Do you suffer from allergies to pollens, dust, debris, or mites? Have you noticed your sneezing, watery eyes, and runny nose aggravating while vacuuming your room? It might be because your vacuum may not be the best vacuum for allergies. The vacuum cleaner in your house might be spilling and scattering more than cleaning it.
Older vacuums that are not allergen sealed leak the accumulated debris from the dust caps, precipitating allergy symptoms. Besides, regular and thorough vacuuming can help a great deal to avoid the daily buildup of allergens. But not all vacuums can help with allergies. All you need is the best vacuum for allergies and an expert’s guide that helps you choose one.
For these reasons, not just vacuuming, the right vacuum plays a key role in helping with allergies. Use our extensively worked-out guide here to choose the best vacuum cleaner for allergies.
10 Best Vacuum for Allergies
- Best Overall Vacuum: Shark NV360
“Anti-allergen complete seal technology, Ideal weight, High-quality features and Construction” - Best for Pet Hair: BISSELL 2998
“Lightweight and maneuverable, Detachable canister, HEPA sealed filtration” - Best for Carpet: Hoover WindTunnel UH72625
“Multi-cyclonic filtration system, Height adjustment settings, Long power cord and hose” - Best Efficient: Shark LA502
“Durable metal wand, Long power cord, Advanced swivel steering” - Best Compact Vacuum: VacLife VL706
“Hassle-free cleaning, Mediocre technology for cleaning tasks, Excellent filtration system” - Best Easy Operation: Kenmore BU4022
“No touch bag technology, Strong suction power, Easy operation, Integrated handle” - Best Upright vacuum: Shark NV356E S2
“Excellent filtration system, Sufficient dust cap capacity, Brush roll shutoff feature” - Best Corded Vacuum: BISSELL 24613
“Competitive price, Excellent edge cleaning, Long cord length” - Best Fabric Cleaner: RAYCOP RN VCEN-100
“UV sanitizer, Compact and stylish, Smart fabric vacuuming” - Best Affordable Vacuum: BLACK+DECKER BDXCAV217G
“Adjustable suction power, Rewindable power cord, Multi-cyclonic system”
Best Vacuum for Allergies
Below, we have chosen and listed the best vacuums for allergies after researching and experimenting with almost a hundred vacuum cleaners, both upright and canister. The following ten made it to the list because they outperformed their competitors in their respective expertise.
These recommendations are based not only on their cleaning performance but also on various other factors such as the inclusion of HEPA filter, price, attachments, building material, and durability. Some of these are handheld battery-powered to cater to your basic cleaning needs.
Others are corded, powerful upright vacuums for thorough, flawless cleaning of the whole space. All you need to do is make a mind map of your needs and priorities and then choose the best vacuum for allergies from the list below.
1) Shark NV360
Shark NV360
Shark NV360 has a suction powerful enough for all floors and surfaces. And it is easily adjustable too. This Shark Navigator is sufficient for pet hair cleaning and your allergies.
Shark NV360 quickly got popular after its release a few years back because it had some innovative features that considerably uplifted the whole vacuuming experience. And the other vacuum brands and models followed suit.
Features and Benefits
The accompanying attachments make it an all-in-one vacuum for allergies. The crevice tool provides access to the cracks and tight crevices in your car seats and home furniture. The Pet Power Brush and the dusting brush let you clean all surfaces.
The dust cap is a transparent compartment with 0.9 quarts capacity, and the vacuum notifies you when you need to empty the bin. The Shark feature of brush roll shutoff is a gold-standard one since it lets you shift to gentle, tile floor cleaning to avoid scratching or spreading the debris.
Shark NV360 uses a HEPA filter to trap and seal the dust, debris, and allergens. The Shark lift-away technology lets you separate the canister with a single push of a button. It has an ideal weight of around 12 lbs. and the swivel steering feature provides maneuverability around obstacles.
Read Full Review: Shark Navigator NV360 Review
Pros
- Powerful adjustable suction
- Swivel steering mechanism
- Lightweight
- Dust cap of 0.9 quarts capacity
- Effortlessly detachable canister
Cons
- No headlights
- The power cord could be longer
2) BISSELL 2998
BISSELL 2998
BISSELL 2998 is the perfect companion for all your household cleaning. In addition to its powerful suction and maneuverability, the HEPA filter 2998 system protects against all possible allergens.
