Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaners

The wet/dry vacuum cleaner combination is no longer
just for a workshop.  Over the years, the driving
technology has improved a great deal, deceasing
the loud screeching noises that the vacuums were
so very well known for.

When you go out to buy a wet/dry vacuum with both
wet and dry features, you'll need to know some of
the details.  The vacuums are available in a variety
of different sizes and HP, ranging from 6 - 22 gallons
and 1.5 - 10.5 HP.  The capacity of the wet/dry
vacuum should match your needs in the following
ways:
1.  Wall mount vacuum cleaners with 1.5 HP
and a 1 gallon tank are available for quick and easy
cleanup jobs, such as spills.  You can also hang
this type on the wall as well, which will keep it out
of your way.
2.  The six gallon vacuum cleaners are ideal
for smaller jobs and are easy to maneuver and store
than a larger model.  Keep in mind however, that the
smaller wet/dry cleaners are much louder and also
more prone to tipping over.  The smaller the tank,
the more often you will have to stop and empty it.
3.  Higher capacity models are recommended
if you have a workshop or garage where larger spills
occur.  A large capacity tank will decrease the number
of times that you have to empty the tank.

When you looking for the best wet/dry vacuum for
you, you should look for the following options and
features:
-  The pleated cartridge filter.  It is
reusable and rinseable, and provides more filtration
area than the flat filter and it doesn't need to
be removed when you switch from the dry to wet
vacuum function.
-  An automatic shut off device is available
with most newer vacuum cleaners.  This mechanism
will shut off the motor automatically once the
tank has become full of water, which will prevent
it from overflowing.
-  A wide set of wheels will help to prevent
the vacuum from tipping over.
-  There are some of the larger models that
have the ability to convert to a leaf blower, which
is great if you have a lot of trees in your yard.
-  Some wet/dry models have a built in pump
attachment as well.  This type of attachment will
allow the water to be pumped through a garden hose
that attaches to the vacuum.
-  A handy drain valve or sprout will make
emptying the vacuum cleaner a snap.  If it doesn't
have this feature, you'll have to remove the
lid and tip the vacuum to the side to empty all of
the water.  Depending on how much water you have
in the tank, you could easily and accidentally
spill it on the floor.  The smaller types of wet/dry
vacuums normally don't have a spout or drain
option.
-  Wider hoses and floor nozzles are great
to have as well.  The wider the hose and nozzle
are, the less likely the vacuum will be to clog up
on you.

If they aren't provided with the vacuum you decided
on, you can also purchase the following attachments:
1.  Crevice tool - this handy tool will
easily get in tight corners and around floor edges.
2.  Extension wand - this will make the hose
longer for hard to reach areas.
3.  Hose couplings - this will join the
extension wand to the hose.
4.  Combination nozzle - this helps to
alleviate the need of switching nozzles before you
switch functions.
5.  Gulper nozzle - this tool is ideal for
the wet vacuum function.
6.  Round brush - this nifty little tool
is ideal for scrubbing.
7.  Cleaning kit - this kit will include
everything you need to clean delicate upholstery and
other areas as well.

Vacuum Configurations

Vacuum cleaners are devices that use an air pump to
create a partial vacuum to suck up dirt and dust,
normally from carpeted floors.  Most homes that have
carpet floors have a vacuum for cleaning.  The dirt
that is pulled up from the carpet is collected by
a filtering system or even a cyclone for later
disposal.

There are several type of configurations possible
for vacuum cleaners.

Upright
Upright vacuums have the pump mounted directly above
the suction intake, with the bag mounted directly on
the handle, which will rise to waist height or so.
The upright type designs normally employ mechanical
beaters which often rotate brushes, to help disturb
dust enough to be vacuumed up.  These beaters are
normally driven by a belt that is attached to the
vacuum motor.

Canister
Also known as cylinder vacuums, the canister type
designs have the motor and bag in a seperate canister
unit that connects to the vacuum head by a flexible
hose.  Even though upright units have been tested
as being more effective, the lighter and more
maneuverable heads of the canister models are quite
popular.  Some models have power heads, which contain
the same type of mechanical beaters found it upright
units, although they are driven by a seperate electric
motor.

Wet vacs/dry vacs
These types a specialized form of the canister
vacuum and they can be used to clean up wet or liquid
spills as well.  They will commonly accomodate both
wet and dry soilage, with some being equipped with
a switch or exhaust port that reverses the flow of
air.  This is a very useful function for everything
from clearing clogged hoses to blowing dust into a
corner for easy collecting.

Back pack vac
These types of vacuums are commonly used for
commercial cleaning, as they allow you to move about
quickly and efficiently in a large area.  They are
basically canister vacuum cleaners, except for the
fact that straps are used to carry the canister
on your back.

Built in or central
These types of vacuum cleaners will move the suction
motor and bag to a central location in the building
and provide vacuum inlets at strategic places
throughout the entire building.  You only need to
carry the hose and pickup head from room to room,
while the hose is normally 25 foot long and allows
a large range of movement without changing vacuum
inlets.

The plastic piping will connect vacuum inlets to
the central unit.  The vacuum can either be unpowered
or have beaters that are operated by an electric
motor or an air driven motor.  The bag in the
central vacuum system is normally so big that
emptying it or changing needs to be done less as
often, sometimes only once a year.

Vacuum Cleaner Bags

Everything that a vacuum picks up, no matter what
type it may be, needs to be deposited somewhere -
normally in a vacuum cleaner bag.

Back in 1920, the Air Way Sanitizer Company of
Ohio introduced the first vacuum cleaner with a
disposable vacuum bag.  Until that time, the bags
for vacuum cleaners resembled the type of bags that
golfers used to carry their clubs.  They were
somewhat heavy and awkard devices made out of
thick, stiff canvas, designed to be very flexible
and still keep dust and debris from the carpets
from escaping out into the air.

The improvements made by the Air Way Sanitizer
disposable vacuum bag went a long way toward
improving the effectiveness of the vacuum cleaner.
Made out of paper, the bag was designed to fit
inside of the cloth bag.  Not only did it make
cleaning the vacuum easier, but it also kept the
insides of the stationary bag clean at all times
so that less of the dust and debris could be
blown out of the vacuum and make its way through
the home again.

In the beginning, each manufacturer designed
their own disposable vacuum cleaner bag made out
of different types of paper.  You couldn't
interchange the bags from one machine to the next,
as the fittings were different sizes with
different configurations for the opening of the
intake.  Manufacturers who were once very
dependant on the sales of their machines had now
discovered an entirely new territory for the
disposable bags, and once again sales went through
the roof.

Before, a housewife had her vacuum cleaner and
the only thing it needed was to be cleaned and
serviced every now and then.  If the man of the
house was around, the job normally went to him.
After a while, repair shops that specialized in
vacuum cleaners began to pop up all over the
place.

These days, there are very few vacuum cleaners
that use bags.  Bagless is the way to go these days,
and for good reason.  What was once a revolution
in household cleaning, is now rapidly fading away
and fast.

Models such as the Cyclone or Dirt Devil, are
now using cylinder technology to store the dirt
and dust.  When you have finished vacuuming, you
simply empty the cylinder into the trash.  Vacuum
bags can be very frustrating, which is why
millions of people are using bagless vacuums.

If you own a vacuum cleaner that uses bags, you
should look into upgrading it.  Bagless vacuums
will save you time, money, and replacement.  If
you've grown tired of the bags, now is the time
to get a better vacuum.

Not only do the bagless models have more power,
but they will also save you quite a few trips to
the store and the closet.  They don't cost a lot
of money either, and they are the perfect addition
to any household.

Types Of Vacuum Cleaners

If you are planning to really clean your home, car,
camper, or job site, you'll want to check out one of
the many types of vacuum cleaners.  There are several
out there, with each one offering you an array of
special uses and features.

The ideal thing to do is make a list of your price
range and budget and what you need your vacuum to do.
Then, you can start shopping around and narrow your
list down until you find the vacuum that is perfect
for your needs.

