When it comes to pets, hair removal is only one aspect of effective cleaning. Pet dander – comprised of tiny skin particles shed by cats and dogs – can become airborne and trigger skin and nose pet allergy.

In the 2022 Dyson Global Dust Study, Dyson engineers learnt that 1 in 2 pet owners worldwide allow their dog and cats to sleep on beds at home¹, but only 36% of them include their mattresses in a clean.

To ensure that your home (including where you sleep) is cleaned properly, we reveal how to remove pet dander with the latest in vacuum technology. Read on for our 3-step approach below.

What causes pet allergy symptoms?

Allergens can consist of a number of different pollutants – such as mold, pollen and dust mites. When these microscopic particles come into direct contact with humans, they can trigger symptoms like runny noses, itchy skin, sneezing and shortness of breath. When it comes to pet allergy, pet dander is the central cause. The proteins in pet dander are carried by pet hair, and can become airborne and inhaled. The particles which make up this trigger include skin flakes, urine and saliva. To help you understand how to prevent pet dander from entering a home’s airspace, we’ve rounded up the most effective tools and approach.

1. Use the right vacuum technology

As dander is microscopic in size and can travel via air, capturing it requires deep cleaning throughout the home. Dyson’s engineers methodically researched how to prevent pet allergies as much as possible, helping to develop technology which helps detect and remove their triggers. See the latest in vacuum technology below.

  • Illumination

    The Dyson Gen5detect™ vacuum is Dyson’s most powerful HEPA cordless vacuum, delivering 262 air watts of powerful suction² with a next-generation Hyperdymium motor, spinning at up to 135,000 rpm generating Dyson’s most powerful suction yet.2

    The re-engineered Fluffy Optic™ cleaner head reveals twice the amount of microscopic dust3via increased brightness and range - so you can see exactly where to clean. Engineered to reveal microscopic particles hiding in your home, the machine captures fine strands of pet hair and ensures hidden dust can be seen and removed.

    As it detects and cleans, it also displays what’s been captured in real time – from larger particles to microscopic particles like pet allergy triggers and pollen.4 A completely re-engineered user interface (UI) shows displays clean surfaces in real-time.5

  • Anti-tangle technology

    Because it’s often attached to hair, we can only understand how to prevent pet dander by preventing pet hair too. To solve this, the Dyson Gen5detect™ comes with a Digital Motorbar™ cleaner head – which powerfully sucks up dust and hair from all floor types. And to prevent loss of suction, an inbuilt detangling comb clears hair from the brush bar.

    For trickier surfaces like mattresses, sofas and pet beds, the Dyson Gen5detect™ comes with a Hair Screw tool that can pick up long hair and pet hair. The Anti-tangle conical brush bar spirals the hair off straight into the bin for hygienic disposal.

  • Whole-machine HEPA filtration ensures that microscopic dust, bacteria and pet allergy triggers remain trapped in the vacuum, leaving behind a clean home.

    The Dyson Gen5detect™ features Dyson’s most advanced cordless whole-machine HEPA filtration system. The machine is fully sealed, trapping 99.99% of potentially harmful particles down to 0.1 microns6, ensuring only clean air passes through the filter, for purified air in your home.

2. Capture pet hair before it touches the floor

  • Dogs and cats shed wherever they go. One of the best methods in how to prevent pet dander and the allergens they trigger is to capture them at the source. One of our central tools in addressing pet allergies, the Pet groom tool brushes and captures loose hair on your cat or dog and sucks it straight into the vacuum.

    By sucking loose hair straight from pet’s bodies, the Pet groom tool helps to reduce allergens and pet dander entering the home’s air space. The tool also has flexible bristles that self-clean immediately for hygiene.

    Purchase the full Pet grooming kit for an extension cord and a quick-release adaptor that adds up to 100cm of flexible reach to your Dyson vacuum.

    The Pet groom tool can be purchased separately from Dyson.com.au and is compatible with all of Dyson’s latest vacuums, including the Gen5detect, V15, V12, Outsize, V11,V10 and V8.

3. Vacuum pet hair when you see it

  • Dyson cordless vacuums are also made for targeted cleaning on smaller surface areas. When you see pet hair in the home, it’s important to remove it straight away. This helps in reducing airborne dander and the potential of pet allergies.

    Do quick, on-the-spot cleans whenever you see pet hair around, so shedding doesn’t accumulate over time. Then, once a week, round it up with a deep-clean – remembering to focus on neglected areas.

    The Dyson Gen5detect™ has a built-in dusting and crevice tool hidden inside the wand, transforming the device into Dyson’s most powerful handheld and saving time between floor and handheld cleaning.

    Dyson engineers have developed suction and filtration systems powerful enough to lift and remove pet hair completely, incorporating the latest cleaning technology into our vacuums. With vacuums engineered for homes with pets, you can ensure a cleaner, purified home with every clean.

Discover how to clean your carpet effectively next.

112,309 respondents across 11 countries: US, Australia, Japan, China, South Korea, France, Britain, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Turkey. Fieldwork conducted from 15th to 24th November 2021. Data has been weighted at a ‘Global’ level to be representative of different population sizes.

2Suction tested to IEC62885-4 CL5.8 and CL5.9, tested at the flexible inlet, loaded to bin full, in Boost mode by independent third-party, SGS-IBR Laboratories US in 2022.

3Compared to the original Dyson Laser Slim Fluffy™ cleaner head. Effectiveness influenced by ambient light conditions, debris type and surface.

4Quantity and size of dust displayed on screen varies depending on usage. Examples shown may occur within one or more displayed size range. Automatic suction adaptation only occurs in auto mode.

5Best accuracy achieved in Auto mode. Auto ramp feature in Auto mode only. Testing based on average in home usage according to Dyson internal test data.

6Filtration tested against ASTM F3150, tested in Boost mode by independent third-party, SGS-IBR Laboratories US in 2022.

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