Cat and Dog hair/dander and allergies Original Message Jul 24, 2009 6:51 pm
I just found this site. I really need to get a new vacuum cleaner. Right now I just have a Eureka Mighty Mite with a HEPA filter. I have recently taken in a long-haired chihuahua and a cat (for a friend who is not able to care for them any longer). I am allergic to (and have also grown very fond of) both the cat and dog and I also have quite bad dust, mold, and pollen allergies. I live in an older split level house: the two upper floors are bare wood with no rugs and the lower two floors are covered with wall-to-wall very-low-pile commercial carpet. The cat (bless her) is generally content to voluntarily stay in the basement all of the time with the exception of just one or two very brief morning strolls each day to the next two higher floors. She sheds what seems to a cat neophyte like myself to be an enormous amount of fur but I'm told by friends who are cat owners that it is a normal amount. The chihuahua just wants to be in the same room with me although I have kept her out of the bedrooms and bathroom on the top floor. I have looked at quite a few vacuum cleaners from the very inexpensive to Miele and Lindhaus and I still am unsure of what to get. I've never had to deal with pet hair and dander before. What would work best for pet hair and dander on low-pile commercial carpet and still be good for bare wood floors and have a good filtering system for allergens? I do know that I would like the self sealing type of bag that is in the Miele (and perhaps other brands?) because of my allergy problems. I can spend up to $850 if I have to but it would be much better for my budget to spend less. I'm sorry for the long-winded description. Advice would be very much appreciated. Thank you.
Re: Cat and Dog hair/dander and allergies Reply #17 Aug 5, 2009 12:06 am
I've had allergies all of my life and I am aware (and have tried most) of the various treatments available. I already do quite a bit for allergies in regard to indoor air quality: e.g. HEPA room air purifiers throughout the house and on the HVAC system, carpet and upholstery treatments, etc. These are quite helpful. (I have also purchased products recommended by Allergy Buyers Club with mixed results.) Unfortunately, the Sebo Felix does not seem to work as well at filtration as other vacuums I've had and the difference is very noticeable in regard to my allergy symptoms when I use the vacuum.
Re: Cat and Dog hair/dander and allergies Reply #18 Aug 5, 2009 6:51 am
Hello Nette:
Sorry to hear the results were negative for filtration. I took the liberty to post this based on MOLE and turtle1's posts. I agree with Severus, it may not be the vacuum alone and/or you may be able to minimize the negative filtration effects w/o a vacuum change.
Carmine D.
ProTeam ProCare XP1500 Upright Vacuum has the following features:
ProCare Innovations ProCare has a LONGER HOSE with 2 1/2 feet more reach due to hose length and straight wand.
The resilient new wand, made of durable ABS plastic with less restriction points, will cut down on time-consuming clogs. The operating switch has been moved to the top of the handle for easier user access. The new over-molded handle has a comfortable ergonomic style with softer grip. The handle weight is now 20% lighter due to tool changes and a new polycarbonate handle. A strain relief has been included and is EASILY SERVICEABLE with nothing more than a flathead screwdriver - one third the tools are needed with half of the effort! The tool dock has been moved to the back of the vacuum, where it is more centrally located for EASE OF USE and takes extra weight off the hanlde. A convenient BAG COVER RELEASE button has been added to ensure SECURE latching. When replacing the bag lock out switch, removing the whole bag housing is no longer required as only one screw is involved making it EASY to repair. The integrated HEPA after filter now comes as a standard feature. The bag housing hose connection has a "simplified friction fit conneciton", making it more serviceable, as it requires less parts. Several improvements to the cord include: an additional 3 feet of working length, flexible in nature making it EASIER TO WORK WITH. A quick release CORD DROP has also been added to simplify unwinding the cord for operator convenience.
ProCare 15 Features: Power: 1160 W / 120 V Airflow: 96 CFM Sound: 77 dB (decibels) Static lift: 72" Intercept Micro Filter™ media: 207 sq. in. Removes allergens for better indoor air quality Captures and contains more dust to dramatically reduce follow up dusting Warranty: 5 years Four Level FiltrationProTeam's unique suction method of vacuuming cleans carpeting and floors without stirring up dust. The air stays cleaner, furniture collects less dust, and the operator can work without breathing unhealthy air. The Four-Level Filtration system is up to 99.79% efficient in filtering particles.
Pro Team ProCare 15XP (Upright Vacuum) The ProCare models are offered with an internal HEPA media filter and organically treated Intercept Micro Filter that capture up to 99.79% of dust mites, pollen, bacteria and chemical residue measuring 1 micron and larger. ProCare 15XP carries a 5/5/5/Life warranty - 5 years parts, 5 years labor, 5 years motor and lifetime on the molded body parts when used in a residential setting.
