The 7 Best HEPA Vacuums For Mold

Got mold? Trying to prevent mold? Well, one question you are likely asking yourself is “what is the best HEPA vacuum to remove and prevent mold?” Its an important question seeing how big of a role vacuuming plays in our lives.

That was a joke. Vacuuming is a dreaded and often forgotten chore. But for someone like me, or maybe you, who has already gone through a major mold event, almost daily vacuuming DOES become a very important part of our lives.

As such, we need to know that we have one of the best HEPA vacuums for mold.

Feel free to use the table of contents below to skip to the section you are most interested in. But if it were me, I would read this entire article.

What Is A HEPA Vacuum?

HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air. The vacuum itself might not be designed or operate much differently than a standard non-HEPA vacuum, but what sets it apart is the filter it uses.

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. For your reference, an inch contains about 25,000 microns.

The HEPA standard is set by the U.S. government’s Department of Energy, and was developed for use in nuclear facilities in the 1940s. HEPA filters can collect some pollutants though they cannot capture everything. For instance, particles smaller than 0.3 microns (like mycotoxins) can escape through a HEPA filter, as can the gaseous molecules of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as well as some viruses and bacteria.

Why Do You Need A HEPA Vacuum For Mold?

When you vacuum with a non-HEPA vacuum cleaner, most mold spores pass through the filtration, out the exhaust, and back into the air. This is because they are too small for ordinary filters to trap them. The only exception may be a few mold spores that get stuck to dust and filtered out that way. Vacuuming with a non-HEPA vacuum is risky since it can send even more mold spores into the air of the home and you run the risk of them finding a food source once they land. This is why you should never vacuum over a patch of mold growth using a non-HEPA vacuum. Honestly, you should never vacuum mold period.

It is important to keep in mind that even with a HEPA vacuum, you will never be able to remove every single mold spore from carpet. However lab tests of carpet samples under the microscope show that HEPA vacuuming significantly reduces the amount of microscopic particles in carpet.

HEPA Vacuum Cleaners and Mycotoxins

Although HEPA filters remove mold spores from the air they aren’t effective at filtering the mycotoxins produced by toxic mold. Central vacuum systems can help to remove some of the mycotoxins from a home if the air is exhausted outside the house. Mycotoxins are very tricky to remove and further removal efforts will need to be employed.

What Else Do HEPA Vacuums Help With?

HEPA vacuums also remove household dust, pet dander, and other allergens which cause allergic reactions and can trigger asthma.

Are There Different HEPA Vacuums For Carpet, Wood Flooring, And Tile?

Yes, there are but I don’t recommend getting a single surface vacuum. If you are going to spend the money on a quality HEPA vacuum, get one that can handle any surface.

How Much Do HEPA Vacuums For Mold Cost?

There is a huge range is pricing for HEPA vacuums. You can find them on sale for as low as $99. Some of the super high quality vacuums can go for upwards of $1,200. A mid-range, high quality HEPA vacuum for mold is typically in the $250-$450 range.

What Requirements Do You Have For The Best HEPA Vacuums For Mold?

1. A sealed chassis. This means no air leakage. You would be surprised at how many vacuums have issues with their gaskets. Gaskets play a crucial role by preventing air from leaking. Leaking air bypasses the filtration system as it comes from the housing compartment of the vacuum. This leaking air is sending out mold spores into your air as you vacuum.
2. No dust or smell. A high quality HEPA vacuum will never have that “vacuum” smell. You do not want to invest in a vacuum where you can see dust coming out or smell dust.
3. Quality pre-filters. Pre-filters are various layers of additional filters which protect the main HEPA filter. This is recommended because pre-filters will extend the life of the actual HEPA filter so you don’t have to replace them quite as often. This isn’t a make or break it but typically HEPA vacuums with pre-filters are a higher quality vacuum.
4. Versatility and Convenience. I prefer HEPA vacuums that can capture mold spores, dirt and allergens on a variety of surfaces, whether it’s hard-wood floors, carpets, or plush rugs. I don’t want to have to purchase three vacuums for the various floors in my home. In addition, I would like it to come with tools so I can reach high places and nooks and crannies.
5. Weight. Canister vacuums tend to be lighter weight. Some of the best HEPA vacuums for mold are upright though and they can be heavy. I am less likely to push a 30 pound vacuum around the house than I am a 10 pound vacuum. So I do take weight into consideration.
6. Is It Certified? I tend to look for vacuums with the official approval seal from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). This means that they have already put the HEPA vacuum for mold through its paces and it passed with flying colors. Now this isn’t a make or break it. There are a couple of really good HEPA vacuums that haven’t been certified.
7. Bag vs. Bagless. Personally I prefer a HEPA vacuum cleaner with a bag as opposed to the bagless options. You have to be sooooo diligent in emptying the container into an outside garbage can so you don’t send spores flying in the house. In addition, you have to rinse out the canister regularly which can be a bit of a pain. Having said that, I didn’t use this criteria as a make or break it requirement. It is getting more difficult to find quality HEPA vacuums that use bags.