First up, BISSELL is true to its cause of helping homeless pets by donating a share of your purchase to the BISSELL pet foundation. Talking about the performance, BISSELL 2998 will not disappoint with anything, whether it is pet hair, dander, or fur.
Features and Benefits
The best features of BISSELL are the ones facilitating thorough cleanings, such as the Pet TurboEraser Tool and the removable vacuum canister called the Lift-off pod. The former allows you to crystal clean the thinnest pet hair on your floor or furniture, while the latter facilitates access to the tightest places.
The vacuum can also house the upholstery and crevice tools so that you can get done with the job on the spot. The tangle-free brush roll is very useful, but its turn on/off feature is even more useful. It lets you avoid its scattering action on hard floors.
BISSELL 2998 features a dependable suction power for an average-sized apartment with up to two pets. The vacuum uses pre-motor and post-motor filters and a cyclone separator. Pre-motor filter and the cyclone separator are washable, which reduces the cost of changing filters.
Pros
- One-touch easy empty
- LED lights
- HEPA sealed filtration system
- Detachable canister
- Lightweight and maneuverable
Cons
- Dust canister capacity is only 0.75 L
- The empty button is at the bottom
3) Hoover Windtunnel UH72625
Hoover Windtunnel UH72625
Hoover WindTunnel UH7265 houses more than enough suction power to take care of every requirement of a household with pets. The safety systems and long reach are the best pros.
Hoover WindTunnel competes with the most powerful upright, bagless vacuum cleaners. Since it uses carbon HEPA filters and a multi-cyclonic air-dirt separation system. Hoover specializes in getting rid of pet hair and dander flawlessly and helps with allergies.
Features and Benefits
The most practical feature of the Hoover Wind Tunnel UH72625 is that you can adjust the height of the upright vacuum according to the floor, such as hardwood floor, high-pile, or low-pile carpets. On top of that, we loved the lengths of the power cord and the vacuum hose.
Hoover WindTunnel uses the 3 Max technology, which means it has three channels of powerful suction and an extra-wide nozzle to facilitate the power. Besides, the dust bin is a whopping 1.42 liters which complements the power and efficiency of this upright bagless vacuum cleaner.
This smart vacuum can detect and signal errors such as blockage and dirty air filters. The motor thermal protection system signals and shuts off the vacuum when the motor overheats. Besides, the vacuum comes with a rotating brush roll and various cleaning tools to ensure maximum efficiency.
Pros
- Motor thermal protection system
- Powerful suction with 3 Max technology
- 40-foot-long power cord
- Numerous turbo tools are included in the package
- 12-foot-long hose
Cons
- Reinstalling the dustbin is cumbersome
- Weighs 18 pounds; heavy to carry around
4) Shark LA502
Shark LA502
Shark LA502 is a versatile upright vacuum cleaner with a superb performance on bare floors as well as carpeted ones. It is reliably well-built and quite easy to maintain.
Shark LA502 is a corded vacuum with a sufficient 25-foot-long power cord and a metal wand. Its suction power is sufficient for all thin and thick hair on your floors, and the accompanying tools are there to do the rest.
Features and Benefits
Shark LA502 is one of those high-end Shark models that perform well on all kinds of floors because it houses Duo-Clean technology. The assembling and the operation of this upright vacuum are incomparable in ease and efficiency. The LED headlights facilitate better visibility in dark areas.
The Power Fins Brush roll uses soft fins instead of the typical hard bristles. These soft fins take in hairs and fibers of all sizes without entanglement. The advanced swivel steering mechanism ensures that all the nooks and corners are free from bits, pieces, dust, and hair.
It also features a detachable pod lighter than many Shark models for the efficient cleaning of small spaces such as stairs. Shark LA502 uses the best-standard HEPA filters and anti-allergen complete seal technology to completely remove allergens from the environment.
Pros
- Multi-surface cleaning
- 25-foot-long power cord
- Detachable, lightweight vacuum canister
- Power Fins Brush Roll
- HEPA allergen-sealed filters
Cons
- Design and build are heavy
- Frequently gets stuck
5) VacLife VL706
VacLife VL706
Vac Life VL706 has a strong motor and sufficient suction power to work wonders for both home and your car. It is a cordless tool with fast charging and affordability.
Vac Life VL706 is known as the handheld, battery-powered vacuum best for cars. For the price you pay, it does a pretty good job on the floors, carpets, drapes, furniture, and the car seats and mats. But you cannot expect a powerful suction and motor compared to the corded upright ones.
