With the advancement of technology, more innovations are coming to our household appliances and devices, making our lives easier and safe. Vacuum cleaners are no exception to these developments. In the mid-2000s, ultraviolet light was integrated into these machines, further boosting an ordinary vacuum cleaner’s filtration and sanitization capability. It’s rapidly gaining popularity in the market and has been added by many homeowners into their households.
But should you consider getting the best UV sanitizing vacuum yourself? Is getting one the right choice for you? Don’t fret, as we’re here to help answer those questions. Continue reading below to know more about vacuums with UV light and assess if the device suits your needs and how it may do wonders for the cleanliness and safety of your home.
What is a UV sanitizing vacuum?
A UV sanitizing vacuum is an ordinary vacuum cleaner, but with an added UV-C light attached to help in sanitizing targeted surfaces. It basically uses the same technology utilized in hospitals and medical institutions when disinfecting fabrics and surfaces from germs.
The UV light shines down on the area, while the beater bar or bristle bar flusters the directed space. It agitates all the pathogens, allergens, particulates, and dust mites while the suction mechanisms work side by side with the UV light, sucking them all into the vacuums.
When the addition of UV light, the cleaning efficiency of an ordinary vacuum cleaner is vastly improved, giving them a huge edge over the regular types.
When should you use consider getting a UV sanitizing vacuum?
A UV sanitizing vacuum is ideal for anyone who wants to elevate the cleanliness of their home tenfold. While an ordinary vacuum cleaner may seem to do the job, it may not penetrate deep enough or remove the problems at the source.
If you’re having problems with pesky dust mites or bed bugs, a UV vacuum can be best your best ally in preventing the issue from recurring. UV-C light does two main goals. With continued exposure, it kills the adult dust mites on a cellular level. UV light is a type of electromagnetic radiation observed in natural sunlight, which causes damage to their living tissues.
Dust mites’ eggs that are confined deep in the fabric are affected, as well. Second, as UV
light shines, the DNA within the eggs is affected, preventing them from hatching. That way, you don’t only suck a part of the problem. You cease the mites’ reproduction cycle and prevent their remnants from spreading and causing issues anew.
On the other hand, you might notice that most UV vacuums are handheld. That’s because they are generally designed for cleaning and sanitizing smaller areas, sofas, sheets, mattresses, and pillows, which larger vacuums are often not intended to do so. Not to worry, as UV vacuums usually come with long handle attachments in case you need to target larger surfaces.
If any of your loved ones is suffering from bad allergies, be it from pollen or pet dander, your household will benefit a lot from a UV sanitizing vacuum. It will help get rid of all the given allergens, germs, bacteria, and odor. With most UV vacuums now also using HEPA filters, a proven filtration technology that significantly decreases allergic respiratory symptoms, all you’re bound to have is a cleaner, safer, fresher-smelling home.
Do UV vacuums genuinely work?
If you’re still hesitant about UV vacuums, many studies have been done that prove that UV vacuums are far more effective than regular vacuum cleaners when it comes to sanitation. A study from Ohio University in 2010 reported that the combination of UV light and vacuum doubles the unit’s effectiveness in decreasing surface-bound microbial loads, even reducing the bacteria CFUs (colony forming units) to zero.
Meanwhile, a separate study published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine in 2012 tested if the germicidal properties of UV-C vacuum by using it on organisms and their eggs. They found that UV-C light damages the organisms’ nucleic acids and is lethal to dust mites and bacteria.
A study in 2018 initiated by Duke University researchers found out that UV-C light modestly reduced the incidence of two common hospital-linked infections. Thus, further supporting that UV sanitization works in killing germs, bacteria, and other contaminants.
Are UV vacuums safe?
If you’re concerned about safety, ease your worries as the wavelengths used in UV vacuums are not known to cause health issues. UV sanitizing vacuums are also safe to use around kids and pets. Ultraviolet light technology has long been used in hospitals, dental practices, refrigerations, industrial processes, producing fluorescent effects, and suntanning. Extensive research is also available, attesting to the safety of UV light technology.
How much does a UV vacuum cost?
In their introduction, UV vacuums cleaners came with a high price tag, costing around $600 per unit. No surprise that they had been widely criticized. Fortunately, they’re now pretty affordable today, with good brands ranging from $150 to $250, while cheaper ones cost less than a hundred dollars.
What should I consider when buying a UV vacuum?
Searching for the best UV sanitizing vacuum to buy can be a daunting task, given the tons of machines to choose from. To help you find the best unit that will work for you, be sure to check the following factors.
Suction Power: After the UV light has done its job, you need enough suction power to collect all the dirt, dust, debris, mites, and allergens from the sanitized surface. If you have a bigger area to cover or need to tackle thicker items and congested spaces, you may opt for stronger UV vacuums to ensure all particulates are lifted out.
Weight: Opt for lighter units, so you may use them for a longer period without getting tired. On average, UV vacuums that weigh below five pounds will work for you best.
HEPA filter: As earlier mentioned, HEPA filtration works great for allergy sufferers. However, not all UV sanitizing vacuums use them. To get the most out of your unit, look for one that uses HEPA filtration technology. However, many manufacturers try to deceive customers by labeling their filters as HEPA-like or HEPA-type. Only buy ones that have HEPA certification as they have been verified to meet the standards.
Warranty and Support: Lastly, try to find a UV vacuum with a good warranty policy. Most manufacturers provide a one-year warranty but still be diligent enough to check which issues the warrant covers. Ask if there’s also a support line that can help should any problem arise and help you with claims if needed.
Wrapping Up
UV vacuum cleaners can, indeed, be an exceptional addition to your home, helping you remove harmful microorganisms more effectively without exerting any extra effort. Though it may entail spending a considerable amount, remember that having a clean and safe home will save you more money and resources, as you’ll have a healthier family for long.