and certification.

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