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 ry 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.

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 i nto 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.

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.

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.

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 u pright 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 hypoallergenic
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.

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 t hat 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.

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.

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