Over the past decade, bagless vacuum cleaners have overtaken their bagged vacuum counterparts in popularity owing to their power and convenience. However, it’s important not to assume that bagless vacuum cleaners are always the better choice simply because they represent the latest in vacuum cleaner technology; for those who suffer from allergies and/or asthma, the traditional bagged option is still the best.
Why Are Bagless Vacuums A Bad Choice For Allergy Sufferers?
As tempting as the idea of never having to buy vacuum bags again may seem, if you suffer from allergies, a bagless vacuum cleaner is a poor choice for the following reasons:
- Bagless vacuum cleaners require regular filter cleaning to be effective. Once the filter gets dirty—which tends to happen quite quickly—it will no longer effectively absorb dust and allergens. Additionally, bagless vacuum cleaners with proper HEPA filters (which are the only filters guaranteed to effectively remove allergens from the air) tend to be prohibitively expensive. (Note that you will also have to clean the filter on your bagged vacuum cleaner, but you’ll only need to do so occasionally.)
- Every time you empty a bagless vacuum cleaner, it releases a significant quantity of dust and allergens back into the air. As bagless vacuum cleaners need to be emptied frequently, this can pose a real hazard for allergic and asthmatic individuals. A bagged vacuum cleaner, on the other hand, will keep dust and allergens neatly contained within its bag so that you can safely dispose of them. Additionally, some bagged models can hold an amazing two pounds of dirt and debris before they need to be emptied.
Selecting The Best Bagged Vacuum Cleaner
When you buy a bagged vacuum cleaner, make sure to choose a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA filter installed. While you will not need to clean your bagged vacuum’s filter often, it’s still important to ensure that its filter is capable of removing as many allergens from the air as possible. Fortunately, the vast majority of bagged models come with HEPA filters installed, so you shouldn’t have any difficulty finding the perfect vacuum cleaner to suit your needs.
Finally, you should always make sure to buy a bagged vacuum cleaner that comes with an indicator light that tells you when it’s time to change the bag; otherwise, you may leave allergens on the carpet as your vacuum’s bag nears its total capacity and its suction power diminishes.
If you’re still experiencing allergy symptoms even after investing in a bagged vacuum cleaner, you may wish to consult with a professional cleaning service: Your carpets are probably overdue for a deep cleaning. Better yet replace the carpets with a non-toxic formaldehyde free hard floor.
Read More:
About The HEPA Vacuum and Why It Matters click here
About Toxic Dust In Your Home click here
