Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Before You Buy an Upright Vacuum Cleaner

By Sarah Aguirre

A vacuum cleaner is one of the most expensive cleaning tools we have. Choosing one that will accomplish the necessary cleaning of your home can be confusing. Here are some extra things to look for before you buy an upright vacuum cleaner.
Choose Lightweight or Heavyweight
The vacuum industry is making great strides in creating very powerful vacuum cleaners that weigh much less. Look into the lightweight options to find vacuum cleaners that will be easier to push, carry, and store. However, many full-sized models come with more of the features consumers are searching for. It may be more difficult to find as many bells and whistles on the lightweight models. Check out features vs. weight to choose the right model for you.

* Heavyweight Vacuum Cleaners
* Eureka Optima Review

Bagged or Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaners
There's a certain satisfaction in watching the clear dust cup of a bagless model fill up with dirt and debris. Bagless models use a series of filters to trap dirt in a dust cup while allowing air to pass through the machine. However, they can be messy to empty. Bagged upright vacuum cleaners use the bags as a filter to trap the dirt. Many bagged models now include a full bag indicator light to help consumers remember to change the bag.

* Bagged and Bagless Vacuum Maintenance
* Choosing Bagged or Bagless

Upright Vacuum Cleaner Filtration
The entire point of having a vacuum cleaner is the removal of dirt from our homes. A proper filtration system does everything it can to make sure that as little dirt as possible is exhausted back into your air. Finding out about the filtration system is especially important to families with allergies or breathing problems. Similarly, a good filtration system will protect the machine and extend its life.

* What is a HEPA filter? Do I Need a HEPA?

Power, Suction, and Edge Cleaning
We all need power in our vacuum. Researching the power, suction and edge cleaning abilities of a vacuum cleaner are critical to making sure that it will perform at the level you need. Read vacuum cleaner reviews or ask friends for recommendations. Check the amps of the vacuum cleaner. Find out the airwatts to get a good indication of suction power.

* Do Amps Equal Power for Vacuums?

Maintenance and Storage for Upright Vacuum Cleaners
It's important to find out exactly what kind of maintenance a new vacuum cleaner will require. How often will belts, filters, and other items need to be cleaned and/or replaced? How much do common replacement parts cost? Also consider where the vacuum cleaner will be stored to make sure it will fit.

* Maintaining a New Vacuum Cleaner

Extra Features and Tools on Upright Vacuum Cleaners
As consumer we often go for the deluxe models of everything. The same is true of our housekeeping gadgets. Find the extra tools and features you need, and ditch the ones you don't. A self-propelled vacuum cleaner may sound like a dream, but they are actually very heavy to lift. Ten different tools and wands may seem like a plus, but if you rarely use tools, they may just be an extra headache to keep up with. Choose a vacuum with the features you want without the extras you don't need.

* Cost of A New Vacuum Cleaner
* What is a Self-Propelled Vacuum Cleaner?

Warranty and Quality of Upright Vacuum Cleaners
Find out what the manufaturer's warranty is for the new vacuum, and if the place of purchase extends that warranty. When you've finally found your dream vacuum, make sure you know what rules need to be followed for service and warranty. Double check reviews and opinions on the vacuum cleaner you've chosen.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

What Is The Best Vacuum For Pet Hair?

By Andrea Simpson

With more and more of us owning pets it has become increasingly important for us to clean up effectively after we have let out beloved pets roam all round the house and lay about on our carpets and furniture. This means more work for the person clearing the house as cleaning up all the hairs and possible pet mites is no small task. What is needed is a pet specific cleaner and with so many different cleaners on the market today we need to find out what is the best vacuum for pet hair.

There are so many cleaners on the market today and manufactueres have listened to their customers and now provide a whole host of attachments and even ones specific to cleaning pet hair off of carpets and furniture.

The main rule of thumb is that upright cleaners tend to be a lot more effective than cylinders at cleaning pet hair. They have motorised brush heads that are better at prising fur away from carpet fibres. Cylinders don't usually have motorised heads but some models have turbobrushes or electrobrushes, which are designed specifically for this task.