There are several vacuum machines on the market
today, and you'll have no problems finding one that
will complete your tasks with ease and durability.

Vacuums are available in several different colors,
sizes, and prices.  Basically, there are two types
of vacuum cleaners - wet and dry vacs, and there are
even companies out there that have found ways to
combine both features.  You can choose from cordless,
handheld, and even bagless models.  If you are
feeling really lazy, you can even purchase a robotic
vacuum cleaner that will vacuum your entire house for
you while you watch.

Normally, vacuum cleaners are made of either durable
plastic or aluminum.  They range in colors, from
red to silver and white to blue.  For the models,
you can choose from upright, canister, stick, hand
held, and shop vac models.

There are some vacuum cleaners that are specifically
designed to help get debris and dirt out from
under your car seat and others that are made to
help you clean your hardwood floors.  Other features
can include extra detachable extension tools,
retractable power cords, a HEPA filter, and an
easy to reach power switch.  There are even models
out there that will pick up nails and even glasses
of water.

Several companies out there produce vacuum cleaners,
including Oreck, Simplicity, Dyson, Hoover, Bosch,
Sanyo, Bissell, Eureka, and Kirby.  If you are
looking for a vacuum cleaner, you have a large
selection of discounted and refurbished vacuums out
there waiting for you.

One of the greatest things about vacuum cleaners is
the fact that the sky is limit.  There are literally
hundreds to choose from, giving you everything you
need to complete your task.  The most popular
types of vacuums on the market today are bagless,
as there are no bags to change, all you need to
do is empty the cylinder after you vacuum.

Whenever you are shopping for a vacuum, you should
always compare prices.  This way, you'll get the
best deal for your money.  They range in prices
from 30 dollars to 500, making it more than worth
your time and money to shop around.  Before you
know it, you'll have a vacuum cleaner that will
making cleaning your home or business both fun
and exciting.

The Great Vacuum Cleaner

A vacuum cleaner is an absolute must have home
appliance these days.  All of us rely on our vacuum
cleaner to help keep our homes free of dirt and dust,
although how we go about it sometimes, doesn't
give a lot of thought as to how efficient the
vacuum cleaner really is.

Before electric vacuums were created, home cleaning
was a tedious task.  Back then, floors had to be
cleaned with brushes, mops, and brooms.  Rugs and
carpets had to be removed from the floor, hung up
outdoors, and beaten to get the dust out.  Doing
things this way involved a lot of time and effort
and caused many health complaints.

The earlier inventions of non electric floor cleaning
devices made home cleaning much easier.  People
started to look for ways to improve on the efficiency
of these machines, which caused all types of
contraptions to be invented.

Throughout the 100 year history of the vacuum cleaner,
there have been all sorts of improvements.  The
very first electric vacuums were created in the
early 1900s.  In 1908, the Hoover Company built
the first electric vacuum cleaner that used a cloth
filter bag and cleaning attachments as well.

During the years that followed, many different
designs and models were created, each one varying
in weight, size, suction power, performance, and
other features.  With all of the designs that came
out, the upright vacuum cleaner remained to be the
most popular.

The latest upright vacuums that are available today
will make cleaning a whole lot easier.  They are
very light and versatile, and come in both bagged
and bagless designs.  They also include tools that
will help you remove dust from drapes, upholstery,
and even get tricky and hard to reach places.

By owning a bagless vacuum, you won't ever have
to buy vacuum bags again.  When it comes time to
empty the dirt container, you can empty it right
into your garbage can.

You'll want to do this out in your yard or on the
street in order to prevent the dust from getting
back into your house.  If you suffer from allergies,
it's best to stay with a bagged unit.  With bagged
vacuum cleaners, the dust will stay in a sealed
bag and then when it gets full, you can easily
dispose of it without being exposed to dust.

When you buy a vacuum cleaner, it's very important
to choose the best vacuum that will fit your home
cleaning needs.  You'll also need to think about
carpets and rugs, hard floors, even stairs before
you purchase your vacuum.  This way, you'll be
able to get the right vacuum with the right
accessories for the job - which will save you a lot
of time and effort when the time comes to clean your
home.

The Essential Vacuum Cleaner

The vacuum cleaner is a truly amazing piece of
equipment, as it would be very hard to cope without
one.  There are many people out there who prefer
domestic vacuum cleaners for carpeted floors in
their home.

No matter how you look at it, the vacuum cleaner is
an ingenious piece of equipment.  It has an air
pump that creates a partial vacuum to suck up the
dust and dirt, which it collects by a filtering
system or a cyclone to dispose of later.

Vacuum cleaner types
Based on their configurations, there are many types
of vacuum cleans.  The following are some of the
most known types of vacuum cleaners.

Bagless
Bagless vacuum cleaners, as the name implies, don't
use bags.  They collect the dust in a compartment
which you can quickly and easily empty.  This will
save you from the headache of dealing with messy
and frustrating vacuum bags.

Upright
Upright vacuum cleaners have the pump mounted
directly above the suction intake, with the bag
mounted on the handle that will normally rise to
waist height.  The designs of upright vacuum cleaners
will normally employ mechanical beaters, which
are often rotating brushes, to help dust that has
yet to settle be vacuumed up.  An attached belt to
the vacuum motor will drive these beaters.

Canister types
Canister vacuum cleaners have the motor and the
bag in a separate cylinder unit that is connected
to the vacuum head by a long flexible hose. Even
though the upright units have been tested as being
more effective, the lighter and more maneuverable
heads of the canister are also popular.  There are
some canister models on the market that feature
power heads which contain the same type of beaters
as found with upright units, even though those
types of beaters are driven by a seperate electric
motor.

Backpack
Backpack vacuums are a great tool for commercial
type cleaning.  Backpack vacuums will allow you to
move around rapidly in a large area.  It is
basically a canister vacuum cleaner, except for the
fact that the straps are used to carry the canister
unit on your back.

Central vacuum
A central or built in vacuum cleaner has the suction
motor and bag based in a central location of the
building, providing vacuum inlets at strategic
places throughout the building.  This way, you only
need to carry the hose and pickup head from room
to room.  The hose is normally 25 foot long,
allowing a large range of movement without having
to change vacuum inlets.

A plastic pipe will connect the vacuum outlets to
the central unit.  The head of the vacuum may
either by un-powered or have beaters that are operated
by an air driven or electric motor.  The dirt bags
in central systems are so big that you only need
to change or empty them once or twice a year.

Robotic
Robot type vacuum cleaners will move around your
home, cleaning as they wish.  They are compact and
powered by batteries.

Hand held
Hand held vacuum cleaners are very small and powered
by either batteries or electricity, and very popular
with cleaning up small spills.

Wet or dry vacs
Wet or dry vacuum systems can be used to clean up
both wet and dry spills and dirt.

Vacuums are very helpful with protecting yourself
and your family from dust particles.  They are also
helpful for those who suffer from allergies that
result from dirt and dust.  Before you buy a vacuum
cleaner, you should always read some reviews and
find out other information to ensure that the vacuum
cleaner you buy will meet your needs.

Steam Cleaner Vacuum

A selection of hot water extractors are being marketed
that range from the large or small canister types
with hose and nozzle to those that look more like an
upright vacuum cleaner.  The basic operation of the
steam cleaner vacuum involves spraying a mixture
of warm water and detergent into the carpet, washing
the fibers and then extracting the solution mixture
back out.  There are some models that include
rotating or revolving brushes that will agitate the
carpet for better cleaning.

The earlier styles that were sold consisted of a
special wand and nozzle that was used to on wet/dry
utility type of vacuum cleaner.  The long hose was
connected to a nearby hot water source.  The detergent
came in a small bottle on the wand and was mixed with
hot water before being sprayed on the carpet.  By
using a finger controlled valve, you should control
how much water was sprayed in the carpet.  Even today,
this type of vacuum is still being used.

The more modern designs are more self contained in
the sense that water and detergent mixtures are
placed into a tank on the machine.  This will free
you from the long water supply hose.

