More about Filtration

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Filtration & Vacuum Cleaners

Bagged Vacuums

A bagged vacuum cleaner whether an upright or canister, is a vacuum cleaner that the primary filtration is a paper, cloth or synthetic bag located either on the inside or outside of the vacuum cleaner. This bag acts as the first level of filtration catching large particles and allowing the cleaner air with only smaller particles to pass through the pores of the bag.

In the past ten years most vacuum manufacturers improved their filtration and added an additional (secondary or final) filter to the bagged type vacuum cleaners. This filter is many times called a HEPA (High Efficiency Particle Arrest) filter.

For a HEPA filter in a vacuum cleaner to be effective, the vacuum cleaner must be designed so that all the air drawn into the machine is expelled through the filter, with none of the air or particles leaking past or around it. This is often referred to as "Sealed HEPA" or sometimes the vaguer "True HEPA". Vacuum cleaners simply labeled HEPA have a HEPA filter, but not all air necessarily passes through it. Finally, vacuum cleaner filters marketed as "HEPA-like" will typically use a filter of a similar construction to HEPA, but without the filtering efficiency causing poor airflow or less than desirable filtration. Because of the extra density of a HEPA filter, HEPA vacuum cleaners require motors with higher airflow and suction combined to provide adequate cleaning power.

Bagless Vacuums

Bagless type vacuum cleaners whether they are canisters or upright vacuum cleaners, usually have a HEPA or HEPA type filter attached to their exhaust also. Unlike the bagged type vacuums, bagless machines do not always have a primary filter as their first defense of capturing the large particles in the air that is being sucked into the vacuum. Some are designed with pre-filters made of washable foam and most also use centrifugal force to attempt to separate the particles from the air and then finally force the air through a HEPA or HEPA type filter to expel only cleaned air.

Since most readers are familiar with the Dyson brand of vacuum cleaners we will use one of their cyclonic units as an example of how bagless vacuums work. Keep in mind all bagless vacuum cleaners do work similarly the same. Dyson uses the term cyclone technology, but it is still simply centrifugal force that separates the large particles of debris from the air.

This type of filtration is the equivalent to a low quality filter or vacuum dust bag. Many (Not All) manufacturers also include a motor filter after the cyclonic assembly to catch somewhat finer particles prior to the air passing through the motor. Once the air has been cleaned of the large particles it still needs to pass through a HEPA filter to finish cleaning the air before it is expelled from the vacuum. All of these filters and even the centrifugal forces use energy and restrict airflow lowering your vacuum cleaner's efficiency.

Note about all information above: Vacuum cleaners in and of themselves, do not loose suction, That is a myth. Dirt clogging passageways and dirty filters are the cause of loss of suction. The suction from the motor is relatively the same in a new motor or a 10 year old one. Electric motors do not get “Tired” like gas powered engines.

What does all this mean to you?

When choosing a vacuum cleaner, filtration type and quality is an important part of the process. We find that allergy sufferers tend to pay closer attention to the filtration quality of the vacuum and less attention to the overall design and efficiency of the unit. If design and efficiency is over looked allergy sufferers might find themselves purchasing a vacuum that has a great filter but does not have the sealed aspect of the HEPA filter or a machine that does not have enough power to push the air through the filter thus lowering the overall cleaning effectiveness.

In addition, many people purchase a less expensive vacuum based on what the outer box claims being tricked by the simple term “HEPA” rather than doing research to be sure that vacuum is properly designed by a creditable company with the correct balance of filtration efficiency, cleaning effectiveness and ease of use.

Since the introduction of HEPA filters to the vacuum cleaner industry, most manufacturers have been forced to boost the power consumption of the motor in the vacuums to the maximum allowed by UL (United Laboratories) for household appliances just to accommodate the back pressure or resistance caused by HEPA filters. This has caused a great increase of energy consumption in mainstream box store vacuum cleaners and in doing so has caused more noise, shorter average life spans, and more heat generated by these electricity-hogging vacuums.

Summary:

Vacuum cleaners are a major appliance in your home. They offer great results when they are designed and manufactured correctly. They do require the same amount of thought to purchase as does any other major appliance in your home. Don’t sell them short and please do your homework, finally; by all means ask questions when making a purchase.

