| Dust mites live on shed human skin cells, predigested | | | | HEPA-tested and rated vacuum cleaner and a HEPA |
| by a fungus called Aspergillus repens. It is particularly | | | | filtered vacuum cleaner. |
| common in carpets and bedding. General cleaning | | | | 1. HEPA tested and rated vacuum cleaner. |
| does not remove these mites. In this article, we will | | | | HEPA tested and rated vacuum cleaners achieve |
| take a look at effective ways to control dust mites. | | | | total filtration of 99.99954% at 0.3 microns. |
| Most of us take the following measures to control | | | | 2. HEPA filtered vacuum cleaner |
| dust mites using regular cleaning equipment and | | | | A HEPA filtered vacuum cleaner - only the filter |
| chemicals: | | | | system has been tested, not the entire vacuum |
| 1. Regular vacuum cleaning (especially with | | | | system. |
| high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters) | | | | Why is it important to distinguish between the two |
| 2. Regular damp dusting of surfaces | | | | systems? |
| 3. Replacement of carpets with vinyl or tile floors | | | | HEPA tested and rated vacuum cleaners have been |
| 4. Covering of mattresses and pillows with impervious | | | | tested for any leaks that might occur - i.e. the |
| materials | | | | possibility of minute leaks in the vacuums system and |
| 5. Use of chemicals (acaricides) to kill mites | | | | filters where the air might bypass the filters. That |
| 6. Use of fungicides to kill Aspergillus | | | | includes the canister as well. |
| 7. High efficiency particulate air filters (HEPA) | | | | HEPA filtered vacuum cleaners on the other hand |
| The use of high efficiency particulate air filters will | | | | have just been tested for the filters itself and not |
| assist with the removal of dust mites in household | | | | the canisters. |
| and other environments. Nowadays, vacuum cleaners | | | | When purchasing cleaning equipment, clients should |
| are HEPA rated, so it is advisable to look for this | | | | take these factors into consideration. Questions that |
| rating when purchasing a vacuum cleaner. | | | | should be asked should include the following: |
| HEPA rating is a confusing term as so many | | | | Which type of application needs to be cleaned? |
| manufacturers and end-users misuse it to sell their | | | | Must the environment be clean and dust-free? |
| products. In Europe, HEPA is a range of filtration | | | | HEPA filtered vacuums works well in commercial |
| from 85% to 99,995% of particles 0.3 microns in size | | | | applications where the indoor quality of the air should |
| or larger. (HI0-HI4) For anything better than HI4, the | | | | be clean. In cases (for example laboratories) where |
| rating scale changes to ULPA (Ultra Particulate Air) | | | | the air must be both clean and dust-free, a HEPA |
| 99.9995% to 99.999995% @ 0.3 microns is | | | | tested and rated vacuum would be best to use. |
| considered ULPA in Europe. In the United States, a | | | | Please consult with your cleaning equipment supplier |
| HEPA filter is understood to be at least 99.97% | | | | when deciding upon the best equipment to use for |
| efficient at 0.3 microns. Higher efficiencies can be | | | | your application. It might be worth your while to |
| specified, such as 99,999% but there are no | | | | invest a bit more in order to obtain a clean and |
| classifications applied. (e.g. H13) as in Europe. | | | | dust-free environment. |
| It is also essential to distinguish between | | | | |