Features and Benefits
Vac Life VL706 is actually a mini-vacuum, but with a cyclone vacuum technology that provides strong suction power. In addition to the fact that it is battery-powered and cordless. VL706 uses a soft extension hose which provides even more mobility and access to small spaces.
The battery takes no more than 3 hours to charge fully and operates with a consistent efficiency for 20 minutes. The washable filters increase the efficiency of the vacuum even at low battery percentages. One of them is a HEPA filter which provides a sealed technology for the allergens.
This car vacuum comes with a crevice nozzle and a brush tool to facilitate your thorough cleaning. It is recommended for those who want a tool that keeps their home and car free from dust, pet hair, and allergens. Using this battery-powered vacuum every day is properly shielded with insurance and certifications.
Pros
- Battery-powered and cordless
- Soft extension hose
- 3-hours charging time
- Cyclone vacuum technology
- 2 LED lights
Cons
- Not so powerful
- Operating time could be better
6) Kenmore BU4022
Kenmore BU4022
The dual motors of the Kenmore BU4022 produce sufficient suction power to make it a versatile upright vacuum for hard floors, high-pile, and low-pile carpets, pet debris, and vehicles.
Kenmore BU4022 consists of a plastic body, a metal wand, and rubber wheels. The suction power, which is stronger than an average upright vacuum cleaner, has to be the selling point of this Kenmore versatile vacuum.
Features and Benefits
The best feature of the Kenmore BU4022 is the dirt compartment that uses the No-Touch Bag Technology so that with just a press of a button, the bag goes right into the bin if you hold the canister above it.
The Power Flow Bag Chamber ensures consistent performance even when the bag is full. It weighs 14 pounds. It may feel heavier, but the integrated handle makes it easily portable. Operating this vacuum is easy, too; you just need to press an easily accessible power button.
The lightweight, detachable canister, the extension wand, and the accompanying tools make it maneuverable enough for surfaces above the floor, such as stairs and furniture. You can also turn on/off the brush rolls on tile surfaces or on furniture to avoid scratching.
Pros
- Easy operation
- Strong suction power
- Portable, detachable vacuum canister
- Turn on/off brush rolls
- No Touch Bag Technology
Cons
- Recurring Maintenance costs
- Bulky design; hard access to small spaces
7) Shark NV356E S2
Shark NV356E S2
Shark NV356E S2 is a compact, lightweight, and high-quality Shark upright vacuum. It outweighs in performance, maneuverability, filtration system, and ease of operation compared to its peers.
Shark NV356E S2 is a crucial model in the Shark navigator series of professional upright vacuums. It is made from plastic mostly, to lower the cost and the weight, yet this model is dependably durable.
Features and Benefits
Its suction power is enough to deal with dust, debris, pet hair, long human hair, and allergens. But the HEPA filter just puts a cherry on top by leaving no chance for the particles to leave the dirtbag. The swivel steering mechanism and the detachable pod provide advanced maneuverability around obstacles.
Shark NV356E S2 uses a 2.08 L capacity dust cup that can go for weeks without emptying it. Since it is bagless, all you need to do for maintenance is wash the filters after a while. The brush roll shutoff feature allows gentle floor cleaning and deep carpet vacuuming.
The motor power also provides enough speed and efficiency to the vacuum that you only need to go over an area once, and it is 99.9 % free from everything bad. It weighs 13.7 pounds, which is comparatively a good weight to lift for upholstery and stairs.
Read Full Review: Shark Navigator NV356E Review
Pros
- Low maintenance
- Lightweight and portable
- Swivel steering makes it maneuverable
- Fast and efficient
- Dust cap capacity of 2.08 L
Cons
- It does not come with the hard floor attachment
- Struggles a bit on hardwood floors
8) BISSELL 24613
BISSELL 24613
BISSELL 24613, with its smart tools and Smart Seal Allergen system, is perfect for cleaning pet hair and preventing allergies. The hands-free bin emptying is another pro.
BISSELL 24613 features an agile design, decent performance, and an affordable price. The rotating head and the swivel steering make it maneuverable enough to get around obstacles. But because it is tall, you may feel like using the hose attachments for cleaning needs.
Features and Benefits
The BISSELL 24613 hose can be attached to the crevice tool, a battery-powered Pet TurboEraser Tool, or a small pet brush to meet all your cleaning needs. The Bissell powerhead has been engineered to reduce and prevent hair wrapping around the brush roll.
