Dyson Vacuum Review: A CIRS Survivor’s Perspective

Poor Indoor Quality = Health Hazardous
Allergens and toxins can build up within your home, especially in this “green” era we are in where homes are less “breathable” and more energy efficient. There are pros to this, but a downside is the air (and toxins, allergens, VOCs, etc.) are more contained and consequently health hazards are more concentrated.

And if you not cleaning, vacuuming and filtering well, loose analogy but your body becomes the filter. Toxin bioaccumulation in humans has so many negative implications when it comes to health.

Regular Cleaning & Vacuuming is Important for Health
Regular cleaning and improving indoor air quality can lead to a more hygienic home that can only supports one’s health. However, note that if indoor mold growth from water damage is suspected – cleaning alone will not be enough; proper mold inspection from a certified inspector (eyes and nose don’t count) and then remediation/removal [if applicable] is crucial. Note that no air purifier or any amount of cleaning or vacuuming can keep up water damage causing mold to off put spores into the indoor air that we breathe.

Not sure where to start? Self order an at home ERMI dust kit (get kit #1) and if the score on your report is above a 5 (short answer), then the levels of mold in the home are likely health deterring and professional evaluation and remediation is likely needed.

*If Mold is Present in Clinically Significant Amounts, Cleaning is Not Enough
Did you know that one square inch of mold releases about 1 million spore PER DAY?! And that is just one square inch! Given this and what I know clinically about mycotoxin illness and CIRS, I am a huge advocate for quality mold inspection and remediation.

The specs on a vacuum mean a lot to me as a CIRS Survivor
And this is true for anyone that has survived mold trauma. We want things to be just so and well done. Now that my family’s home has been remediated, “dead” mold removed via a completed small particulate cleaning, we are now focused on optimal everyday cleaning. Homes are where humans spend so much of their time, and a clean and safe home to correlated to reduced risk of certain ailments.

What to Look For in a Quality Vacuum if You have Battled Mold Illness or CIRS?

1. HEPA Filtration: When you vacuum with a non-HEPA vacuum most mold spores pass through the filtration, out the exhaust, and also back right into the air. Lab tests of carpet samples under the microscopic lense reveal that HEPA vacuuming substantially reduces the amount of microscopic fragments in carpet. A HEPA filter is a specialized filter that is able to trap 99.97% of all air contaminate particles that are at least 0.3 microns in size including mold spores.
   
2. NOT Bagless (Unless you empty the canister outside): This helps “seal” in the particles that you are intending to get out the home. Bags do this the best. But like I said if you get a bagless vacuum, I would just go outside to empty the contents of the cannister into a trash bag so the particles don’t go back into your indoor air.
   
3. Certification: Certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America is a quality designation that many desire. If you have pets, kids, or allergy and asthma sufferers at home, this is a non-negotiable.

Now I will be totally honest and say that former moldies prefer the brand Miele because its specs “are the highest.” However, on a personal note, I think their vacuums are heavy. They are also cannister vacuums (where you pull around the cannister), and this is a huge deterrent to me vacuuming as I trip or bang the cannister accidentally into a wall. I prefer upright, cordless vacuums that are lightweight because then I will actually use it and not dread it!

Enter in….The Dyson
For my birthday, I saved up and invested in a Dyson 11 cordless, lightweight vacuum. BEST. DECISION. EVER. The suction is incredible in terms of what it was able to pull up. When I was saying goodbye to my Shark Navigator, I did one more pass through in the living room. Next, I went through again over the same area but with my new Dyson. So…….we filled the cannister up 3X!! It was wild.

Every now and then, I see Dyson products on sale on Amazon. It has my highest recommendation in terms of performance, ease, likeability. While the specs depending upon the model are just short of Miele vacuums, I am very satisfied with my decision to get a Dyson. I actually enjoy vacuuming as I view this as my new toy. I hear many other Dyson owners feel the same way. The 2 year warranty was pretty stellar too when I was debating about making the investment.

Click here for the exact Dyson 11 model we got that we are thrilled with! Dyson recommends cleaning your vacuum filter at least once a month and replacing it every year. Luckily Dyson filters are only about 7 bucks (about 1 Starbucks Drink). Happy vacuuming!

*I have no financial relationship with Dyson.

Need help navigating all things toxic indoor mold? Take my on demand Healing from Mold Program – your comprehensive yet concise roadmap.

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