If you suffer from allergies or asthma, keeping your home clean is of the utmost importance. It can also turn into a full-time job unless you choose the best vacuum for allergies. Unfortunately, these vacuums don’t fall under a special category, which makes it easy for any manufacturer to claim their machine is allergy-friendly.
While there are a number of resources and agencies that can put you on track to finding a great vacuum, there are still hundreds of options to choose from. With that in mind, our guide is designed to cover key areas that you’ll need to consider, and we’ve put together a list featuring some of the best vacuums for homeowners with allergies as well.
The first area we want to discuss involves your cleaning habits. When you suffer from allergies, cleaning should be part of your daily routine. That means you need a vacuum cleaner they can handle heavy-duty work, not a system that will falter after a few years. It's also important to think about the layout of your home.
How many floors are in your home? Cordless vacuum cleaners are handy, but not necessarily ideal for a large multi-story home unless the vacuum has outstanding battery life. Carrying a 20-pound upright upstairs isn't going to be fun either, which means you have to find the right balance. Obviously, the type of flooring you have is key as well, considering you don't necessarily need a high powered system if you only have hardwood in your home.
Dust Bins vs. Bagged Systems
Buying a vacuum cleaner with a sealed system is critical when you suffer from allergies and need to keep dust in dirt out of your home. Unfortunately, just because a manufacturer says they have a tightly sealed system, doesn't mean that it actually is. While that's something that's impossible to test beforehand in most cases, it often comes down to the design and the receptacle that holds the dirt.
Vacuum cleaners with a dust bin or cup have become increasingly popular in recent years. Most are transparent and can be completely removed from the system or have a mechanism in place that makes them easy to dump. You will never have to worry about replacement bags with a bin-based system, although dust can get back into the air when you dump the bin.
A bagged vacuum cleaner is your best choice for allergies in most cases. They tend to hold more than a clear canister, and all the top models have self-closing bags. When full, you simply need to remove the bag and replace it with a new one. Bags can come with different levels of filtration as well, although you do need to consider the cost and availability of replacements.
Filtration
Once you decide between bins or bags, it’s time to think about filtration. In this class, most vacuums will have a multi-stage system that is comprised of several filters, which can include primary and secondary filters. Here are a few of the more common types you’re likely to encounter with vacuums built for allergies.
Foam Filters – This is the most common type of filter, and generally used a form of secondary filtration on most systems. These are usually the cheapest type of filter to replace, although some are washable and reusable.
HEPA Filters – A HEPA filter can remove up to 99.9% of particles from the air down to a size of 0.3 microns. They are the best type of vacuum filter for allergy sufferers but must be used in a tightly sealed system in order to be effective.
Freshening Filters – Any type of filter built to remove odors falls into this class. There are systems that utilize charcoal, baking soda, or other chemicals to freshen up the air before releasing it back into your home. These filters are also implemented into some company’s bags directly as well.
Other types of filtration for allergies include S-Class and ULPA filters. They can be as effective as or better than HEPA filtration but are usually found in specialty vacuums from Europe. Whatever type of filtration you choose, always check on the cost and available beforehand as you would with bags.
Cleaning Heads
Vacuum cleaners can come with a wide array of accessories, but every system will have a cleaning head. Unless you're purchasing a vacuum cleaner with a detachable head, this is an area you'll need to consider carefully depending on the type of flooring in your home.
Dust mites and dirt aren't discriminate with flooring, although dirty carpet can be an allergy sufferer’s worst nightmare. If you have carpet, you will want to look for a vacuum cleaner with a powered brush roll and excellent suction. With hardwood, tile, and other bare surfaces, that brush roll may scatter as much as it picks up.
For hardwood and similar surfaces, your best option is a good suction-only parquet floor tool. It’s something you may be able to pick up as an attachment depending on the style of the vacuum cleaner, but it will make your life much easier either way.
Alternatively, some manufacturers market their vacuum cleaners as dual-purpose machines. Those are solid options, although you want to look for a switch that allows you disengage the brush roll on bare surfaces.
Vacuum Type
While there are many types of vacuum cleaners available on the market today, only a handful are suitable for homeowners with allergies. That means we won't be covering robotic systems for our list of the best vacuum for allergies, as we focused on two district styles.