The brush roll has a turn on/off feature, and you can also adjust the suction power for low-pile and plush carpet requirements. The pre-motor filters are easily accessible and washable, but the post-motor HEPA filter can only be dusted off. The pre-motor Febreze filter traps need to be replaced every six months.
The tools go directly into the vacuum, which makes the storage easy. The dirt compartment is 0.85 liters in capacity and indicates when full. The cord is fairly long, around 24 feet, but the hose is less than 2 meters and is quite insufficient.
Pros
- Smart Seal allergen system
- Febreze filter traps
- 24-foot power cord
- Handheld powered Pet TurboEraser Tool
- Hands-free bin empty
Cons
- Build quality only acceptable
- The dirt compartment could be bigger
9) RAYCOP RN VCEN-100
RAYCOP RN VCEN-100
The Ray Clean technology with UV-light kills and sanitizes your mattresses and all fabric items of daily exposure. The RAYCOP RN is a handheld allergen vacuum perfect for pet owners.
RAYCOP RN is the latest RAYCOP model with all smart features to flawlessly dust, clean, and sanitize your cushions, drapes, beddings, and pillows, in fact, all fabric items. This compact, stylish vacuum is here to provide a deeper level of cleaning to your space.
Features and Benefits
This small but impressively allergen-smart vacuum uses a pulsating brush and a decent 300 watts of suction power to effectively clean hair, dust, and allergens. RAYCOP RN VCEN-100 uses UV sanitizer to kill the microorganisms on the surfaces.
The dirt bin is small, as is justified by its basic fabric cleaning function. But it needs to be washed frequently. It weighs only 4 pounds and is ergonomically designed so that all members of the family can conveniently use it for fabric cleaning, especially the allergic ones.
In addition to the UV lamp, RAYCOP RN uses a two-step filtration to pick and trap 99.99 percent of allergens. The optimized suction power prevents the fabric from entrapping in the silicone bristles.
Pros
- A pulsating brush
- Indicators for overheating
- Lightweight and compact design
- A long power cord
- A sufficient 300 watts of power
Cons
- Noisy operation
- A bit heavy for a handheld vacuum
10) BLACK+DECKER BDXCAV217G
BLACK+DECKER BDXCAV217G
BLACK+DECKER BDXCAV217G is a cheap corded vacuum with mediocre quality and performance. It provides a long cord, a lightweight of only 9 pounds, and a dependable upholstery cleaning performance.
BLACK + DECKER may not be the best rated or most powerful bagless upright vacuum cleaner. It is recommended for those without pets and requires basic vacuuming for carpets and furniture.
Features and Benefits
BLACK+DECKER BDXCAV217G houses 1200 watts of power which makes it suitable for all types of cleaning jobs at home or office. You can also easily adjust the suction power for the requirement of the job.
It uses multi-cyclonic technology with more than 12 cyclones working to separate the dust and debris away from the filter. This action increases the efficiency of the filter even when the dust bin is full and also elongates the life of the filter.
The dust bin has a reliable capacity of 3 liters. It is washable too. The power cord is 5 meters long and can be stored inside the vacuum with a press of a button. The vacuum comes with a crevice tool as well to take care of the tight spaces and upholstery.
Pros
- Adjustable suction power settings
- Long, rewindable power cord
- HEPA anti-allergenic filter
- Washable and spacious bagless dust bin
- Multi-cyclonic system
Cons
- Very basic performance
- The telescopic tube is short
If you would like to get reviews of other popular vacuum cleaners, kindly visit our Guide page.
Best Vacuum for Allergies Buying Guide
When you are buying yourself a vacuum, you should consider the following factors:
Type of Vacuum Cleaner
Upright vacuums has been ruling the town for years. Canister vacuums and handheld ones are the recent ones, but still, each of these has its importance. If you have a lot of high-pile and low-pile carpeting and you need a powerful suction, canister and handheld vacuum cleaners cannot compete.
For hardwood floors, tiles, and upholstery, canister vacuums will do better. If you need just a mild job for the maintenance of your car or your small office area, a battery-powered handheld one is just fine.
Corded or Cordless
Corded vacuums are more powerful than cordless, battery-powered ones. So, here as well, your needs will make the final decision. For a smaller space, cordless ones are more convenient.
