Archive for the ‘Vacuum Cleaner Tips’ Category

Tips on How to Purchase a Vacuum Cleaner

Monday, September 15th, 2008

Purchasing a vacuum cleaner might not seem like a big deal, but it is. Vacuum cleaners are essential tools for maintaining the cleanliness of our homes as well as its attractive appearance. Although many types of machines exist on the market today, selecting one can be a bit overwhelming unless you know what to look for when deciding to purchase a vacuum cleaner.

In general, purchasing a vacuum cleaner should be based on the specific needs of the individual buying it. Not only should the style and size of the home be taken into consideration, but many other factors need to be considered as well.

The primary facet to consider when making the purchase of a vacuum cleaner is to consider the type of surfaces that you will be vacuuming. Do you need a vacuum that cleans carpets or hard flooring? Perhaps you need a vacuum that can clean both carpets and hard flooring. Plus, you must also consider whether you need the vacuum to clean upholstery or stairs that might require special onboard tools.

Does anyone in the home have allergies? If so, then you need to consider the type of filtration system that the vacuum cleaner has before making your purchase. Many vacuum cleaners feature the HEPA filtration system which provides an excellent method of removing particulates and pollutants that can be especially helpful in households that include allergy sufferers.

For those who have limited physical capabilities or several floor levels to the home, the vacuum cleaner’s weight and the ease with which it can be transported need to be looked at. Stick/broom-style cleaners are usually more lightweight, but they will provide less power and cleaning capacity. Upright models are generally easier to move from room-to-room, but cylinder models are generally lighter in weight and easier to move form level-to-level.

For individuals who have sensitivity to noise, selecting a model of vacuum cleaner that features insulation around the motor might be an excellent option. For homes with high traffic, selecting a model of vacuum cleaner with greater power and suction capacity is definitely going to be the better option. Think about all of the features that you prefer to have in a machine of this type and purchase the model of vacuum cleaner that can provide the best options for your needs.

The two main vacuum cleaner and carpet washer suppliers in the UK are Vax (famous for their carpet washers) and Dyson.

Important Tips About the HEPA Filter for your Vacuum Cleaner

Monday, September 15th, 2008

Owning a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filtration system is one of the wisest steps to take if you want to maintain the cleanliness of your home. This filtration system performs with one of the highest levels of effectiveness when it comes to sucking up undesirable pollutants and particulates. However, it is important that while the vacuum cleaner is doing its job, the homeowner must also do his job. That particular job involves maintaining the efficiency of the HEPA filtration system through proper care.

Since this system can undergo a minor breakdown if it is not properly maintained, cleaning the filter is extremely important. It is recommended that this task take place after every other use of the vacuum cleaner. Before cleaning the filter you should read the instructions provided in the user manual for your vacuum cleaner. Additionally, clean out the dirt bin at the same time for the best results.

In general, cleaning the HEPA filter is relatively simple. Always unplug the machine before you begin. Take the vacuum cleaner to an area next to a dustbin or bring the dustbin over to the machine. Remove the central filter carefully and gently shake it over the dustbin. It might be necessary to use a dust brush to loosen the dirt. If it is, perform this task gently as well.

The HEPA filter itself should be replaced at least once each year in order to maintain the optimum performance of your vacuum cleaner. Since the filter is constructed with a number of channels that can easily become clogged, it is essential to replace it annually. Unfortunately, if you have not been cleaning the filter on a regular basis, it will most likely need to be replaced even earlier.

If the HEPA filter is not properly maintained, the vacuum cleaner can cease to function properly. In particular, a blocked filter that results from improper maintenance can lead to a reduced airflow. In turn, this reduced air flow can lead to an overheated motor, which will lead to a thermal cut out. The thermal cut out forces the vacuum cleaner to cut out. Once this happens, it will be necessary to wait at least an hour for the motor to cool down before using the vacuum cleaner again. Additionally, the HEPA filter must be cleaned at this point or even replaced if it has become too clogged to clean properly.

The Perfect Vacuum Cleaner for Homes with Pets

Monday, September 15th, 2008

Buying the right model of vacuum cleaner when you have pets is essential to maintaining a comfortable living environment. Removing allergens is the primary purpose of a vacuum cleaner that is designed with a HEPA filtration system that performs with high efficiency to arrest particulates and pollutants. The Vax VZL- 118P Force 3 Pet cylinder vacuum cleaner features the HEPA filtration system making it a perfect machine for homes where pets reside.

