6 Best Vacuums For Allergies – 2022 Buying Guide

By Maria Hernandez / February 10, 2022 / 0 Comments

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Take a deep breath and exhale with ease, because we’ve compiled a list of the six best vacuums for allergies.

If you need to engage in battle with microscopic invaders of the worst kind—pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and allergens of all sorts—then these powerful vacuum cleaners are the weapons you need to win the war.

These machines all use gold-standard HEPA filters to clean your air, and a variety of different cutting edge technologies to ensure you are extracting as much allergen-causing material out of your space as possible.

Check out our list of the six best vacuum cleaners for allergies currently on the market, and read our buying guide of what exactly you should be looking for when choosing an allergy-busting vacuum cleaning machine.

Our Top Picks

  1. Best Overall: Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away True Pet
  2. Best Backpack: ProTeam Super CoachVac Backpack Vacuum
  3. Best Handheld: Raycop Lite UV Sanitizing HEPA Allergen Vacuum
  4. Best Canister: Miele Compact C1 Pure Suction Canister Vacuum
  5. Best Robot: Pure Clean PUCRC90 Robot Vacuum Cleaner
  6. Best Stick: Dyson V7 Allergy HEPA Cord-Free Stick Vacuum Cleaner

Allergy Vacuum Buying Advice

Best Overall: Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away True Pet

Floor Critics Rating (4.8):

  • Filtration System/Collection Method: HEPA/Bagless
  • Best for (Floor Surface Type): Carpet, but can be used on other flooring types

The Good:

  • Price
  • Mobility
  • LED headlights
  • Long power cord
  • Washable filter

The Bad:

  • Weight (heavy)
  • Some issues with quality/longevity
  • Not always effective on hard surfaces
Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away True Pet
Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away, NV752

The Shark Rotator TruePet Upright Vacuum Cleaner shot all the way to the top of the list due to a variety of factors. While its bagless design is contrary to what we’d typically consider the best way to keep dust and dirt out of the house, all of the other features and functions of this sleek vac have outweighed this one important variable.

The life-away handheld feature of the Shark Rotator is pretty slick and allows users to pop the motorhead and canister out of the vac with the push of a button. This converts the already low-profile upright into a canister-type vac, allowing the wand to reach under low-lying furniture and into tight spaces.

This also allows users to easily go mobile with the vac’s HEPA-filtered system, to grab grime from the tops of curtains and behind the refrigerator.

The super swivel floor head has LED headlights and can expose hidden collections of dust and pet hair. Combined with the compact, featherlight wand of the lift-away handheld, users instantly become suction-wielding allergen terminators.

The sealed suction system prevents tiny particles from escaping back into the room, and the dirt collection bin is sizable, able to hold an average cleaning session’s worth of dirt before you need to empty it. The bin is easy to remove and relatively easy to dump, but again, this is the weak point of the product when it comes to being allergy-friendly. So bust out the gloves and the garbage bag and take the rest of this battle outside.

The vacuum is just heavy enough to not be a “lightweight” vacuum, weighing in at just over 15 pounds. While this seems like it could be a problem for some users, the vacuum’s ability to convert to a canister or handheld function means that weight doesn’t have to be an issue.

What Reviewers Say

Shark Rotator owners overall seem to be pretty happy with their 3-in-1 system. Some users report that the vac seems to do best on carpeted surfaces. Hard surfaces can present a bit of a challenge according to a couple of reviews.

A few users report that the vac, when completely assembled, can be a bit bulky to haul around, and it seems to be easiest to operate when it’s in the lift-away format.

According to some very happy customers, this Shark vacuum’s dirt bin is easy to empty, and users rarely report needing to come into contact with the dirt and debris during the dumping process.

Features & Considerations

There are a few tools that come with the vacuum, including a pet tool, a crevice tool, and a hard floor attachment. The pet tool can be helpful at eliminating pet hair from various surfaces when you combine it with the vac’s lift-away function.

The vacuum offers adjustable suction settings that allow a user to modify the rate of suction based on the floor type. This can enable owners to easily switch between settings over the course of a cleaning job without needing to make any additional adjustments.

The long, 30-foot power cord is just about the ideal length and lets users venture into territories unknown without needing to worry about moving the cord. An entire flight of stairs can easily be vacuumed with the lift-away handheld device, without the cord needing to be adjusted or repositioned.

