When you invest in a HEPA vacuum, you want one that sweeps up pet fur well, regardless of whether you’re vacuuming carpeted or bare floors. Our testers tried out several different kinds of HEPA vacuums to determine which ones delivered the best performance when it comes to cleaning up after pets.
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When comparing HEPA vacuums, we considered how easy it was to assemble the vacuum. We also tested each one on a variety of surfaces dirtied with pet fur, including upholstery. And finally, we measured how easy it was to empty the dirt canister and clean the filters. While each of the vacuums tested did effectively pick up ordinary household dirt and grime, we did have strong opinions about which one we felt went a little above the rest when it came to our pet-related tests.
This HEPA vacuum features a cordless design and swivel steering for effective cleaning of common and hard-to-reach surfaces, where pet fur tends to gather.
Most notable upside: The assembly of the Shark Rotator was pretty easy for us right out of the box and we loved how simple it was to keep the brush roll and filters clean. One our favorite features was the cord reach. We could vacuum the whole room and under the furniture with no resistance.
Biggest downsides: The light at the front of the vacuum, although useful, could have been brighter. Another issue was the Rotator was on the noisy side and it was a bit bulky for the average individual. But we were over-all satisfied with the performance.
With an anti-allergen seal and HEPA filter, this vacuum provides a superior clean. The swivel function makes it easy to move the vacuum around, and an upholstery tool is especially useful if your pet tends to shed fur on your furniture.
Most notable upside: We all agreed that the Navigator vacuum was a wiz at picking up all of the pet fur from floors of every type tested. We also liked the lightweight design which made it simple to take from room to room.
Biggest downsides: The cord placement we found to be a slight tripping hazard. Also, the dirt cup needed frequent emptying which was a bit annoying but did not interfere with the usefulness.
This lightweight vacuum comes equipped with a HEPA filter and all the additional tools you’ll need for a thorough cleaning, from an upholstery brush to bristle and crevice tools to easily reach hard-to-find pet fur.
Most notable upside: Putting together the Ovente was quick and simple with the step-by-step instructions. We loved the powerful suction of the vacuum. It collected pet fur (as well as dirt and dust) from carpets and floors and held it securely until removal.
Biggest downsides: While we were disappointed at how short the power cord is and that clearing out the canister and filter can be unwieldy, we were still impressed that it performs as well as higher-end models.
With an anti-allergen seal and HEPA filter, this vacuum provides a superior clean. The swivel function makes it easy to move the vacuum around, and an upholstery tool is especially useful if your pet tends to shed fur on your furniture.
Choosing a vacuum used to be so easy. You ask around, go with whatever your family or friends recommend and you just know the purchase is going to be worth it. With all brands releasing so many new, more modern, and more innovative models, though, choosing the right vacuum for your home has become a challenge, especially when you consider the needs your pet adds. The choices range from the more traditional backpack vacuum, canister, and upright types to the more compact ones like the stick vacuum, handheld, and more. A lot of vacuums today are no longer just for sucking dust and dry dirt, but they can suck liquids, too! We also often have a hard time deciding between corded and cordless models.
If you’re thinking of getting a new vacuum, there’s one buzz phrase you need to know about and that is HEPA filters. What is it, exactly, and should you prioritize getting a HEPA vacuum for your home? Read on to find out.
The letters HEPA stand for High-Efficiency Particulate Air. It’s a term that’s often used for vacuum filters that are tested and proven to trap 99.97 percent of particles measured at 0.03 microns. Scientists believe that particles of this size are one of the most troublesome and are able to escape most vacuum filters which means they’re left in the air with the possibility of being inhaled and trapped in our lungs. Looking at a HEPA filter closely, you can expect to see a fibrous maze made of glass fibers interlaced and twisted in all directions.
If you’ve ever searched the web for a vacuum with a HEPA filter, you might have noticed that some of them are tagged with the term “true HEPA” while others are marketed with the name “Ultra HEPA,” “HEPA-type,” and more. The main difference between these filters usually lies in their capability to filter particles in the air.
As mentioned earlier, a HEPA filter needs to be able to filter 99.97% of particles in order to be HEPA-certified. Filters of this capacity are also often called “true HEPA” and are in accordance with US standards. European standards, on the other hand, only require a filter to capture at least 85% of particles in the air before they are HEPA-certified.
As far as other variations of HEPA filters such as Ultra HEPA, HEPA Plus, and Advanced HEPA go, these are not recognized by accrediting bodies in Europe and the US so you might want to do your research before getting swayed and buying one with these types of “HEPA” filters.
If you’re price-conscious, you’ll notice that vacuums that are marketed to be HEPA-certified or to have HEPA filters are more expensive compared to non-HEPA vacuums. Are they worth it? That depends on whether or not your home requires you to have one. So, who really needs a HEPA vacuum?
Pet-owners
Having pets can really make your home a happier one but there’s no denying that pets contribute so much to the daily dirt we accumulate in our houses, thanks in part to their shedding fur and dander that inevitably comes with owning a pet. Thankfully, pet dander is one of the things that HEPA vacuums are expertly intended to capture (along with other particles of the same size). If you have a pet at home, you might be a great beneficiary of HEPA vacuums.
People with allergies
Allergies are quite common and most people’s allergies are often always triggered by something they eat or something they breathe. Living with allergies is tough (and expensive!). What’s more, is that allergy attacks are often unpredictable since you can’t control everything around you. If your allergies are triggered by dust, you might want to consider getting a HEPA vacuum. These do a better job of capturing and trapping allergens compared to non-HEPA vacuums. Of course, it won’t cure you of your allergy but it will definitely help keep your allergies in check, especially when used with other air-purifying tools.
People with respiratory issues
Aside from people who suffer from allergies, people that have respiratory issues can benefit greatly from HEPA vacuums, too. A HEPA vacuum traps most of the particles that trigger respiratory issues.
Is a HEPA vacuum really worth the extra bucks?
If you’re someone who might benefit from a HEPA vacuum directly, then it’s definitely worth it since it will help prevent your allergies from flaring up or your respiratory issues from being triggered.
What if you aren’t any of the above? You don’t have pets, no allergies, and no respiratory issues either? Well, there are still tons of ways that you could benefit from a HEPA vacuum. Aside from keeping your home dust- and pet dander-free like any other vacuum would, one major thing that a HEPA vacuum can do for you is to improve indoor air quality.
