Vacuum Cleaners

Choosing the right vacuum cleaner can go a long way towards keeping your carpets and hardwood floors looking their best. Vacuum cleaners can help remove pet hair and dander from furniture, whisk away dirt particles from your hard floors and keep draperies, upholstery and stairways clean and clear of dust and debris. For deeper stains, steam cleaners or extractors help you get at under-the-surface substances that regular vacuum cleaners can't remove. For those who suffer from allergies, a vacuum cleaner can be the first line of defense in keeping airborne irritants to a minimum. When it comes to purchasing a new model, it is helpful to keep these questions in mind:

 

• Do you need a vacuum cleaner that can handle carpeted and hard floors?
• Will you need to clean stairs, upholstery, draperies or other items?
• Do you prefer a model with a bagged or bagless dust capture system?
• Is the noise level of the vacuum cleaner or extractor a consideration?
• Do you or members of your household suffer from allergies or asthma?
  
  

Type of Vacuum Cleaners, Uses and Tips

With such a wide variety of vacuum cleaners, the model you choose will depend on a number of factors. The layout of your home may influence whether you choose an easy-to-maneuver upright or the flexibility of a canister vacuum. If you are going to regularly clean stairs or upholstery, be sure to choose a unit with a detachable hose and the appropriate attachments. For quick cleanup of daily messes, consider a handheld vacuum in either a corded or cordless configuration.

Upright Vacuum Cleaners: Uprights are self-contained units with the hose, power brush, vacuum bag or dirt cup and motor housed together in one body. They are well suited to carpet cleaning because the motor is generally right behind the brush for intense suction power. Most uprights can be adjusted to accommodate the height of your carpet, and some have features that allow them to clean bare floors as well. Built-in hoses allow you to clean upholstery, stairs and other surfaces.

 

• Look for a brush on/off switch for cleaning bare floors without causing damage
• Motorized pet brushes remove hair and dander from carpets, furniture and upholstery
• The pile-height adjustment lets you match the vacuum height to your carpet type
• Lightweight models improve maneuverability and are easier to transport between floors
  
  

Canister Vacuums: Canister vacuums offer flexible cleaning power with a main unit that houses the motor and vacuum bag or dirt cup. A hose connects the main unit to the power brush or appropriate attachment for cleaning. Canisters often include a variety of separate attachments that enable you to perform a wide range of tasks, including cleaning bare floors, carpets, upholstery, curtains and ceilings.

 

• Power brushes are often slim enough to get under low-lying furniture
• Suction control lets you reduce the airflow for use on drapes and curtains
• On-board tool storage gives you easier access to needed accessories
  
  

Robotic Vacuums: Robotic models offer the latest innovation in vacuum technology for increased convenience by taking care of household messes for you. Since their introduction, robotic vacuums have received significant improvements that make them more effective and efficient at removing dust, dirt and other substances. They work especially well on hard floors and low carpets and usually include advanced capabilities that help them plot a course, detect edges and avoid stairs.

 

• Operates via rechargeable batteries that can be replenished when the unit is not in use
• Many robotic vacuums are designed to return to the charging station when done cleaning
• Programmable models can be set to clean at predetermined times for added convenience
  
  

Central Vacuum Systems: Central vacuums give you the benefit of an internal cleaning system that is built directly into the structure of your house. While the main unit is installed in a central location, suction ports are strategically placed throughout your home for maximum connectivity. A long cleaning hose is then attached to these suction ports allowing for simple, effective cleaning of every corner and crevice of your house.

 

• Quiet operation allows you to clean without disturbing family members
• Larger capacity doesn't require emptying as often as other vacuum types
• Central vacuums eliminate the need to lug a heavy machine around your home
• Most central vacuums have a 30' hose or longer for easy cleaning in hard-to-reach areas
  
  

Portable & Cordless Vacuums: These portable, lightweight vacuums are designed for light cleaning around your home, vehicle, boat or RV. They are a good addition to your main vacuum and work well for quick spills and messes.

 

• Cordless design available on some models lets you clean anywhere
• Slim, compact, lightweight design for easy transport and maneuverability
• Wall-mounted models offer quick, simple access for everyday cleanup
  
  

Steam Cleaners/Extractor: Steam cleaners and extractors use heated water and powerful suction to treat tough stains and remove stubborn dirt from your carpets. Look for units that offer conveniences such as separate tanks for clean and soiled water, heat boosters to keep water warm for easier stain removal and one-pass application and extraction for quick cleanup.

 

• Special brushes on some models are used to treat more difficult stains for better results

• Selectable brush speeds allow you to adjust cleaning intensity to the necessary amount
  
   

Type of Vacuum	Common Applications	Important Features to Consider
Upright	Carpets & rugs Hard floors Furniture Upholstery Stairs	Brush on/off function HEPA filtration Built-in hose w/ included attachments Self-propelled movement Adjustable height Ergonomic handles Lightweight design Bagless dirt storage
Canister	Carpets & rugs Hard floors Furniture Upholstery Stairs	Hard floors attachment Upholstery brush HEPA filtration On-board tool storage Retractable cord Suction control
Central	Carpets & rugs Hard floors Furniture Upholstery Stairs	Long hose Central installation Suction switch Quiet operation
Robotic	Hard floors Low-pile carpets & rugs	Hands-off floor cleaning Rechargeable batteries Programmable cleaning schedule
Handheld/Stick	Small spills Carpets & rugs Bare floors Stairs Automobiles	Lightweight design Cordless models available Wall-mounted storage
Steam Cleaners/ Extractors	Deep cleaning Carpets & rugs Furniture Upholstery Hard floors	Varied attachments On-board heaters Selectable brush speed Long power cord Hard floor cleaning capabilities

Features

HEPA Filtration: Some vacuums have HEPA or HEPA-type filters to help capture a wide variety of dirt and dust particles that can irritate allergies and respiratory ailments. HEPA filters trap 99.97% of particles measuring as small as 0.3 microns, removing allergy-inducing materials from carpeting and the air.

Dirt Sensors: Some vacuums now include sensor technologies that detect the presence of dirt and let you know when you have thoroughly removed all dust, dirt and debris from an area.

Self-Propelled Motor: Vacuums with self-propelled motors allow you to effortlessly move across the floor and maneuver around furniture with a smooth motion that won't strain sensitive back muscles.

Bagless Technology: Many vacuums are now incorporating the convenience of bagless operation into their design. These types of vacuums include a reusable canister or cup to collect dirt, eliminating the need to buy bags. Many canisters are clear, allowing you to tell at a glance when it is full.

Telescoping Wands: Some units include telescoping wands that give you a wider reach and allow you to get at areas that are hard to clean, including tall ceilings, the tops of cupboards or underneath cabinets and furniture.