Vacuum cleaners are an almost indispensable tool for the modern home. We use them to clean our floors, upholstery, and other surfaces. They reduce potential allergens and improve indoor air quality.
There is a wide assortment of vacuum cleaners available today. They include the traditional canister vacuum cleaner, upright vacuum cleaners, robotic vacuum cleaners, handheld vacuum cleaners, broom vacuum cleaners and central vacuum cleaning systems. Each style has its pros and cons and it really depends on the size of your house and your particular needs.
There is a wide variation in both styles, models and pricing when it comes to vacuum cleaners. Your vacuum cleaner needs to be versatile enough to meet all your needs. Here is a brief description of the main types of vacuum cleaners.
1. Canister vacuum cleaners
Canister vacuum cleaners consist of a long wand that is attached to a canister by a flexible hose. There is a motor in the canister and receptacle to collects the dust. This vacuum cleaner is mounted on wheels so that a user can pull the machine around the room as they clean. There are also a number of attachments with this type of vacuum cleaner that allow it to vacuum not just carpet but tile, wood floors, draperies and upholstery.
2. Upright vacuum cleaners
Upright vacuum cleaners are the best tools for cleaning heavily carpeted areas. These vacuum cleaners have intake and exhaust ports, a motor to drive the fan, and a bag or receptacle to collect the dust. The dirt goes into a bag or receptacle located just above the motor compartment and the air exits the dust collection area through the exhaust port. There is a filter that keeps the dust in the bag or receptacle. There are some attachments available, but not as many as a canister vacuum to allow a user to clean tight corners and stairs.
3. Handheld vacuum cleaners
Handheld vacuum cleaners are handy because of their compact size and portability. That makes them a great tool for cleaning clean small spills and hard to reach areas like, corners, and car interiors. Some are designed specifically for cleaning cars and others designed to pick up debris in a shop or remove pet hair from upholstery. These vacuum cleaners are relatively cheap and come in both cord and cordless models.
4. Robotic vacuum cleaners
Robotic vacuum cleaners are the new kid on the block. They are designed to operate with minimal assistance and will clean a floor based upon the instructions that you enter into its program. That means too that they can be programmed to clean anytime you want, even when you are away at work. A robotic vacuum cleaner will make the predetermined number of circuits around the room and then automatically turn off. It has a sensor that enables it to avoid walls, furniture, and other obstacles and rubber bumpers that soften any impact.
5. Stick vacuum cleaners
Stick vacuum cleaners have a motor located in the handle or along the wand, which connects the handle to the cleaning heads. Stick vacuum cleaners are good for apartments or homes with small areas of carpeting or for outdoor carpeting. They are light and easy to use and while they don’t have the power of other machines, they are great for areas that need a quick or frequent vacuum or cleaning.
6. Vacuum cleaner bags
Most vacuum cleaners need vacuum cleaner bags but there are some that operate without them. Buy your vacuum cleaner bags when you purchase your vacuum cleaner so that you don’t run out of this important supply. Empty the vacuum cleaner bags once they are full so that the machine can still operate at full capacity. Some vacuum cleaners also come with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters that help reduce the allergens and dust in the air. The cost of a vacuum cleaner will depend on your choice of attachments, the suction power of the motor, and other features.