Dust control & vacuum cleaning

Dust mites live on shed human skin cells, predigested by a fungus called Aspergillus repens. It is particularly common in carpets and bedding. General cleaning does not remove these mites. In this article, we will take a look at effective ways to control dust mites.

Most of us take the following measures to control dust mites using regular cleaning equipment and chemicals:

1. Regular vacuum cleaning (especially with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters)
2. Regular damp dusting of surfaces
3. Replacement of carpets with vinyl or tile floors
4. Covering of mattresses and pillows with impervious materials
5. Use of chemicals (acaricides) to kill mites
6. Use of fungicides to kill Aspergillus
7. High efficiency particulate air filters (HEPA)

The use of high efficiency particulate air filters will assist with the removal of dust mites in household and other environments. Nowadays, vacuum cleaners are HEPA rated, so it is advisable to look for this rating when purchasing a vacuum cleaner.

HEPA rating is a confusing term as so many manufacturers and end-users misuse it to sell their products. In Europe, HEPA is a range of filtration from 85% to 99,995% of particles 0.3 microns in size or larger. (HI0-HI4) For anything better than HI4, the rating scale changes to ULPA (Ultra Particulate Air) 99.9995% to 99.999995% @ 0.3 microns is considered ULPA in Europe. In the United States, a HEPA filter is understood to be at least 99.97% efficient at 0.3 microns. Higher efficiencies can be specified, such as 99,999% but there are no classifications applied. (e.g. H13) as in Europe.

It is also essential to distinguish between HEPA-tested and rated vacuum cleaner and a HEPA filtered vacuum cleaner.

1. HEPA tested and rated vacuum cleaner.
   HEPA tested and rated vacuum cleaners achieve total filtration of 99.99954% at 0.3 microns.
2. HEPA filtered vacuum cleaner
   A HEPA filtered vacuum cleaner - only the filter system has been tested, not the entire vacuum system.

Why is it important to distinguish between the two systems?

HEPA tested and rated vacuum cleaners have been tested for any leaks that might occur - i.e. the possibility of minute leaks in the vacuums system and filters where the air might bypass the filters. That includes the canister as well.

HEPA filtered vacuum cleaners on the other hand have just been tested for the filters itself and not the canisters.

When purchasing cleaning equipment, clients should take these factors into consideration. Questions that should be asked should include the following:

Which type of application needs to be cleaned?
Must the environment be clean and dust-free?

HEPA filtered vacuums works well in commercial applications where the indoor quality of the air should be clean. In cases (for example laboratories) where the air must be both clean and dust-free, a HEPA tested and rated vacuum would be best to use.

Please consult with your cleaning equipment supplier when deciding upon the best equipment to use for your application. It might be worth your while to invest a bit more in order to obtain a clean and dust-free environment.