I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, it doesn’t matter how often you are vacuuming, or how often you are changing your vacuum’s bag. If your vacuum’s filter isn’t properly maintained, you simply are not doing enough to keep your air safe and your home clean! Your vacuum’s filter works to trap dirt, dust, and allergens to keep them out of your air. But if your filter is dirty or clogged, those particles are simply going to get tossed back into the air.

So, now that you know you simply must maintain your vacuum’s filter, what’s next? Shopping for vacuum filters can be overwhelming if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Here’s a breakdown of the different types of filters out there:

Standard Filters: A standard filter is an oversized version of a napped cotton filter designed to provide extra-large filtering surface area. This, coupled with the vacuum’s suction power, increases the effectiveness of your vacuum cleaner. It has the capacity to retain 00.8% of particles.

Micro Filters: This type of filter has the ability to trap even the bacteria-sized particles. It has the capacity to retain 99.5% of the particles those that are up to 2 microns in size. This type of filter fits right at the bottom of your vacuum cleaner’s motor.

I saved the best for last…HEPA Filters:The final stage of filtration known as HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter is used to collect the most hazardous type of dust particles. With the ability to trap the most toxic particles, it is successful in achieving 99.99% efficiency and can filter dust particles down to 0.3 microns. True HEPA filters are tested on their performance and, therefore, are relatively expensive, but like I always say- You get what you pay for!

Washable filters: Our washable filters are a huge hit among housekeepers everywhere. Replacing your vacuum’s filter every couple months can get expensive. But our washable filters allow you to simply wash and reuse our filter over and over, saving you money. Who doesn’t love that?

Crucial Vacuum has everything you need to maintain your vacuum, including an extensive line of filters to fit every model. All you have to do is go to our website, find your vacuum’s brand, and select the model number to find the filter that will fit your vacuum. We are confident that you won’t find a better price elsewhere and with our excellent customer service and free shipping, you will be glad you shopped with us.

I talk a lot about washing your vacuums filter. But I bet I know what a lot of you are thinking. Wash my vacuum filter? Is she nuts? Well, I’m not. Crucial Vacuum actually sells washable filters for your vacuum. If you don’t have one yet, you’re missing out!

Because let’s be honest, how many of us are guilty of waiting way too long to change our vacuum’s filter? Well, I hate to break it to you but you are really not getting much out of your vacuum if your filter isn’t clean.

Wouldn’t it be nice if you could just rinse your filter out rather than buying a new one? Well, you actually can!

Don’t feel too bad, washable filters are a fairly new trend. The “washability” of our filters allows you to reuse the same filter over and over, therefore saving you time, and most importantly- money!

What are washable filters?

Washable filters are similar to your standard fiberglass filters when it comes to getting the job done. But, washable filters are designed so that they can be washed out when clogged and then reused.

Our washable filters are pretty easy to clean, and once they are washed they perform just like the brand new filter you could have purchased. Washing increases the durability of your filters as compared to the other conventional vacuum filters that need to be replaced every couple months.

You get what you pay for.

Naturally, washable filters are a bit more expensive than other replaceable filters. But you will undoubtedly save money over the course of the filter’s life. The price of replacing your filters every couple months will add up quick, therefore the washable filter pays for itself in just a couple of washes. Not to mention, the convenience of not having to go out to buy a new filter is an added bonus.

How to Wash and Reuse your Vacuum Filter:

Once you make the switch to washable vacuum filters, you will need to know how to wash them. Good news: all you will need to wash your filter is running water. It really couldn’t be any simpler than rinsing it out and letting it dry.

So are you ready to make the switch? Check out Crucial Vacuum’s selection of washable filters and start saving time and money. Once you go washable, you’ll never go back!

In case you haven’t noticed, at Crucial Vacuum we are pretty crazy about our HEPA filters. I suggest vacuuming with a good HEPA filter in nearly every post I write. But I have never really talked much about what a HEPA filter is. So, let’s talk about it!

What is HEPA?

HEPA stands for “high efficiency particulate arresting”. HEPA filters are air filter that trap almost all the dust and dirt particles down to and including 0.3 microns (AKA tiny particles of dirt and dust).

The way HEPA filters are made is what makes them more effective than other filters. They are made up of glass fibers, placed on top of one another, like pleats. These fibers are held together with the help of frames placed inside. Because the fibers are held so tightly together, it is nearly impossible for most contaminants to pass through. Therefore they become trapped inside the filter, instead of floating freely in your air.