Upright Vacuums - An upright vacuum cleaner is the most popular style available to consumers today. They usually have more power, more features, and come in a variety the form factors. You can find cordless uprights along with those skinny systems known is a stick vacuum. You can also find vacuums in this class that are capable of converting to be used in handheld mode.
Canister Vacuums - A canister vacuum is the complete opposite of an upright when it comes to design. They are smaller but can weigh as much as a stick vacuum or a full-size upright. The base of this vacuum has wheels with an attached hose, and you don’t push it, but pull it along behind you. They are easy to use and great on stairs, but not as easy to store. Canister vacuums typically used bags, although there are some bagless models as well.
Cords and Batteries
When it comes to power, you’re going to have two options in the vacuum cleaner world with a corded or cordless system. It's a major decision for most consumers as well, considering the style you choose will have an impact on the price and performance to a degree.
A cordless vacuum cleaner is convenient, easy to use, and will weigh less than a traditional upright vacuum. They won't hold as much dust and dirt, however, and you also have to consider the battery life. If it takes you an hour or more to vacuum your home from top to bottom, this probably isn't the best style for you. You can expect most cordless vacuums to have a run time between 20 to 45 minutes.
Corded vacuum cleaners can provide you with unlimited power, even if you are tethered to the wall with a cord. The main thing to keep in mind with a corded vacuum cleaner is the length of that cord. On average, cord lengths are around 18 to 30 feet, depending on the style you choose. Some systems even have retractable cords, although those are typically found on canister vacuums, not uprights.
Ease of Use
Finding a vacuum cleaner that’s easy to use can be more difficult than you think. That’s because a number of factors come into play like the weight of a system or the controls. If you have health issues like arthritis that can make pushing vacuum is difficult, you definitely want to look for a lightweight machine. Ergonomics are critical in this area as well, especially with the handle.
It's safe to say nobody wants to bend over to adjust the suction power, but that's common with all styles vacuum cleaner. Some models have controls that sit on or near the handle, however. A vacuum that can change floor levels automatically is handy as well; otherwise, you may have to do that manually. While any vacuum cleaner worth its salt will have a solid set of wheels, some are easier to push than others.
This is also an area where you would want to consider the cleaning head and power. If your vacuum has too much suction on carpet, it can be difficult to move depending on the head. The same goes for hardwood flooring, vinyl, or even tile as we've seen plenty of consumer complaints from poorly designed parquet tools.
Tools and Accessories
This is an overlooked area with vacuum cleaners. If you suffer from allergies, keeping your home clean is important, but you have to go a step further than most homeowners. That means you may need to clean drapes, couches, and bookcases along with your flooring and rugs. While every vacuum cleaner will come with at least one attachment, you need to pay close attention to what’s in the box.
Two of the most common accessories included with vacuum cleaners are the crevice tool and dusting brush. Those are air-driven or suction tools, just like circle brushes and upholstery brushes. Extension wands and tools for blinds also fall into that category. Most of these accessories are inexpensive to purchase if they aren’t included with your system, and some are cross-compatible depending on the diameter of your hose.
Powered tools are geared towards carpet or surfaces where pet hair can be a problem. They are considered premium accessories as well, and we’ve seen some powered carpet heads go for several hundred dollars. Powered pet tools are also popular, and while small, they are powerful and extremely handy on furniture or stairs.
Our best advice for tools and accessories is to think of the things you use the most in your current cleaning routine. Also, consider any accessories that could potentially make life easier, but don’t overpay for a “bundle” that includes tools you won’t need.
Vacuum Cleaner Warranties
There's nothing worse than spending hundreds of dollars on a product only to have it fail well before its warranty expires. Unfortunately, it's something that happens to millions of consumers every year. That's why you have to pay close attention to the warranty along with the build quality of vacuum cleaners.
It can be difficult to discern where a point of failure will occur on a vacuum cleaner. On-board tool holders hose attachments or any parts made of thin plastic are usually the first to go. They can also be hard to replace or repair. Brush rolls should outlive your warranty, but the bristles on that cylinder may not. Cords can also become worn over time leading to failures or shorts, while a cordless battery will usually only hold up for 2 to 3 years of heavy usage.