The Best HEPA Vacuums For Mold

Below are a list of the best HEPA vacuums for mold. I have carefully researched and tested each of the HEPA vacuums I am recommending. Please know that there are many more options available but these HEPA vacuums for mold met all of my requirements.

Best Upright HEPA Vacuum For Mold – The Prolux 9000

General Overview and Features

This is the vacuum I am personally using as my main vacuum now. From day one, it has performed like a beast! I have cats and other vacuums, while having powerful suction, sort of blew the fur around and I would have to chase after it. Not with the Prolux 9000! I have also been pretty shocked by how much the Prolux picks up! I thought my floors were pretty clean but it seems to find debris I never even knew about.

The Prolux has never gotten clogged or had any sort of issue. It is super simple maintain as well. Let’s take a quick look at some of the features from a more technical standpoint.

The Prolux 9000 Sealed HEPA Vacuum uses a powerful, deep-cleaning, 125 CFM, 12-amp, thermal-protected, sealed motor. Designed to deep clean all types of flooring, it comes with a floating head that automatically adjusts to its intended surface. Its hardy construction is designed to last for many years, with a steel bottom plate, an oversize hose, a steel brush roll, a sealed motor chamber, LED lights, aluminum wands, and sealed, hospital-grade HEPA filtration. Dust and mold spores will NOT find their way to your motor or air. Period.

Prolux offers a generous return policy, no questions asked. It has a 7 year motor and 3 year whole unit residential use warranty and Prolux will pay for shipping both ways.
 

Pros of the Prolux 9000 Upright Vacuum

• 125 CFM
• Ergonomic handle features on/off switch
• Carrying handle
• Top switch allows easy transitions between carpet and hard flooring
• Insulated motor for quiet operation
• 30-ft. power cord
• Close to 12″ wide cleaning path! Nothing gets away from this beast!
• Full-bag indicator light
• Sealed, hospital-grade HEPA filter
• Includes 2 disposable bags
• Sealed motor chamber extends lifespan
• Motor-protection thermal switch
• Suction bypass control
• Soft vinyl wheels
• Weighs only 18.4 lbs
• The most affordable high end vacuum on the market.

Cons of the Prolux 9000 Upright Vacuum

According to some recent reviews, replacement belts have been a bit low in stock. I have not had to replacement my belt so I cannot confirm this personally. Aside from that, I personally do not have any concerns with the Prolux 9000.

Click here to see the current price and read other reviews of the Prolux 9000 Upright Vacuum. 

The Best HEPA Robot Vacuum For Mold – The eufy Clean X8 Pro

I have tried 4 different brands of Robot vacuums. These are NEVER my first choice as the best HEPA vacuum for mold for a wide variety of reasons. However, if it means the difference between regularly vacuuming or not vacuuming at all, definitely get a robot vacuum. If you want the best HEPA root vacuum for mold, eufy is the only choice.

General Overview and Features

The eufy Clean X8 Pro is the only robot vacuum I trust in my home. I switched to the eufy in December 2023 and wished I had done it sooner. It is a well sealed vacuum that self-empties into a well sealed bag. This is as safe as you can get when it comes to a robot vacuum.

The robot uses laser navigation and AI mapping to avoid obstacles, track cleaning paths, and unlock custom cleaning options. You can initiate a “quick mapping” of your space from the app, which allows it to create a map without cleaning, and then edit the map to change room divisions, apply room names, add no-go zones, and create cleaning sequences.

After each cleaning, or at intervals you set, the X8 Pro empties its 335ml onboard dustbin into a 2.5-L dust bag contained within in the self-empty station. Eufy says the dust bag can hold up to 45 days of dirt and debris, but your particular usage will ultimately determine how frequently the bag has to be removed and replaced.

