The GoVacuum Blog

By Michele Kadison

I’ve been doing some research on dust mites after my cousin came down with serious allergies apparently due to a proliferation of microorganisms in her home.  We all have mites and pathogens nesting in our furnishings, actually, but often their effect is not that obvious.

The truth is that the average dust mite lives for 80 days and produces approximately 1,000 allergenic waste products that can cause asthma and other similar irritations.  Up to 2 million mites can live in our mattresses and other soft furnishings, feeding on our dead skin cells.  It is a frightening picture, isn’t it?

In addition to dust mites, soft furnishings attract all sorts of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens such as the influenza virus, E coli, Staphylococcus Aureus, and Candida.  Spraying with anti-bacterial products is not that effective for removing pathogens or dust mites, and even the highest end vacuum cleaner will not successfully get rid of them.

But… there is one solution and that is a brilliant new antibacterial vacuum that functions with a UV-C light, which is a germicidal light that damages the DNA of mites and pathogens at close range.  The unit comes with a vibrating pad that loosens dust mites from their territory, whereby they are then stricken by the UV-C ray and then sucked up by a vacuum that moves everything through an anti-allergenic filter.

The Earlex RayCop kills 99.9% of the microorganisms that live in our mattresses and other furnishings.  It comes with two settings:  one that vibrates and the other that does not, which is great for use on harder surfaces where it is not necessary for loosening mites and other debris from their homes.  The unit weighs only 5 lbs and has a sleek design, making it easy to hold and operate.

So, if you want to keep your home dust mite and bacteria free, do what I just did, and that is purchase yourself an essential tool that will keep you and your family microorganism free.

 By Michele Kadison

One of the most serious threats to our health is the presence of mold in our homes and work spaces.  Mold loves a moist, humid environment and will burst into bloom faster than you can imagine, letting loose its toxic fumes in secret.  Wherever you have organic-based materials such as fabric, paint, or wood, you can bet mold would be very happy to hang its hat there, especially if it is in a dark, hidden place.

Preventing mold from forming is the best way to avoid the nasty stuff.  Checking pipe leaks so that condensation does not form, cracks that invite moisture, or wet towels or clothing that has no where to dry fully is important for keeping mold spores  at bay.  If you have mold already, scrub it away with natural cleaning agents such as white vinegar and boric acid mixed with water or  other Green cleaning products designed to do the job.  Dry the area thoroughly and then keep it that way.  Purchasing a good air cleaner designed to remove airborne mold spores and other allergens is an excellent idea for keeping you and yours mold-free.

Some mold is too tenacious for a do-it-yourself solution, and this is where you may need professional assistance.  Sometimes it even requires replacing structures.

There are mold test kits available on-line, or you can call in a professional to see if you have hidden mold in your home or work space.  Whatever you do, mold is not something to ignore as it can cause illness through even the subtlest exposure.

 

by Michele Kadison
Environmental consciousness begins at home. Breathing pure, clean air that is free of dust, mold, pollen, pet dander, smoke, and any other type of airborne pollutant is a right that we need to choose for ourselves. Buying a top-notch air purifier is an ideal way to ensure that unwanted elements in our homes do not find their way into our lungs.

A good air purifier is designed to improve the quality of the air by removing potential allergens, which can be the cause of many problems if inhaled on a regular basis. If you suffer from asthma or are sensitive to airborne particles, breathing clean air is essential. People with sensitive lungs, including children and the elderly will also experience huge benefits from purified air.A good air purifier also reduces residual smells from pets and smokers as well as any other potential air pollutant.

As one of the leading air purifying systems in the field, Blueair is a brand that many consumers are turning to for obtaining next to perfect air quality at home. As an energy efficient product, Blueair creates a very small carbon footprint while also saving the consumer money. One of their most popular models is the Blueair 650E, which is designed for large rooms and comes with a remote control device that allows settings to be changed easily. With a digital display, users can immediately get feedback on particle direction and air purifying speed. Additionally, the digital readout provides notification when the air filter needs changing.

Regardless of which brand you choose, purchasing an air purifier may be one of the best investments you will ever make in terms of you and your family’s health.

by Michele Kadison
Not too long ago it was sufficient to dust the furniture, wash the floors, and bathe your pets, to boast that you then had a clean home.  Today things have changed as the quality of our air has become polluted with too great a range of irritants.  From pollen to other air-borne elements and allergens, as well as the chemical detritus left over from so many toxic household products, we are breathing air that is laden with pollutants.

For this reason air purifiers and air filters have become important tools in assuring the cleanliness of our air in both home and office.  These systems have become a boon to those with allergies, asthma, and chronic respiratory problems as well as babies, the elderly, and anyone wishing to breathe healthily.  Because air purifiers and filters remove smoke, smog, pet dander, bacteria, mold, and other foreign matter that lingers in the air, they are considered essential by those who recognize the positive impact they have on health.

