A HEPA vacuum cleaner is a top-notch model among vacuum cleaners. Most people use vacuum cleaners to remove dirt and dust that accumulates in their homes.
However, if you or any member of your family has serious allergy issues or your home is contaminated with mold or lead dust, you will need a vacuum with a HEPA filter.
A HEPA vacuum is a useful cleaning tool for the reduction of allergens and some remediation of harmful contaminants. The article provides an in-depth analysis of a HEPA vacuum cleaner. Continue perusing for more details.
In this post we will cover:
- What is a HEPA Vacuum Cleaner?
- How does a HEPA Vacuum Cleaner Work?
- Are HEPA Vacuums worth it?
- What features should I look for in a HEPA Vacuum Cleaner?
- Are HEPA vacuum cleaner bags washable?
- How should I clean a Vacuum HEPA filter?
What is a HEPA Vacuum Cleaner?
HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air, which refers to a type of air filter efficiency standard. The filter eliminates 99.97 percent of pathogens from the air.
A HEPA vacuum cleaner is a vacuum that consists of HEPA filters in its filtration system. The HEPA vacuum can trap dirt, pollen, dust, bacteria, viruses, and moisture.
In comparison to regular vacuums, the HEPA models are more expensive. However, the vacuums have become popular due to their effectiveness in capturing microscopic particles.
A HEPA vacuum is perfect for households where people have severe allergies to remove allergens from the air, mold removal, and lead dust removal.
How does a HEPA Vacuum Cleaner Work?
A vacuum works through suction. The suction power operates by pulling contaminants that get stuck on upholstery and carpet after they have been loosened by the rotating brush of the vacuum.
The air sucked in will then be taken into the vacuum’s collection chamber or dustbag and then it will be recirculated into your home. If your machine is a HEPA vacuum, allergens and other microscopic particles will be trapped inside and clean air will be released.
Vacuum HEPA filters are typically made of borosilicate glass fibers that have been twisted and turned in an infinite number of directions. Dust particles stick to the fibers of the filter through interception, direct impaction, sieving, and diffusion.
Large particles are big enough to get stuck when passing through the filter. The process is known as straining. Small particles fit between the filter’s cavity and are captured there. The particles get stuck in the filter cavity as some of them cannot move fast.
The tiny particles, which are more fine particles, are filtered through a Brownian motion, spreading the particles evenly through the filter. The motion is a structure that slows particles down when they collide with gas molecules.
The Brownian motion will cause the particles to move in an unusual direction and the particles will get stuck in the filter fibers. That is known as fusion. The vacuums are designed for allergic conditions.
HEPA vacuum cleaners work by forcing air through a fine mesh that traps harmful particles like tobacco, pollen, pet dander, smoke, and dust mites.
When air is sucked into the vacuum, the HEPA filter reduces the number of particles that are returned to the air from the vacuum.
The HEPA vacuum, on the other hand, does not filter any air in the vacuum bag. Furthermore, it cannot do anything about the mold, dust, spores, and mold that are stirred up by the machine but are not sucked into it.
Since asbestos is a carcinogenic material, a HEPA vacuum should not be used for asbestos removal.
Conclusion
A HEPA vacuum cleaner is distinct from other vacuum cleaners because it is equipped with a HEPA-grade filter in the machine’s filtering system.
The filters enable the vacuum to capture and trap 99.97 percent of microscopic particles, purifying the air around your home. The vacuum works by sucking the particles from the air and releasing clean air from the vacuum.
Though the vacuum does not completely eliminate all dust and allergen particles, it is a great cleaning tool for those who suffer from allergies.
FAQs
Are HEPA Vacuums worth it?
A HEPA vacuum cleaner is worth the investment since it eliminates 99.97 percent of microscopic allergen and dust particles that accumulate in your home.
If you or any member of your family has respiratory problems a HEPA vacuum is worth it because of its filtration mechanism tailor-made for reducing allergic conditions.
Such vacuums have the critical tool to free your environment from disease-causing pathogens. The vacuums release fewer microscopic particles and less dirt back into your home when you vacuum with them.