Not only is the Vax VZL- 118P Force 3 Pet cylinder vacuum cleaner designed for use with dry hard floors and dry carpets, but also, it includes the Turbo-tool which will suck up pet hair on dry upholstery or dry stairs as well. Anyone with pets knows that these are two of the worst areas for pet hair accumulation.

Driven by air, the TurboTool utilizes high speed revolution and bristles that quickly picks up dirt and pet hair. Plus, the Vax VZL- 118P Force 3 Pet cylinder also includes a number of other onboard tools in addition to the Turbo-tool. These include a handy dusting brush, the TurboBrush that is gentle and can be used on delicate surfaces as well as skirting boards. This model of vacuum cleaner also provides a useful crevice tool.

In an attractive red, silver, and black color pattern, the Vax VZL- 118P Force 3 Pet cylinder vacuum cleaner is easy to transport form one room or level of a home to another since it only weighs in at 6.90 kg. Its dimensions measure 45 cm in depth with 34 cm in height and 25 cm in width.

This model of cleaner features lots of power with 1400W capacity. It also features a generous power cable length of 6.0 m. With no suction loss technology, this bagless cleaner has a 2L quick release transparent dirt bin as well as power and dirt bin full indicators that make it easy to note when it is time to empty out or turn off the cleaner.

The push button cable rewind might not be necessary, but it is simple to use and does come in handy. The chrome telescopic tubes featured with this model provide durability as well as an attractive styling feature. All of the above features make the Vax VZL- 118P Force 3 Pet cylinder vacuum cleaner an excellent model for those homes that include pets.

What Do I Buy if I Want Something that Vacuums and Washes My Carpet?

Thursday, August 28th, 2008

Serious cleaning requires exceptional equipment with serious cleaning capacity. For those individuals who want a multifunction machine that can both dry vacuum and wash carpets Vax Model 6131 is the answer. The Vax Model 6131 is a versatile multifunction cleaner with 1300W of power.

It not only vacuums carpets and hard floors to a crisp cleanness, but also, it washes carpets back to a pristine state of clean. It cleans all types of flooring including carpets and hardfloors, upholstery and even carpeted stairs.

When used for dry vacuuming, Vax Model 6131 has 8 litres dry tank capacity. This allows you to vacuum your entire home without the need to empty the contents before you are finished.

The conversion from dry mode to wet mode is accomplished easily with this cleaner. The Vax Model 6131 has 4 litres clean water tank capacity and 8 litres dirty tank capacity- plenty of room for even the largest of carpet washing tasks.

With the Vax Model 6131 washing your carpets and hard floors is easy due to its fibreflow wash head design. Plus, a purchase of this Vax model includes the Vax AAA cleaning solution. The other extras with this machine are useful and include on-board dusting brush, upholstery and crevice tools as well as a combi head.

Vax Model 6131 features two stainless steel extension tubes that provide even greater reach for your cleaning, providing a total reach of 10.70m with a cleaning width of 27.00cm.

Since the Vax 6131 only weighs 8.10kg, it is easy to transport from room to room or floor to floor. It is easy to store as well since its dimensions are 32cm depth by 56cm height by 32cm width. Plus, this model of vacuum features 360 degree maneuverability.

As with other Vax carpet washers models, this model has a downloadable service sheet or user guide.
Shop for spares, parts, tools for washing upholstery and hard floors, and accessories to complement your vacuum.

The Vax Model 6131 comes in an attractive orange colour with black wheels and hoses. It has a generous power cable length of 7.50 m and a standard filtration system. The versatility of this machine is exceptional and you are sure to like it if you get one.

How to Decide Which Style of Vacuum Cleaner Is Best for You

Thursday, August 28th, 2008

Once you have a home, it is time to go about the task of purchasing the tools you need to keep it clean. Among these tools, the vacuum cleaner is one of the most important. After all, not only can it be used to keep the floors clean, but also, it can be used to clean the stairs, furniture, drapery, and even those hard to reach places, depending upon which model you purchase.

How are you supposed to decide which model of vacuum cleaner is best for you? The easiest way to make this decision is to start with the style of vacuum cleaner and to make a choice between a cylinder style and an upright style. This is mainly a matter of personal preference along with a bit of deciding what you have the storage space for. Perhaps, you want to select the same style of vacuum cleaner that your mother had when you were growing up. Then again, you can always select your model according to the advantages or disadvantages that each one presents.

