What Are UV Sanitizing Vacuums
A UV sanitizing vacuum is an ordinary vacuum with a UV-C light attached. This UV, or ultra-violet, light can sanitize germs and make your surfaces much cleaner than if you used an ordinary vacuum.
The technology used by sanitizing vacuums is the same that many hospitals employ to disinfect surfaces and fabrics because they remove all traces of dirt and germs.
A UV sanitizing vacuum, like standard vacuums, uses a beater bar and ultraviolet light to target clean and sanitize surfaces. When the UV light shines on these surfaces, the beater bar cleans it up, and all the particles and dust mites get sanitized and sucked into the vacuum.
Combining both cleaning methods makes UV sanitizing vacuums one of the most efficient cleaning devices. However, UV sanitizing vacuums are mostly handheld as most people do not need to sanitize large areas. Therefore, they are designed to sanitize smaller areas, such as pillows and mattresses, and cannot be used on larger areas, such as carpets.
However, some UV sanitizing vacuums come with handle attachments that you can clip onto the vacuum when you use it on larger or hard-to-reach surfaces.
Benefits of UV Vacuums
UV sanitizing vacuums using UV lights are highly beneficial for people who want to sanitize their surfaces and remove all kinds of bacteria. Most UV sanitizing vacuums are designed to have a filtration rate of 99.9% and are exceptional at destroying pathogens, viruses, bacteria, and germs.
The viability of these vacuums has been tested repeatedly. Many studies have also been done to determine whether or not such cleaners are as effective as they claim. Studies have found that UV sanitizing vacuums can reduce colony-forming units or CFUs by 60% without a vacuum. When both the UV light and vacuum were used, the CFUs decreased by 87%.
Another research proved that the UV light attached to a vacuum reduces CFUs to zero, meaning that UV sanitizing vacuums could eliminate bacteria completely. Therefore, UV lights nearly double a regular vacuum’s effectiveness in lowering various allergens, particles, and carpet microbes.
UV-C radiation also effectively kills dust mites and their eggs by disrupting their DNA. Studies have also been conducted in hospitals to test the effectiveness of UV sanitization systems. They found that by adding ultraviolet-C light to regular vacuums, the amount of common health-care-associated infections decreased significantly.
Furthermore, UV sanitizing vacuums are also perfect for those with allergies and asthma because they use HEPA filters, which are excellent at capturing various allergens and dust. Thus, they reduce allergic respiratory symptoms significantly.
Therefore, UV sanitizing vacuums are perfect for those who appreciate a clean home because these vacuums can clean your home much better than ordinary vacuums.
Additionally, they can be used on small surfaces such as mattresses, pillows, sofas, and sheets. Still, they are not ideal for larger surfaces such as carpets. If you do use them, it may take a lot longer than if you used a regular vacuum.
UV sanitizing vacuums can also clean up bed bugs or dust mites. The vacuum can suck them up, but the eggs of the bacteria are often lodged into the fabric, which makes them difficult to reach. However, UV vacuum cleaners can target them and kill them.
Therefore, they are the best vacuums for pet hairs, germs, bacteria, and odors from pet beds, pillows, and mattresses.
How To Choose a UV Sanitizing Vacuum
Suppose you want to purchase a UV sanitizing vacuum. In that case, you must take note of a few critical features to ensure that your device is functional and fulfill all your cleaning needs.
Performance
When purchasing a UV sanitizing vacuum, you must consider its performance first. On the market, there are all kinds of vacuums present, from ones that have 2500 rotations per minute (rpm) while others that may have over 5000 rpm.
Consider your usage to decide how powerful you want your vacuum to be. If you plan on using it regularly to clean large surfaces, you should aim for a vacuum with a higher number of rpm. However, if you plan on using it occasionally or on small surfaces, you do not need the most powerful vacuum. In such cases, a moderately powerful one will serve you just as well. Powerful UV sanitizing vacuums are also expensive. Purchasing one when you do not really need it may not be the most practical decision.
Filters
Filters are another critical factor to consider when buying any kind of vacuum because it is what cleans the surface. Many vacuums come with HEPA filters that are highly efficient at separating dust from the air. They are designed to filter out almost 99.97% of dust particles, even those as small as 0.3 microns.