Not just any filter can claim to be a HEPA filter either! The government has standards that a filter must meet before it can bear the HEPA name. In order to pass the test, filters must have the capability to trap at least 99.97% of .3 microns. That’s some serious trap-ability!

What are HEPA “like” Filters?

Long story short, HEPA “like” filters don’t meet the government standards for HEPA filters. A real HEPA filter will bear a government issued serial number. HEPA “like” filters are comparatively cheaper than HEPA filters, but in this case you definitely get what you pay for.

Why should you buy a HEPA Filter?

You’re probably already convinced, but just to remind you, HEPA filters are going to effectively trap the smallest toxic particles in your air. Vacuuming with a HEPA filter is one of the absolute best ways to ensure that you and your loved ones are breathing clean air. HEPA filters are especially beneficial for families with allergy and asthma sufferers.

Get yours now!

At Crucial Vacuum, we have a wide range of HEPA filters for top vacuum cleaner brands including many that are washable and reusable. Feel free to shop around, but we are confident that you will find our prices, free shipping, and top-notch customer service hard to beat.

According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma Immunology (AAAAI), approximately 13 million school days are missed each year due to asthma.

Because my husband and I are both allergy sufferers and I have asthma, I know my son is at a much greater risk of developing both, which is a total bummer. So I am always looking for ways to limit his exposure to dust, allergens, and indoor air pollutants.

But, I have a confession. Being a less than perfect housekeeper, I admit that I sometimes cut corners when it came to cleaning my son’s room. My guests never go in there so I figured my limited time was better spent on the kitchen and living room.

But after doing some research, I realized what a huge risk I was taking. After all, my son spends a third of his life in his bedroom, which means that air should be the cleanest and safest air in the house. When he lays his precious little head down and drifts off to dream he should be safe and secure, not breathing in harmful allergens.

Instead of feeling guilty, I found these tips from the AAAAI for keeping our children’s rooms allergen free. I hope you find them as useful as I have.

Tips for dealing with pet dander: The AAAAI has found mixed research when it comes to exposure to animals. Most research shows that children exposed to pets early in life are less likely to be allergic. It used to be the opposite. Whatever you believe, if you have pets, you should still take steps to keep your child’s room free of pet dander:

Consider keeping the pets out of the little one’s rooms. Every outdoor and indoor allergen seems to find it’s way into pet hair. You don’t need those allergens being tracked into your child’s room.

Vacuum regularly to pick up any pet hair and dust that may find it’s way into your child’s carpet. If the pets get into the bed be sure to wash the bedding to get rid of pet hair.

Tips for dealing with dust mites: According to the AAAAI, reducing contact with airborne allergens early in life could help to delay or even prevent the development of allergies or asthma. That was all I needed to hear! Here are their tips for controlling dust mites in our children’s rooms:

Use “allergen-impermeable” covers on your child’s pillows and mattresses. These covers zip around the bedding and keep dust from finding its way in.

Wash your child’s bedding in HOT water once a week.

If possible, keep carpet and upholstered furniture out of an infant’s room. (If that’s not possible, Crucial Vacuum recommends vacuuming with a clean HEPA filter regularly).

Additional tips to keep your child’s room safe:

Simply keeping your child’s room clean can go a long way. Dust and pet dander aren’t the only dangers. Leftover food particles, dirt and mud, and damp clothes can attract rodents and bacteria. With rodents and bacteria come germs, pollutants, and sickness.

Vacuum, vacuum, vacuum! The AAAAI encourages regular vacuuming and also suggests that kids steer clear of freshly vacuumed rooms for a couple of hours to allow the dust to settle back down. Makes sense right?

Recently, Crucial Vacuum sent some of our fabulous reusable vacuum filters to the folks over at Vacuum Wizard. We wanted them to see just how our handy washable filters stack up against the competition. 

They put our replaceable filters through a series of tests and compared their performance to some typical manufacturers replacement filters. We must say, we are very pleased with the results.

Vacuum Wizard tested the original performance of both filters and then tested our washable filters again after they were washed. They found that our reusable filter worked just as well as Eureka’s disposable filter. Of course, we already knew it would, but we are glad they noticed.

Vacuum Wizard also found that our filters were easy to wash and reuse and that they worked just as well the second, third, and fourth time around. We are so proud!

One more major perk that the test revealed about our filters? They save you money! Who doesn’t like saving money? In fact, the reviewer estimated a savings of about $13 in 6 months. Those savings could add up quickly!