The main part of an extractor will consist of a
cleaning solution tank, recovery tank, suction motor,
cleaning nozzle, and some sort of solution spraying
system.  If there is a hose that is used, there
will also be a motor or turbine driven pump that
will force the solution on to the end of the hose.

Upright steam cleaners
These types of vacuums look like uprights also
have the tanks, suction motor, main nozzle, and
other features built into one. The entire vacuum
unit is pushed around much like using an upright
vacuum cleaner.  Normally, the solution is gravity
fed to the spray nozzle which is directly behind
the suction nozzle.

Most types have brushes mounted in the same area
to agitate the carpet for overall better cleaning.
For cleaning upholstered furniture and carpeted
stairs, most types will have a special hose and
smaller nozzle that will come with stationary
brushes that can easily detach.

Canister steam cleaners
This type of steam cleaner will come with a separate
hose and nozzle and has the tanks and suction motor
built directly into a case that is pulled along
with you.  The nozzle at the end of the hose and
the wands are moved back and forth across the carpet
to clean it.

There are some deluxe models that have a drive motor
style revolving brush in the nozzle that will help
you with the process of cleaning.  These types of
nozzles are much lighter to move acros the carpet
than the upright types of steam cleaners.

The only disadvantage is that they aren't as
convenient to set up and store as the self contained
upright type.  Therefore, having to pull them
around with you can be a pain in the neck.  The
smaller portable extractor is a variation of the
canister type in a small package.  Even though this
may sound great to have for stairs and furniture,
the effectiveness they offer is actually quite
poor.

Steam cleaners work the best when they used on a
periodic basis to clean carpets that are very
lightly soiled.  If you use them on carpet that is
very heavily soiled or stained, it can be very
disappointing to say the least.

If you have the need for heavy duty cleaning, you
should look into the professional cleaning
services that are offered in your area.  They have
heavy duty commercial equipment that is far more
powerful and able to produce much better results.

Roomba Vacuum Cleaner

The Roomba vacuum cleaner is made and sold by the
company iRobot.  The Roomba was released in 2002
with updates and new models released in 2003, 2004,
and so on.  These days, millions of them have been
sold, making it the most successful and popular
robotic vacuum cleaner thus far.

Acessories
1.  Remote control - This allows you to
control the Roomba remotely.
2.  Schedular - This allows you to program
your Roomba to clean house on your schedule, even if
you are out.  The schedular can also update a pre-2.1
Roomba robot to the 2.1 software.
3.  Homebase - This is where the Roomba will
automatically return for recharging.
4.  Virtual wall - This is used for keeping
the Roomba out of certain areas.
5.  OSMO - This is a dongle that attaches
to the serial port of the Roomba.

Description
The Roomba is a disc, 13 inches in diameter and less
than 4 inches high.  A large contact sensing bumper
is mounted on the front half of the unit, with an
infrared sensor located at the top front center.  A
carrying handle is fitted at the top of it as well.
Depending on the model Roomba you select, it can
come with one or two infrared transmitter units.

The first and second generation Roomba models
needed to be told the size of the room through the
use of three small buttons, although this is now
no longer required with newer Roomba generations.

The Roomba operates with internal nickel metal
hyrdide batteries and requires being recharged on
a regular basis from a wall plug, although the newer
generations have a home base where they will
automatically find and go to when they need to charge
themselves.

Using the newer generations of Roomba consists of
carrying it wherever you would like to start,
pressing the power button, then pressing either
clean, spot, or max.

Whenever the clean, spot, or max button is pressed,
the Roomba will pause for second or two and then
begin work.  The contact bumper on the machine
will detect bumping into walls and furniture, and
the virtual walls will limit the Roomba to the
areas that you desire.  There are also 4 infrared
sensors on the bottom that will prevent the Roomba
from falling offer of ledges or down the steps.

Unlike the Electrolux models, the Roomba doesn't
map out the rooms they are cleaning, as they
instead rely on bumping into objects or walls to map
things out.  The design is based on MIT technology
that robots should be like insects and equipped
with simple controls mechanisms tuned to their
environments.

After a little bit of time, the Roomba will begin
to sing. If it detects a homebase, it will try to
return to it.  At that point, you simply remove
the dust bin from the rear of the robot and empty
it into a trash can.

Keep in mind that the Roomba isn't designed for
deep pile carpet.  It is however, low enough to
go under your bed and most other furniture.  If
at any time it senses that it has become stuck,
it will no longer sense the floor underneath it,
it will stop and begin to sing until you come and
find it.

If you are tired of vacuuming and simply don't want
to do it anymore, a Roomba vacuum cleaner will be
a great investment.  You can sit back and relax, or
go out and do things while the Roomba does all of
the vacuuming for you.  There is nothing easier than
having a Roomba around, as it will help to simplify
things like never before.

Robotic Vacuum Cleaners

As technology gets better and better, life will get
easier as well.  Not only are computer going at
impressive speeds, but even household appliances
such as vacuum cleaners are evolving.  If you've
never heard of a robotic vacuum cleaner, you
will soon.  These small robotic battery powered
creatures will roam around your home, looking for
dust and debris.  They are designed to do your
vacuuming for you and make life easier than ever
before.

The robot type vacuums were invented by Electrolux
then introduced into the consumer market in 2001.
After that came Roomba vacuums, as they perfected
cordless vacuums and took things to the next playing
field.  If your wondering how they can improve your
life, just think about coming home after a hard
day at work, sitting down to watch television, and
letting the robot do all of the vacuuming for you.

The Roomba robotic vacuum cleaners use a 3 stage
cleaning system that is designed to clean the edge
of your walls, underneath your furniture, and
anywhere else it detects dirt.  These robots can
actually detect the dirty areas on your carpet
or floors and do extra cleaning in those specific
areas to get the job done right.

These vacuums actually have a brain of sorts, so
they can detect such things as stairs and stay
clear of them.  By using infrared sensors to detect
the stairs in your home, they can quickly and
easily stay away from them.

After the room as been cleaned, the robotic vacuum
cleaner will go back to the recharge station to
charge its battery for the next time you need to
use it.  Keep in mind that Roomba isn't the only
company that makes robotic vacuum cleaners, as
other models worth checking out include Karcher
RC 3000, EVac, and Samsung.  The most popular
type however, is the Roomba Discovery SE.

When you look at things as a whole, you'll quickly
see that robotic vacuum cleaners are the way to
go.  They can save you a lot of money in the long
run, and a lot of time and effort as well.  When
you get a robotic vacuum cleaner, you can rest
assured that your days of vacuuming are over.

When it comes to price, the price will vary
depending on the model you select.  You can find
Roomba models these days for under 100 dollars,
which is perfect for those on a budget.  Now days,
you don't need to spend a fortune to get a robot
vacuum cleaner for your home.

To get your robotic vacuum cleaner, you can check
your local store or online.  You can find some
impressive deals online, with hundreds of stores
at your fingertips.  All you have to do is select
the model you like best, buy it, then watch it do
all of your vacuuming from here on out!

Reasons To Get A Robotic Cleaner

Since the day the robotic vacuum cleaners hit the
market, cleaning house has never been the same.  Due
to the sleek design and advanced technology, people
are very eager to get their hands on their own
robotic vacuum cleaner.

Now, we'll take a look at some reasons why you
should own a robotic vacuum cleaner.

Efficiency
As everyone already knows, cleaning is very hard
indeed, and nobody wants to do it.  Getting a maid
isn't cheap anymore.  With a robotic vacuum cleaner,
you can get any room in your home nice and tidy in
no time at all.  It has features of the upright
vacuum cleaner, only better.  Robotic vacuums offer
filters, brushes, cleaning mechanisms, and more
within a sturdy case that ensures you'll get the
operation possible.

Easy to use
As you probably already know, the robotic vacuum
cleaner is automatic, as you don't even need to be
at home to run it.  Simply turn it on, leave it
to clean, come back home, and you'll find the room
spick and span clean.  There are no special switches
or configurations either.  All you have to do is
press a button and the robot will start cleaning
right away.

