There are so many different types of vacuum cleaners on the market. This article will help you understand how vacuum cleaners work, what your options are, and how to narrow down your options to find the best types for you and your home. In our previous article we outlined and explained the difference between the 6 different types of vacuum cleaners…

• The Upright
• The Canister
• The Stick
• The Handheld
• The Robot
• The Central System

The following will set aside the specialty and secondary vacuum cleaners and concentrate on the two major types of vacuum cleaners… uprights and canisters.

Bag or Bagless?

For most people, it is a matter of personal preference. But if family members have allergies or asthma, or if you are concerned that the quality of indoor air a vacuum with a dust bag is the better choice. Even if you choose a bagless cleaner it still comes down to removing a container of dust and allergens and dirt and dumping it into a garbage container. Bagless vacuums use filters that need to be brushed or washed to remove trapped particles.

What Types of Surfaces Need to be Cleaned?

Are there above the floor surfaces to be clean, such as high ceilings, light fixtures, ceiling fans, etc., the main use of the vacuum is cleaning the flooring. Attempting to clean stirs with n upright is awkward. Today’s architectural design of an open area consists of various surfaces, such as area rugs some wall to wall carpeting, and hardwood. So, if you have stairs a canister will provide the best results. If you do not have stairs and if your home is primarily wall to wall carpeting an upright with floor cleaning attachment to clean the above floor surfaces is a good choice.

How Much Traffic and Spills Do You Have?

The traffic and types of carpet soils is an important factor. If you have a house full of pets and children you will have lots more spots and spills. Carpet soils can act like sandpaper to your carpet and can cause the carpet to have an ugly appearance before they actually wear out. Clean soils up as soon as possible. For carpeting or rugs with high traffic choose a vacuum with aggressive bristles and a revolving brush. Canister vacuums will not have a rotating beater brush and only use suction to clean. So if you are dealing with pet hair and spills on the carpet an upright is best for you. The rule is to choose the most aggressive vacuum clean that your carpet fibers can tolerate.

What Type of Carpet Fibers Do You Have?

As important as the traffic area and spills and spots are the types of carpet fibers are made with.

• Synthetic fibers are very durable and you can use the most aggressive vacuum cleaner without fear of damage.
• Natural fibers are woven from fibers extracted from plants. They’re often durable, affordable, and neutral. Three of the most popular natural fiber rugs are jute, seagrass, and sisal. Natural fiber rugs must be treated gently. Many of these rugs are woven and quite durable, but they require softer bristles on the vacuum cleaner. Specialty brushes are available for their natural materials.
• Wool is a very durable fiber. For thousands of years and around the world people have been creating carpets out of wool. Wool as fiber can withstand pressure, has a beautiful aesthetic and excellent appearance retention properties. It is also incredibly long-lasting when properly cared for. A revolving brush can be used on wool, but the bristles must be flexible and forgiving so as not to fuzz the yarns and prematurely wear the carpet.
• Oriental Rugs are most often wool but they can also be made with silk. Oriental rugs can cost a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. For an everyday use oriental carpet, the vacuum bristles must be the same as just discussed for the wool carpet, flexible and forgiving. If you have a high-value Oriental rug, it is often seeing very little traffic It is best to use a canister vacuum for high-value Oriental rugs.

Always check the manufactures recommended care instructions before purchasing a new vacuum. If you have a few different types of fiber carpeting, choose a vacuum that has tools available for the most delicate rug you own.

What Kind of Vacuum Cleaner Performance Do You Want?

This requires evaluating a range of vacuum cleaner specification, the most important is water lift, suction, and airflow. Do not allow power to become confused with performance. Watts and amps tell you how much electrical power the vacuum cleaner motor uses, not how much suction power the machine creates. The motor power rating does not mean much. A 10 amp motor can create more suction power than a 12 amp motor if it is designed to be more efficient.

What Type of Filtration Do You Expect?

Essentially, when a vacuum pulls in the air it also sucks in dirt particles of various sizes. Because the air that is taken in has to be expelled back out of the vacuum without the dirt going along with it, a filter is put in place. HEPA is a type of filter that can trap a large number of very small particles that other vacuum cleaners would simply recirculate back into the air of your home. HEPA vacuums are recommended for minimizing dust, dander, and other common allergens in homes where people suffer from allergies and respiratory conditions. HEPA is used primarily in the United States. In Europe companies generally refer to the same filter as an S-Class. They both remove 99.97% of all particles as small as 0.3 microns in size from the air that passes through them.

How Important is Quality and Durability to You?

When evaluating durability, look at the quality of the construction. Look for solid components of good quality as opposed to flimsy or brittle appearing material. Look for a good fit and finish without rough edges. The seals should be heavy-duty and components that open and close should do so with a nice solid feel. Look for longer warranties, especially on the motor.

Will It Be Easy for You to Use?

No matter how great a vacuum cleaner might be in terms of specification if it is not easy for you to use look for a different one. Consider your specific issues concerning weight concerning uprights versus canister. Make sure your vacuum provides a solution to your cleaning challenges if there are some. The cleaner should maneuver easily without straining to get under or around furniture and in corners.

What Noise Level Is OK With You?

We normally call a noise level between 61 and 70 decibels. For the TV or radio, you have to put it a bit harder but a conversation at 2 meters distance from each other is still good to do. Vacuum cleaners with a noise level between 71 and 75 decibels are loud. Cleaning your filters will help make your vacuum quieter. The belt of the vacuum that is damaged or jammed could also be a reason for some added noise it may be making. The fan of the vacuum cleaner is often a missed cause. It may be dirty and can be easily cleaned using q tips or it could have a broken blade.

What Attachments Do You Want?

All quality vacuum cleaners come with a set of accessory tools that cover most floor and above floor vacuuming needs.

• Crevice Tool
• Dusting Brush
• Upholstery Tool
• Extension Wand
• Motorized Brush Head
• Bare Floor Brush

As households across the country continue to transition from the traditional place to eat and sleep and into home schools, offices, and socially-distanced bubbles to keep families safe, there’s a renewed focus on keeping things both germ- and dust-free. Whether you have allergies, pets, or crumb-making toddlers, a powerful vacuum will help keep the space you’re spending more time in than ever before clean.

The professionals at All Vacuum Center are ready to help you weigh these important decisions. Our staff are not just salespeople; we truly know the ins-and-outs of vacuums. We can evaluate your current vacuum, help you to decide whether it is cost effective to repair, and if not, help you select a new vacuum that meets your everyday needs.

Contact us (859-341-8227) for a free consultation today -or- visit our showroom!

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About All Vacuum Center

At All Vacuum Center, we know the ins-and-outs of the vacuums we sell! We have over 30 years of experience in this industry. When you deal with us, you deal with the owners, not an employee on commission who is only looking out for his paycheck.
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