For large spaces, though you may need to change the plug-in sockets several times, the corded ones work better. Only a more high-end cordless vacuum will operate for close to 30 minutes. You should expect a battery-powered vacuum up and running for no more than 20 minutes on a single charge.
Bagged or Bagless
Bagged vacuums use filter bags that fill the dirt and debris inside until they are full, and you dispose of and replace them. But the bagged ones also offer an extra layer of protection and do not expose you to the accumulated debris while cleaning either.
The bagless vacuums do a thorough performance at suction and collecting the debris too. Most of them also use the sealed HEPA filtration system, which has been designed to keep the allergens away. But you will have to clean them after every few days.
Also, if the filtration system is not completely sealed, some of it may leak and affect the total suction of the vacuum. However, you don’t have to buy filter bags periodically with bagless vacuums.
Filtration Technology
A high Efficient Particulate Air filter (HEPA filter) is the best filter used in vacuums for allergy prevention. It uses a completely sealed filtration system that prevents leakage. Also, it does not affect the suction power of the vacuum when it gets filled.
Suction Power
You may be willing to bag the highest and the best suction power out there. But we suggest you weigh your priorities first because vacuums with a large suction power are also somewhat heavy due to the weight of the motor.
For greater suction, upright vacuum cleaners will be a better choice. For mediocre cleaning requirements on furniture and stairs, the canister ones come with pretty great features and tools.
Blowback
Bagless vacuums use the blowback cycle to clean the filter. Unique airwaves take care of the filter while preventing the motor from stopping and affecting the suction power. This phenomenon increases the efficiency of the motor by cooling it down as well.
Surface Type
For a lot of high-pile carpeting around your space, an upright vacuum will do a better job. If you need to transition from carpets to hardwood floors and vice versa, you should choose a vacuum with a shutoff brush roll feature to avoid scratching the surfaces.
For a better above-the-floor cleaning job, you should prefer the canister and the handheld ones. These come with several attachments to help you clean absolutely every surface and nook and corner of the house.
Ease of Use and Noise Level
You should opt for brands and models with straightforward operation. Most canister and upright vacuums are now competing with a one-button operation. This is especially important for emptying the bin. The controls hence should be easy, accessible, and straightforward.
If you have an average-sized living space, the vacuum will probably operate for a long time. A vacuum that operates around 60 decibels will be perfect, especially if you have children and the elderly at home or you work from home.
Smart Capabilities
Vacuums with smart features and capabilities ensure better cleaning and save your time and energy. The full-bag indicator lets you know when to change the bag or empty the bin so that you don’t have to check it every other day.
The height adjustment feature lets your vacuum access small and tight places, especially under the furniture. Similarly, many corded vacuums come with the retractable cord feature that spares you the hassle of winding up the power cord.
Other Attachments
Many vacuums come with complimentary cleaning tools and attachments, which considerably increase the efficiency and uses of a vacuum. The most important ones are the upholstery and the crevice tools.
In the same way, the extension wand and the accompanying floor brushes help clean all kinds of floors, surfaces, walls, and spaces between and behind the furniture.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Does Vacuuming help with Allergies?
A good vacuum with a high-quality filter such as HEPA can remove the tiniest particles of dust, pollen, or dander. So, yes. Regular vacuuming can help with allergies.
2) Does Carpet attract Dust Mites?
Dust mites attract the dust that accumulates on the floors, furniture, and carpets. So, yes. Carpets can attract dust mites because they can accumulate a lot of dust.
3) Does Carpet cleaning reduce Allergens?
Carpets are home to many visible and invisible particles such as dust and other allergens. These allergens can periodically become a part of the air and trigger allergies. That’s why carpet cleaning, such as vacuuming, is important to reduce allergens.
4) Are Vacuums with bags better for Allergies?
Vacuums with bags are better for allergies than bagless ones. Actually, the bags accumulate dust, dander, and allergens better. Besides, emptying the dustbin exposes you to filtered allergens and dust particles which is not the case with vacuum bags.
5) Does Vacuuming stir up Dust Mites?
Regular and frequent vacuuming cleans your carpets, floors, drapes, and furniture and prevents the accumulation of allergens. Vacuuming can, however, stir up dust mites for the time being. For that, you should cover your face while vacuuming.
6) Can Vacuuming trigger Allergies?
Regular vacuuming prevents the accumulation of allergens. At the same time, it can stir up dust mites and pet dander and can trigger allergies. That’s why most people experience allergies inside homes, especially right after vacuuming.
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