The robotic vacuum cleaner will automatically pace
the room, using a random programming technology.
It can cover the same area many times, and it can
also recharge on its own once the battery starts
to get low.  There is no need to go looking for it
when it gets finished either, as it will return
to the homebase and wait for you until you need
it again.

Compact design
The robot vacuum is a small, flat device that is
shaped like a disc.  It is designed this way so
that it can go under furniture, and reach places
that the standard vacuum can't.  This way, there
is no need to move stools, sofas, and low set
tables.  It also has bumpers as well so it can
absorb any type of collision with solid devices
along the way.

Cutting edge technology
The concept that drives the robotic vacuum is
similar to what the army uses when clearing land
mines on the field.  Robotic vacuums contain
several sensors that will detect the dirt that
is sucks in.  The sensors are also what makes it
possible to go towards the dirtier part of the
room, clean it several times, then stop when there
is no more dirt detected.  The device is so smart
that it doesn't fall down steps or stairs.  With
the virtual wall device that's included with it,
it won't even go outside of an open doorway either.

Easy to afford
Although they were a little on the expensive side
when they first hit the market, they are now more
affordable than ever.  You don't need to be rich
to own one, which is one of the main reasons why
they are so popular these days.

Oreck XL Ultra

Controlling allergens at home is very important for
allergy sufferers.  For this reason, many allergy
sufferers rely on the Oreck XL Ultra.  This hypo-
allergenic vacuum is used to clean embedded dirt and
and allergens from carpets and hardwood floors.  It
will remove almost 99.9% percent of allergins, with
the inner and outer bag working together as a great
filtration system.

One of the best things about the XL Ultra is the
fact that it will lock dirt and debris inside of
the disposable dust bag.  The patented Saniseal
system will keep it there, preventing any type of
contamination.  You'll never come in contact with
the dust, as the Saniseal system locks dirt and
dust in tight so it has no way to escape.  Once
the bag is full, you simply toss it out and put a
new one - that simple!

The new base plate design of the Oreck XL Ultra
features larger, more robust front wheels, more
edge brushes, and microsweep technology.  These
improvements will increase edge cleaning on
bare floors and carpets, increase dirt removal on
bare floors, and also makes the vacuum much easier
to manuever on both carpet and tile.

As we all know, housework is hard.  If you want your
home to stay clean, then you'll have to vacuum as
often as you can.  The Oreck XL weighs in at 8
pounds, with roller brushes that spin at the speed
of 6,500 RPM.  You can pick up all of the dirt
in one pass, including pet hair, dander, pollen,
dust, and also dust mites.  You'll get the surface
dirt and the embedded dirt, which make your
house smell as good as it looks.

The XL Ultra is so good that it will lay flat to
fit under beds and furniture for easy storage.
It is one of the lightest full size vacuums
available, with stairs being a snap.  You can
easily go from carpets to bare floors, as the
Oreck XL will recognize the thickness of the
carpet and adjust itself automatically.  With
bare floors, the Microsweep system will deliver
millions of strokes a minute.  It moves so quick
that it will actually scoop up sand off of a bare
floor.

The sheer genius of Oreck technology has always
been to take the heavy vacuum cleaners and then
reduce them to light, lean, and very easy to
clean machines.  The Oreck XL Ultra has state
of the art 24 bar technology that makes it run
powerfully, quiet, and will keep running as long
as you need it.

The 24 bar motor in the XL Ultra uses 1/3 the
electricity of any other vacuum motor out there.
Not only will it last longer, it will pay for
itself in the long run with energy savings.

When you talk about performance, the XL Ultra's
suction velocity is equivalent to a category 2
hurricane, which measures at 102 MPH!  This type
of suction is among the best, as very few
vacuum cleaners out there can compete with it.

The roller brush with thread guard system will
nearly eliminate hair and thread from getting
tangled up in the bearings.  The roller brush
features a hardwood maple roller that increases
durability, picking up almost anything that it
comes in contact with.

If you've been looking for a better vacuum cleaner,
you can rest assured that the Oreck XL Ultra is
everything you need.  This vacuum cleaner will
do it all and then some, making your housework
easier than it has ever been in the past.

How Vacuum Cleaners Work

Even though it may appear to be a very complicated
machine, the conventional vacuum cleaner is actually
made up of six essential components:  intake port,
exhaust port, electric motor, fan, porous bag, and
a housing that stores all of the other components.

When you plug the vacuum cleaner into the outlet and
turn it on, the following happens:
1.  First of all, the electric current will
operate the motor, which is attached to the fan,
which resembles an airplane propeller.
2.  As the blades begin to turn, they will
force the air upwards, towards the exhaust port.
3.  When the air particles are driven forwards,
the density of the particles will increase in front
of the fan and therefore decrease behind it.

The pressure drop that occurs behind the fan is
similar to the pressure drop when you take a drink
through a straw.  The pressure level in the area
that is behind the fan will drop below the pressure
level that is outside of the vacuum cleaner.

This will create a suction inside of the vacuum
cleaner.  The ambient air will push itself into the
vacuum cleaner through the intake port because the
air pressure that is inside of the vacuum cleaner
is much lower than the pressure on the outside.

Picking the dirt up
The stream of air that the vacuum generates is just
like a stream of water.  The air particles that move
will rub against any loose dust or debris and if
it is light enough, the friction will carry the
material around the inside of the vacuum cleaner.

As the dirt continues on to the exhaust port, it
will pass through the cleaner bag.  They tiny holes
in the vacuum cleaner bag are large enough to let
the air pass through, although too small for the
dust particles to fit through.  Therefore, when
the air current gets into the bag, the dirt and
debris will be collected there.

You can stick the bag anywhere along the path
between the intake tube and the exhaust port, just
as long as the air current passes through.

Suction
The power of a vacuum cleaner's suction will depend
on several factors.  The suction can be stronger
or weaker depending on:
1.  Fan power - In order to generate a
strong suction, the motor needs to turn at a good
speed.
2.  Air passageway - When a lot of debris
builds up in the bag, the air will face a greater
level of resistance on the way out.  Each particle
of air will move slowly due to the increase in
drag.  This is the reason why a vacuum cleaner
works much better once you've replaced the bag
than when you have been using it for a while.
3.  Size of the intake port - With the
speed of the vacuum fan being constant, the amount
of air that passes through the vacuum cleaner per
second is also constant.

How To Vacuum

To maintain the look, feel, and appearance of your
carpet you'll need to vacuum on a regular basis.  If
you are new to vacuuming, you'll find the tips below
to help you when it comes to keeping your home clean:

1.  Before you start, you should always inspect
the area.  Pick up any objects that could cause
your vacuum cleaner to clog up.  The smaller objects
are fine, just as long as they will pass through the
vacuum.

2.  You should check the vacuum bag to ensure
that is isn't full already.  If it is full, you
should go ahead and change it.  A full bag isn't
going to suck up much dirt, as the power will be
greatly reduced due to the bag taking up a great
deal of storage and limiting the suction.

3.  You should always vacuum forwards instead
of going backwards.  Going forward will get the
job done quicker and you won't wear your cord out
near as fast.  When going backwards, you also run
the risk of running back over your cord, which is
something you don't want to do.

4.  Be sure that you overlap your strokes
to ensure that you get out all of the dirt and the
residue.  You don't want to miss any of the carpet,
which is why it is important that you overlap your
strokes.

5.  You should change your vacuuming
direction on occasion to reduce any type of matting
in your carpet.  You can change direction without
any problems.  Doing this every time you make a
sweep on the carpet or every other time you vacuum
will be good.

6.  On corners, use a damp cloth or a
crevice tool attachment that hooks up to your
vacuum cleaner.  This will ensure that you get the
corners and tight areas good, and they don't
stand out from the rest of the carpet.

7.  You can get rid of dust particles and
dirt by waving a vacuum wand under your bed.  Doing
so on occasion will ensure that your bedroom
stays clean, and smells clean as well.

For kitty litter on carpets or floors, you should
use a lightweight vacuum cleaner.  To get deep
into the fibers of the carpet, you should try
an upright vacuum cleaner with a power brush.  Kitty
litter can be a pain in the neck if it gets
crushed in the pile or embedded, which is why
you should get it out as quick as you can.