We love that Vacum Wizard liked our filters and appreciate the feedback. Thanks guys!

We always love getting feedback from our customers, too.

In case you were wondering, we are still holding on to our 5 star rating in our Amazon and eBay stores.

Just yesterday, one of our satisfied eBay customers posted this review: “Great job,fast service and a pleasure to do business with. Good communication.”

And today on Amazon, we were thrilled to see this: “Works perfectly! The best part about that is my vacuum seems to have more power and that’s always a good thing when talking about vacuums.” Yes, it sure is!

Aren’t our customers the best?

Last week, chemical free cleaning guru, Mysti Reutlinger gave me the lowdown on the dangers of chemical cleaners.  As promised, here is part 2 of my interview with the author of “The Pantry Cleaner: Chemical Free Cleaning“. Check out the great tips, advice, and even one recipe she is sharing with Crucial Vacuum first!

CV: Ok, so if I were to start by throwing out one chemical cleaner today, what should it be and why? 

MR: Oh, this is a hard question!  

I would have to say any chemical that is in an aerosol can. With aerosol cans, not only do you add the chemicals found in the cleaner into the air, you are risking the sight of your loved ones in addition to potentially causing damage to other body systems such as the respiratory and circulatory.  

In a study conducted at Brown University and released in 2011, children’s eyesight is most at risk from aerosol sprays. Just using a canned spray cleaner in the vicintiy of children can cause disruption to their vision. The chemicals burn and scar the eyes.  

The eyes have no protection from chemicals! The chemicals that touch the eye are flushed directly into the blood stream. This is why your eyes will burn when you clean your home. 

CV: What is one chemical free solution you would recommend for a beginner like me who is looking to venture into the natural cleaning world? 

MR: I have a few simple recipes that are easy to make and use.  

A lemon-fresh all-purpose spray cleaner:  

Mix 2 cups of water and 1 cup of lemon juice for a potent disinfecting kitchen and bathroom spray.  It’s simple, smells great, and you can even drink it without hurting your body.  

Another great one to start with is a hand sanitizer. This recipe is not included in The Pantry Cleaner, but will be in volume two, set to realease in winter 2012/spring 2013.  

1 cup vinegar, 2 cups water, 1 teaspoon of tea tree oil. Mix it together and spray on your hands, rub together, and allow to dry.  

Not only are you eliminating 99% of germs like commercial hand sanitizers, you are eliminating the dangers of ingesting those chemicals. This is especially important for young children who tend to put their hands in their mouths.  

CV: Like so many others, I’m on a budget. Is chemical-free cleaning really going to save me money? 

MR: I have a three-story home and clean every day. I only spend an average of $8 on cleaning supplies every couple of months. That includes washing clothes for my family of four.  

CV: Wow! I’m sold! So, what is your favorite natural remedy for getting rid of dust? 

MR: Keeping airfilters clean. We replace our furnace filter every three months. We only have to dust once a month. When we do dust, I use olive oil and lemon juice on natural woods and just a soft cloth on everything else.  

CV: Last but not least, do you vacuum first? Or dust first? 

MR: I don’t have a huge dust problem! I vacuum every day with a hepafilter vacuum and keep my furnace filters clean. I still only have to dust once a month. So I definitely vacuum first.  

At Crucial Vacuum we know how important it is to keep our families healthy and breathing easy. Why else would we spend so much time cleaning and sanitizing? But lately there has been a lot of talk about the dangers of the chemicals found in common household cleaners and it got my attention. Am I doing more harm than good?

So I caught up with Mysti Reutlinger, author of “The Pantry Cleaner: Chemical Free Cleaning”, to pick her brain about the dangers of household cleaners and I was shocked by what she had to say.

CV: So, just to clear things up, what is chemical free cleaning as opposed to “commercial cleaning”? 

MR: Chemical-free cleaning uses natural products that eliminate germs, grime, and all the goo any child (or adult) could produce without adding any chemicals into the home.  

CV: What first sparked your interest in chemical free cleaning? 

MR: The short version; My youngest son.  My son arrived at 24-weeks in gestation. He was 1 pound, 7 ounces and 12 inches long at birth. He spent the first 115 days of his life in a Neonatal ICU and when he came home, he was on oxygen. I quickly noticed that he struggled breathing when I cleaned. Upon hours of research, including reading many medical studies published in accredited journals, I found the correlation between commercial cleaners and a host of problems occurring in people. 