HEPA vacuum can be used for cleaning airborne lead dust, which is microscopic particles 2 or 3 microns in size. The settled dust is larger than this and can be up to the size of a full paint chip.
When a regular vacuum is used to clean the lead dust, most of the smallest and easily spread particles will be blown back into the air because it releases particles that are smaller than 50 microns.
The vacuum will help you to get rid of bacteria and other microorganisms brought about by water damage or intrusion. The machine can eliminate smoke particles caused by any fire in or near your home.
The unit will capture fine ash particles and soot generated by the fire.
What features should I look for in a HEPA Vacuum Cleaner?
HEPA vacuum cleaners exist in different sizes and shapes, but they do not have similar characteristics. The efficiency and quality of the vacuums are entirely dependent on the manufacturer. These are the features to consider:
1. Look for HEPA certification since it ensures the vacuum cleaner’s performance. The machine should have the approval or an official seal from the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA).
2. A multi-stage system of filtration is a must for a HEPA vacuum since particles are removed before reaching the filter, thus diminishing the consumption of energy while increasing efficiency.
3. The accompanying attachments should be compatible with the vacuum cleaner to allow for effective and easy cleaning of the home.
4. The vacuum should have a HEPA filter monitoring system that will be able to inform and guide you when replacing the filter.
5. Make sure that the HEPA filter consists of an S-class mark on the model or it can generate 99.97 percent of air displacement.
6. Check for the portability of the vacuum and ensure that brushes and a portable canister can collect dirt in places that are difficult to reach. The machine must have a disposable dustbag.
7. Versatility is of the essence when choosing a HEPA vacuum cleaner because it is cost-effective and efficient. The vacuum should be able to capture allergens and dirt on various surfaces.
8. The vacuum should have a sealed system that ensures that no air escapes from the vacuum before it goes through the entire process of filtration.
9. The vacuum should have a powerful uniform rate of 90 inches at the very least. The rate maintains the vacuum cleaner’s power even with a full dirtbag.
Are HEPA vacuum cleaner bags washable?
Bags for HEPA vacuums are made of polypropylene material, which allows for the greatest possible level of infiltration and protection.
The material has exceptional filtration capabilities, which helps in the improvement of the air quality in your home by removing harmful particles from the air that you breathe.
If your vacuum has a reusable HEPA vacuum cleaner bags, it means that the HEPA bags in the machine can be washed as well.
To clean the reusable HEPA vacuum cleaner bags, first, remove them from your unit and then tap them against the trash can to loosen the dirt. Repeat this process until the bags are clean.
Using running or lukewarm water, thoroughly rinse the outside filter. It is not advisable to brush or use an abrasive on the filter because doing so can cause permanent damage to the filter, reducing its effectiveness.
The HEPA vacuum cleaner bags should be washed after every three to four uses, depending on how often they are used.
How should I clean a Vacuum HEPA filter?
As you continue using your HEPA vacuum, the filter will accumulate some dirt and a lot of dirt may clog the filter, reducing the vacuum’s suction power. That simply means that the HEPA filter needs cleaning.
First, determine whether the filter is washable and this is normally indicated on the label. Most of the HEPA filters are made of fibers and the use of water can damage the fibers which are responsible for trapping microscopic particles.
When cleaning a washable filter, begin by unscrewing your vacuum cleaner to access the filter. Remove it from the vacuum and then dip it in water containing a mild detergent. Wash the filter until it gets clean and then rinse it properly.
Give the filter time to dry before putting it back into the vacuum, because a damp filter will not operate effectively.
When cleaning a non-washable filter, begin by taking the vacuum outside or placing it in your chosen washing location.
Unscrew the vacuum to access the filter and then remove it from the vacuum. Remove the excess fluff and dirt from the outside part of the filter using a brush.
Ensure that the filter is completely clean. The filter’s inside part is usually clean and will not require any cleaning. A clean HEPA filter performs very well.
The frequency with which you clean a HEPA filter is dependent on how often you use your vacuum. If you use your vacuum every day, then it is recommended to clean the filter on a weekly basis.
If you use the machine once a week, the filter should be cleaned once a month. If the vacuum is only used occasionally, the filters should be cleaned every three to six months.