ALLERGY ALERT

Shop for Miele Vacuums in Oklahoma City at OKC's only Miele Diamond Dealer. www.acleanerplace.com 12409 N Rockwell Ave, OKC, OK 73142
Buy online at www.vacshack.com



ALLERGY ALERT:

New study debunks myth that all HEPA vacuums contain 99.99% of particle emissions

Miele’s AirClean™ Filter-bag™ plus Sealed System™ prove 622x better at retaining harmful fine particles than other leading HEPA vacuums

Princeton, NJ – June 2010 – Alarming news for allergy and asthma sufferers is revealed in a recent study commissioned by Miele, the leading German manufacturer of advanced filtration vacuum cleaners and household appliances. The scientific study offers new evidence that not all HEPA vacuums retain 99.99% of harmful fine particles that may trigger attacks. On average, the study proves other HEPA-filtered vacuums spew 2-14 million lung damaging particles per minute into the air, effectively polluting the indoor air quality for hours after the vacuum is turned off. “For over a decade experts have been advising asthma and allergy sufferers to use vacuums equipped with a HEPA filter,” says Nadine Gast, Senior Product Manager for Miele. “However we now have credible evidence that not all HEPA vacuums are engineered to trap and retain particles to the same, safe standard.” By contrast, the study demonstrates that Miele vacuums capture and retain 99.99% of harmful irritants and lung damaging particulates (LDPs) on average 622x better than other HEPA-filtered brands, including the leading bagless vacuum cleaner brand, proving Miele is a serious cleaning tool for maintaining an allergy-friendly environment.

“Clearly Miele’s engineering team has a firm grasp on this issue,” continues Gast. “Since introducing our first HEPA vacuum cleaner in the 1990s, we’ve taken a system approach to filtration, consciously engineering vacuum cleaners that safeguard indoor air quality. It’s the sum of several critical parts that ensure the Miele vacuum system is tightly sealed and that virtually all the dirty air passes through key filtration points before exhausting into the room. And yes, one of the most critical elements is our unique filtering dustbag.” Miele’s filtration system employs a nine-layer, electrostatically charged AirClean™ Filter-bag™ that works in conjunction their unique Sealed System™ and certified HEPA filter to capture and hold on to 99.99% of lung damaging particles.

Experts Offer Caution When Vacuuming
According to the Allergy and Asthma Foundation, 50 million Americans have asthma or allergies and prevalence overall has been increasing since the early 1980s. Allergy is the 5th leading chronic disease in the U.S. among all ages, and the 3rd most common chronic disease among children under 18 years old. The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), among many other expert sources, recommend cleaning with a HEPA vacuum and since dangerous fine particles can trigger attacks, they further recommend allergy sufferers wear a N95 filter mask as particulates can remain in the home’s air for hours. “Asthma and allergy sufferers will need to consider their HEPA vacuum purchase more intensely as the scientific evidence shows not all HEPA vacuums safeguard the air,” states Gast. “It is critical that buyers understand that the craftsmanship of the vacuum is most important to ensure the dirty air doesn’t leak out unfiltered… and that’s exactly what other vacuums are doing!”
 
The Study
Miele commissioned Interbasic Resources (IBR), a nationally recognized research laboratory, to conduct an American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) emissions efficiency test comparing their vacuum against four leading HEPA-filtered brands including Dyson®, SEBO®, Riccar® and Simplicity®.

Two significant tests were performed. The first series measured vacuum cleaner emissions from each brand new vacuum while running without any ASTM test material introduced upstream into the system. The objective of this test was to determine the volume of carbon dust particles emitted from each vacuum cleaner’s motor/fan. Results reveal that the poorest performing unit discharged over 13 million particles (0.3-0.5 microns in size) per minute. The average emissions of the four HEPA-filtered brands tested was over 3.7 million particles released per minute. Miele proved to be most efficient, emitting 638 times fewer carbon dust particles than the average vacuum cleaner tested.

The next test measured complete emissions efficiency – evaluating each unit’s overall capture and retention rate while ingesting ASTM specified material that mocks typical household dirt, dust and allergens. The results prove again that the Miele vacuum, with its Sealed System™ engineering, equipped with a unique AirClean™ Filter-bag™ and certified HEPA filter, had significantly lower rates of particle emissions than the competitors, which were on average 622x higher. “In fact, the particle emissions from Miele’s vacuum was next to nothing,” says Gast. The test was replicated three separate times according to the strictest scientific protocols. “Our advanced AirClean™ vacuum filtration system is the best protection we can offer families to safeguard their homes from vacuum cleaner dust,” concludes Gast. Copies of the complete study can be found on www.mieleusa.com.

