"Note that the products discussed on our site are independently selected by (obsessive) editors. At no extra cost to you, things you buy through our links may earn us a commission"
If you suffer from allergies or asthma, performing household chores isn’t just about making your home clean and presentable. It’s about creating an environment that’s safe, comfortable, and beneficial to your health. Even a small amount of dust can cause uncomfortable flare-ups and unwanted health issues.
Unfortunately, ridding your home of all reaction-causing allergens is easier said than done. While dusting, sweeping, and standard vacuuming certainly does a lot to keep things under control, there’s one type of irritant that’s notoriously difficult to get rid of.
Dust mites are tiny little creatures that thrive in your home all year long. Barely visible by the naked eye, dust mites are known to hide in warm environments. They can cling onto bedding, furniture upholstery, and carpet fibers. As a result, they’re often left behind by standard cleaning methods. Not only that, but these pests can reproduce very quickly to form large colonies that only get bigger with time.
Standard vacuums just aren’t capable of addressing dust mite problems effectively. They only remove a small portion of the pest population, providing temporary relief at best. To truly get rid of dust mites, you’re going to need a UV vacuum cleaner. These handy devices are able to kill dust mites and many other allergy-causing microorganisms. They work to kill mites on a cellular level and can even affect the pest’s reproduction cycle.
In this guide, we’re going to take a look at some of the best UV vacuums for dust mites. We’ll also delve a bit deeper into how dust mites can affect your health and why a high-quality UV vacuum is a must-have tool for any allergy sufferer.
Top Rated UV Vacuums for Dust Mites Comparison Chart
For a quick comparison, here’s a list of some of the best UV dust mite vacuums that are currently on the market. We’ve provided some brief information about the products so that you can quickly find which option is right for your needs.
You’ll find some simple specs as well as a general pricing guide. In the review section below, we’ll go into a bit more depth to help you choose a UV vacuum that’s right for you and your home.
Best Vacuum for Dust Mites 2020 Reviewed – (Updated Picks)
Vacuum technology has come a long way in the last decade or so. As a result, you’ll find plenty of options that are well-suited for tackling dust mites. The following UV vacuums have all the necessary features to remove mites from soft surfaces around your house. Check out our reviews to narrow down your options and choose a product that fits your unique needs.
This option from Housmile is one of the best UV vacuum cleaner for dust mites. Thanks to its convenient features and simple design, this is a device that you can use on your bed every single day to prevent allergic reactions. It’s one of the best on the market because it uses multiple methods to kill and remove dust mites.
The bottom features a small beater that vibrates at high speeds. It forces the mites to lose their grip on any fibers. Then, the long UV tube light takes over. Pressure-sensitive roller wheels ensure that the light stays on when it’s on the affected surface. The moment you lift the vacuum, it’ll turn off to prevent UV leaks.
As this is all happening, a small vent also spits out hot air. The combination of UV light and hot air effectively kills the mites in minutes. Suction inlets on the top and bottom of the vacuum collect the dead bugs. The cannister is removable and has a HEPA filter to keep everything contained.
Pros
Weighs only 2.81 pounds
Heats up to about 131 degrees Fahrenheit (55 degrees Celsius)
Long UV tube
Washable HEPA filter
Sucks mites from bottom and top inlet
Vibrates 3,800 times a minute
Simple operation
Cons
Dust collection pan only holds about 160 mL of debris
Also from Housmile is the 810 model UV vacuum cleaner. It operates very similarly to that of our number one choice above and is considered to be an upgraded version of that cleaner. While it still performs very well, there are some notable design changes that may affect its overall performance.
The biggest is its inclusion of a roller that spins at really high speeds to dislodge dust mites from their hiding place. Unfortunately, this element can prove to be more problematic than the simple vibrating beater from the previous model. Rather than loosening dirt, the roller can cause dirt and mites to become airborne, thus further agitating your allergies.
Despite this, the dust mite vacuum is still a great choice. It has a larger dust container, a more powerful UV light to kill mites, and isn’t tied down by a power cord.