Eufy X8 Pro specifications

• Cleaning modes: Vacuum and mop
• Charging dock type: Auto-clean station
• Navigation: LiDAR
• Suction: Up to 8,000 Pa
• AI obstacle avoidance: Yes
• Dustbin capacity: 335ml onboard, 2.5L in the base station
• Mopping type: Attachable tank with mop cloth
• Water tank capacity: 270ml
• Carpet detection: Yes
• App control: Android and iOS
• Voice control: Alexa, Google Assistant

Pros of the eufy Clean X8 Pro

• It’s the industry’s first vacuum to feature dual TurboCyclone Suction units to effectively clean different surface types
• Eufy’s Pro-Detangle brush feature is very effective in homes with pets and people with lots of hair
• Easy set up right out of the box
• Laser mapping and navigation
• 0.15-gallon / 0.6-liter dust container
• Four suction levels
• Methodical approach to cleaning rooms
• Very good edge cleaning
• Allows customized cleaning via saved maps
• Set cleaning schedules
• Control vacuum while away from the house
• Up to three hours battery life
• Battery status displayed in the app
• Automatically returns to charging base if battery gets low
• Auto-empties into a bag
• Exceptional customer service. You can upload an error report directly in the App.
• 30 day money back guarantee and one year warranty

Cons of the eufy Clean X8 Pro

• Need 2.4GHz Wi-Fi band
• Too tall for some spots
• Doesn’t always avoid small objects

Click here to see the current price and read other reviews of the eufy Clean X8 Pro robot vacuum.

Best Meile HEPA Vacuum For Mold

I know – this sounds like a strange category of vacuum. But here me out! I have owned MANY Miele vacuums and they are wonderful. But they are expensive and heavy and not practical for everyone. However, a lot of people are convinced they need a Miele. If so, the Miele complete C3 Marin Canister Vacuum Cleaner is my top choice. For me, it was the easiest to use based on my needs.

General Overview and Features

The Miele Complete C3 Marin bagged canister vacuum is made in Germany and is one of Miele’s top-end machines. It is also one of their best-selling vacuums. Let’s take a look at all of the incredible features.

• The AirClean System – features 11 stage filtration (9 ply dustbag, pre-motor filter, H13 HEPA filter, and finally a post-motor filter) that removes 99.95% of all particles as small as 0.1 microns. Rubber seals around the dustbag and a Sealed System prevent air leakage and ensure cleaner air.
• As a key component of the AirClean system, the HEPA AirClean Filteris independently tested and certified and now features a TimeStrip indicator.
• The 9-ply, 3D G/N AirClean dust bag can hold up to 4.76 quarts and traps large particles and allergens.
• The 1200 Watt Miele Vortex Motor provides powerful suction and is now encapsulated to further reduce sound.
• The Miele Marin is rigorously tested to last an average of 20 years residential use, and each vacuum is tested prior to leaving the factory floor.
• A One-Touch Cord Rewind button as well as foot button suction controls (in lieu of the old rotary dial), provide convenience and allow you to control the Marin without having to bend down while you clean.
• With all new styling, the Marin features a metallic, navy-blue finish that sets it apart from other vacuum cleaners.
• A raised, 3D bumper strip protects furniture as well as your vacuum from bumps and dings while you clean.
• Dust bag change indicator alerts you to replace the dust bag, while a separate filter change indicator lets you know when it is time to replace the HEPA filter.
• Safety Shut-Off prevents the motor from overheating in the event that a damaging item is sucked up.
• Lightweight the Miele Marin weighs in around 11 lbs., nearly 20% lighter than the S5 line of canisters.
• The Deluxe Ergonomic Handle Assembly allows for a comfortable cleaning motion while the integrated brushroll controls put complete control of the vacuum right at your fingertips.
• The Stainless Steel Telescopic Wand fully extends and retracts to increase reach for amazing above-the-floor cleaning.
• The Marin has three space-saving park positions. The park position at the base of the unit automatically puts this C3 canister into Standby Mode as well as two other side park positions.
• Standby Mode saves power while the vacuum is parked but provides convenience when life interrupts while cleaning.
• The Automatic Suction setting provides ease and convenience and is environmentally friendly by only using as much power as needed for you specific cleaning task.
• As a part of the Miele Powerline series of vacuums, the C3 Marin comes with the best tool for deep carpet cleaning: SEB 236 Powerbrush – A 13 3/8″ wide cleaning path, illuminated by a LED lamp, and driven with an independently powered motor provide the punch and power while five height adjustment setting round out this carpet cleaning tool as all you’ll ever need for any style of carpet.
• As the standard smooth floor tool with premium Miele vacuums, the Marin comes equipped with the SBB 300-3 Parquet Floor Tool.
• A Crevice Tool for tight spaces, Dusting Brush for delicate cleaning, and Upholstery Tool for furniture and curtains are conveniently stored under the hood.
• 7 Year Warranty on the motor and body casing – 1 Year Warranty on parts and labor.