Includes: 14 1/2" brush roll, 35 ft. 18 gauge black power cord, electronic system performance indicator HEPA media filter exhaust quick release cord dump ergonomic padded handle grip with conveniently mounted 3-way power switch and on-board detail tools.
Re: Cat and Dog hair/dander and allergies Reply #19 Aug 5, 2009 7:29 am
Hi Carmine, thanks do you agree that this machine is EXCELLENT for the price, the only drawback is that its a little heavy to lug up and down stairs but for that price you might want one for each floor.......
Re: Cat and Dog hair/dander and allergies Reply #20 Aug 5, 2009 7:32 am
mole wrote:
Hi Carmine, thanks do you agree that this machine is EXCELLENT for the price, the only drawback is that its a little heavy to lug up and down stairs but for that price you might want one for each floor.......
MOLE
Hi MOLE:
Great price. At 18 pounds not really heavy. I'd buy for myself and may!
Re: Cat and Dog hair/dander and allergies Reply #22 Aug 5, 2009 8:46 am
Hi Venson, yes the bags are the type U lux bags, The filters are in the bags ,so every time you change the bag you also get a fresh set of filters,Did you know ELECTROLUX in 1950 introduced the first multi filter self sealing bag,and in 1952 introduced the automatic shut off system and till this day still do.
The PROTEAM uyprights are the same as the aerus/electrolux commercial uprights,except that the tools are onboard,and just little tweaks here and there, This product has a storied history behind it, If my application called for an upright the proteam would certainly be in my own home........
regards
MOLE
B.T.W look how in expensive the high filtration bags are 8.88 for 12 bags.Such a deal''.
Re: Cat and Dog hair/dander and allergies Reply #23 Aug 5, 2009 9:13 am
mole wrote:
. . . Did you know ELECTROLUX in 1950 introduced the first multi filter self sealing bag,and in 1952 introduced the automatic shut off system and till this day still do. . .
Hi MOLE,
Yes indeed I do. I even recall that they were at one point referred to as "dust wrappers" or something to that effect.
The multi-ply lining actually did work in that it kept a lot of dirt off the outer bag wall and helped to sustain performance. Though the bag used for the LX, G and later models was considered somewhat small you could get a lot of cleaning done before time for a bag change due to the lining plus the design of the bag chamber. Electrolux was doing "omni-flow" 60 years before the name was invented.
Even at the stated regular price of $14.99 for 12 decently sized high-filtration bags I think it's still a deal.
Re: Cat and Dog hair/dander and allergies Reply #24 Aug 5, 2009 9:28 am
Hi Venson,I know how much you like your MIELE tango,its no dought an excellent cleaning and super clean running upright, The cloth blown fleece high filtration bags are the best on the market, , I remember when miele used the paper treated bags and was one of the first to use the cloth like bags another thing is the burst strength is dynomite
I find it very strange that the perfect lux comes standard with the filtrete bags, but no automatic shutoff.This machine is the old diamond jubille lux with updates ,the prices are really coming down.Do you know anyone that uses a PERFECT LUX?
Re: Cat and Dog hair/dander and allergies Reply #25 Aug 5, 2009 10:28 am
mole wrote:
. . . I find it very strange that the perfect lux comes standard with the filtrete bags, but no automatic shutoff.This machine is the old diamond jubille lux with updates ,the prices are really coming down.Do you know anyone that uses a PERFECT LUX?</p><p>MOLE
Hi MOLE,
To be honest, I have not met anyone who owns one nor have seen any in the indie shops in my neighborhood even though they turn up easily enough online. Being the Perfect Lux, by my understanding, is not affiliated with Aerus/Electrolux maybe they aren't allowed licensing to use the shut-off mechanism.
Nonetheless, don't forget that Elecrolux sold a heck of a lot of non-automatics along side the top-of-the-line models to people who felt they were still getting quality minus a doo-dad or two all on account of the Electrolux name.
Though better on price than a new Aerus/Lux, Perfect Lux prices could have been a bit nicer to start with I think. Nice look, good build 'tis true but some practical folks might find it a lot cheaper just to go out and get a rebuilt or a good used Lux a lot cheaper.
Another issue for Perfect Lux here in New York City is that Aerus/Electrolux besides being well-known is a relatively visible presence. It has two franchises or shops in Manhattan and at least one in each of the other boroughs. If you want other niche brands like Filter Queen, Rainbow or even Kirby you really have to go looking.
Re: Cat and Dog hair/dander and allergies Reply #26 Aug 5, 2009 11:30 am
Mole and the rest of the gang, I agree that the pro-team upright is an excellent choice for the price. It's like a lux semi-clone, without the high price! In regards to who owns a perfect lux canister, none other than yours truly!