Pros
Heats up to about 131 degrees Fahrenheit (55 degrees Celsius)
Roller performs 6,000 cycles a minute
Washable canister
20 percent more powerful UV light
Only two buttons
Cons
Roller brush may spread dust mites
Heavier design
May experience dip in performance as battery depletes
With its sleek design and included stand, this Raycop UV vacuum will look right at home next to your bed. The vacuum is considerably wider than the previous options, allowing you to complete your cleaning routine in a shorter span of time.
When you turn the vacuum over, you’ll notice multiple features that are designed to kill and remove dust mites. It is loaded with two vibrating pads to lift dirt out of sheets and upholstery. On top of that, there’s also an integrated roller with stiff bristles. What’s really likeable is the roller being completely contained within the vacuum head, which helps to prevent dust from flying around the room.
SWEEP, MOP, VACUUM - The Cleaning Robot conquers all messes. Only use the original battery and power adapter of the product for charging
Quick Features:
Capable of sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming
Utilizes sensors to run automatically
Washable components
Includes HEPA filter and micro filter
Two-stage filtration with HEPA filter
If you’re looking for a UV vacuum to take care of mites in your carpets, this option from Rollibot can serve you well. It’s the only robot vacuum on our comparison chart and we included it for many good reasons. While it’s not specifically made to reduce the dust mite population in your home, it offers all the handy features to get the job done. In addition to sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming, the robot cleaner can sanitize floors and kill dust mites thanks to its small UV light.
The cool thing is that it can be programmed on your smartphone to let it do the hard work and clean your house daily. It uses an array of 10 sensors to navigate around stairs, furniture, and any other obstacles it encounters. Dust mites and other debris go through two filters, one of which is a HEPA filter. After the cleaning session, you can empty and wash the dust bin for the next use.
Pros
Quiet operation
Built-in sensors avoid obstacles
Includes remote control
Capable of cleaning on a preset schedule
Can clean smooth and carpeted floors
Compact design
Cons
UV light is small
Can’t be used on furniture
Spinning bristles may cause mites to become airborne
Made for beds, furniture, carpet, and other soft surfaces
Strong suction
Built-in UV light
Uses HEPA filter and washable bin
Produces heat to eliminate moisture
With only a single button to turn the dust mite vacuum on, this device is very easy to use. It has an ergonomic shape and a long cord. The cleaning area is a bit smaller than some of the previous vacuums. However, this can be advantageous when you’re trying to get around the contours of a couch or headboard.
On the bottom of the UV vacuum, there’s a large opening to suck up dust mites and debris. Within this opening is where you’ll find the UV light. The device also produces steady heat to sanitize and dry your soft surfaces. The dust bin is located on top of the vacuum cleaner. It has a HEPA filter that can be cleaned out in the sink for convenience.
UV Sanitizer: Effectively eliminates over 99% of bacteria and viruses from fabric surfaces throughout the home.
Quick Features:
Removes mites, pollen, and 99 percent of bacteria
Contains pulsating pads to dislodge mites
Built-in UV light
Long-lasting HEPA filter
Powerful vacuum suction
This dust mite vacuum cleaner is a compact version of the other Raycop product that we reviewed above. It’s a small UV vacuum that does a pretty good job at taking care of mites. While it doesn’t have a roller, the pulsating pads are efficient for loosening up any debris that’s caught in the fibers of your sheets and upholstery. Just before the mites are sucked up, they’re exposed to a large UV light.
The light extends across the whole vacuum’s width. This helps to ensure that dust mites are exposed to as much of the UV rays as possible. Three shallow wheels on bottom of the vacuum make it easy to glide the device over soft surfaces as you clean. Of course, a two-stage filtration system is included. One filter can be cleaned after every use while the included HEPA filter only needs to be replaced once a year.
Pros
Pads vibrate up to 5,000 times a minute
Easy operation
Long UV bulb
Two filters
Power button lock for safety
Weighs 4 pounds
Limited one-year warranty and dedicated support
Cons
More expensive
Small dust bin
Does have heating function
Buying Guide for UV Dust Mite Vacuum Cleaners
What are Dust Mites?
Dust mites are tiny pests that are very difficult to see with your eyes alone. Adults are only half a millimeter in size. Juveniles are even smaller. To make matters worse, dust mites typically take on a creamy white color that blends in with surrounding dust and dirt. In most instances, people mistake these pests for typical grains of sand. Technically speaking, dust mites aren’t insects. They actually have eight small legs, making them a part of the arthropod family.
