Vacuum Cleaners & Allergies

Vacuum cleaners can remove many allergens from carpet fibers.

Vacuum cleaners play an important role in the defense against allergies. While filters placed in air-conditioning systems can easily help homes catch many of the allergens floating in the air, they are often not sufficient to remove thick layers of particles that can sink into the fibers of carpet and furniture. For this, a high-quality vacuum cleaner is needed. A homeowner with allergies should pay attention to the strength of their vacuum cleaner and how efficiently it removes dirt.

Pollen and other Allergens

Allergens are small particles that float in the air and cause reactions in sensitive immune systems when they are inhaled or make contact with the eyes. Pollen is one of the most common allergens, and at certain types of the year there is so much pollen in the air that it spreads through the house on clothes, feet and hair. Once inside, it can circulate for a long time, renewing allergy problems. Other allergens like dander can cause similar problems.

Role of Vacuum Cleaners

Vacuum cleaners are useful because they can remove allergens where they are settled onto fabric or trapped deeper into fibers, waiting to be released. A powerful vacuum cleaner can remove even small allergens that may otherwise be circulated through the vacuum cleaner system. Vacuum cleaners are a necessary part of any home defense against allergens.

Types

Generally two types of vacuum cleaners are used to fight allergens: canister and upright. Canister vacuum cleaners are those that have a semi-stationary base where the air is channeled and the filter catches dust. These use long hoses that can reach in a radius around the canister, which can be wheeled from place to place. Upright vacuum cleaners may have hoses attached, but are a solid base hampered only by a cord, moved constantly on their wheels. Canister-style vacuum cleaners are usually better for removing allergens because of their larger, tighter filters.

HEPA

HEPA filter vacuum cleaners are the best for removing allergens in a home. HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) systems are designed to remove very small particles, removing 99.97 percent of particles 0.3 micrometers or larger, making it very difficult for pollen and other particles to escape the filter. Although these vacuum cleaner filters are very expensive and must be replaced or cleaned often, they are the best at removing allergens from a home.

Considerations

Not all vacuum cleaners can make allergies better. Many vacuum cleaners will actually make allergies worse, at least at first. Cleaning carpet often throws dust high in the air where it can circulate through the air again, and it takes time for the dust to settle. Even if there are fewer particles, as long as they are airborne allergic reactions may be even more noticeable.

References

• Allergy Buyers Club: Vacuum Cleaner Buyers Guide
• Allergy Relief 101: Vacuum Cleaners
• Create Your Healthy Home: FAQs about vacuum cleaners