AchooAllergy.com Blog

Vacuum Cleaners


Posted by kevvyg on Friday, February 24, 2012
Electrolux VacuumsFor decades, Electrolux has been a brand associated with caring for your carpet, and as technology and needs evolve, so too do the Electrolux vacuum cleaners available to you. We've recently added two new Electrolux models, each with unique features and suited for cleaning different areas of your home.

When it comes to living in an apartment, having kids or pets buzzing around the house, there are bound to be spills. For sucking up the Cheerios that Jr. spilled or dirt that Max just tracked in on the kitchen floor, it can sometimes be a hassle to pull out the full size vacuum. This is where the Electrolux Ergorapido comes in handy.

Electrolux ErgoRapidoThe Ergorapido is a compact stick vacuum that doubles as a handheld vac. While this lightweight sidekick isn't as powerful as a full size vac, it makes up for that with convenience and versatility. With no bags to replace, no cords to rewind, and about twenty minutes of run time, the Ergorapido is ideal for quick spills and tidying up when time is at a premium. It's also ideal for bachelors who, let's face it, generally aren't prone to bouts of deep cleaning.

Electrolux Nimble VacuumThe second new model in our Electrolux offering is the Electrolux Nimble. As a full size upright vacuum, the Nimble features HEPA filtration, cyclonic suction and maneuverability that blends the Dyson Ball with the Miele Swivel Neck designs.

A brushroll control switch allows you to quickly transition from carpet to smooth flooring, and a sealed system ensures no air leakage. So instead of kicking up allergens, you actually remove them. The included 3-in-1 Versa-tool is a unique add-on unlike most other vacuum attachments available. Designed for several purposes, this one tool makes cleaning carpeted steps or crevices easier. Like the ErgoRapido, the Nimble is well-priced to fit nearly any budget.

So for quick spills, smaller living spaces or as an additional tool in your cleaning arsenal, the ErgoRapido is a great fit. And for full size and more powerful cleaning throughout the home, the Nimble is a vacuum worth checking out.

Posted by kevvyg on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
If you've spent time on this site investigating indoor air quality or simply looking for ways to relieve allergy symptoms, you have likely come across specific characteristics we suggest that you should look for in a vacuum cleaner.

Miele LibraFor years we have recommended that allergy, asthma and MCS sufferers invest in a quality HEPA vacuum cleaner that features a sealed system. The reason was because only this type of vacuum can truly remove allergens and the ultra fine particles in the air that can trigger asthma attacks or allergic reactions. Researchers in Australia recently published findings confirming what we have long recommended.

In testing 21 different types of vacuum cleaners, researchers concluded that the models tested allowed between 40,000 and 1.2 billion particles to pass completely through the vacuum. The size of the particles in this range was .5 to 20 microns, which means that in a typical household it could include common allergens like pollen, pet dander, and dust.

Some of the models tested include Dyson, Hoover, iRobot, and Sanyo. The ages of the vacuums tested also ranged from 6 months to 22 years old.

An article from WebMD highlighted this study, pointing out other practices and products we have recommended for allergy sufferers, including the use of HEPA filters, microfiber or electrostatic dust cloths and the removal of carpet.

While the testing did not cover a comprehensive sampling of models, there are a few important take aways. First, vacuuming with a traditional vacuum cleaner that lacks a sealed system or HEPA filter will NOT help to remove allergens and fine particles. Secondly, using a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter can improve indoor air quality while cleaning your floors. Lastly, and most importantly, this study highlights the link between vacuuming and its relationship to indoor air quality in the home.

To read the Study's Abstract

Posted by Jamie on Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Dyson Vacuum CleanersAre you struggling to find a gift for the Dad that seems to have everything? Hate the thought of buying another tie or belt? What about a vacuum cleaner? We have a great Father's Day sale on our Dyson Vacuum Cleaners. Every Dyson upright that we sell is 10% off this week!

With powerful suction and HEPA filtration, Dyson vacuum cleaners are the most popular vacuum cleaners on the market. The upright vacuums especially are acclaimed throughout the world. All Dyson vacuum cleaners are approved for allergy sufferers by the British Allergy Foundation and certified "Asthma Friendly" by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

The Dyson DC25 Multi Floor vacuum is the most versatile in the Dyson line. The Dyson DC25 Animal vacuum cleaner is the ultimate tool for allergic pet owners. For price conscious consumers or those with smaller carpeted areas, the Dyson DC24 has by far been our most popular small and compact vacuum cleaner. The Dyson DC28 Animal is one of the most powerful uprights in the world. If you have wall-to-wall carpeting, this is the perfect vacuum for you.

