May 30, 2007—New research conducted by a respiratory and sleep research organization has shown vacuum cleaning to be largely ineffective at removing dust mite allergen.
The Woolcock Institute of Medical Research has found that vacuum cleaning is an ineffective allergy avoidance measure because it removes dust mite allergen from carpets in an inconsistent and incomplete manner.
This is particularly true with worn carpets, where the study results indicate vacuum cleaning may change the distribution of dust mite allergen within the carpet, rather than removing allergen from all depths equally.
Woolcock Researcher Jason Sercombe said that given that carpets are a major reservoir of dust mite allergen and vacuum cleaning is the most common method of allergen control, the results are particularly relevant to professionals interested in limiting people’s exposure to common allergens.
The Woolcock study also showed the type of vacuum cleaners with rotating brushes in the head removed more dirt and allergen from the carpets than those without. However, rotating brushes may serve to kick dust up into the air if the suction component of the cleaner is not operating properly.