CV: Your book is described as teaching us how to clean without the use of harmful chemicals that can lead to respiratory distress, loss of smell, and even cause cancer… are household cleaners really that dangerous? 

MR: In a word, yes. When we purchase food in a store that is processed and packaged, we have a list of ingredients on the side and can make reasonable decisions about the quality of the food in the package. Commercial cleaners (anything purchased) don’t have to follow the same regulations because their chemical formulas are considered “trade secrets.” Longterm exposure to some chemicals found in the most common of cleaning products leads to many disorders, diseases, and yes, even cancer.  

A study published in the October 2007 issue of American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine provides a good illustration. Over 3,000 people who did not have asthma or asthma symptoms at the start of the study were followed by researchers and their cleaning habits were evaluated. In the people who used commercial spray cleaners once a week, 42% had asthma symptoms at the end of the study. Those who cleaned more often were diagnosed with asthma and required medication. 

CV: I was shocked when I read about the damage that chemicals in common cleaners can do. Like disinfectants are toxic to our respiratory and circulatory systems? Isn’t that a bit ironic? 

MR: It is ironic. We want what is best for our families. We love them and want everyone to be safe. Cleaning shouldn’t be dangerous! 

CV: Is it safer to not clean at all rather than use store bought chemical cleaners? 

MR: Before there were commercial cleaners, people cleaned. They used vinegar, lemons, baking soda, corn starch, and regular lye soaps. Dishes were scrubbed and when someone was sick, rinsed with boiling water. Even without understanding the science behind having a clean home and eliminating germs and bacteria, our ancestors cleaned. Just like they knew what science has proven today, a clean home will keep our families from becoming sick. It is definitely not safer to live without cleaning. 

CV: I tried! But what about allergy sufferers? Don’t we need something more powerful to clear the air? 

MR: Allergy sufferers most certainly need clean air, not chemically-filled air.  

At one point in my life, I took prescription allergy medicines every spring and fall. I was convinced that the stuffy nose and burning eyes was a result of the seasonal plants growing and irritating me. When I changed how I cleaned, I still had the occasional stuffy nose and burning in my eyes, but I no longer needed medication to treat the symptoms.  

So now that I’ve got your attention, check back next week for Mysti’s tips for beginners like me who want to try their hand at chemical-free cleaning. Part two of our interview includes a couple simple chemical-free cleaner recipes, tips for getting rid of dust, and Mysti tells me what one item I should throw out today.

At Crucial Vacuum, we know that a healthy family starts with a clean home. Last week, we shared some expert cleaning tips to help you keep your home clean and safe. And while expert advice is great, sometimes tips from people just like us can be even better.

So we reached out to you, our readers, and asked for some of your favorite cleaning tips and tricks. We must say, you guys didn’t disappoint. Here is what you said:

Get creative with how you use your cleaning supplies.  One of our genius readers has found that a dry mop works wonders for those hard to reach corners and places you can’t reach with a rag. She was amazed by how well dust and cobwebs clung to the mop. Also she says she realized a long time ago that if you just get into the habit of dusting and vacuuming every couple of days it really isn’t so bad and won’t take as long if you don’t let it build up. She likes that vacuuming is even a little bit of a workout!

Choose safe products and let the little ones help. One reader uses a spray bottle filled with a watered-down mixture of an environmentally (child) safe cleaner. Her young daughter loves to go to town spraying it on the table, sink, back of her chair, etc. to help her clean. She love it because her daughter ASKS to help clean. And, she doesn’t have to worry about her child’s safety.

Start ‘em young! One our readers has young girls who just love to put the laundry soap in the washer. So she tell them they can IF they help with the rest of the laundry. And we love this one; Her girls think its awesome to get into their bikinis and take a bucket of water/soap and soak the kitchen floor with it. Then slide on their knees pretending like they are penguins..In the end, her floor is clean and they had a blast. (We bet all these little ones will be great housekeepers!)

Be prepared for messy kids! Another mom says, if u have kids a magic eraser is a must! She says they take off everything, especially crayon markings off of walls and wooden furniture, without damaging it. Sounds like she knows from experience! That same readers adds that baby wipes are awesome for cleaning! We agree, baby wipes are great for everything!

Stay one step ahead of your dirty refrigerator. We love this. One of our readers uses press and seal wrap in all of her refregirator drawers. This makes it quick and easy, just pull, wipe, and add new.