This offer expires on June 19th so hurry and place your order! If you have any questions or want more details about the sale, please contact us at 1-800-339-7123.


Posted by Jamie on Wednesday, April 06, 2011
Dyson Facebook Giveaway

At the end of April, we are giving away one Dyson vacuum cleaner to a lucky member of our social network. Current fans are automatically entered in the drawing. Not a fan? All you have to do to enter the contest is to "Like" our company Facebook page. By hitting the "Like" button, you become our fan and have access to lots of fun articles, contests, and promotions. We will draw the winner at random at the end of the month. To enter go to AchooAllergy.com on Facebook.


Posted by Jamie on Wednesday, March 23, 2011
The Miele Capricorn is Purple!One of our most popular vacuum cleaners is changing its stripes! The Miele Capricorn has changed from silver to a stunning passion purple color with a pearl finish.

It is hard to argue with our belief that the Miele Capricorn is the best canister vacuum cleaner on the market. This is the top of the line, the cream of the crop, the Mercedes of vacuum cleaners. For the allergy sufferer who wants the absolute best vacuum with every luxury feature imaginable, the Miele Capricorn captures 99.99% of all household allergens. Also, the active HEPA filter and sealed system help improve your indoor air quality.

The Miele Capricorn comes with your choice of either the Miele SEB 236 powerbrush with a lamp or the smaller and lighter Miele SEB 217-3 powerbrush. It also comes standard with the very best parquet or hard floor tool in the Miele floor care series.

Here are some quick descriptions of the included attachments:

  • The SEB 236 Powerbrush is a carpet tool with a 13 3/8" wide brush roll and 5 height adjustments for a variety of carpet densities. It is the most popular choice when purchasing a Miele Capricorn. This carpet tool has a swivel-neck for maneuverability, an integrated light, an all-around bumper strip to protect your furniture, and an automatic shut-off when in the parked position. Recommended for deep cleaning medium and thick carpeting.


  • The SEB 217-3 Powerbrush is a powerbrush with a 10" wide brush roll with floating head and swivel-neck design. It is recommended for deep cleaning and restoring of crushed carpet nap on low- to medium-pile carpets with moderate densities.


  • The SBB 300-3 Parquet Floor Tool has a mixture of polyamide and natural hair that ensures a gentle cushion for this floor brush. The design makes sure that tile, wood, and other smooth surfaces are cleaned thoroughly with extreme care. It has a 90 degree rotation and is exceptionally agile at cleaning around obstacles and in tight places.
The new color for the Miele vacuum is exciting, but the strong suction and long lifespan make this vacuum a great investment for anyone looking for a quality vacuum cleaner.

Posted by Jamie on Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Miele Cat and Dog Vacuum CleanerThe Miele Cat & Dog upright vacuum cleaner is the 2011 Housewares Design Award winner in the Floor Care Electrics category. The Miele Vacuum cleaner was "best in category" beating out other competition from Bissell, Electrolux, and others.

Ideal for those with pets, the Miele Cat & Dog Vacuum Cleaner packs value-added features and accessories into a powerful cleaning machine. With similar features to other Miele upright vacuum cleaners, the vacuum is the perfect pet vacuum to help eliminate pet hair from your floors and furniture, while keeping down pet odors with an Activated Charcoal filter.

With premium features, the Cat & Dog vacuum cleaner makes cleaning your home easier--from the floors and drapes to furniture and shelves. The included STB 101 handheld turbobrush is great for steps and pulling stubborn pet hair out of upholstered furniture. The sealed system and noise reducing insulation make this vacuum one of the quietest available. If allergens are a concern, it can be upgraded to a Miele HEPA filter at any time.

Here are some of the great features of this vacuum:

  • The Swivel-Neck design allows for better turning and cornering around furniture. This feature gives a nimble touch to this upright.
  • The Active AirClean filter adsorbs pet odors and traps 99.5% of all particles as tiny as 0.5 microns.
  • The Sealed System construction keeps all the dust inside, providing maximum protection for indoor air quality.
  • Each Miele S7 upright comes standard with a Deluxe Handle Assembly. This handle is ergonomic and keeps the strain off your wrist.
  • With an operating radius of 55 feet, the upright gives you the ability to clean throughout the house without having to change outlets.
  • A 6 inch low profile while lying flat allows you to vacuum under some of the tightest spaces.
  • The Miele U dust bag features 9-stage filtration. These layers help prevent sharp objects from puncturing the bag, while the dust bag closes automatically with a spring loaded collar for dust-free removal and disposal.
  • The standard STB 101 Turbobrush allows for quick and easy removal of pet hair and debris from furniture and steps.