When checking for warranty coverage, read the fine print and see if parts and labor are included. Some companies also offer free tune-ups that coincide with the warranty of the system. The average warranty for vacuum cleaners of any kind is usually 2 to 5 years.
The Best Vacuums for Allergies
Our list of the best vacuums for allergies features some popular names along with a few brands you may not be familiar with. Most of these systems are certified by the Carpet & Rug Institute or the AAFA, but our team went outside of the box as well by taking reviews into account from homeowners and experts alike.
Dyson has over a half dozen vacuum cleaners that are certified to be asthma and allergy-friendly. While it can be hard to choose one given how well they all perform, we chose the newest model from their popular Ball series with the Animal 2 Total Clean.
As the name implies, this vacuum cleaner will allow you to “totally” clean your home from top to bottom. That’s partially due to the wide array of tools that come with this system. There are eight in all, including a reach under tool, combination tool, stair tool, mattress tool, a multi-angle brush, and a soft dusting brush with carbon fiber filaments. An articulated hard floor tool and their popular tangle-free turbine tool are also included along with a sturdy storage bag.
This vacuum’s powerful cyclonic system has a suction rating of 306 air watts. It’s still easy to maneuver thanks to Dyson’s Ball technology, so while it’s 17.5 pounds, you hardly notice the weight. It has a self-adjusting cleaning head, which makes it ideal for multiple types of surfaces, including hardwood considering you can turn the brush roll off. The machine is certified by the AAFA as well, so you can look forward to top-tier filtration.
This sealed system has whole-machine HEPA filtration and has washable filters that you simply need to wash and re-use. The bin is hygienic as well with a one-click system that makes disposing of debris simple. It can hold a lot of waste at 0.55 gallons and has a cleaning path width of 13.3”. There’s no automatic rewind for the cord like you’ll find with canister vacuums, but you will have plenty of room to roam with the 35-foot cord.
With allergies, keeping drapes, mattresses, and other areas of your home clean is just as important as the carpet itself. The tools included with the Ball Animal 2 allow you to do just that, and the vacuum is their most powerful model yet. While it’s not cheap, it is very effective against dust mites although it can be cumbersome on thick carpet due to its sucking power, according to some consumers. The Dyson Ball Animal 2 Total Clean comes with a 5-year warranty.
Riccar is a brand that slips under the radar of online shoppers as they aren’t sold like most vacuum cleaners. Well, it would be a huge mistake to overlook the Riccar R25 Pet Premium, as it’s one of the company’s more affordable systems and one built with allergies sufferers in mind.
This premium system was designed with ease of use in mind. While its 19 pounds, it has a solid set of caster wheels, which increases mobility. The controls are easy to access on the handle and a bright LED allows you to find those hidden dust bunnies. The Riccar R25 Pet Premium also has a dirt sensor that lights up when dirt is detected, so no stone is left unturned with this high-end system.
When it comes to filtration, you won’t be disappointed. The R25 has a HEPA media filter and uses HEPA bags with an efficiency of 99.97%. These top-loading bags are easy to deal with, and there’s a full bag sensor that lets you know when it’s time for a change. On the downside, they don’t’ appear to be washable, although easy to replace and relatively inexpensive.
This system also has a granulated charcoal filter to eliminate pet odors. Another reason this company’s cleaners are fan favorites is due to the build quality. It’s well-built with a metal brush roll that features replaceable brush strips. The wand is metal as well, and if a jam is detected, the brush roll shuts off immediately to prevent damage to the motor or belt breakage.
This is a Silver Seal Certified system by the Carpet and Rug Institute, while it isn’t cheap, it will outlast your old vacuum along with half of the machines on the market. This model has Red Carpet Service as well, so you’ll get a couple of free tune-ups that cover everything from the headlights to agitator brush strips along with a 5-year warranty. This system comes with a dusting brush, crevice tool, and the aptly named self-cleaning Fur Get It pet tool.
It doesn’t matter where you reside in the world; allergies can be an issue. The SEBO Felix 1 Premium vacuum cleaner is a German-engineered machine that’s perfect for pet hair and has been certified across the pond by the British Allergy Foundation.