Pros of the Miele Complete C3 Marin

• Uses Bags
• One-Touch Automatic Cord Rewind
• On-Board Tools: Crevice Tool, Dusting Brush with Natural Bristles and Upholstery Tool
• Ergonomic Carrying Handle
• Electronic Suction Power Setting
• 33ft Cleaning Radius
• 6-Level Power Setting
• Motor Safety Shutoff
• Lightweight skeleton construction
• Automatic standby switch in rear park
• Exclusive 12-stage AirClean Sealed™ System
• Filter replacement indicator
• Lightweight (12 lbs)
• 7-Year Motor Warranty & 7-Year Casing Warranty

Cons of the Miele Complete C3 Marin

• Difficult to maintain
• Small bag size
• Better fit for homes with low pile carpet and hard flooring
• VERY expensive

Click here to see the current price and read other reviews of the Miele Complete C3 Marin Canister Vacuum.

Best HEPA Canister Vacuum For Mold – The Prolux Tritan Canister Vacuum

General Overview and Features

The Prolux Tritan is the easy to use, inexpensive but dependable, powerful deep cleaning vacuum that you are looking for.

The Prolux Tritan Canister Vacuum is a powerful deep cleaner that is designed to clean carpet, rugs, hardwood floors, tile and more! With its on board tools, rubber wheels and retractable cord it is very easy to use. The Prolux Tritan’s compact but lightweight design has an impressive 12 amp deep cleaning motor that has an Amazing 107 CFM of air flow suction (most vacuums have 70 cfm). This is a well designed dependable vacuum with the 1 Year bumper to bumper factory warranty.

On board tools include the crevice tool, the duster/upholstery tool and the combination floor tool. This is a floor tool that has a button that when pushed retracts the hard floor bristles and in this mode can clean carpet and rugs. Then by pressing the button again the hard floor bristles come out for cleaning hardwood, tile and any hard floor surface. Adjustable power knob allows user to turn vacuums power down for delicate vacuuming when needed (like dusting).

Sealed Hepa Filtration – Great for allergies and keeping your home air clean and fresh with its three stage filtration and six bags.

The Prolux Tritan Canister Vacuum produces an amazing 100 inches of water lift suction and 107 CFM (cubic feet per minute) of airflow, which provides ample power for deep cleaning and sucking up pet hair.

23 foot retractable cord, 6 foot hose, and 36 inch extendable wand give the vacuum a 32 foot cleaning radius. The vacuum only weights 15 lbs and has rubber wheels for not scratching floors.

Pros of the Prolux Tritan Canister Vacuum

• Sealed HEPA filtration
• Uses Bags
• Multi-floor design
• 36-inch wand
• Adjustable power
• Lightweight
• Quiet
• Amazing suction
• Decent cord length
• Easy to use
• Inexpensive

Cons of the Prolux Tritan Canister Vacuum

• Works slightly better on hard surfaces than on carpeting
• Only a one year warranty

Click here to see the current price and read other reviews of the Prolux Tritan Canister Vacuum.

Best Bagless HEPA Vacuum For Mold – The Shark Rotator Pro Complete Lift-Away

General Overview and Features

The Shark Rotator Pro Complete Lift-Away vacuum features Anti-Allergen Complete Seal technology, which is scientifically proven to trap 99.99% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum. This feature makes it ideal for allergy sufferers, because it greatly reduces the chance of ever coming into contact with these allergens during the vacuuming process. The advanced dust cup prevents allergens from escaping back into the air as well.

Two HEPA filters provide the backbone of the Shark Rotator Pro’s advanced anti-allergen system. The double HEPA filter design goes the extra mile, ensuring that dust, pollen, mold and pet hair get trapped in the filters and stay there.