HEPA filters are also perfect for people with asthma because they can capture dust and allergens that cause flare-ups. However, filters need to be replaced regularly, at least once a year, because they can get clogged, which reduces their efficiency.
Therefore, you must purchase a UV sanitizing vacuum with HEPA filters because, combined with UV disinfection technology, it can neutralize viruses, dust mites, and bacteria from various surfaces.
Consider the Maintenance
Vacuum cleaners need to be maintained often to ensure that they perform well. One of the most significant factors to consider in a vacuum’s maintenance is its dustbin.
Usually, UV sanitizing vacuums come in two varieties, bagged and bagless. Bagged Vacuums require you to empty the bag in the trash can, while bagless require you to eject the dust into a trashcan. Bagged types are expensive because you need to replace the bag often, but they are much more convenient.
However, bagless vacuums are much cheaper in the long run as you don’t have any bags to change frequently. Hence, they are much easier to maintain.
Noise Level
When you choose a UV sanitizing vacuum to buy, you must consider the amount of noise it makes. Suppose your vacuum cleaner is marketed as a powerful UV sanitizing vacuum. In that case, it will most likely be loud because of the motor. However, choosing a silent vacuum cleaner may compromise the suction power.
Ideally, you should pick a vacuum that offers multiple modes, so you can adjust it to a lower setting, making it quieter.
Dustbin Size
Considering the vacuum’s dustbin size is essential because it determines how frequently you need to clean it. If you choose a UV sanitizing vacuum with a larger dustbin, you won’t have to empty it out often. However, if you buy a vacuum with a small dust bin, you must empty it every time you use it.
The size of the dustbin in your vacuum also depends significantly on your usage. If you use it occasionally, then a small dustbin will be ideal. However, suppose you plan to clean larger surfaces with your UV sanitizing vacuum. In that case, you should opt for a vacuum that has a larger dust bin.
Vacuums with larger dustbins are also more expensive and bulkier, which is another factor you should consider. However, a large variety is available on the market, and you can get UV sanitizing vacuums with dust bins varying from 250ml to 1000 ml.
Easy To Use
When purchasing a UV sanitizing vacuum, you should ensure that it is easy to use. The user interface of the vacuum should be simple and easy to understand because the more complex a device is to use, the less it will be used.
Some features that make vacuums easy to use include handlebars to extend the reach of the vacuum, digital indicators, and more. You should also check to see how comfortable the vacuum is to hold. It should be effortless to maneuver and not strain your wrist, as it can lead to injuries.
Additionally, most vacuums have a trigger power button, which needs to be held down for the vacuum to work. However, trigger buttons may get uncomfortable if you intend to use your UV sanitizing vacuum for larger surfaces. Therefore, you should opt for clickable buttons, which only require you to press once to turn the vacuum on or off.
Hot Air Sterilization
Hot air sterilization is another feature you should look out for if you want to purchase UV sanitizing vacuums. This feature increases the vacuum’s efficiency by using hot air and UV to clean surfaces. Such vacuums are thus a lot more efficient in cleaning surfaces and ensuring that the surface is as clean as possible.
This feature is not available on all UV vacuums because certain companies have patented it and do not allow others to hop onto this technology. Therefore, if you find such a vacuum, you should purchase it.
Durability
When purchasing a UV sanitizing vacuum or any cleaner, you must check the quality of the product. Low-quality products are cheaper because manufacturers cut corners and use low-quality materials. Furthermore, they do not last long nor work as well as higher-quality ones. Therefore, you may have to change such devices often.
High-quality products are much more durable and can be used extensively over a long period. They are designed and manufactured with care and made using high-quality materials that can withstand wear and tear for several years.
Therefore, you should avoid purchasing the cheapest UV sanitizing vacuum because it may not serve you well. However, you should not opt for the most expensive option either because more affordable options often work just as well.
The best way to get cheap but effective vacuums is to check reviews of the vacuum, compare its features with its competitors, and research the brand.
Warranty
Warranty is an essential part of the deal when you purchase a vacuum cleaner. Ensure that the UV sanitizing vacuum you buy comes with a substantial warranty lasting at least a couple of years. Generally, vacuum cleaners have a warranty that lasts between 1 year to 5 years. You should ideally choose one that offers at least 3 years of warranty with a promise to exchange the entire vacuum or parts if it malfunctions.