Mites aren’t just present in dirty homes. They’re a naturally occurring pest that can quickly establish a colony in any residence. Dust mites prefer warmer climates of around 75 degrees Fahrenheit and higher levels of humidity. This is why they’re more likely to be found in bedrooms and furniture that’s inhabited by you and your family.
When it comes to diet, there’s no shortage of food for dust mites around the home. They eat pretty much any type of skin cell that they can find. This includes your own dead skin cells and pet dander. The good news is that they don’t actively feed on living things. They thrive on the millions of dead skin cells that humans shed every day. For water, they simply pull it from the humid air.
How Dust Mites Spread
The biggest issue with dealing with dust mites is stopping the spread of the colony. The pests only live for up to eight weeks. However, once females reach adulthood, they can lay up to three eggs each and every day. Those eggs can hatch in as little as six days, restarting the entire cycle.
While dust mites are blind, they have an exceptional sense of smell. They communicate with one another by secreting hormones. Mites can call on one another when they find a good source of food or whenever there is trouble. In fact, these tiny pests have a unique defense mechanism whenever their colony is at risk. They’ll clump together in times of stress for protection, making it even more difficult to eradicate the population.
How Dust Mites Affect Humans
Contrary to popular belief, dust mites don’t bite humans. Unlike bed bugs and other parasites, dust mites very rarely make contact with people. They can hitch a ride on your clothes to spread throughout your house, but they aren’t going to bite you.
With that being said, that doesn’t mean that their presence is healthy. In fact, dust mites are one of the most common causes of asthma attacks, especially in children. When people are diagnosed with a dust allergy, it’s usually not the dust that’s the culprit. It’s the dust mites!
You see, as dust mites make their way through your home, they’re dropping organic matter along the way. Mites can produce up to 20 droppings a day. Dead mites also decay over time, becoming a part of the dust you see on furniture. It’s this organic matter that’s the problem.
It contains enzymes that are fully identified as antigens. Because they’re so tiny, mite droppings and decayed bodies quickly become airborne. As you breathe, the potentially harmful enzymes go into your lungs where they can wreak havoc on your immune system. They can even get on your skin, causing eczema.
How to Avoid Dust Mites at Home and In the Office
While it’s nearly impossible to get rid of dust mites completely, there’s a lot you can do to reduce the overall population and prevent spread. These tips are simple to implement in your daily routine and can do a lot to mitigate allergic reactions.
#1. Utilize Hypoallergenic Bed Linens
Allergen-proof sheets, covers, and pillowcases can prevent the migration of dust mites on your bed. These products are tightly woven, making it difficult for even the tiniest mite to get through. Essentially, you’re creating a barrier that prevents the mites from roaming and finding food. It’s also a good idea to wash your sheets regularly. Weekly washings may help to kill the mites and their eggs before they can spread.
#2. Vacuum Regularly
Frequent vacuuming can do a lot to stop dust mites. Not only can you pick some of the mites up, but you can remove a lot of their food sources to starve them out. A dust mite vacuum cleaner with UV technology is your best bet, as they can kill mites on contact.
#3. Avoid Clutter
Dust can quickly accumulate on small items. Whether you have random items lying around your home or have a work desk filled with supplies, consider getting rid of non-essentials. Doing so will give dust mites fewer places to hide.
#4. Keep Humidity Levels Low
The growth cycle of dust mites can be affected by decreasing humidity levels to 50 percent or less. Remember, mites collect moisture from the air to survive. Using a dehumidifier can take away a crucial water source, ultimately killing off a large portion of the population.
#5. Take Advantage of HEPA Filters
As we mentioned earlier, the primary cause of allergic reactions from dust mites is their enzymes getting into the air. A HEPA filter is capable of trapping up to 99.97 percent of particles that are larger than 0.3 microns in size. Using these filters on your air conditioning system and purifiers can prevent the enzymes from flowing through your home.
Do I Need a UV Vacuum Cleaner?