Give some thought to purchasing a vacuum cleaner
with a rotating brush or combination beater and
brush bar, which will loosen up the dirt in the
carpet and then suck it out.  This will beat the
dirt from the fibers and even embedded dirt, which
will leave your carpet clean and smelling great.

Whenever you vacuum, you should always be on the
lookout for straw, thread, and string as it can
trap debris in the vacuum hose and result in a
clog.  These types of hazards are also bad for the
agitators as well, as they can clog up the suction
as well, or get tangled up in the agitators and
cause more problems.

If you have pets, you should sprinkle some baking
soda on the carpet before you vacuum.  Let it sit
for a little while, then vacuum.  The baking soda
is a lot cheaper than carpet fresheners and it
does the same thing - only better.

Vacuuming is very easy to do, and it's something
that should be done on a regular basis.  You don't
have to be an expert to vacuum, all you have to
do is make an effort.  Your carpet will look good
all the time, and your house will stay smelling
great - which is reason enough to grab the vacuum
and take a trip through the house with it.

Hoover Self Propelled

One of the most important things for asthma sufferers
to do to limit the exposure to triggers is to simply
eliminate them.  High quality vacuum cleaners with
the HEPA filtration system will help to remove many
triggers such as dust mites, pet dander, pollen,
and get things really clean.  The Hoover Self
Propelled Wind Tunnel Ultra is more than up to this
task.

The Wind Tunnel upright has many special features
that make it easy to use.  It is self propelled,
which is great, as it is a larger vacuum.  With
its size, the self propelled feature is great to
have.  You simply let the vacuum pull itself around
the floor, sucking up dirt and debris as it goes.

The embedded dirt finder of the Hoover Wind Tunnel
will help you to remember to slow down when you
vacuum, and it actually lets you know when they
are clean, which is great for those who have a
knack for going to fast and missing things.

Attachments
Unlike other types of vacuum cleaners, the Wind
Tunnel Ultra offers attachments that are easy to
use and actually work.  To activate any of the
attachments, you simple lock the handle of the
vacuum in the upright position.  Doing so will
automatically turn the dual agitator brushes off.

The attachment hose is a very flexible, high
quality extension that doesn't require you to
connect it to anything for it to be used.  All
you have to do is pull the end of the hose from
the vacuum and begin using it.  Among the
several attachments you can use are two extension
wands, a crevice tool, upholstery nozzle with
a rotating brush, and a dusting brush as well.

Ability to clean
The Hoover self propelled Wind Tunnel is superb
on hard floors and carpets.  It features a
hard wood floor setting that will turn the
agitator brushes off so that it doesn't blow
dirt back while you vacuum.

It offers plenty of power for hard wood floors,
picking up virtually anything.  Vacuuming
rubs and carpets is a snap as well.  With the
embedded dirt finder and the high level of
power, cleaning is easy.  Throw in a built
in edge cleaner and you have a nice vacuum.

Filtration system
Several people may be flat out shocked to find
a vacuum in this price range that still uses
bags.  This isn't really a bad feature, especially
for those who suffer from asthma.  Emptying a
bagless vacuum can be very tricky for those
who suffer from asthma as the dust and debris
can quickly end up back into the air that you
breathe.

The Hoover Wind Tunnel uses 3M vacuum bags that
feature full HEPA filtration in a 6 step process
to ensure that dust, pollen, and other triggers
remain in the bag and don't make it back into
your home or into your air.  This vacuum
cleaner also offers an easy to read indicator
that will let you know when the bag is full.

The bottom line
The Hoover Wind Tunnel is a great vacuum cleaner,
and is one of the best you can buy.  It is a
great choice for removing asthma triggers
from your carpet and floors as well as bedding
and other furniture.  It is also very easy to
use and has plenty of power to spare.

The embedded dirt finder can be the best friend
of an asthma sufferer very fast.  It the
features aren't enough to make you a believer,
the vacuum is also rated #1 in several magazines,
which proves hand down that this vacuum is
more than worth the purchase.

Hand Held Vacuum Cleaner

All of us have a special tool lying around the house
that we simply cannot live without.  A tool or gadget
that makes life a lot easier because it exists.  For
many people, this tool or gadget is the hand held
vacuum cleaner.  When it comes to cleaning house, this
tool is something many people couldn't live without.

Regardless of the type of home you have, a hand held
vacuum cleaner can make life a lot easier.  Whether
it's a tiny apartment or a large mansion, these small
cleaners are the perfect way to cope with unexpected
spills and not have to worry about dragging a vacuum
cleaner around.  Anyone who has messy kids or a messy
spouse, hand held vacuum cleaners can help you keep
your home spick and span without having to lose your
mind in the process.

The truth remains that few of us do housework just
for the sake of doing it.  There are a few dedicated
souls out there who enjoy all the stretching and
exercise that cleaning involves, although the rest
of us just go for the results.

A clean and tidy home is very nice, relaxing, and
nothing in the world is more frustrating than
achieving one only to see all of your hard work being
shattered by the falling of crumbs or the spilling
of liquid on your freshly vacuumed floor.

The hand held vacuum cleaner will allow you to
enjoy the same results without having to do any of
the hard work.  Many of us who find peace and
tranquility in an organized home will normally hide
tools we use to create it out of sight.  Then,
when it comes time to clean house, dragging the
vacuum out of it's hiding place can be a chore in
its own rights.

For small messes and spills, a pint sized cleaner
can help you retain your sense of peace simply
because it will help you to realize that the small
stuff is just that - small stuff - and nothing more.

The tools used to perform common household tasks
should be the things you love to use, as this is
actually the best way to ensure that the housework
will actually get done.

Small portable cleaning devices are the ultimate
in friendly cleaning equipment, as they can clean
up small messes before they get bigger.  You also
don't have to work all the time either to achieve
the clean home you want, you simply need the
right tools for the job.

The first time you pick up a handheld vacuum
cleaner, you'll see how something so small in
size can make a world of difference.  You'll cut
your vacuum time in half and ensure that your
home stays clean all the time - spill free.

Get Out More Dirt

The most important part of carpet maintenance is
removing and disposing of accumulated dry soil.  The
removal of dry soil will improve the air quality
indoors, extend carpet life, and help to maintain
the carpet.  Keeping regular maintenance on your
carpet is one thing, although being sure you have
the right equipment on the job is another.

The Green Label
For vacuum cleaners, the CRI (Carpet and Rug Institute)
has developed a Green Label testing program.  The
CRI developed the performance protocol with the
goal of protecting indoor quality, keeping all
surfaces as clean as possible, and all without
putting dust back into the air.

The Green Label program helps to identify vacuum
cleaners that meet three different types of criteria:
1.  Removing soil.
2.  Keeping dust out of the air by
containing it within the filtration bag and the
machine itself.
3.  It doesn't damage the carpet and helps
to keep the appearance looking good.

The tests for determining the certification of a
vacuum cleaner were developed by carpet and vacuum
experts and reviewed by scientists with experience
in maintenance and the quality of indoor air.

Soil removal
The soil removal protocol will require that the
vacuum cleaner remove a specified quantity of soil
from the test carpet in four passes.

Dust containment
The protocol for dust containment will dictate the
total amount of dust particles that are released
into the surrounding air by the action of the
brush rolls, through the filtration bag, and any
leaks that come from the vacuum system.  with this
test, the vacuum cleaner can't release more than
100 micrograms of dust particles per cubic meter
of air.

Carpet retention
The testing protocol for appearance retention will
require that the vacuum cleaner not adversely
affect the appearance of the carpet, based on
a year of normal usage.

If a vacuum cleaner meets all three of the above
requirements, the manufacturer may then display
the official CRI Green Label on it's brand of
vacuum cleaner.  The CRI tests canister and upright
vacuums, wide area vacuums, and even walk behind
types as well.