Posted by Rob on Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Dyson Groom Pet BrushHave you been watching the Westminster Dog Show like I have? Congratulations to Hickory the Scottish Deerhound for winning "Best in Show". All the dogs in this year’s competition have been outstanding and very well groomed. Here at Achoo, we have a great new dog grooming tool that can bring out the best in your champion. From the creative minds at Dyson comes the Dyson Groom Pet Brush vacuum attachment.

This brush is a uniquely designed tool for grooming your dog year-round. It attaches to most Dyson vacuums so you know that clean up is a snap! The Dyson Groom is designed for most dogs, but it is best suited for dogs that have medium to long hair.

In my home, I have a Chocolate Lab and she can shed so much that I need to vacuum the house daily. However, with the Dyson Groom instead of vacuuming the whole house, I can just use it on my Lab a couple times a week and there is no more wayward dog hair. Plus, she looks like she was just shown at the Westminster dog show!

Dyson has incorporated a slicker type brush into the Dyson Groom Pet Brush. This is one of the more commonly used brushes for removing unwanted fur. With it attached to my Dyson vacuum, I no longer have to take my lab outdoors to brush her out. I could not be more pleased with the Dyson Groom and would highly recommend this to anyone who has a four-legged friend.


Posted by Jamie on Wednesday, October 06, 2010
Miele Active AirClean FilterMiele makes one of the best canister vacuums for asthma and allergy sufferers in the United States, but they are not content to rest on their success. Recently, the company released a new filter that you can use in your Miele vacuum cleaner.

The Miele Active AirClean filter is a combination of the Miele Super Air Clean filter and a cartridge of Active Charcoal which absorbs odors from the dustbag. Though not as effective with particle filtration as the Miele HEPA filter, this filter combination helps with odors while trapping 99.5% of all particles .5 microns and larger. It fits all Miele S4, S5, and S7 vacuum cleaners. The Miele part number is SF-AAC 50 with no clip.

The Miele Active AirClean filter with clip fits all S2 and S7 Miele vacuum cleaners. The Miele part number is SF-AAC 30 with clip.

To keep your vacuum operating efficiently and effectively, Miele vacuum cleaner filters should be replaced annually, or after about 50 hours of use. The replacement time often depends on the amount of time spent vacuuming and the amount of dust in your home. A good rule of thumb is to replace when you start noticing odor from the filter.


Posted by Jamie on Thursday, September 23, 2010
Dyson DC33 Vacuum CleanerAs the new introductory model to Dyson's line of upright vacuum cleaners, the Dyson DC33 Multi Floor is an ideal upright vacuum for allergy and asthma sufferers who need top notch cleaning ability without sacrificing indoor air quality.

This wheeled model features Root Cyclone technology that creates greater suction and won't lose suction over time. Unlike other brands, the DC33 is a bag less vacuum with two washable filters. You save money by not having to purchase bags or filters. You also save time with the included brushes and accessories.

The HEPA filter ensures years of cleaner indoor air while the powerful brush roll provides exceptional cleaning ability across a variety of surfaces. Packaged at an affordable price point, the Dyson DC33 Multi Floor is a great introductory model into the line of Dyson upright vacuum cleaners. Order your new Dyson today!

Posted by Jamie on Wednesday, September 01, 2010
The name says it all--this vacuum is ideal if you have pets! The new Miele Cat & Dog vacuum cleaner packs great features and accessories into a powerful home cleaning machine. Similar to other Miele S7 uprights, it helps eliminate pet hair from your floors and furniture while keeping down pet odors with an Activated Charcoal filter. With superior cleaning ability and exceptional range, this vacuum cleaner makes it easier to clean your floors, drapes, furniture, and shelves. The included feature of a Miele handheld turbobrush is perfect for steps and pulling stubborn pet hair out of upholstered furniture. The sealed system and noise reducing insulation makes this vacuum one of the quietest available on the market. If allergens are a concern, the Cat & Dog can be upgraded to a HEPA filter at any time.