Best Backpack: ProTeam Super CoachVac Backpack Vacuum Cleaner

Floor Critics Rating (4.6):

  • Filtration System/Collection Method: HEPA/Bagged
  • Best for (Floor Surface Type): Hard surfaces, low pile carpet and rugs

The Good:

  • Commercial-grade filtration
  • Lots of accessories
  • Extra-long power cord
  • Quiet
  • Extra-large dirt capacity

The Bad:

  • Price
  • Stowability
  • Bulky
ProTeam Super CoachVac Backpack Vacuum Cleaner
ProTeam Super CoachVac Backpack Vacuum

The slightly unconventional but highly functional ProTeam Super CoachVac Commercial Backpack Vacuum Cleaner has rocketed to the top of our list due to its commercial-grade filtration system and its highly mobile format.

At just 11 pounds, this “vac-pack” is a lightweight, super mobile suction system designed to eradicate even the smallest particles. The vacuum’s cushioned harness has adjustable straps and even features an on-belt accessory holster, so a user is never without the right tool for the job.

The CoachVac’s collection capacity is massive, holding a whopping 10 quarts of debris. This is two to three times the size of most standard vacs. This huge carrying capacity keeps costs down and lets users stretch bag usage by at least double.

The multi-stage HEPA filtration system is commercial grade. It features a durable collection bag and additional filters. That includes an exhaust filter. Almost nothing escapes the hold of the CoachVac’s filtration system.

The ProTeam Super CoachVac system is often found in commercial settings. Those include hospitals, office buildings, and retail centers.

It is quiet, measuring in at a relatively low 66 dBa noise rating. This is comparable to the noise of a window air conditioner that’s roughly 75 feet away. You can have conversations and hear podcasts while operating this handy vac pack.

What Reviewers Say

ProCoach vacuum owners seem to love their backpack vacuums. Many report easily strapping into the lightweight backpack and flitting around the house while exterminating every dust bunny in sight.

Many users are operating the vac in a commercial setting and report that cleaning times are far faster and more efficient. Other owners report the noticeably quiet operational noise, noting that the vac seems to be quieter than most vacs they’ve encountered.

Users have reported a couple issues regarding the plastic connector’s lack of quality. Some users have upgraded this piece on their own, and others have reported contacting the company for support.

Most of those who’ve reported needing assistance from the company seem to be happy with the way the company handled their issues.

Features & Considerations

This super mobile vacuum comes with a lengthy 50-foot power cord. Thanks to the commercial nature of the product, this vac allows users to span entire floors of the house without needing to move the cord to a new outlet.

The tool kit includes seven accessories that can assist users in attacking allergens in many different applications. The multi-floor tool sports a wide, 14” cleaning path and enables users to extract dirt and dust from various floor surfaces.

The lightweight and ergonomically-friendly nature of the Super CoachVac vacuum can be a big help to users with weight restrictions and mobility issues. Once the backpack is in place, the wand and suction head are nearly weightless, allowing for low-impact, minimal effort cleaning sessions.

Best Handheld: Raycop Lite UV Sanitizing HEPA Allergen Vacuum

Floor Critics Rating (4.6):

  • Filtration System/Collection Method: HEPA/UV
  • Best for (Floor Surface Type): Upholstery and bedding

The Good:

  • HEPA filter for allergens
  • UV sanitizing technology
  • Agitating pads to release dirt
  • Eliminates bacteria
  • North American-made

The Bad:

  • Does not come with handle for large surfaces
  • Small-size receptacle
  • Lack of versatility
Raycop Lite UV Sanitizing HEPA Allergen Vacuum
Raycop Lite UV Sanitizing Vacuum

And now for something completely different. This is a handheld vacuum cleaner, which means it is not ideal for large carpeted surfaces. But when it comes to curtains, couches, bedding, and anything else, there may be no better way to eliminate allergens.

The small, bagless vacuum cleaner not only uses a HEPA allergen filtration system, but also patented UV sanitizing technology. It uses a UV lamp at a wavelength calibrated to eliminate more than 99% of bacteria from fabric surfaces. And you don’t need to hold the lamp over the surfaces for long. Tests show that E. Coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria are eliminated after just one to two seconds of exposure.

The cleaner also has pulsating pads that vibrate at between 4,600–5,000 times per minute This has the effect of agitating loose dust and dirt so they can be sucked up. So it really is “no man left behind” tech.

This vacuum, which is made in North America, comes with a one-year limited warranty to protect your purchase. This handheld machine is affordable, but you will want something else for your carpeted areas, so that represents an “additional investment.”