Furthermore, it is even better if the brand offers an extended warranty for minimal charges. A longer warranty indicates how much trust the brand has in its devices. Therefore, the more extended the warranty, the better the device.
Pros and Cons of UV Sanitizing Vacuums
| Pros | Cons |
| They have 99.9% or higher filtration rates. | They can be used on small surfaces. |
| Studies have shown that they can reduce CFUs. | They are expensive. |
| They can reduce odors, dust mites, and other bacteria. | – |
Choosing a Brand
When purchasing UV sanitizing vacuums, you must purchase from a reputable brand. Well-known brands manufacture and produce their devices with care and offer the best quality products that use the latest technology. Some well-known brands that provide UV sanitizing vacuums include Housemile, Raycop, and Dascooni.
Housemile
Housemile is known to have some of the best UV vacuums in the industry. It’s vacuums offer powerful suction of up to 12Kpa, which sucks up all kinds of dust, debris, and pet hair. Furthermore, their devices also have long power cords of up to 16.4 feet, increasing their mobility and reach.
Their vacuums are known to be extremely easy to use, and the addition of UV light makes them efficient cleaners. Housemile combines standard vacuum suction, UV light, and hot air to remove 99.7% of pollutants from the air. Therefore, they are also suitable for completely eliminating mites as well.
Housemile also uses HEPA filters, which are known to capture particles as small as 0.3 microns. Some popular models from the brand include the Housemile Vacuum Cleaner 836 and the Housemile Mattress Vacuum Cleaner 810.
Raycop
Raycop is well known in the UV vacuum industry for its vacuums. Its vacuum offers RayClean technology that can remove pollen, mites, dust, and 99% of other common bacteria and viruses from the surfaces the vacuum is used on.
Raycop UV vacuums also use UV lamps, which are wavelength calibrated to eliminate over 90% of bacteria and viruses on surfaces. Furthermore, they also use HEPA filters, which remove 99.9% of dirt and dust mites and trap even the smallest particles measuring 0.3 microns.
Some models also use pulsating pads, which vibrate around 4600 to 5000 times per minute. These pads agitate and loosen dirt, dust, and dust mites and can remove almost three times as much allergens and dust as regular vacuums.
Dascooni
Dascooni UV vacuum cleaners offer professional performance to their users, as they have one of the strongest motors in the market. They are efficient in sucking up all kinds of dirt and debris from various surfaces without harming them.
Their UV sanitizing vacuums use a double-beating pulsation pad and a purple light that loosens dirt and debris stuck in fabrics and allows the vacuums to suck it up. Furthermore, their vacuums also employ HPA filters, which can remove 99.7% of dust, dirt, and dust mites from surfaces. They can also remove particles that are as small as 0.3 microns.
Some popular models from this brand include the Dascooni Bed Vacuum Cleaner and the Dascooni Mattress Vacuum.
FAQs
1. Are UV vacuums effective?
Yes. Many types of research have been conducted that suggest that adding ultraviolet light to regular vacuums can almost double the removal of infectious microorganisms from the surface they are used on.
2. Can you use UV sanitizing vacuums around kids and pets?
Yes, UV sanitizing vacuums are perfectly safe to use around pets and kids because research has not shown any adverse side effects of this technology. Additionally, UV light is extensively used in hospitals for sanitary purposes.
3. Does UV light work on dust mites?
Yes. UV light is one of the safest parts of the light spectrum and is perfect for killing germs, mold, bacteria, and dust mites. It can also kill insect eggs by disrupting their DNA.
4. Do UV light vacuums help with allergies?
Yes, ultraviolet light used in UV sanitizing vacuums affects the DNA in cells of allergens and dust mites that cause asthma and allergies in many. The disruption in DNA stops these organisms from reproducing and can also kill them.
Conclusion
UV sanitizing vacuums are the newest technology taking over the vacuum world because of their efficiency in removing dirt and bacteria. These vacuums utilize UV light that kills dust mites and other allergies and sanitizes the area they are used on.
However, many UV sanitizing vacuums are available, and choosing one that fits your needs can be difficult. Therefore, you should focus on a few key features, such as power, dustbin size, noise level, hot air sterilization, and ease of use, to find the best vacuum that fits your needs.
If you are searching for other types of vacuum cleaners, you may read our Guide to Picking the Right Vacuum Cleaner for Your Needs for more information and recommendations.
