Home Appliances
Over one in five people in the UK are affected by one or more allergic disorders*. If you’re one of the millions of us who suffer from allergies, you know that keeping your home clean is vital for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Vacuuming can sometimes do more harm than good for allergy and asthma sufferers, stirring up allergens like dust mites, pollen, and pet dander. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore common indoor allergens, the features of anti-allergen vacuum cleaners, and our top allergy-friendly models.
Key features of vacuums for allergies
When battling allergens, not all vacuum cleaners are created equal. To ensure you're getting the most effective solution, look for models with these essential features:
HEPA filters to trap allergen particles
HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters help alleviate common symptoms such as nasal congestion, itchy eyes, and asthma triggers, offering a noticeable improvement in air quality. These advanced filtration systems can remove at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, bacteria, and any airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns.**
The high performance of HEPA filters is due to their considerable thickness and because they contain a mat of randomly arranged fibres. This design allows HEPA filters to catch a range of particle sizes. Particles are essentially trapped using three mechanisms;
- Impaction for larger particles
- Interception for medium-sized particles
- Diffusion for smaller particles
Suction power for deep cleaning
Anti-allergen vacuum cleaners should have high suction power to ensure allergy sufferers can remove particles embedded in carpets, upholstery, and hard-to-reach places around the home. A vacuum with strong suction picks up dust mites, dirt, and microscopic particles, minimising the allergens circulating in your home and helping allergy sufferers breathe easier.
Bagged vacuum cleaners prevent allergen dispersal
Bagged vacuum cleaners have a distinct advantage over most bagless models for allergy sufferers. With bagged vacuums, it is easier to securely contain dust and allergens, preventing them from escaping during disposal. Bagless models, while convenient, may release allergens back into the air if not emptied carefully. For those with severe allergies, a bagged vacuum is a safer choice.
Additional accessories for pet hair and dander
According to a 2017 survey***, one in ten of us is allergic to our cats and dogs. Pet hair and dander is a prominent cause of these allergens and can be particularly difficult to remove whilst vacuuming. Dedicated accessories such as anti-hair wrap brushes help draw out embedded pet hair without blocking your vacuum cleaner and regularly washing soft furnishings and hard floors is essential to ensure you capture all pet hair.
Our best vacuum cleaners for allergies
Unlimited 10
Featuring MicroClean technology that captures microscopic particles and a sealed HEPA filtration system, the Unlimited 10 is a top choice for allergy sufferers. Its advanced MicroClean technology and MicroClean Brush pick up 99.9% of microscopic dust, making this a popular choice for allergy sufferers looking for a thorough clean.
Although a bagless vacuum cleaner, the Unlimited 10 includes an easy-empty dust box with a compression slider, which enables users to empty the vacuum cleaner 50% less often. It’s also significantly more hygienic than most bagless vacuum cleaners, as the compressed dust can be pushed out of the box, reducing the likelihood of allergen dispersal.
Unlimited 7 Aqua
The Unlimited 7 Aqua combines vacuuming and mopping to deliver an all-in-one appliance that saves time and effort while still delivering a deep clean. For pet owners, this vacuum cleaner is perfect for removing pet hair and dander from carpets and hard floors. The Unlimited 7 Aqua is also equipped with a flexible tube and 180° compact head, giving the vacuum flexibility that allows users to clean dust in the hardest-to-reach places.
Series 2 Bagged Vacuum Cleaner
The Series 2 Bagged Vacuum Cleaner’s sealed bag system traps allergens more effectively than most bagless models, ensuring that dust and dirt remain contained, and waste disposal is hassle and mess-free for allergy sufferers.
This vacuum cleaner features a light-weight design and is both energy-efficient and durable, allowing time-poor users to clean effectively without spending too long vacuuming.