What Reviewers Say

While this product is relatively new to the market, 90% of those who have bought one of these little machines have awarded it four stars or above.

In particular, users raved about how it was able to “clean the unseen” and commented how it was ideal for getting at allergens in those difficult-to-clean areas such as bedding. Allergen sufferers affirmed that they breathed much easier after using the cleaning machine.

In fact, some users commented that it might be too effective and that they needed to wash the container regularly as it picks up so much of the nasty stuff.

However, others commented that it was quite slow to use, as you need to move the head relatively slowly in order to get the right level of light exposure. They also noted that it is difficult to know when cleaning is done because, while you can see it vacuuming, it’s hard to judge whether UV sanitizing has been effective until later.

Features & Considerations

While this is not a traditional vacuum cleaner, the new technology with UV sanitization is just too good to ignore when considering the best of the best for allergens and sanitization.

Raycop is developing its technology for standard vacuum cleaners, but the technology is largely untested in this setting and still very expensive. But they are certainly one to watch.

But, for anyone who has suffered from allergies for years and feels like there is just no effective solution, this product is going to be something they’ll want to try for themselves.

Best Canister: Miele Compact C1 Pure Suction Canister Vacuum

Floor Critics Rating (4.7):

  • Filtration System/Collection Method: HEPA/bagged
  • Best for (Floor Surface Type): Hard surfaces

The Good:

  • Price
  • Adjustable suction control
  • Large cleaning radius
  • 360° swivel wheels
  • Decent dirt capacity

The Bad:

  • Not always effective on certain types of carpet
  • Can be difficult to use on stairs
  • Quality may not be as high as other models within the brand
Miele Compact C1 Pure Suction Canister Vacuum
Miele Compact C1 Canister Vacuum

The Miele Compact C1 Canister Vacuum is considered a base model within the manufacturer’s expansive line of German-engineered vacuum systems. The price tag on some Miele vacs, while often justified in their top-quality and function, makes them untouchable to a number of residential consumers.

The Compact C1 Canister Vacuum provides plenty of the same features as its much pricier cousins, offering multi-stage HEPA-style filtration in a sealed system. An exhaust filter is part of the multi-part system, capturing the last of any escapees.

This portable vacuum is lightweight and easy to move around most floor surfaces. The swivel wheels allow the vac to move with the user and the power cord and suction hose provide up to a 29.5-foot cleaning radius.

Suction settings are easy to control, providing the user with a customized cleaning experience that can be adjusted to accommodate most applications. The telescoping wand, combined with the variety of attachments, can add to cleaning versatility.

On-board tool storage keeps the arsenal at hand, with accessories including a dusting brush, upholstery tool, and a convenient crevice tool.

What Reviewers Say

For the most part, Miele Compact C1 Pure Canister Vacuum owners report positive results from their mobile vacs. Per reports, the vac seems to maintain suction even as the bag fills up.

A common theme in many reviews is the unexpected use of the vac. Many users initially purchased the vacuum for specific applications and have found themselves using the Miele as their primary, go-to vacuum for most household jobs.

The Compact C1 seems to do best on hard surface floors and low pile carpet, according to quite a few reviewers. While some report positive results on all floor surfaces, the majority recommend having a different vac on hand for high pile carpets.

Some “old school” Miele users are not super happy with this budget-friendly vacuum option. A couple of these users reference that the quality is just not quite up to their standards. They report that some of the functionality isn’t matching the expectations that their previous, decades-old model set.

Features & Considerations

The suction settings are easy to adjust with the rotary-style dial. This allows users to switch from hard floor surfaces to carpets and area rugs with minimal effort and decent results. A foot-powered switch on the floor head allows you to make further adjustments.

A variety of extra filters and bags are available for purchase through multiple online suppliers. Bulk bag packs are also available, sometimes at a slightly reduced per-bag rate.

The self-sealing attachment port locks dust and dirt out of the room once you have captured it. The sealed bag system keeps allergens and debris under wraps.