And last but certainly not least…

Stay stocked up. One of our readers said he stays on top of cleaning by making sure that he never runs out of cleaning supplies. He makes sure to always have a backup broom, extra sprays, soaps, and solutions, and replacement bags and filters for his vacuum. (Hey, we couldn’t agree with that last part more!) This way, there is no excuse for not getting the job done.

It is safe to say that for most of us, there just aren’t enough hours in the day. Whether you work 40 hours outside the home, stay home with your kids, or whatever combination of the two, chances are cleaning your house requires time that you just don’t have. Crucial Vacuum knows your time is valuable and limited. We also know how essential a clean home is the health and safety of your family. So when we found this article by Heidi Cho, 30 Quick and Easy Cleaning Tips, featuring great timesaving advice from cleaning experts, we decided to share our favorites tips from the article with you. You’re welcome!

For the kitchen-

Work clockwise around the room. Because the stovetop is likely the dirtiest and greasiest place in the kitchen it makes sense to save it for last. But we actually like this tip for any room in the house. It will keep you from running from one side of the room to the other without getting anything accomplished. And saving the worst part for last is nice because once you’re done, you’re done!

Keep your sponges bacteria free. A wet sponge can be a lovely place for bacteria to thrive. But wringing yours out and popping it in the microwave on high for 60 seconds is a great way to stop those harmful bacteria in their tracks.

For the bathroom-

Rid your shower curtain liner of mold and mildew. The plastic liner on your shower curtain can be tough to keep clean. But by placing it in the washer with some towels, which will work as scrubbers, yours can be good as new in no time. We really love this idea. Mold is nothing to mess around with.

For the entire house:

Clean top to bottom. This ensures that any dust, crumbs, or whatever else gets knocked off of your surfaces will be picked up when you get to the floor.

And the vacuum tip-

Vacuum from one corner to the other corner. Cho suggests that you start in the corner furthest from the entrance to the room and work in slow, forward and backward, overlapping motions. This will leave you with perfect vacuum lines free of footprints, which we all just love.

We’ve all seen the newscasts on household pollutants and bacteria that are meant to scare the living daylights out of us. They use black lights to reveal hidden deadly bacteria living on our pillowcases and faucets and it’s enough to make our skin crawl. I promise I’m not trying to make your skin crawl. But I am going to tell you about some pretty common biological pollutants that could be present in your home right now.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines biological pollutants as contaminants that are living or are produced by living things. Areas that provide food, moisture, or water are a breeding ground for biological pollutants. Unfortunatly, many biological pollutants can make you and your family sick by triggering allergic reactions. Some of the most common reactions are sneezing, itchy watery eyes, dizziness, shortness of breath, and digestive problems. Many of these pollutants can become airborne in your home and can be circulated through your homes central air system causing your family to be constantly exposed.

Some of the most common biological pollutants according to the EPA:

• · Dust Mites
• · Pet Dander (skin flakes)
• · Mold
• · Viruses
• · Bacteria
• · Droppings and pieces of rodents and pests

Did that last one make you cringe? I would have left it out, but I learned something new in my research that I feel compelled to share. (Sorry in advance!) According to the EPA the protein in the urine of rats and mice is a very potent allergen. Once the urine dries those pollutants become airborne and can be distributed throughout your home. As if mice and rats weren’t disturbing enough already!

So now that I’ve freaked you out again, let me tell you what you can do to prevent the presence of these biological pollutants in your home. The good news is, it’s pretty simple.

Keep your home clean: Good housekeeping goes a long way in reducing the amount of pollen, pet dander, and dust mites in your home. As pesky as these common pollutants may be, your vacuum is their worst enemy.

Maintain proper ventilation:  Exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathroom can eliminate much of the moisture that builds up in your home everyday. While exhaust fans are ideal and fairly simple to install, opening a window is a decent alternative.

Control the relative humidity in your home: The EPA recommends a relative humidity of 30-50 percent in homes. Controlling the humidity in your home can reduce growth of many of these pollutants.

Don’t forget about your basement and attic: This is important. Just because you may not be spending a lot of time in these areas doesn’t mean that they can’t be making you sick. Bacteria and pollutants can easily make their way from these areas into your breathing space. (Do I have to remind you of that airborne mice urine?) So be sure to maintain proper ventilation in these places too. As a general rule, even the smallest amount of water in your basement can be dangerous.

Crucial Vacuum cares about your health, which is why we are always looking for ways to keep you informed of the things that could be making you sick in your home. If there is one place you should be able to breathe easy, it should be at home.