The SEBO 9807AM Felix 1 is arguably the best-looking vacuum on our list and one that’s quite versatile. The powerhead detaches, which allows you to use it as a handheld vacuum that you can carry with the side handle. That hose provides “instant” suction as well once detached but will shut off automatically when the vacuum is in the upright position.
Hardwood, tile, and carpet are all suitable for this system thanks to dual cleaning heads. There is a powerhead for carpet and a parquet head for bare surfaces along with four levels of height adjustment, which are controlled manually. While an expensive add-on, the SEBO 9433AM Disco Floor polisher is also an option and can even help repair scratched flooring by using disks with different grits.
SEBO uses several types of filters to ensure your indoor air quality is clear. There’s a pre-motor filter that handles air coming into the system to go along with S-class microfilters. The electrostatically charged system will attract and capture 99.9% of tiny particles and are said to be more efficient and cost-effective than traditional HEPA filters as well. This vacuum also has a series of notification lights that let you know when your brush is worn, set too high to be effective, or if there’s a jam.
From the 180-degree swivel neck to variable suction control on the handle, this system is easy to use and an excellent choice if you suffer from allergies. Bags are easy to change, and the exhaust filter ensures only clean air exits the vacuum. The only complaints on this system is the fact it does run a bit hot and only comes with two tools which is disappointing given its price.
When you have a lot of carpet to clean and aren’t worried about fancy bells & whistles, commercial vacuum cleaners are an interesting choice. The Sanitaire EON ALLERGEN is a system in that class, and one to consider if HEPA filtration is important to you.
This vacuum cleaner has a sealed HEPA system, which includes a HEPA filter on the exhaust for maximum impact. It’s washable, and the system is certified by the AAFA and has Gold certification from the Carpet and Rug Institute. The EON ALLERGEN is also a LEED qualified machine and one of the quieter vacuum cleaners to make the cut with a decibel rating of only 68 dBA.
Build quality is critical with a commercial vacuum cleaner, so you can rest assured that this machine will outlive its warranty in a residential setting. It has an extended life motor with a rugged exterior that’s built to take a beating. It also has a 40’ pigtail cord that detaches and can be replaced down the line if needed. It’s relatively light at 17 pounds and uses large capacity bags rated at 4.1 quarts or close a gallon.
Certified systems in the commercial class are rare, but Sanitaire pulled off a significant feat with the EON ALLERGIN vacuum cleaner. It cleans carpet with the best of them and is one fully certified in key areas, but not ideal for bare floors as you can’t turn off the brush roll. This vacuum comes with an attached wand, upholstery brush, and crevice tool along with a 2-year guarantee from Sanitaire.
Pros
Built to last
Detachable cord
AAFA & CRI certified
68 dBA
Cons
Can’t turn off brush roll
5. Dyson Cyclone V10 Animal Pro Cordless Stick Vacuum
Almost all of Dyson’s systems are certified as Asthma & Allergy friendly, but choosing the right vacuum can be a tough task. Our top stick vacuum from the company is the Cyclone V10 Animal Pro due to its filtration and an amazing array of cleaning tools.
Dyson’s cordless V10 vacuum delivers in more ways than one. The powerful digital motor can spins at rates up to 125,000 RPM and can sling particles into the bin with ease thanks to the concentric cyclone array configuration. It also has three power modes and delivers 20% more suction than the previous generations thanks to its stellar new in-line design.
The bin is bigger on this model as well at 0.2 gallons. It’s designed to work alongside the new bin system, which is referred to as a “point and shoot” dirt ejector. You will still want to empty that bin carefully, but it’s a big improvement over their old bin systems. Whole-machine filtration is another advantage of this system, which can capture particles down to 0.3 microns.
You can transform the V10 into a handheld in seconds or snap the accessories directly onto the pole. There is no soft roller head with this particular configuration, but you’ll get standard accessories like the crevice tool and soft dusting brush along with the new Torque Drive Cleaner Head. As a bonus, you’ll also receive a mini motorized tool, combination accessory tool, stubborn dirt brush, mattress tool, and a quick-release extension hose.