Best Robot: Pure Clean PUCRC90 Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Floor Critics Rating (4.2):

  • Filtration System/Collection Method: HEPA/Bagless
  • Best for (Floor Surface Type): All types

The Good:

  • Price
  • Programmable cleaning schedules
  • Low profile
  • Lithium ion battery
  • Quiet

The Bad:

  • No attachments
  • Not versatile in other cleaning applications
  • Small dirt container
  • May require some supervision
Pure Clean PUCRC90 Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Pure Clean PUCRC90 Robot

It’s robovac time. The Pure Clean PUCRC90 Automatic Robot Vacuum Cleaner is ready to wage war on tiny, dirty invaders, and it’s ready to do it on your timeline. This vac comes with a remote control that allows users to program and schedule cleaning sessions, and can also direct the bot to specific areas needing special attention.

One of the biggest benefits of this compact, automatic vac is its rotating sweepers. These delicate but effective strands replace the standard brush roll found in many other vacuums. These sweepers are easier to clean than most rollers and help minimize a user’s contact with dirt after the cleaning session.

The dirt container is, well, small. There’s just not much you can do to increase the size.

However, the good news is that the bin is easy to empty. This little dirt suitcase has its own handle and easily pops in and out of the vacuum.

There is a plus side to this little bin: The dumping process is a bit more manageable than with larger upright bagless containers.

When the last tuft of terrier hair has been sucked up and the pollen has been captured, the PUCRC90 calls it a day and heads back to its docking station to recharge. The vac will return to this home base when it finishes its tour of duty, or when the battery juices are running low, whichever comes first.

The Pure Clean PUCRC90 is capable of cleaning multiple flooring surfaces. It can navigate floor thresholds to access adjoining rooms.

The vac is capable of making the little leap over a small obstruction. A sensor built into the vac helps it to steer clear from lofty ledges and staircases.

What Reviewers Say

Most reviewers seem happy with their price-conscious purchase. Some report that the product has proven to be a good value for them, with many upgraded features included with the vac.

The vacuum will require a bit of supervision, especially initially, according to owners. The robot vacuum has a tendency to grab and then choke on curtain strings, rug tassels, and electrical cords. Once you “vac-proof” an area, though, the vac can roam freely.

Many reviewers report the Pure Clean PUCRC90 to be exceptionally effective at pet hair removal. Many reviewers cite that the nylon strands, in place of a roller brush, are ideal for grabbing pet hair.

The vacuum is extremely low profile. A few users reference the vac’s ability to quickly and easily glide under furniture with minimal effort.

Features & Considerations

There is a dry mop accessory available as an add-on option for the Pure Clean PUCRCU90 Robot Vacuum. This accessory can further expand the vac’s versatility.

There are multiple cleaning modes for operators to choose from. Most of them were designed for different floor surface applications.

You can control this automated cleaning assistant with the remote control that comes with it. You can also adjust it on board the vacuum.

Best Stick: Dyson V7 Allergy HEPA Cord-Free Stick Vacuum Cleaner

Floor Critics Rating (4.7):

  • Filtration System/Collection Method: HEPA/Bagless
  • Best for (Floor Surface Type): All types

The Good:

  • Converts to handheld
  • Washable filter
  • Lightweight and maneuverable
  • Powerful suction
  • Deep cleaning mode

The Bad:

  • Price
  • Short battery life
  • Long charging time
Dyson V7 Allergy HEPA Cord-Free Stick Vacuum Cleaner
Dyson V7 Allergy HEPA Stick

If you are looking for something that is reliableportable, and easy to use, look no further than this top-quality stick vacuum from Dyson. Be prepared, though: While it is not one of Dyson’s most expensive products, it still comes with a premium Dyson price tag.

Let’s start with usability. This vacuum cleaner is cordless, and can be converted into a handheld machine, and there are lots of different cleaning heads. Also, the entire vacuum only weighs five pounds. In short, that means there is nowhere you shouldn’t be able to reach in your home.

But you had better be fast, as it only has a battery life of “up to” 30 minutes, and it takes three and a half hours to charge. That is not bad for a cordless vacuum cleaner, especially this 100 AW model. But it basically means that we are still waiting for a market leader like Dyson to revolutionize the technology and give us that coveted longer battery life.

The vacuum also has a deep-cleaning mode, which is characterized as six minutes of “fade-free” power. Partner this with the stiff, nylon-bristled head and you can get even the deepest dirt out of carpet. It is also safe to use on hard surfaces without fear of damaging them.

But, of course, on top of all this cleaning power and usability is the essential HEPA filter to remove allergens from your home, and it comes with a hygienic dirt ejector, so ensure that all the nastiness you pick up ends up in the bin, not in your lungs.

What Reviewers Say

Customers seem to be very happy with their Dyson machine, with more than 90% awarding the product four stars or more.