This powerful 3-in-1 vacuum features three different cleaning modes to ensure you get the most robust HEPA vacuuming experience possible. At its heart, the Shark Rotator Pro is a ultradurable upright. Canister vacuum mode makes cleaning an easy experience—perfect for daily maintenance cleaning. The liftaway pod makes for the ideal handheld vacuum. Powerful performance combines with extreme portability to create a robust handheld vacuuming experience.

The Shark Rotator Pro is a Never Loses Suction vacuum. This technology is aptly named. It’s exactly what it sounds like, preventing your vacuum from never losing suction so that throughout its entire natural lifespan, it remains just as powerful as the day you bought it.

Pros of the Shark Rotator Pro Complete Lift-Away

• Two HEPA filters
• Anti-Allergen Complete Seal technology
• Never Loses Suction technology
• Converts to handheld vacuum
• Converts to canister vacuum
• Swivel head
• Super quiet
• Lightweight
• 5-year limited warranty

Cons of the Shark Rotator Pro Complete Lift-Away

• None. Seriously. The Shark Rotator Pro Complete Lift-Away vacuum is truly the best bagless HEPA vacuum for mold on the market. Just make sure you empty the dust collection canister into a bag OUTSIDE your home. Then wipe the inside out with Superstratum Everyday Cleaner.

Click here to see the current price and read other reviews of the Shark Rotator Pro Complete Lift Away.

The Best HEPA Cordless Stick Vacuum For Mold – The Shark Wandvac System

General Overview and Features

A stick vacuum typically does not replace a standard size vacuum. Usually it is used for spot cleaning or small spaces. However, stick vacuums are very popular for college dorms (which are notoriously moldy) and studio apartments / hotel living. The best HEPA stick vacuum and the only one I recommend is the Shark Wandvac system.

• Powerful & lightweight: hypervelocity accelerated suction packs incredible power into an ultra-light 2.1-lb. Hand vac.
• Quick clean anywhere: versatility for on-the-floor and above-floor cleaning – easily switch between cleaning modes with only one touch.
• Ditch the dirty work: wandvac automatically empties itself into a HEPA-sealed base after every clean for hands-free debris disposal. No more daily trips to the trash bin.
• Up to 100x less dust exposure vs. traditional empty: fine dust and debris go straight to the self-empty base and are completely sealed keeping irritants from being released back into the air you breathe.
• Deep-cleaning technology: powerfins technology for continuous cleaning contact to dig deep into carpets & directly engage hard floors.
• No hair wrap: self-cleaning brushroll for powerful pet hair pickup with no hair wrap.
• HEPA filtration and anti-allergen complete seal: captures and traps over 99.97% of dust & allergens.
• Quiet mode: disable automatic emptying any time you need quiet operation, day or night.

What’s included:

• Wandvac self-empty cordless stick vacuum
• Self-empty charging base
• Duster crevice tool for tight spaces
• Pet multi-tool to tackle pet hair and upholstery

Click here to see the current price and read other reviews of the Shark Wandvac.

Wait! You didn’t recommend any Shop Vacuums.

I know I didn’t and for a good reason. Shop vacuums are designed in such a way that two big issues can arise. First, most of them have both a sucking function and a blowing function. If you hook the hose up to the wrong side, you might blow mold spores all over the place. This could pose a huge problem.

The second issue is that shop vacuums tend to blow stuff around even if you have the hose on the correct end. This is because of the way they exhaust. It is not a sealed system and even though many use a HEPA filter, they just are not designed to be an indoor vacuum.

If you do want or need a shop vacuum for mold, the only one I personally have used and would recommend is the Vacmaster professional. The Vacmaster professional 8 gallon wet/dry vac has a certified HEPA system and has an ultra quiet 2-stage industrial motor. It features 4 levels of filtration including a HEPA Cartridge filter, microfiber pre-filter, high-efficiency fine dust filter bag with closure flap, and an exhaust filter. The exhaust filter is what makes this shop vacuum stand out from the rest.

And there you have it! The complete guide to the best HEPA vacuums for mold. Phew!

Are you looking for more Mold Product Review posts? Click that link back there. Be sure to check out my pages on Mold Prevention and How To Remove Mold. Lots of great information there. And of course, you can prevent mold if you prevent leaks so come learn all you need to know on my Leak Prevention page!