Vacuum cleaners

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

• Regular vacuum cleaning (especially with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters)
• Regular damp dusting of surfaces
• Replacement of carpets with vinyl or tile floors
• Covering of mattresses and pillows with impervious materials
• Use of chemicals (acaricides) to kill mites
• Use of fungicides to kill Aspergillus

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.