Customers comment on the suction power of the machine and how easy it is to use. Many noted how the rotating head let them get into nooks and crannies that were difficult to clean with cheaper models. Quite a few also commented on just how good it was at picking up dog and cat hair, which was a bit unexpected for a cordless model.

Several customers also commented on the easy way the machine empties, noting that this is something that’s usually a challenge but was effortless with this Dyson model.

The biggest complaint among customers was the battery life, which was often less than 30 minutes, as users prefer to use the more powerful suction levels while cleaning. A few also commented that it took longer to charge than it said on the box.

Features & Considerations

Another great feature of this vacuum cleaner is that the filters are washable, making the vacuum more sustainable and environmentally friendly. But they do need to be rinsed monthly to be effective.

Basically this is a top-quality vacuum with great suction power and quality HEPA filter. It’s perfect if you like to tackle your home one room at a time. But if you want something that allows you to do your entire house in one go, you will be disappointed with the inevitably short battery life of this cordless model.

So, whether this is the right model for you depends on the size of your home and your overall approach to getting your floors clean and allergen-free.

Side by Side Comparison

ProductOur RatingBest SurfaceFiltration / Collection
Method
Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away True Pet
Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away
View on Amazon –>
View on Kohl’s –>
Best Overall

Overall: 4.8
Carpet, but can be used on other flooring typesHEPA
Bagless
ProTeam Super CoachVac Backpack Vacuum Cleaner
ProTeam Super CoachVac
View on Amazon –>
View on Home Depot –>
Best Backpack

Overall: 4.6
Hard surfaces, low pile carpet, rugsHEPA
Bagged
Raycop Lite UV Sanitizing HEPA Allergen Vacuum
Raycop Lite UV
View on Amazon –>
View on QVC –>
Best Handheld

Overall: 4.6
Upholstery and beddingHEPA
UV
Miele Compact C1 Pure Suction Canister Vacuum
Miele Compact C1
View on Sylvane –>
View on Amazon –>
Best Canister

Overall: 4.7
Hard surfacesHEPA
Bagged
Pure Clean PUCRC90 Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Pure Clean PUCRC90 Robot
View on Amazon –>
View on Walmart –>
Best Robot

Overall: 4.2
All typesHEPA
Bagless
Dyson V7 Allergy HEPA Cord-Free Stick Vacuum Cleaner
Dyson V7 Allergy
View on Amazon –>
View on Walmart –>
Best Stick

Overall: 4.7
All typesHEPA
Bagless

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The Complete Allergy Vacuum Buyer’s Guide

There are quite a few variables and scenarios to consider when honing in on the best vacuum for allergies. The vast range of allergens out there combined with the variety of floor coverings found in homes and businesses can make selecting the right vac a bit of a challenge and can require a matrix of sorts to help zone in on the best option for the specific application.

What Types Of Floor Surface Types Will You Be Cleaning?

In the vacuum realm, versatility is king. It’s quite a challenge to develop a solid suction system that is capable of efficiently cleaning all types of floor surfaces.

While some manufacturers have nearly mastered the art of multi-surface debris removal, ultimately it’s best for a consumer to choose a vac that is designed for the surface the vacuum will primarily be maintaining.

Beater bars and roller brushes are best for plush and high-pile carpet applications, while open air flow tends to work best on hard surfaces. There are different suction levels required for each flooring application, so having the option to adjust during cleaning can help when transitioning from the cushy living room carpet to the tile kitchen floor.

Some vacuums offer removable roller attachment and other vacuum heads that can also help add versatility and cleaning efficacy.

Bottom line: Pick the vac that’s best designed for the floor covering you’ll be cleaning most.

What Other Kinds Of Applications Need To Be Cleaned?

Superior suction doesn’t always have to stay on the floor. The majority of allergen-eliminating vacuums come with tools and attachments that can offer some serious assistance in the war against these congestion-inducing invaders.

Lightweight telescopic handles combined with dusting attachments or crevice tools can capture particles clinging to curtains, upholstery, ceiling fans, and behind appliances.

Some models offer a “pull-away” function that keeps the superior filtration system intact, while allowing the user to break away from the constraints of an upright world and traipse around to hard-to-reach areas like stairs and under low-lying furniture.

How Important Is It To Keep All The Captured Dust Contained?

Allergens can cause some serious reactions. When considering the best vacuum for allergen removal, there are some extra variables to contemplate. Effectively eliminating microscopic particles from a living space goes beyond the suction system.