For example, cylinder models feature a separate suction head via a tubular attachment, thus facilitating the ability to access those hard-to-clean areas. Even though upright models also feature attachments that can be used to access those hard-to-clean areas, attempting to do so often brings the upright model down with a crash. Therefore, you might want to consider the efficacy of purchasing an upright over a cylinder style in terms of the type of vacuuming you will be doing. If your home has many hard-to-clean areas or a great assortment of furniture to vacuum, then your choice should be the cylinder.

Another point to consider is the inclusion of rotating brush heads with the upright style. For homes where pet hair is going to be an issue, the rotating brush heads offer a better opportunity for a clean sweep. Therefore, the upright style of vacuum cleaner might prove to be more beneficial.

In this train of thought, one must then consider the ease with which one will be able to transport the vacuum cleaner from one lever to the next. In general, cylinders tend to be lighter in weight and their attachments can be stored inside the cylinder for easier transport.

Whatever you decide, make your choice after careful consideration of all of the options that you have available. A vacuum cleaner has a long shelf life, so the one you purchase should be one that will meet the majority of your needs.

Best Vacuum Cleaners for the Job

Tuesday, May 27th, 2008

Not all vacuum cleaners are created equally. Some are best at picking up pet hairs, while others are ideal for cleaning upholstery and carpeted stairs. But when it comes to buying a new vacuum cleaner, how do know which models can do what? No one should need to own more than one vacuum cleaner, so spend a little time researching what’s on the market and you’ll be able to find the perfect vacuum cleaner for use around your home.

Best Vacuum Cleaners for Allergy Sufferers

If you or anyone in your household suffers with an allergy, or is asthmatic, then when it comes to choosing a vacuum cleaner, you need to pay particular attention to the cleaner’s filtration system. Filtration determines how many dust particles will escape into the air from the vacuum’s exhaust. “Standard” vacuum filtration is the least efficient way of removing particles, although some filtration systems are fitted with multiple filter levels which improve the filtration. HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) or S-class filtration is more suitable for allergy sufferers as it filters out particles and allergens, resulting in cleaner emissions. Both standard and HEPA/S-class filtration systems require regular replacing of the vacuum cleaner filter, although you can get vacuum cleaners that are equipped with life-time filters. Recommended vacuum cleaners for allergy sufferers include:

  1. Dyson Ball Upright Vacuum Cleaner — DC24 and DC25
  2. Dyson DC17 Absolute Animal Vacuum Cleaner (designed for homes with pets)
  3. Electrolux Intensity Compact Upright Vacuum Cleaner
  4. Electrolux Harmony HEPA Canister Vacuum Cleaner with Turbo Brush (for hardwood floors)
    (Note: As with all Dyson models, all VAX cleaners are fitted with HEPA filtration)

Best Vacuum Cleaners for Pet Owners

Keeping areas in the home free of pet hairs can be a mammoth task if you use the wrong vacuum cleaner, so you need to choose wisely. Upright vacuums tend to be better at picking up pet hairs than cylinder cleaners as they are fitted with motorised brush heads that are better at prising fur away from carpet fibres, resulting in a very useful pet vacuum cleaner. However, some cylinder vacuum cleaners have a “turbo tool” with rotating brushes that can help to loosen hairs as the vacuum cleaner passes over the carpet. Recommended carpet cleaners for pet owners include:

  1. Dyson DC14 and DC15 Animal Bagless Vacuum Cleaner
  2. Dyson DC08 Telescope Wrap Animal Vacuum Cleaner
  3. Eureka Boss 4D Vacuum Cleaner
  4. Roomba Discovery Vacuum Cleaner
  5. Miele TT5000 Cylinder Vacuum Cleaner Cat and Dog

Best Vacuum Cleaners for Cleaning Upholstery

While the vacuum cleaner you’re considering buying may be suitable for large areas of carpet, can it also deal with keeping your upholstered surfaces clean? Many vacuum cleaners nowadays are equipped with accessories for cleaning upholstery, including curtains, which means that you don’t have to buy a separate handheld vacuum cleaner to keep your upholstery looking as good as your floors. A number of the models in the range of upright bagless vacuums from Vax and Dyson come equipped with a “turbo tool” or appropriate accessory for vacuuming upholstery and car interiors. Recommended cleaners for upholstery include:

  1. Dyson DC14 Animal Bagless Vacuum Cleaner
  2. Vax VZL-201 Swift Zero bagless upright vacuum cleaner