Many of us associate the warmer months with sunshine, BBQs with friends and family and time spent by the pool or at the beach. But warmer weather is also prime time for allergies, such as dust mites and pollen or simply dirt and debris from open windows and tracked in by our shoes.
Vacuums are an indispensable tool for maintaining indoor spaces free of dust, pollen and other microscopic allergens. So to get your spring cleaning into high gear and to keep you allergy free all year long, here are a few key things to think about when deciding which vacuum cleaner is right for you and your lifestyle.
Upright vs. Cylinder
One of the first things you may notice when looking for a vacuum cleaner are the different designs. Most household vacuums can be divided into 2 categories: Upright models and cylinder models. Both styles offer their pros and cons and which one is right for you depends largely on personal preference, types of flooring in your home and cleaning needs.
Pros of an upright design:
- Carpets and rugs: Upright models are great for large carpeted areas or large areas of hard flooring as they allow the vacuum to move back and forth with ease without having to bend over or deal with the pesky cylinder rolling around the floor.
- Carpets and rugs: Upright vacuums have specially-designed roller brushes for deep cleaning carpets and rugs.
- They require less storage space. Upright vacuums can be stored vertically and fit nicely into a closet, making them a good choice for reduced spaces.
Pros of a cylinder design:
- Versatility: In general, cylinder style vacuums are more versatile because they can be moved around tighter spaces, get between and under furniture, and can even be used on upholstery like sofas and cushions. Cylinder vacuums are ideal for off floor cleaning and stairs. They are great for a variety of flooring including hard floors and smaller carpets / rugs.
- Portability: Although cylinder vacuums are not as easy to push on carpets and rugs as upright vacuums they do excel at maneuvering in reduced spaces and getting the most hard-to-reach areas. They can also be lifted and transported more easily than upright models.
Overall, both designs offer their advantages and through analysing the layout of your home, the types of flooring you have and your cleaning style, you’re sure to make a good choice. Check out these different Hoover models to get a good idea of upright v. cylinder vacuum cleaners which are both exceptional allergy busters.
The importance of HEPA filters
The next aspect to look at when choosing an allergy vacuum cleaner is the presence of HEPA filters. HEPA, which stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air, is a highly effective filtration system which traps the smallest airborne particles such as pollen, dust, pet dander and mould spores. The HEPA standards require filters to eliminate 99.97% of particles in the air and are therefore one of the most effective ways to improve indoor air quality and reduce the risk of allergies.
The washable H13 HEPA filters included in many Hoover models such as the HL5 Upright and H-POWER 300 Cylinder are ideal for keeping your spaces allergy-free and are more cost-effective and convenient than disposable filters. Simply wash the filter once every 1-3 months or depending on the usage of the vacuum cleaner. These filters prevent dust and other microscopic particles from filtering back into the air after cleaning and are a MUST for reducing allergies and maintaining the overall air quality in your home.
Accessories and brushes
Accessories and brushes are also important when considering a vacuum cleaner for allergies. Accessories are especially important for those hard-to-reach areas like under furniture, ceiling corners and stairs. These stubborn dust collecting areas are key to improving overall air quality as they are usually the places we ignore the longest. Both upright and cylinder Hoover models have adaptable designs, brushes and extendable wands that make cleaning the corners of the ceiling or under furniture or even the car, a simple task.
The HL5 Upright and other upright Hoover models feature easy access brush bars which can be cleaned easily and keep the performance and suction power of the vacuum cleaner optimal. Being able to access the brush bar of your vacuum is not only important for the correct functioning of the machine but also to eliminate sources of allergies and dust. Many of the Hoover brush bars also feature an anti twist comb which prevents hair from wrapping around the brush bar, reducing the accumulation of dust and other allergens in the brushes of the vacuum.
As we embrace the joys of warmer weather, it’s important that we also address the allergies that come with it. Vacuum cleaners designed for allergies play a crucial role in maintaining indoor spaces free of dust, pollen, and other microscopic allergens. With these key considerations—upright vs. cylinder designs, washable HEPA filters, and easy access to brushes and accessories—you’ll enjoy your summer allergy-free and ensure a cleaner, healthier living environment year-round.