Air purifiers and filters come in many sizes, from portable to sizes commensurate with varying room dimensions. An air purifier functions by drawing the air inside a room to the base of the unit where it is then pushed upwards through a mesh filter.  As the air pushes up, pollutants are extracted and sealed inside the unit before the air continues to its next stop.  This subsequent phase is where the air enters into a cleaning cell where it is then ionized, whereby small dust particles and other types of similar debris are removed.  From here it goes to an activated charcoal filter, which deodorizes the air before it is released back into the room cleaned and purified.

Air filters also come in many different dimensions and are generally made of paper, foam, synthetic fabric, or cotton. Some filters, such as those used for HVAC (heating-ventilation-and air-conditioning)are made of fiberglass.   Often air filters are used on devices that need clean air to function well, such as vehicles, computers, and other units with exhaust systems. Using no more energy than a light bulb, air filter systems filter out many allergens including dust and small irritants.  One of the most effective household air filter systems is a universal air filter, or UAF, which includes a filter, a fan guard, and an air-flow enclosure.

If you want to keep yourself and the people around you healthy, you will want to make sure that the air inside your home and office is as irritant-free as possible.  Investing in an air purifier or air filter system is an investment in cleaner lungs along with a more conscious lifestyle.

by Michele Kadison
Dander
When it comes to your pet, make sure he or she is groomed properly and has a balanced diet to prevent dry skin.  Brush your pet  outside your home.

Vacuuming is Key
One of the most effective ways of maintaining an allergy-free home is to vacuum it frequently with a HEPA vacuum.  This is a vacuum that has been tested for particle emissions.  A HEPA unit consists of a filtration system that captures microscopic particles and prevents them from being re-released into your home.

Choosing the Right Vacuum Cleaner
Finding the right HEPA vacuum for your particular home is essential for thorough cleaning. Choose a vacuum cleaner based on what type of flooring you have in your home.

Canister vacuum cleaners are ideal for use on full carpets as well as cleaning drapes where many irritants can lodge. This type of model is also effective when cleaning bare wood or tile floors as well as stairways, corners, and ceilings where dust traps love to collect.  Upright vacuum cleaners are great for deep cleaning, especially on deeper carpet pile where heavy suction is necessary for pulling out dust and debris. If your home has rugs and/or low pile carpet, you may want to consider a turbo model for extra help in pulling dust out of the fibers. Test the vacuum you are considering for strong suction power as well as ease of use.  Make sure filtration is of the highest quality.

Maintaining Your Vacuum
Maintaining your vacuum cleaner is equally important.  Make sure your filter is cleaned on a regular basis and that you throw away your used vacuum bags just before they become completely full.

Staying Allergen-Free
Keeping your home free of allergens is not difficult.  With the right equipment and the discipline of keeping a regular cleaning schedule, you and your family will be breathing free and clear as you enjoy a mite, mold, and dander-free lifestyle!

I can always tell when Spring is here…everyone in the office starts sneezing a lot and it’s not pretty. With the rise of allergens in the air, it’s almost unavoidable. Luckily, working in the GoVacuum warehouse, I have access to all the neat products we carry. Perusing the aisles of air purifiers, I found something that looked like it could be the answer. The Blueair AirPod Portable Air Purifier. And I was right, it was the perfect solution for the rise of dirty air that was infecting my personal space.

What surprised me most was the size (13 inches) and efficiency of the Blueair Airpod, effectively creating a “Personal Clean Airzone” for me. The purifier’s sleek design is easy on the eyes and completely silent, making it a perfect addition to your cluttered desk and less annoying than your office-mates. You can even choose the color of the filter that accompanies the machine: White, Grey, Blue or Black.

If you are looking for something simple to clean the air around you, whether it is at the office or at home, the Blueair Airpod Portable Air Purifier is the perfect choice, especially at our sale price of $36.99 (used to be $99!).

You can also check out our pretty newsletter made for the Blueair Airpod:

Rechargeable hand held vacuum cleaners can be very handy. From cleaning out your car, to vacuuming hard to reach places, to quick pick-ups in the kitchen, cordless hand vacuum cleaners are extremely useful. One of the most popular hand vac’s has been Dirt Devil’s Kone, and Kurv models. Half piece of art, and half hand vac, these machines are a popular item here at GoVacuum, especially during the Christmas season.

In Consumer Reports’ annual vacuum cleaner ratings edition they tested different widely available hand vac models, including the Kone. In their report they discovered a “safety hazard” with some of the Kone models.

The specific Dirt Devil Kone models in question are the M0213, and the M0212 models. The problem, however, seems to be narrowed down to only the older L series machines. The problem is apparently because of an undersized filter adapter that has caused the machine to expel sand particles out of the exhaust port. The new “J” series models have a better sealing filter adapter and are not having this problem. “L” Series models are identifiable by the Plant code on the back of the machine.