While not their newest system, the V10 is a significant step up from the V8 and cheaper than the V11 with a similar set of accessories. Those tools will allow you to clean almost every area in your home, including chairs, corners, stairs, drapes, and mattresses. You can get up to an hour of runtime in normal mode without powered tools, but only 20 to 30 minutes with motorized accessories or in higher-powered modes.
You can’t have a “Best of” list for vacuum cleaners without including a system from Miele. All of their machines are perfect if you have allergies, but the Complete C3 Brilliant stands head and shoulders above the rest. It’s the company’s top-tier system, and one to keep in mind if you’re interested in a long term investment.
The Miele Complete C3 Brilliant has an impressive range of features. It’s a completely sealed system with AirClean construction and has a powerful 1,200-watt Vortex motor. That means you’ll get active HEPA filtration and a large 4.76-quart GN AirClean bags to handle the dirt and dust. Controls on the handle make this system a breeze to use, and there are six levels of suction to choose from depending on your needs.
Whether you have carpet or bare floors, the C3 can handle them as it comes with two cleaning heads. The SEB 236 power brush will freshen up carpet of any height while the large Parquet Twister brush is built for hardwood and has a 90-degree twisting neck. It’s agile, and you won’t be disappointed with the double-jointed combination smooth floor brush either. This system also includes three standard tools that are stored on-board in a velvet lined compartment.
Automatic cord rewind and the self-adjusting suction system are two other noteworthy features of the Miele Complete C3, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the lighting as well. It has an illuminated parking system if you need to take a break, but also has an LED light underneath the vacuum cleaner and lights on the power brush.
The C3 Brilliant won’t be for everyone duo the hefty price tag, but systems like this are more of an investment compared to traditional vacuum cleaners. It doesn’t have as many tools as similar systems but will outlive them and has an excellent warranty that includes 2 years parts & labor along with a 7-year guarantee on the motor and casing.
Atrix may not be as popular as Dyson or Kenmore from a brand standpoint, but this company has been cranking out vacuum cleaners and filtration since 1981. They carry a variety of machines built for clean rooms and hazardous environments, but also have residential units with top-tier filtration like the Atrix Turbo Red HC1.
The Turbo Red is an interesting system with excellent filtration against dander, pollen, dust mites, and other particles that are known to send your allergies into overdrive. It has a 3-stage filtration system with a foam pre-filter, HEPA exhaust filter and a HEPA dirt collection bag. An indicator light lets you know when the bags need to be changed, and the AHC-2 bags are rated at 6 quarts.
At 10.8 pounds, this canister vacuum is light and powerful. It has a 1,400-watt variable speed motor with an airflow rating of 106 CFM. There are three speed settings to choose from on the canister, and the cord retracts with the tap of your foot. It’s shorter than comparable systems at 20 feet although the company seems to have overcompensated for that with their telescoping pole.
The pole is metal and has a whopping 17 height settings, which allow you to find the perfect height for your needs. There are a wealth of tools included with this model as well with a canister floor tool, air-driven turbo brush, upholstery nozzle, crevice tool, and round dust brush. The Atrix Turbo Red also comes with two HEPA bags to get you started.
While there aren’t many reviews of this vacuum at this time, Atrix makes quality products, and the Turbo Red has a nice price point for what it brings to the table. They are also one of the greener companies in this niche as they stick to the principles set forth by the EICC, now known as the Responsible Business Alliance. The Turbo Red AHC1 comes with a 1-year guarantee from the company.
Our next option from Miele is the polar opposite of our first choice and a whole lot cheaper. The Miele Dynamic U1 Powerline has an entirely different form factor, but still features the same technology, features, and power that have made the brand popular around the world.
Miele used two motors in this vacuum cleaner, which allows you to completely disengage the brush roll when you need to deal with delicate flooring. It still has the 1,200-watt Vortex motor found on their canister vacuum, and there are four power levels to choose from. Those are easy to access as all the controls are a short distance from the handle.
The rotary dial is only one feature that makes this vacuum easy to use. It also has 8 LED lights across the front as well, and the machine will let you know if there’s an issue while you’re cleaning. There are lights for blockages and bag changes although you won’t see the latter very often. That’s because the U1 Powerline uses large 6-liter bags.
