Choosing Vacuum Cleaners

Filed in archive Asthma , Dust Mite Allergies , Gadgets and Tools Against Allergies on October 16, 2007

Obviously, not all vacuum cleaners are created equal. But is price an indicator of its efficacy, particularly in making the lives of allergy sufferers better?



According to this article:

Recent tests performed by Consumer Reports showed that manufacturers' promises about allergen relief mean less than they suggest. Just about any vacuum should be able to suck up pollen, mold spores and other typical allergens, because the particles' relatively large size makes them easy to capture once they've fallen to the floor. Yet that doesn't mean there aren't significant variations when it comes to vacuum cleaners' other characteristics, including noise, emissions, weight, ease of handling and ability to pick up various substances, from sand to pet hair.

Although the Consumer Report tests indicated that a certain vacuum cleaner which costs about $300 performed best in terms of cleaning, handling, noise and emissions, comparable performance can also be achieved by other models, one of which costs only $60. Clearly, the price is not an indicator of a vacuums cleaner's performance.

How do you choose the right vacuum cleaner? Here are some of the factors CR tells us to think about when choosing you cleaning equipment:

Match the vacuum to your cleaning- Do you have hard wood or carpets? Stairs? Drapes?

Consider suction- How powerful does it remain as the bag fills up with dust?

Pick your features- With bags or bagless? Brush on/off switch? Manual pile-height adjustment?

Protect your ears and lungs- If it produces 85 decibels or more, CR recommends ear protection. If you're sensitive to dust, choose a model that scored well in emissions, or if you get a bagless type, to wear a dust mask when emptying the bin.

Read more from Consumer Reports. You might also want to check out the vacuum cleaners that have been certified asthma-friendly.