Of course, it’s important that during the actual cleaning process, all dirt and dust is captured and contained. Most vacuums designed for allergy sufferers have accomplished this by designing sealed suction systems and multi-stage filtration. But the dirt disposal doesn’t end there.

Once the dirt has filled the collection area of a vac, you will need to remove it. Bagged vacuums tend to be the best way to keep dirt and dust under wraps.

They provide a sealed, disposable container that you can easily remove and replace. Then you won’t have to come in contact with any particles.

Bagless vacuums have gained in popularity over the years, primarily due to the lack of recurring expense of replacement bags. While there are a lot of pros when it comes to bagless vacuums, minimal contact with the dirt and debris you removed is not one of them.

Since you need to empty the dirt container when it’s full (and occasionally rinse), the risk of reintroducing a percentage of allergens comes with the cost savings with bagless vacuums.

You will occasionally need to clean accessories like brush rolls. If sticking a couple fingers into nylon bristles covered in dust and dander particles isn’t something that sounds appealing, it may be worth considering a vacuum with a different dirt extraction design.

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How We Ranked The Best Vacuums For Allergies

When it comes to ranking the best vacuums for allergies, the main variable is, of course, high-quality filtration. While the broad spectrum of vacs designed for allergy sufferers offers some pretty serious filtration systems (and price tags in the thousands), we’ve zoned in on some of the most effective allergy-fighting vacs on the residential market.

After filtration systems, price, consumer reviews, and vacuum versatility have been strongly considered when compiling this in-depth ranking, along with a few other key variables.

Filtration System

It’s all about the HEPA when it comes to effective allergen eradication. HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate air (or arrestor, or absorber—whichever way, it’s always an “a”).

In a HEPA-style filtration system, air is pushed through a fine mesh, woven to grab even the tiniest particles. There are filters out there that are considered true HEPA, meaning they’ve been tested by an independent lab and have been proven to capture 99.97% of particles larger than 0.3 microns.

Most standard residential vacs don’t necessarily utilize these lab tested “true” filters, but many use filters that are designed similarly, if not identically, to those that are lab tested. If you want a tried and “true” HEPA filter system, they’re out there, though most are not offered as a standard option with a residential vac, and they tend to cost more due to the process involved with testing, including serial numbers on filters.

In addition to the fine mesh filtration system, many allergy-friendly vacuums have what’s commonly referred to as multi-stage filtration. This usually involves two to three additional filters that capture particles throughout the complete suction process, from the first suck to the air end of the exhaust. These filters are key to optimal particle wrangling and also provide a purifying effect to the air that is reintroduced into the room.

Versatility

A vacuum’s ability to duck and dive into tough-to-reach spots is an important factor for most users. Allergens don’t typically splay themselves out for all to access, so features like lift-away handheld functionality, telescopic wands, and accessory tools designed to target specific applications are all-powerful players that can drive a vacuum up the rankings list.

When a vac can effectively conquer a variety of floor surfaces, that’s a major bonus too. Most homes and businesses don’t have one exclusive floor covering, so a vacuum’s ability to navigate these floors and provide quick, quality dirt removal is a plus.

Functionality

There are quite a few variables to consider when it comes to how functional a vacuum can be in a day-to-day, real-life setting.

Cordless vacuums are portable, typically lightweight, and overall tend to be some of the easiest vacs to live with. There are no cords to wrap up or move around, and no constraints on the cleaning range.

But the key to this ease-of-use is the vacuum’s battery life. When a vacuum can operate for a solid 30-minute span, things are looking good.

This is a pretty realistic timeline for most users, though it should be noted that turbo modes with max suction can also drain the life out of a battery, so users should probably reserve this mode for separate, seriously sucky situations.

If you’d prefer to be a bit tethered during your cleaning sessions, then cord length is what it’s all about. The longer the cord (within reason), the longer your action-packed, allergen-extracting fun time can be. The drawback to a lengthy power source is the added bulk that the unused cord can add to the weight of the vacuum.

Robot vacuums are always a favorite. These little suction surveyors venture out and do the dirty work for us, minimizing our need to get too close to our allergy-inducing enemies.

Having the ability to program and schedule cleaning sessions goes a long way, and at two o’clock in the morning, when its chores are complete, this automatic vacuuming assistant will quietly move itself back to the docking station to recharge its batteries (literally).