As you’d expect, this vacuum has superb filtration through their Air Clean Sealed System and a HEPA filter. The design allows it to lie flat on the floor, and you’ll get plenty of distance with an extra-long 39.5-foot power cord. Other perks of the U1 include a 12-foot flexible hose, automatic height adjustment, SwivelNeck technology, and integrated tool storage.
At 22 pounds, this vacuum isn’t light but provides you with a cleaning radius of 54 feet thanks to the long hose and power cord. The Electro Brush floorhead works wonders on carpets, and you’ll have no problem on hardwood with the 1,200-watt motor. The Miele Dynamic U1 Powerline comes with a crevice tool, dusting brush, upholstery tool, and 4 extra bags.
Kenmore is a brand that always comes to mind whenever you are looking for a top-notch vacuum cleaner. They have several systems certified by the AAFA, including the Kenmore Elite 31150, which is a Pet-Friendly upright that’s geared for a variety of flooring types.
Kenmore went beltless with this system, which features the company’s powerful 3D Inducer Motor. Power Flow tech delivers 20% more power than a “normal” upright and there are 5 levels of height adjustment to choose from. They are manual, but we’re pleased to say this vacuum is suitable for everything from hardwood to carpet.
You can turn the brush roll off when you transition to hardwood, and the controls are easy to access considering they are located on the handle. Dust and dander will have a hard time escaping this system when you factor in the LED-based infrared dirt detector and triple HEPA filtration system. It’s hefty at 21 pounds, but we did not see any major complaints related to the mobility of the Kenmore Elite 31150 Pet-Friendly vacuum.
Tech specs were a little hard to come by for this model, but it has a respectable cleaning path at 12.75” to go along with a 35-foot cord. It uses O style cloth HEPA bag filters which hold a lot of debris, although the company does not give a capacity for the system itself or replacement bags. The Kenmore Elite 31150 comes with an aluminum telescoping pole, dusting brush, bare floor tool and a crevice tool.
While far from the slimmest system on our list, this certified system will help keep your home free from dust, dander, and other particles that can irritate your allergies. Consumers appreciated its power on this direct drive system although there were some complaints on the weight and angle of the exhaust system.
If you’re concerned about emptying dust bins or and don’t want to deal with replacing bags, a water-based vacuum could be the best option for your home. The Quantum X upright is the most unusual system on our list and one that could be of great benefit to consumers with allergies.
The highlight of this system is the water-based filtration system. Due to the design, it can never clog, and you will never have to get your hands dirty again. Dust and dirt become trapped in the water, so you simply need to pour the canister out when you’re done cleaning. That also means you won’t have to purchase replacement filters, and the company also uses Micro Silver technology in this system as well.
Uprights typically aren’t known for their agility, but this one has a low clearance of 4” which allows you to get under low furniture. The body swivels 180 degrees while the telescoping head adds 18” to your cleaning radius. There aren’t many bells & whistles with the Quantum X, but it will automatically adjust to handle different types of flooring like hardwood, carpet or area rugs.
Water-based vacuums keep dust from going airborne, which makes them ideal for allergens. Its ability to clean up spills is a bonus as well – especially if you are a pet owner. The Quantum X comes with a 10-foot hose, several extensions, three tools and a storage bag. It’s backed by a 3-year guarantee by Quantum X, and while it’s pricey, it’s worth a look if you’re tired of traditional systems.
Pros
Telescoping head
No filters to change
Clog-free
Can vacuum up spills
Cons
Dumping dirty water
Water adds weight
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are bagged vacuums better if you have allergies?
A: Yes. If you suffer from allergies, you should start looking for a bagged system – they are far cleaner than canisters. Many models allow you to plug the bag before its dumped which further minimizes the risk of dust getting into the air.
Q: Is a canister or upright vacuum better for my home?
A: It depends on the type of flooring. Canister vacuums can be just as efficient as a high powered upright, but are typically geared towards bare surfaces and rugs unless they have power brush heads. For carpet, an upright is typically your best choice.
Q: What’s a vacuum with a sealed system?
A: When you hear that term, it means the manufacturer has designed their machine to keep dust in so it won’t leak from the vacuum while you are cleaning.
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