Although no injuries have been caused by this problem, particles as big as sand being expelled from the vacuum cleaner should be a cause for concern, especially for those suffering from breathing issues such as allergies and asthma. Sand particles can be as large as 100 microns in size compared to dust mites and their droppings at 10.0 microns, or pollen particles at 10-30 microns, which are both highly explosive triggers for people with allergies and asthma.

In response to the Consumer Report’s test, Dirt Devil is giving customers who purchased the L series a free filter adapter. Customers can call Dirt Devil directly at 1-800-321-1134 in order to receive your free filter adapter.

One thing must be made clear to our readers. Rarely, dare I say never, do we agree with Consumer Reports’ view on vacuums. For years, their top rated vacuums have been some of the worst in the industry but “ironically” are vacuums sold exclusively to Big Box stores like K-Mart (Kenmore). (Corporate collusion anyone?) Our goal in discussing this specific Consumer Reports’ piece is to make sure that our customers get the free filter they deserve, so make sure to give Dirt Devil a call.

Further, we’ve made active attempts both online and in our retail stores to educate consumers on their vacuum purchases.

In addition to the Dirt Devil Kone, GoVacuum recommends the Filter Stream V2510, the only hand vacuum to have a sealed, HEPA certified filter. This Filter Stream Dirt Tamer is Wet/Dry and comes with a strong warranty for a hand vac, with a 2 Year parts and labor warranty.

- Chris Jones, Operations Manager

With the incidence of asthma increasing a lot of people are worried about the quality of the air inside their home.

Air pollutants are everywhere now either drifting in from outside the home or coming from within. External pollutants range from natural pollens to man made pollutants such as vehicle fumes or pesticides. Internal pollutants include dust mites, fumes from heating or cooking and even low level fumes from chemicals used to preserve and protect new furniture and clothing.

Removing these pollutants from the home is sometimes difficult, particularly when there are weather extremes. Having a wide open home with doors and windows open can help; they can however aggravate problems if pollen is one of the allergens.

Buying an air filter may be one of the options to consider. These units are capable of removing almost all of the air pollutants in the home depending on the type of filter purchased. HEPA filters will remove as much as 99.97% of airborne pollutants at 0.3 microns or larger.

Air filters can sit in a corner and do their job quietly and efficiently with many capable of cleaning all the air in a room once every 10 minutes. This is generally sufficient to remove all airborne pollutants leaving the air clean and fresh for most people suffering from air borne allergens.

GoVacuum.com has a series of articles that go further in to the subject of Indoor Air Quality and Air Purifying Buying Guide. These articles should answer most of your questions. If you do have more questions then contact us for more information. We have a wide variety of air purifiers on sale so check out our range at GoVacuum.com.

So small you can hardly see them, members of the arachnid or spider family, the mighty dust mite is one of those amazing little creatures. Viewed through a microscope, the look like they belong in outer space.

But they are not found in outer space, they are found wherever soft furnishings are found. Your bed, only 10000 of the little mites there. Your lounge suite, carpets and even in you curtains.

Humans have a fear, some verging on paranoia, about the common dust mite. Yet they are harmless. They don’t bite, sting or even transmit diseases. Yes, public enemy number one is totally harmless.

If they are harmless, why the constant talk about removing them? The dust mite is harmless, it is what they leave behind that causes the problems. Dust mites excrete up to 20 tiny little pellets of fecal matter each and every day. Multiply that by 10000 in your bed and you 200 000 little pellets floating around. These pellets contain a protein that many people are allergic to.

Allergies to this protein range from very mild through to very severe. The only way to control the situation is by reducing the number of dust mites and, more importantly, reducing those pellets.

Basic regular laundering of all bedding helps along with good protection for your mattresses and pillows. Air filters can help remove many of these allergens. Regular vacuum cleaning with a quality vacuum cleaner and HEPA filter can be extremely effective as well.

The dust mite isn’t public enemy number one – but what it leaves behind should be.

The world of science and technology is taking a hold in the vacuum industry with smarter vacuums being introduced all the time. The latest is the use of ultra violet to kill micro-organisms from bedding mattresses, carpets, curtains and furnishings.

Individuals suffering from allergens will welcome the introduction of this technology. Using UV-C, the vacuum extracts all the visible (and not so visible) material and whilst exposing the surface to concentrated rays. Exposure to UV-C kills up to 99.9% of all micro-organisms including dust mites.

Dust mites live predominantly in mattresses and carpets and when you consider that up to 70% of your home is carpeted, that is a lot of space for these mites to live and breed in.  In addition, our bed mattresses is where we spend as much as eight hours a night on and the thought of battling an army of those pests is quite daunting!
There are two new weapons in the fight against dust mites and other micro-organisms:

The Halo Ultraviolet Vacuum Cleaner and the
Earlex RayCop – Mattress Vacuum Cleaner With Micro-Organism Killing UV Light