Consumer Reviews

Consumer reviews and reports are some of the best ways to gain inside information on what life will be like once the vacuum has been incorporated into a cleaning regimen. These reviews offer insight into features and functions not necessarily mentioned in product descriptions, and they also shed light on some not-so-good parts of vacuum ownership.

After studying various reviews on a specific product, typically a pretty clear picture has been painted of both the positive and negative aspects of the said item. While it’s expected that there will always be overly excited super fans and a handful of customers who will probably never be satisfied, most reviews offer decent information and can tip the scale one way or the other when it comes to understanding what to expect for performance and quality.

Price

The price tag on a vacuum is one of the largest factors used in the ranking process. There are times when features, functionality, and consumer reviews can justify a higher price tag, and there are also plenty of occasions when a budget-friendly vacuum offers similar quality and function to vacuums in much higher price ranges, which bumps the lower-priced vac up a few notches on the list.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What Types Of Allergens Can I Typically Expect To Extract?

With a typical HEPA filtration system, users can expect to eliminate anything from pollen and mold spores to pet dander and dust mites, while also nabbing a variety of other dirt and debris along the way.

Some filters can even capture viruses and tobacco smoke particles, which tend to be some of the smallest particles that a HEPA filter can latch onto. Basically, a high-quality vacuum combined with a top-notch HEPA filter can be expected to actually extract literal germs from your surfaces. .


What Kind Of Maintenance Is Involved?

Proper allergen eradication with a vacuum is heavily dependent on a clean and functional suction system. This means you should clean and replace the filters when they need it.

You should clean most washable filters every one to three months. Completely replace filters after about 18–20 washes.

You should remove beater bars and rollers and/or clear them of debris when they need it. Hair and dirt can compact into the rollers, preventing them from operating effectively.

Vacuums that utilize bags to hold their captive particles mean you will need to replace these bags when they become full. You should keep a decent and reasonably steady supply of bags on hand, so you don’t get hung up on a quality cleaning session due to lack of bags.

Bagless vacs will still require some attention when it comes to the dirt collection bin. You will need to empty these dusty dirt bins when full, which typically means dumping the contents into the garbage.

It wouldn’t hurt to rinse the collection bin (and let it dry completely) between every few vacuuming sessions.


Are There Different Types Of Bags?

There are a variety of bag styles available for most of the bagged vacuums on the market. While HEPA bags are ideal for allergy and asthma sufferers, there are also other more standard (and cheaper) bags available for applications where the heavy-duty HEPA system isn’t necessary.

Most bags come with a paper outer lining, and this helps to keep prices and bag weight down. For heavy-duty applications, there are cloth bags available that can help provide an added few layers of protection from any sharp or heavy objects that may pass through the suction system.


What Is The Best Way To Empty A Bagless Container To Minimize Contact With Dirt?

The best way to get rid of the dirt bin contents involves four key variables. Not adhering to all variables may create a brief dust breach at time of bin dump, requiring a user to come face-to-face and hand-to-hand with the allergens that have been removed.

This dirty job is going to require a bag and, if desired, gloves. While the vacuum itself doesn’t utilize a bag to hold its captive particles, to successfully keep dirt bin contents from coming into contact with the outside world again, a bag is necessary.

The dump should ideally occur outdoors, or in a garage if need be. Once gloves are locked into position, the bag should be tightly sealed around the dirt bin’s dump area, with the bag wrapped around the container.

Trigger the dirt release while maintaining a tight seal and then tie the bag tightly and discard. Additional interaction with the dirt may be required to completely empty the contents from the bin, which is where the gloves come in handy.

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Final Thoughts

If you suffer from allergies, a good allergy-fighting vacuum cleaner can make a big difference to how comfortable you feel at home. HEPA filtration is still the gold standard as far as allergens are concerned, but some manufacturers are also developing new technologies that are even more effective. It is exciting to see what they will come up with next.

But if you are looking for the best vacuum cleaner for allergies, we recommend the Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away True Pet. All the vacuums on our complete list are certified to eliminate allergens from your home.

Do you use a vacuum cleaner for allergies? What do you think of its functionality, and how well does it work for you? Share your experiences with the community in the comments section below.

About Maria Hernandez

Senior Floor Critic, 25 years of experience in residential and commercial cleaning

Maria Hernandez has 25 years of experience in residential and commercial janitorial and cleaning services. From hardwood to carpet to marble floors, Maria has developed a deep expertise in cleaning and maintaining many different flooring types. Visit Website.

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