Allergy fitlration vacuums...?

[bliss_eternal]

I'm considering buying a new vacuum (for our apartment). I do have environmental allergies (mites, mold, dust, grass, trees)so I'm interested in trying to get one of the vacuums that offers this option. Does anyone here with allergies have any recommendations?

Thanks!

:hi:
bliss_e:)

[NMDemDist2]

1. we love our Rainbow

it traps everything in the water in the base and you can pick them up used/rebuilt all over

try your local rainbow dealer for a rebuilt model or eBay

mine is old but still works great, it just works and works and i bought it rebuilt over 12 years ago

whatever you do though, don't buy it new, they are ghastly expensive

[bliss_eternal]

2. Thank you,

AzDem! :hi: I'll check into them!

[NMDemDist2]

3. mine is ancient

it's like this one on eBay which is two models ago.

http://search.ebay.com/rainbow-vacuum-cleaner_W0QQfsooZ1QQfsopZ1QQssPageNameZWLRS




here's a nice one

http://cgi.ebay.com/RAINBOW-SE-D4C-W-POWER-STAIR-HEAD-AQUA-MATE_W0QQitemZ4462676674QQcategoryZ43520QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

edit to add, if you do buy one, three things to make it last forever

NEVER NEVER let it sit on the pan of water. if you can't dump the water right away, at least take the motor OFF the water pan. even a few hours will start to damage the motor

#2 when you first get it, it will pull the dust all the way out from the carpet pad and it will turn the water to mud for the first few times you use it as you get the years and years of dirt out of the carpet and from under the pad. check your water frequently to insure it's still liquid. change the water often the first few times you use it. you'll know you're good when the water is just cloudy instead of black and there isn't any "sludge" when you dump the water pan.

#3 clean the "separator" regularly. check it every time and clean it when the fins get dirty

let me know if you do get one, DH sold them and is great at how to care for them. the tips I gave you will give you years and years of service and help with any allergies like you wouldn't believe!

[politicat]

4. How big?

In Ye Olde Hall o' Allergies (i.e. my house) we are down to one 10x12 carpet and 2 2x3 rugs that go in the washer once a week. (And bathmats.) Lotsa dust mopping.

Our little vac is a Eureka Boss upright bagless with a hepa filter. Great little machine, and just right for a 10x12 carpet.

[bliss_eternal]

5. Our apartment--

is wall to wall carpeting, with the exception of the bathroom and kitchen areas. I'm sorry I don't have measurements of our place. Apts. here aren't particularly big--I can compare given that I lived in another state briefly with HUGE apts. LOL! We have a living area, small dining area, hallway and bedroom.

We have an older Eureka now, I have no complaints. But it's old and not picking up like it used to. I really want to try something with allergen filtration though--I've heard those are great when you have allergies....

:hi:

[politicat]

6. Yes and no.

The whole allergen thing can be a marketing ploy. If the vac vents to the room, you will stir up allergens. Period, even with a filter. If the vac vents into the bag, there may still be an allergen issue, depending on what the bag is made of and if there's a filter in there.

The best bet is to be vigilant about sweeping, and to change the bag often.

Have you had the one you have now into the shop? Sometimes all they need is to have the belt replaced, the beater-bar cleaned (especially if you have long hair) and the motor serviced.

[bliss_eternal]

7. Great suggestion, politicat!

We haven't had it serviced in a while, and probably should. :hi: I have long hair and actually dh has let his grow, too--I'm actually finding more of his hair around of late than my own. LOL!

[politicat]

8. Long hair beats a vacuum all to hell.

The best - and really only thing - about my adventure at the hair salon last August (oh, what an utterly STUPID move) is that the beater bar doesn't have to be cleaned every week anymore. (I went from waist-length hair to a VERY short bob, and Mr. P went from just above waist to manly man short cut. Mine's JUST long enough to french twist now, and his is at the scraggly stage.)