Matching machines
Looking for that important Green Label is the first
step to providing longer carpet life and cleaner
air for your home or office.  The next step is
selecting the proper vacuum cleaner for a specific
area.  You can think of vacuum cleaners like
screwdrivers, as you wouldn't want to use a Phillips
head screwdriver to remove a flathead screw.

In the bigger, more open areas, a wide are vacuum
cleaner or sweeper can produce excellent results,
as well as an increase in productivity.  The
average 14 inch upright vacuum can clean at a rate
of 3,000 square feet per hour, while the average
walk behind can clean at a rate of 40,000 square
feet per hour, and also lift the pile of carpet in
high traffic areas where the carpet fibers are
subject to crushing and matting.

The two motor upright vacuum cleaner is an excellent
choice in areas such as executive offices, lobbies,
conference rooms, and break areas.  A two motor
upright can provide grooming of the fibers in the
carpet and removal of the dry soil.  Most uprights
with two motor setups will also have a removable
hose and on board accessories for cleaning other
areas as well, such as vents and chairs.

Along with the type of area, you should also give
some thought to the needs of the operator.  If
you are a manager, you should look for vacuums
with ergonomic features, especially if the vacuum
will be used for long periods of time.

If it isn't ergonomically designed, it could result
in injury to the operator.  At the very least, the
cleaning operator might want to avoid using
vacuum cleaners that could result in injury.

Flashy Vacuum Cleaners

With most people, a vacuum cleaner isn't really an
inspiring machine.  If you don't care about how it
works, then you probably don't want to vacuum to start
with.  At the same time, no one wants to live in a
pig sty or dirty home even.

These days however, things have began to change for
the better, and people's attitudes are changing as
well.  Vacuum cleaners are becoming interesting and
it's all thanks to James Dyson, the inventor of the
Dyson vacuum cleaner.

All thanks to Dyson, vacuum cleaners have taken on
a personality and life of their own.  These very
same tactics are even employed by the likes of
Apple to successfully ploy their iMacs and iPods to
the masses have now been used with tremendous
results with vacuum cleaners.

Now, let's take a look at the decision that faces
you when buying a flashy vacuum cleaner.  First of
all, you have the choice between the upright or
canister versions.  The upright style of vacuum
cleaners will require you to use them in the
traditional push and pull fashion, although the
latest vacuum from Tyson, the DC15, has even turned
this technology on its head with "Ball Technology"
that will let you glide around your home with the
greatest of ease - in any direction you please.

Canister vacuum cleaners on the other hand come
with a hose attachment for great control and
flexibility, as you can quickly and easily get
to all of the hard to reach places.  There isn't
really a lot of difference between the two, and
it's mainly down to your personal preference,
even though the upright vacuum is best suited to
larger carpets.

You should also consider the power of the motor
and efficiency of the filtration system as well.
Those that suffer from allergies will want to
pay close attention to the filtration.  Dyson for
one has been very successful by marketing the
benefits of its patented "Cyclone" technology,
which doesn't use a bag nor does it ever get
clogged up.

If you feeling really daring and adventurous and
want to stay ahead of the curve, you could go
for one of the very popular robotic vacuum cleaners
such as the ZA01 from Electrolux or the cheaper
iRobot from Roomba.  While you amuse yourself or
do other things, the robot will move around your
home on it's own will, vacuuming your entire
home until it is spotless.  The robot even has
the technology and intelligence to return to the
base when it is running low on battery power and
recharge itself.

If you want to be different and unique, a flashy
vacuum cleaner is the way to go.  There are many
different models and types to choose from, from
cheap vacuums to those that cost hundreds of
dollars.  All you have to do is meet your creative
side halfway and let the fun begin!

Essential Parts

There are many places that you can use to find parts
for a vacuum cleaner that is broken, providing you
have someone around that is handy enough with tools
to take a swing at fixing it.  The part that breaks
the most on most less expensive vacuum cleaners
is the drive belt.  It's the rubberized belt that
is around 6 inches long, that when stretched out
turns the brushes on the bottom of the vacuum.

When you take the vacuum over objects that don't
belong in the vacuum cleaner, such as pieces of
rope or a cat's tail and the unit comes to a screeching
halt, the burning smell that will soon fill up the
air is your drive belt slowly melting away.

Luckily, the drive belt is available at several
locations, so many in fact that your local drug
store may even carry them!  They are cheap to buy
and a snap to replace with a screwdriver and a bit
of common sense.  For other types of problems that
you may encounter, there are a lot of resources at
your disposal just in case you decide to tackle
the problem on your own.

You should never forget that when you buy parts for
your vacuum cleaner, most of the parts you'll need
are going to be specifically made for your particular
brand name and model.  With the exception of basic
items such as drive belts and most bags, most parts
aren't interchangeable between brands and between
different models of the same brand.

The first thing to try when you need a part for
your vacuum cleaner is the local Yellow Pages
book.  Inside of the Yellow Pages, you'll find
many listings for appliance parts and suppliers.
You'll have to call each one of the individually
to find out if they carry parts for your model
and brand.  In the rare event that they don't
carry what you need, they can normally order it
for you quickly and easily.  If that fails, you
can always call the company direct that manufactured
your model of vacuum cleaner and order the part
that way.

Most of the time, you won't have any problem
getting your hands on a part for your vacuum
cleaner, unless it is a more intricate part that
isn't readily available.  Parts such as the intake
or exhaust port are very tricky to replace, and
you will probably want to have a professional
fix these types of problems.

Drive belts, vacuum bags, and little problems such
as these are a snap to replace.  With the older
style of vacuum cleaners, you don't have to be
an expert to fix a majority of the problems.  The
newer models however, require quite a bit of
skill and technique.

One of the most common problems that will happen
is clogging.  If your vacuum stops picking up
dirt and dust, chances are it has become clogged,
which is normally not a parts problem.  All you
need to do to fix it is take the front assembly
off, then manually clean out the agitators and
the housing where the dirt makes its way upwards
through the vacuum cleaner.  This is very easy
to do, and won't take you but a couple of minutes.

Anytime you encounter a parts problem with your
vacuum cleaner, you should always take things one
step at a time and don't rush.  You can almost
always get a hold of a part.  If the part is more
expensive than you anticipated, you can always
scrap the vacuum cleaner and buy yourself a
better one - which will save you a lot of time
and headache in the long run.

Dyson D15

Unlike the use of wheels that most vacuums have, the
Dyson DC15 upright vacuum has a large yellow ball
that will allow the vacuum to pivot and roll with
the greatest of ease.  With the DC15, you simply
turn your wrist and the entire vacuum cleaner will
change direction.  The ability to maneuver this
easily is something that is commonly associated with
canister style vacuum cleaners.

In addition to the unique yet innovative ball design,
the Dyson DC15 also offers quite an interesting
filtration system.  No matter what you may think
or hear, Dyson vacuums don't use filters in the
way that most vacuum cleaners do.

With the Dyson DC15, the air and dirt are sucked
into the container where the outer cyclone removes
large particles such as food, hair, and even
fibers.  The air will then move into the shroud
and inner cyclone where it is rotated with a higher
velocity to drop fine particles of dust out of
the air.

From the inner cyclone, the air will move about
through a washable inner foam pre filter where
a majority of the particles will remain trapped.
This feature helps the DC15 to keep dirt and debris
trapped inside and out of the motor.

The last step in the system after moving through
the motor is the trip through the final HEPA
filter.  The DC15 has a very strict filter system,
which will prevent 99.9% of bacteria and mold
from getting to your home.  The vacuum will suck
it up and keep it inside of the vacuum where it
belongs.

Even though they aren't very well known, Dyson
has been around for many years.  They aren't as
popular or as well known as the bigger companies
such as Hoover, although they offer you great
quality and performance with their vacuum
cleaners.  Unlike Hoover, Dyson works to improve
on their own products as well as the competition
with each product they release.

The Dyson DC15 is truly a great vacuum to hit
the market, as it is the first and only vacuum
cleaner to feature the very unique ball.  Even
though robotic vacuum cleaners are becoming the
most popular types of vacuum cleaners, the DC15
is ideal for housewives who want a traditional
vacuum cleaner with a twist.