About Miele Vacuum Cleaners
Miele is the world’s largest family owned and operated appliance company, founded in 1899, and a leading maker of quality vacuums – legendary for their powerful performance, advanced filtration and brilliant design details that set the standard for floor care and cleaning.

Miele’s long heritage of vacuum firsts dates back 83 years to the use of Bakelite as a sound dampener in 1927, the advent of convenient integrated tools and stunning fashion colors in the 1960s to the world’s first HEPA-certified vacuums in the 1990s. Throughout the century, these award-winning advances have established Miele as the “must-have” status vacuum – hailed as “so smart it could start its own Mensa chapter” and “it’s like the BMW of vacuum cleaners.”

Beyond the frequent accolades, design awards and sleek good looks, Miele continues to focus on making vacuuming easier through patented new technologies like the S7 SwivelNeck™ as well as longer cords, automatic flooring sensors, powerful Vortex Motor Systems™ and silence settings. Miele’s passion for quality and innovation has resulted in a vacuum that excels not only in cleaning performance, but also in the area of filtration. According to recent independent tests, there’s no other vacuum on the planet that removes dust, dirt and allergens as efficiently as a Miele canister or upright. Miele’s unique combination of AirClean™ Filter-bag™, HEPA filter and Sealed System™ design is 99.99% effective in capturing lung-damaging particles. The key to this design is its hygienic self-closing AirClean™ Filter-bag™ whose revolutionary multi-ply filtering material helps homeowners dispose of the captured particles without coming in contact with them.
For more information about Miele, please visit www.mieleusa.com or call 800-843-7231

Allergy-proof your house By Mayo Clinic staff

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/allergy/HQ01514

New Website A Cleaner Place

A Cleaner Place, the name of our retail store and showroom will be launching our new website, very soon. We will highlight all of our in-store products and make shopping easier for our Oklahoma city customers. We will showcase many of our brands, Miele, Electrolux, Caldrea, CasaBella, Bona, FreshWave, BioKleen, Royal, to name a few. So, if you are looking for vacuum cleaners, cleaning tools or natural cleaning products, Soy & Beeswax Candles, check us out. We are up now at www.aclanerplace.com, but soon will have a WHOLE NEW LOOK. We think you'll like!!

How to change your vacuum cleaner bag

WOW! I just read an article in a magazine (that I love) about vacuuming. They had so many old and out-dated facts, I had to post a blog. The first thing I take exception with is, "When the bag is more than half full, the vacuum loses suction." NOT true with the synthetic bags. Miele
has a fantastic bag system

The layered special fabric of this dustbag has many advantages:

• Longer suction performance.

You can fill this bag very full and still have excellent suction. Hoover, Sanitaire, Kirby and Riccar all have synthetic bags, as well. If you want to know if there is a synthetic bag for your vacuum, email us at service@vacshack.com and we will point you to a synthetic bag, if available.

Next, they tell you to "stick a piece of duct tape over the hole". Again, if you use the Miele Bags, this is not necessary.

With Miele Bags, they have an "Automatic dustbag closure for hygienic removal and disposal. "

Why would you want to use a bag that you have to stick a piece of duct tape over the hole when you can buy a vacuum that uses a bag where this is unnecessary??
Other advantages of the Miele Bags

• 15% improved filtration.
• Impact foil preventing sharp-edged objects, such as pine needles, glass and sand from penetrating the bag.

Last are the instructions for emptying a reusable cloth bag or plastic bin (bagless vacuum). The article suggests that you work outdoors. While this is a good idea, unless you are a commercial cleaning company that does a lot of cleaning (in this case we recommend the Sanitaire SC886) why would you want a vacuum cleaner that you have to take outside, and put the bin inside a garbage bag and shake it out. Think you won't breathe in the dust doing this? Not to mention, if you are using a bagless because you think it is more eco-friendly, I guess that is un-done by needing to empty it into a garbage bag.

There are some really good vacuum cleaners and some that will keep the dirt inside the bag and out of the air and out of your face. If you have allergies, you really should check out the Miele Vacuums. If you want some really good advice on which vacuum is right for you, read my previous post, or call and talk to Steve.