If you have respiratory allergies (to dust, pollen etc), vacuuming may seem some kind of a torture for you.
Sneezing, coughing, experiencing a running nose, tears in your eyes. These are some of the symptoms you may experience.
Hypoallergenic Vacuum Cleaner Products
Giving up on this task is not an option, but how can you do it without having an unpleasant allergic reaction?
There is something you can do. Going for the best hypoallergenic vacuum cleaner is a great option for you.
As opposed to other products, these cleaning items are designed to protect you a little more from allergic reactions.
Although they do not guarantee to eliminate absolutely all chances for you to experience allergic symptoms, they can make it more pleasant to vacuum your home.
It’s crucial for you to understand right from the beginning what hypoallergenic means and the impact it has on products.
What does hypoallergenic mean?
Hypoallergenic refers to products (mainly) which cause fewer allergic reactions. It is mostly used as an attribute for cosmetic and textile products. Hypoallergenic fabric softener is an example.
Although it is widely used, the term has no medical definition.
Products which wear this label do not have to go through certain processes to prove they are worthy of the attribute. Companies can simply say their products are hypoallergenic without being obliged to prove it.
This can create a certain confusion for customers with allergies. Those who suffer from severe allergies or asthma may still experience symptoms even when using hypoallergenic products.
Everything you need to know about the best hypoallergenic vacuum cleaner
What’s the difference between the best hypoallergenic vacuum cleaner and a conventional product?
This is probably the question you are asking yourself and you want a detailed explanation. Don’t worry, I’ve prepared it for you.
How traditional and hypoallergenic vacuum cleaners work
Traditional vacuum cleaners absorb the dust, germs, and allergens and trap them in vacuum bags.
The big particles end up in these bags, but the small fine ones are usually too tiny to be trapped. They are released back in the room through the exhaust air.
Basically, (almost) everything is recirculated and goes back in the air by the time you are done cleaning.
The best hypoallergenic vacuum cleaner functions differently. It absorbs dust and particles and retains at least 99.97% of them inside it.
Allergens and particles, even the smallest ones, are trapped within the vacuum system using the HEPA filters.
The crucial role of HEPA filters
HEPA (high-efficiency particle arrestor) is a type of air filter. This type of filters traps small particles, instead of releasing them back in the ambient air.
A HEPA filter traps dust particles which are 0.3 microns in diameter. To have an idea of how small they are, a micron is one millionth of a meter.
These particles are the most likely to escape from traditional vacuum systems.
If you are thinking of buying a hypoallergenic vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter, you should know that there different manufacturers on the market which use this label and produce low-quality products.
To make sure you are purchasing the right product, check to see if the product is respecting the requirements set by the authority in your country (for the US it’s US Dept of Energy, while for Europe it’s Europe EN 1822).
Remember the 0.3 microns rule and avoid companies with vague product descriptions.
Kepp in mind that even the best hypoallergenic vacuum cleaner will not guarantee you 0 allergic reactions.
It may cause fewer reactions or only small ones. For others, it may be the perfect solution, but the results differ from one person to another.
If you are interested in hypoallergenic vacuum cleaners, you will definitely enjoy learning about cleaning an oven chemical-free.
Cleaning tips for allergy sufferers
Besides using the best hypoallergenic vacuum cleaner, there are other ways to clean your home while still paying attention to your allergies.
Wear a mask when you are cleaning. It can prevent particles and allergens reaching your nose and it can make it easier for you to tidy up your place.
If you are removing the dust with cloths and mops, make sure they are damp. They will retain dust and allergens, instead of moving them around the room.
Do not dry your clothes outside. They are exposed to allergens such as pollen and dust. Use the dryer or the drying/steam option from your best energy rating washing machine.
Pay attention to the cleaning solutions you are using. Make sure they do not contain harsh chemicals and strong smells.