The Dyson DC15 is also known for its suction
power and attachments as well.  With the ball
assembly, using attachments are a breeze.  The
only problem you may have, is getting the hang
of things.

The attachment wand is stored inside of the
handle of the vacuum and is always attached.
To use it, you lock the handle in the upright
position then push a button on the front of
the handle that will allow you to telescope
the wand for use.

Choosing The Right Vacuum Cleaner

As history indicates, the first model vacuum cleaner
wasn't even a vacuum cleaner at all, more of a carpet
sweeper.  This was invented by a man named Daniel
Hess, who in 1860 patented a machine that featured
rotating brushes on the bottom and bellows that
helped to create suction.

However, there is no evidence that this very machine
was ever produced. Some 40 years or so later, in
1908, James Spangler of Canton, Ohio received a
patent for the very first portable electric vacuum
cleaner.  It was in fact his cousin in law, William
Hoover, who lent his name to the legendary company
that produces quality vacuum cleaners even today.

For more than 150 years, the vacuum cleaner has
been improved upon greatly.  From doing your weekly
vacuuming of your home, doing a spring cleaning,
or simply leaving the vacuuming up to the robot,
there is a vacuum out there suited to your needs.
With upright, canister, HEPA filtered, bagged and
bagless, there is always a vacuum cleaner for your
needs on the market.

There are actually 2 ways in which a vacuum cleaner
cleans.  The first, and the way we rate a vacuum
on most is how debris and dirt is picked up off
of a carpet and the floor.  When you are searching
for a vacuum, keep in mind the power of the
suction motor, as this is very important for getting
good performance.

The second reason, one that isn't often thought
about, is how well the vacuum filters the air and
puts it back into the home.  Those with allergy
problems will find a HEPA vacuum to be the best
choice.  There are some models of HEPA vacuums
that can filter out 99% of pollens, dust, and
other common household allergens.

There is also the choice of canister or upright
vacuum, as this is more or less based on personal
preference.  Both vacuum types have their pros and
cons.  The heads of canister vacuums are able to
reach under your furniture, also making it easier
to vacuum the stairs as well.

Canister vacuums on the other hand have a retractable
electric cord, which is much more convenient than
wrapping the cord back around the neck of the
vacuum.  It is often times easier to push the light
weight canister vacuum head as opposed to pushing
a canister style vacuum.

When you choose your vacuum cleaner, keep in mind
what you plan to vacuum.  There are several designs
and types intended for different uses.  If you have
hardwood floors, you obviously wouldn't want to
use a carpet vacuum.

The little things such as this will be a huge factor
in selecting your vacuum cleaner.  If you play
your cards right, you'll have the perfect vacuum
cleaner for your home - and other areas as well.

Choosing Canister Vacuum Cleaner

The major criteria involved with choosing a canister
vacuum cleaner is what floor surfaces you plan to
clean versus the power of the vacuum.  Almost all
canister vacuum cleaners offer 3 choices of tools
for the surfaces of floors:
1.  A bare floor hard plastic brush that's
about 10" - 12" wide with soft bristles.
2.  Turbo brush that features a spinning
drum roller with harder bristles.
3.  A power head brush that is similar to
the turbo brush although it is powered by a seperate
motor.

Both the turbo brush and power head brush vacuums
have a spinning drum roller with bristles that
resemble that of an upright vacuum cleaner.  While
the brushes look and perform pretty much the same,
the power head brush vacuum has a smaller seperate
motor that turns the brush on the bottom of it,
therefore making it more powerful and much more
aggressive than the turbo type brush that is
turned by the flow of air being pulled past it.

These types of brushes will snap the fibers of
the carpet and allow the air to get beneath the
dirt particles.  If you can't get air to go under
these particles, then you won't be able to suck
them out, regardless of how much suction power you
are able to apply with a vacuum cleaner.

When you purchase a turbo or power head vacuum
cleaner to be used primarily on carpet surfaces,
you'll also receive a brush for bare floors as
well that is perfect for areas without carpet.

The rule of thumb as to which model of vacuum
cleaner you should choose is:
1.  The bare floor model of canister
vacuum cleaners are perfect for smooth surfaces
with no expectation of having rugs or carpeting.
The best choices for bare floor vacuum cleaners
include Eureka Oxygen 6992 and the Miele Solaris
Canister.
2.  Turbo types of canister vacuum cleaners
are best for scatter rugs and low pile wall to
wall type carpeting.  The best picks here are the
EIO family vacuum cleaner, the Miele Solaris, and
the Sebo Turbo canister vacuum cleaner.
3.  The power head brush types of vacuum
cleaners are great for wall to wall carpeting and
very important if you deal with pet hair.  The best
picks here include the Sebo Canister 3.1, the
Miele Silver Moon, and the Eureka Oxygen 6996.

Some of the other important features for canister
vacuum cleaners include reliability, purchase price,
HEPA filter and sealed unit, the cost of replacement
filters and bags, weight, storage and quality of
tools, control locations, noise, adjustable wand,
retractable cord, ease of changing attachments,
bag change indicator, filter change indicator, swivel
hose, and other extra features such as dirt alerts.

Almost all canister vacuums are similar in size,
offer similar radiuses of cleaning, and come with
the same tool attachments.

Carpet Cleaning Machines

With the creation of the carpet, the invention of the
carpet cleaning machine wasn't far away.  The very
first hand held carpet cleaner was designed and
tested in Chicago in 1860, while the first power
operated vacuum cleaner was invented in the 1900s
by Cecil Booth.

Around the same time Cecil Booth finished his
invention, a man by the name of James Spangler came
up with his own invention - a vacuum cleaner that
he later sold to his cousin Hoover.  As everyone
knows, Hoover has since became one of the most
dominant names in the world of vacuum cleaners and
is certainly one of the most popular household
names in the world.

For many housewives, the vacuum cleaner was deemed
a blessing, as it helped to keep the house clean
in a fraction of the time.  From the beginning,
vacuum cleaners were only able to suck up dust and
dirt, although with modern technology these days,
inventors are able to design wet cleanes that can
steam carpets and kill germs at the same time.

Carpet is capable of covering the floor of a
house, flat, or bungalow and keeping people's feet
warm in the winter.  Years ago, people needed to
sweep their floors or carpets, but with the
invention of the vacuum cleaner, people could
easily detract the dust and dirt from their
carpets with less effort.  It was also determined
that businesses, corporations, and apartments
would need someone to clean their carpets as
well, so the invention of the commercial carpet
cleaner wasn't far away.

Vacuum cleaners operate by using a pump system.
The pumping system will suck up the air from a
hose, which will in turn suck up the dirt and
dust from anything that stands in front of the
house opening.  On the inside, the vacuum cleaner
is a filtering system that will collect the dust
and dirt that can later be placed outside in the
garbage.

Right now, there are seven main types of vacuum
cleaners - the upright, canister, back pack style,
built in, robotic, hand held, and the wet/dry
vacuum cleaners.  These different types of vacuum
cleaners are available in a variety of different
styles, sizes, and offer various voltage and
power sizes as well.

One of the most significant developments in
vacuums has been the invention of the very popular
cyclone carpet cleaner.  Unlike the previous
vacuum cleaners, the cyclone collects dirt and
dust in a large cylinder.  The cyclone operates
using a central air force and number of filters.
The filter will filter the dust and dirt into
stages, so that the air being sucked up into the
cylinder can be cleaned then released back into
the air through a central outlet.

Buyers Guide

Deep cleaning vacuums
The typical features with these types of vacuums
include rotating brushes that agitate the carpet
pile and loosen the dirt for better clean.  There
are some models that offer a handy automatic tool
conversion button or switch that you can push or
flip as you move from carpet to hardwood floor.

Hand held vacuums
Hand held vacuums are light weight, can be corded
or cordless, and you can even mount most of them
on the wall if you prefer.  The performance of the
cordless models will depend on the charge of the
battery, as the battery power drops, so will the
suction power.