UV technology is a necessary feature to have in a vacuum for dust mite allergies. Standard vacuum cleaners are capable of collecting some mites, but they won’t do anything to kill them. Even vacuums with HEPA filters have been shown to be ineffective when it comes to killing these pests.
Despite being sucked into a filter, these pests can still thrive. They can survive on the skin cells that were also collected. Failing to kill the dust mites may actually lead to the spread of airborne enzymes. This is especially true if you use the same vacuum in multiple parts of your home. A UV vacuum is a tried and true method for exterminating mites and effectively sanitizing the soft surface you’re cleaning.
How Does a UV Cleaner Actually Work?
Ultraviolet vacuum cleaners achieve two primary goals. They kill the dust mites and keep the bodies contained to prevent them from becoming airborne. UV light is a special type of electromagnetic radiation that’s capable of causing damage to living tissue. It uses specific wavelengths that make it difficult to see under most lighting conditions.
When directly exposed to the light, dust mites are killed on a cellular level. Eggs are also affected. The DNA within the eggs is altered, causing the reproductive cycle to stop.
The best vacuum for dust mites will use UV light to kill mites before they have a chance to get out. Some models expose the area you’re vacuuming to UV light directly. Others will shine the UV light into the collection bin. This ensures that any mites you suck up will be killed. To prevent the remnants of those mites from spreading, most vacuum cleaners will still utilize HEPA filters as well.
Key Things to Consider When Purchasing Best Dust Mite Vacuum for Allergies
When you’re searching for the right dust mite vacuum, you’ll find many different machines to choose from. To narrow down your options and find one that works for you, keep the following factors in mind.
– Suction Power
Once the UV light has done its thing, you need to be able to collect the dead mites. Stronger UV vacuum cleaners do a much better job at forcing mites out of their hiding spaces. Go with high-watt vacuums that are capable of picking up fine dirt. If you have carpets, extra features like paddle vibrators and brushes can be used to lift the pests out.
– Weight
One of the biggest differences you’ll notice when you’re looking at dust mite vacuums is their size. Most are handheld devices that can be used on furniture. As a result, the weight of the vacuum cleaner is going to have a greater effect on how you use it. Lighter products are always better, as you can use them for extended periods of time without getting fatigued. Generally, a dust mite vacuum that weighs less than 5 pounds is best.
– HEPA Filtration
HEPA filters are a must-have for allergy sufferers. The last thing you want to be dealing with is dust flying out of your vacuum as you’re cleaning. The whole point of using a UV vacuum cleaner is to contain the bugs while they’re getting killed. HEPA filters are heavily regulated and must meet certain standards before they can be called as such. They must be tested and verified, which is a great thing for consumers. Make sure that the filter has HEPA certification. Also, see if replacements are readily available.
– Price
Next, let’s talk about price. Most UV dust mite vacuum cleaners are quite affordable, especially when you compare them to high-priced premium vacuums. Before you start your search, it’s a good idea to establish a budget. Chances are, the device you choose is going to be something you use quite frequently. Considering all of the benefits it can provide, you may want to think about spending a bit more to get a product that can serve you well for years to come.
With that being said, a higher price tag doesn’t always reflect the machine’s overall quality. Keep the costs of the UV cleaner in mind, but don’t let it be the final deciding factor in your purchasing decision.
– Warranty and Support
Last but not least, keep an eye out for top-rated dust mite vacuums with a solid warranty. Most vacuums come with a limited one-year warranty. Before you commit to the product, scrutinize the policy. Manufacturers usually implement restrictions on the types of issues that the warranty covers.
Also, check to see if the vacuum company has a dedicated support line. Having a team of specialists on hand can prove to be very useful, especially if you’re still getting used to the product. They can help you troubleshoot issues, make warranty claims, and much more.
Wrap Up
Dealing with allergies on a daily basis is never fun. As an allergy sufferer, a good UV vacuum cleaner is going to be one of the most useful tools in your cleaning arsenal. They can stop dust mites in their tracks and keep the pest population in your home under control.
Despite how common dust mite allergies are, UV vacuums are not as widespread as they should be. Use our buying guide to get a better understanding of how these devices work and learn more about what they can do for your overall health. Once you invest in a high-quality UV vacuum for dust mites, you can make your home a more comfortable place to live.