Unlike seasonal allergies, indoor allergies have no "off" season. It can be a constant battle between your immune system and any dust, mold and pet hair lingering in your home.
If you suspect you might have indoor allergies, an allergist can help identify your symptoms and how to treat them. Allergies can often be treated with natural remedies or medications if needed. And a simple household chore like deep cleaning while using the best vacuum for allergies can be a start to reducing symptoms.
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"It helps get rid of allergens such as dust mites, mold and animal dander from carpets, rugs and upholstery," says Purvi Parikh, MD, an allergist with Allergy & Asthma Network. "When your allergies and asthma are better controlled, there is less need for medication as well."
The Best Vacuums for Indoor Allergies
- Best Overall: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright Vacuum ($422.66, Walmart)
- Best Value: Shark NV105 Navigator Light Upright Vacuum ($128.61, Amazon)
- Best for Pet Hair: BISSELL 2998 MultiClean Allergen Lift-Off ($136.89, Bissell) SALE
- Best for Dust Mites: Hoover WindTunnel 3 Max ($174.99, Amazon)
- Best HEPA Filter: Shark Rotator Professional Lift-Away Upright Vacuum ($149.99, Kohl's) SALE
- Best for Carpet: Shark IZ462H Vertex Ultra Lightweight Cordless Stick Vacuum ($375, Amazon)
- Best for Hardwood: Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum ($174.59, Amazon)
How We Chose
We spoke with allergists, who explained what can trigger indoor allergies and how vacuuming can improve symptoms and indoor air quality. They shared what to look for when purchasing a vacuum.
We made our selections based on their expertise and the following criteria:
- Effectiveness
- Cost
- Ease of cleaning
- Use on different surfaces
Find more info about how we choose and cover products here.
1. Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright Vacuum
3. BISSELL 2998 MultiClean Allergen Lift-Off
We love our furry friends, but not so much having their hair all over the house. It's especially necessary to clean up their shedding if you're allergic to pet hair or dander.
The BISSELL 2998 is designed specifically to vacuum pet hair on various surfaces at home.
The Lift-Off detachable pod allows for portable cleaning and a tangle-free brush roll to prevent hair from wrapping around the brush. Equipped with a HEPA Sealed Allergen System, you can rest assured that this vacuum is trapping 99.7 percent of dust and allergens.
4. Hoover WindTunnel 3 Max
5. Shark Rotator Professional Lift-Away Upright Vacuum
6. Shark IZ462H Vertex Ultra Lightweight Cordless Stick Vacuum
Tip
If you notice a musty odor or mold in your carpet, you may need a dehumidifier to remove moisture.
What to Look for in a Vacuum for Allergies
The right vacuum for you will depend somewhat on where you'll be using it, along with personal preferences. But experts agree that you can expect positive changes once you clean your space, especially if you live with respiratory conditions like asthma.
"People do not realize that allergies and asthma are as much an external medical problem as internal," Dr. Dang says.
Here are some considerations to keep in mind when you choose a vacuum:
1. Filter and Bag
In general, people with allergies will want to look for a vacuum with a HEPA filter, because it'll help remove more particles of airborne allergens from your space.
While a bagless vacuum means you won't have to purchase bags frequently, it also means you'll have to empty the canister more often. That could, in turn, set off your allergies.
"If you do not have a model that alerts you, some of the allergens can start coming out when it's too full," Dr. Parikh says.
Dr. Parikh suggests emptying the vacuum consistently before it has a chance to fill up, and deep cleaning the vacuum at least once a year to ensure all allergens have been removed.
2. Your Space
Think about where you'll be cleaning. If you have a lot of stairs, a cordless option might make the task easier. Different options may be better on carpet than others, too. If you plan to use the vacuum in multiple rooms, keep in mind how much it weighs. A lightweight vacuum option may be better than a heavy-duty model that's tough to move from room to room.
Your preferences are a factor here, too. You may find that some cordless vacuums don't hold their charge long enough for you to clean your whole space. Conversely, you may feel wrangling the cord discourages you from doing the chore.
Ultimately, the best vacuum for your allergies will be the one that allows you to get the job done and achieve a healthier home.
Is this an emergency? If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the National Library of Medicine’s list of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911.