The two types of hand held vacuums include straight
suction and suction with a power brush.  If you
are considering a hand held vacuum cleaner, you
should consider its primary purpose, if you plan
to use it on a regular basis or occasionally on
smaller jobs.

Broom vacuums
Stick or broom vacuums are great for smaller type
apartments, quick clean ups in the kitchen, or
a family room.  The benefit of a broom vacuum is
the light weight.  If you have trouble pushing
your heavier upright around, the broom vacuum
may come as a relief.  You'll also have the option
of getting your vacuum corded or cordless.

They usually weight 2 - 7 lbs. and allow you to
easily store them in the closet, as they take up a
minimum amount of space.  For quick disposal of
the dirt and debris, most models are also bagless
as well.

Wet or Dry vacuums
The wet/dry vacuum combination may very well be the
most versatile vacuum cleaner on the market today,
with numerous attachments and functions it is a
very handy machine to have around your home.  The
canister types can vary from the smaller 6 gallon
sizes to the larger 22 gallon sizes.

The HP ranges as well, from 2 to 10 HP.  You should
always try to match the size of the unit to the
size of the job and frequency of use.

Upright vacuums
One of the most popular features of an upright
vacuum cleaner is the bagless system.  In addition
to the increased performance, there is no need
to purchase any bags.  Emptying the canister can
be a little dusty, although it's still better than
messing with bags.

Most upright models come with a standard set of
attachments that may even include an upholstery
tool, a crevice tool, and even an extension wand.
A retractable cord and manual or automatic pile
adjustments are other common features.  A HEPA
filter is another common and popular feature found
with most upright vacuums.

Canister vacuums
Canister vacuum cleaners normally include retractable
cords.  Considering the fact that most cords are
around 25 foot in length, this feature will prevent
you from having to drag the cord around and
possibly damage furniture.  A push of a button or
a slight tug on the cord will retract it into the
canister of the vacuum.

The nozzle can be one of two types, nozzle or
power nozzle.  To get your carpet as clean as
possible, it is recommended that you use the power
nozzle, which will agitate the carpet and loosen
up the dirt for deeper cleaning.

Another feature worth looking for is a suction
control switch, as this allows you to adjust the
flow of air for cleaning delicate material such
as upholstery and drapery.

When choosing your vacuum cleaner, you should always
choose the one you like best.  The best vacuum for
the job is the one you should choose, as things
will work out much better that way.

Belts And Performance

The belts for vacuum cleaners can come in many styles
and hundreds of different sizes.  Normally, vacuums
use a belt to drive an agitation device, which
is also known as a brush roller.  With very few
exceptions, most vacuums will use either a flat
belt, round belt, or a geared style belt.

The type of belt that your vacuum uses is very
important, not only for durability, but performance
as well.  The condition and type of belt your
vacuum uses will have a lot of impact on the systems
ability to clean carpet.  The proper use of
agitation is almost 70% of the cleaning ability of
a vacuum cleaner.

Suction is also very important.  The suction is
what pulls the dirt that is removed from the carpet
into the collection area of the vacuum.  The
suction, or airflow, is the key when cleaning
hard surfaces or when using attachments.  Without
suction, a vacuum cleaner could only bring more
dirt to the surface of carpet.  Even though both
agitation and suction are important with vacuuming,
the agitation is what actually cleans them.

Almost all manufacturers use brush rollers that
are made of wood, metal, or even plastic that
is driven by a suction or brush motor through
the use of three different kinds of belts - round,
geared, or flat.

The round belts are the earliest type as they
were easy to produce and easy to engineer.  The
round style, unfortunately, is normally run in
the same space as vacuumed dirt.  What this means,
is that almost all of the dirt, staples, and
hair you vacuum up will pass around the belt;
cutting, nicking, or even scratching it along the
way.

Vacuum cleaner belts have to stretch quite a long
way, placing even more stress on the roller and
the motor bearings.  The round belt is still
common, and used even today.

The flat style of belts are most often run in a
circular fashion as well, unlike the twisted
route the round belt takes to deliver the
performance in the proper direction.

The style allow manufacturers to run the belt off
of one side of the brush roller, instead of the
center where all of the dirt is.  This is truly a
great innovation, as you can eliminate premature
failure due to the soil and dirt in the belt path.

The latest belt design is considered to be the
best in the industry.  Even though there are many
variations out there, the geared belt is the
most efficient means to drive a brush.  The
geared belt is also known as a positive brush system
because the energy of the brush motor is
transmitted directly to the brush.

Both the brush and the motor are locked by
fixed teeth to each other through a cogged belt
without tension.  The resulting direct connection
results in higher cleaning efficiency because
the brush can be driven at a faster speed
regardless of the age of the belt.

The flat style can stretch as they become warm,
which will cause them to lose tension.  When
you use your vacuum, the belt is always going to
stretch.  Believe it or not, it will lose it's
tension the moment you put it up to rest in the
closet.

There is however, one real drawback to geared
belts - the cost of the vacuum.  Geared belts
are normally used on two motor vacuums.  Not
only does this require a separate suction and
brush motor, but it also requires electronic
sensory systems to tell you when something is
wrong with the brush.

Bagged Versus Bagless

As with most things in life, there is really nothing
free.  The two most claimed advantages to bagless
vacuum cleaners were lower operating costs and
better performance.  As far as the cost issues go,
all vacuums must filter the exhausting air they use
to carry the dirt into the collection area, as they
would otherwise simply pick the dirt up from the
floor and spit it right back out.

Whether you have a bagless HEPA filter, a pre-filter,
or disposable bags, they all need to be changed at
some point.  With the average life of a vacuum
cleaner, you can expect to spend the same on either
collection system for filters, but if you value your
time, you can expect to spend quite a bit more on
a bagless system.

To keep your bagless vacuum cleaner operating at
peak levels, you'll need to empty the dirt container
when it is full and perform regular maintenance on
the filter.  The type of filter the vacuum uses will
determine just how much service will be required,
although most use a pleated HEPA filter.

Cleaning
Even though the claim of better airflow performance
with bagless vacuums is true in a sense, over the
life of the vacuum you'll get the same, or maybe
even better performance from a bagged vacuum cleaner
system.

With bagged vacuum cleaners, the performance will
start at 100% with each new bag then slowly drop
as the bag starts to fill.  Just how quickly the
performance drops depends on how well the bag is
constructed.  With the average vacuum and the average
bag, you may replace the bag every 3 - 4 weeks
with 90% of performance the first week, 70% in
weeks 2 and 3, then 50% of less in the fourth week.

The short cycle will insure that you get a 100%
peak cleaning every 3 or 4 weeks from the vacuum
cleaner.  The filtered cyclonic machines have
filters that are designed to last 6 months, 12
months, and even up to 18 months before they need
to be replaced.

Pets
If you have dogs or cats, whether you see it or
not, almost all domestic animals shed their fur
on a regular basis throughout their lives.  Pet
owners often wonder as well, which vacuum is the
best to remove pet hair.

For pretty much the same reasons that fur sticks
to the carpet, it will also stick to your bagless
vacuum's pleated filter cartridge.  The fur will
reduce the performance of airflow, and is also a
pain in the neck to clean off the filter.

Over time, the fiber that makes up the filter can
retain odor from pets, even if you clean the
filter well.  If your filter requires replacing
only once a year, you could end up with a vacuum
that spits odors that will stink up your house
pretty bad.

Bagged up
Those vacuums that use bags will often provide
for neat disposal of a full bag.  There are some
brands such as BOSCH that actually engineer bag
disposal into the system.  With BOSCH canister
vacuums, the replacement of bags is a single
dust free step.  The new mega filt bags have a
built in closure system that upon removal,
will slide shut and trap the dirt and debris
inside of the bag, making removal quick and easy.

Still, there are many people out there who love
bagless machines.  Bagless vacuums will continue
at a slow place to gain market share, and people
will continue to buy them.  For many, a bagless
vacuum can be the right vacuum to have.

Bags are the technology of the past, while bagless
is the technology of the future.  There are many
reasons as to why you should go bagless.  For
the vacuums of tomorrow, cylinder and bagless
is the key.