Here are the great features of this vacuum cleaner:
  • Swivel-Neck
  • Deluxe Handle Assembly
  • Extendable Hose
  • LED Brush light
  • STB 101 Turbobrush
  • AirClean Dustbags
  • Active Air Clean Filter
Here is an excerpt from our Achoo Review of the Miele Cat & Dog Vacuum:

The first thing I noticed with the Cat & Dog vacuum, much like other S7 models, is this vacuum is much quieter than most other upright vacuums I have tested. When you have a dog that goes nuts when you run the vacuum, this feature helps out. Once I started using it, the suction stands out. Used on thick Saxony style carpeting, the Miele Cat & Dog had no trouble pulling up dog hair and dirt. In addition to deep cleaning, it also helped restore the carpeting, which, with Saxony, is often a problem. I dialed down the suction for the lower pile rugs we have at entryways; and I was quickly able to remove all traces that our dogs spend hours relaxing on them. In the kitchen, I simply disengaged the brushroll and effectively "swept" the floor clean... now if only it could mop for me. Overall, the cleaning performance on flooring was as efficient and effective as I've come to expect from any Miele vacuum cleaner.


Posted by Jamie on Wednesday, August 18, 2010
The recent trend toward buying generic vacuum bags is a big concern, because these bags and filters are not as effective at capturing particles that trigger allergy and asthma attacks. Additionally, in a recent study commissioned by Miele and published in Floor Care Professional magazine, generic products were proven to reduce the vacuum airflow by more than 12%.

According to the article, indoor air pollution is a huge concern for everyone, not just those suffering from respiratory conditions like asthma, allergies, or emphysema. Consider that 90% of our time is spent indoors with pollution levels that are reported to be 2 to 5 times greater than outdoor air. When you are using a vacuum cleaner small particles are stirred up and can become suspended in the air. A Miele vacuum with Miele constructed filters and dust bags filters out those particles and makes the air inside your home cleaner and safer.

Miele has been at the forefront of clean air vacuum technology. According to Nadine Gast, the Senior Product Manager for Miele, “Since introducing our first HEPA Sealed System vacuum cleaner more than 15 years ago, millions of households have trusted Miele vacuums for their quality construction, powerful performance, and advanced filtration system to safeguard their indoor air.”

“Using generic or counterfeit dustbags and HEPA filters in a Miele vacuum would almost be criminal and, as the data certainly concludes, puts everyone in the home at great risk as millions of lung damaging particles remain suspended in the air for hours.”

The recently redesigned Miele AirClean vacuum bags have a 9-layer fiber construction that traps fine particles. The bags also have a spring loaded collar that snaps shut upon removal so that no dust can escape. Bagless vacuums can be a hazard when emptied, because dust and fine particles are allowed to escape back into your indoor air.


Posted by Jamie on Wednesday, July 14, 2010
The Miele Capri from the S2 canister seriesThe most recent addition to the line of Miele S2 canister vacuum cleaners is the Miele Capri. The Miele Capri is the perfect vacuum for anyone looking for the quality of a Miele canister vacuum in an inexpensive package.

Featuring a sealed Clean Air system and a 1200 Watt motor, the Miele Capri is a compact, lightweight vacuum well-suited to clean smooth floors and low pile carpeting.

What's included with the Miele Capri:
  • STB 205-3 Turbobrush - this lightweight carpet tool is driven by the suction and movement of the vacuum cleaner. It features an 11" wide brush roll, the floating head design and 360° swivel neck provide excellent maneuverability.


  • SBB300-3 Parquet Floor Tool is a mixture of polyamide and natural hair that ensures a gentle cushion for this floor brush which makes sure that tile, wood and other smooth surfaces are cleaned thoroughly with extreme care.


  • The new G/N AirClean dustbag features a 9-ply construction with a spring-loaded, self-sealing collar built into the bag. Each style is color coded to prevent confusion and offer many advantages.
For allergy sufferers, we recommend the purchase of the optional active HEPA filter to receive the full benefit of Miele's Clean Air system.


Posted by Jamie on Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Miele Callisto Vacuum CleanerMiele has upgraded one our top selling vacuums to make it even more attractive to vacuum cleaner fans. The immensely popular Miele Callisto canister vacuum has received an upgraded power brush.

The Callisto now comes with the new SEB-228 Electro Plus. The Electro Plus is a more powerful brush that is recommended for use on medium pile carpeting and some high pile carpeting. The Miele Callisto still comes with the SBB-300 Parquet Twister, so it also works great on area rugs and all smooth flooring.

The new Miele Electro Plus (SEB-228) features:

  • Automatic brush shut-off in the event of blockage to prevent damage
  • A 5-step height adjustment for a variety of carpet types and densities
  • A 14” power brush width for a maximum cleaning radius
The upgraded Miele Callisto is heavier and has a wider cleaning radius. This should make the vacuum better at handling carpeting. There is no headlight or protective bumper on the Electro Plus.



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