So which model vacuum cleaners should you be looking at?

Dyson DC14 & DC15 Animal - Has a mini turbine head for picking up pet hair

DCO8 Telescope Wrap Animal - Has a mini turbine head for picking up pet hair

Eureka Boss 4D - Has a turbo brush attachment for cleaning pet hairs

Roomba Discovery - Deep clean mode does all the hard work for you

Miele TT5000 Cylinder Vacuum Cleaner, Cat & Dog

All of the above model vacuum cleaners have had very good customer reviews and should make your short list. However the two cleaners that keeps coming up at the top of reviews is the Miele Cat & Dog and the Dyson Animal options on thri DC14, DC15 & DC08 models.

Looks like both Dyson and Miele have really listened to their customers and come up with cleaners whose main purpose is to help clean stubborn pet hairs while at the same time offering a great all round vaccum cleaner.

The Miele has not one but 'two' turbo brushes which makes the job of pet hair removal a simple task while the Dyson Animals have a mini turbine head that cleans pet hair and dirt from confined spaces such as upholstery, stairs and car.

Whatever cleaner you decide upon make sure and do your homework and find reviews of all the cleaners on your list. We have narrowed down your search to 2 great cleaners so make sure and check these out first.

What You Should Know About Upright Vacuum Cleaner Rating

By Lilah Knowles

Although some of us may think that upright vacuums are among the oldest kinds of vacuums, they are still very much in use. Manufacturers have been producing various models and putting innovations that it can get confusing for some consumers to pick the right brand. How do you make your decision? The best way to find the right upright vacuum for you is to look into an upright vacuum cleaner's rating. Product ratings are basically consumer generated data or reviews. This is great news for you because you are actually hearing from people like you who have had first hand experience with a product. Here are some examples of what raters look for in an upright vacuum model.

Sebo X1

This product is a product of German engineering and is actually still considered a great purchase even at $500. Its major feature is automation which merits it a high upright vacuum cleaner rating. With this model, cleaners automatically know when it's time to change dirt bags because the unit automatically stops when the old bag is full. It also has some other important and useful features such as its adjustable height, various controls, a filtration system and different brushes. This model is wonderful for serious heavy cleaning both at home and in the office. With all its features and more, Sebo X1 is definitely worth the price.

Sanitaire S782

The S782 costs a little under $200. Its affordability is probably enough on its own to earn it a great upright vacuum cleaner rating. Consumers however have more than just the price to be happy over with this model. It also has a range of features that make it really valuable for its price. Although it weighs around 14 pounds, it is extremely portable and easy to store. Its 30 foot cord will ensure that you can get anywhere you want to go even if the unit stays put. It has a collapsible handle, strong twin motors and can even turn off right away when there are jams. The affordability of this model, paired with all its useful features truly make it worthy of an outstanding upright vacuum cleaner rating.

Miele s163i

The products that have been put out by Miele in recent years are some of the highest quality by any brand. The s163i is a sleek little electric broom upright device that has a form and function that has earned it a high upright vacuum cleaner rating in any consumer's book. Sporting 1000 watts of power, it is probably the strongest vacuum for its size and weight. What makes it special is that this vacuum can be broken down and used as a handheld vacuum for use in cars or in tight spaces. Not enough? Try this. For about $250 you can be assured of a great upright vacuum cleaner that will last you more than ten years of constant use.

These are only some of the products and their features that could be used to come up with a good consumer upright vacuum cleaner rating. Remember that before you make any decisions, you should studiously look at several ratings and reviews first. Knowing what others think of a particular upright vacuum can save you a lot of inconvenience and can help you get your money's worth.

Which Vacuum Cleaner? Let's Suck It and See

By Eric Comforth

Vacuum cleaners are used to suck up dirt from a carpeted floor or sometimes can also be used on a bare floor. The vacuum cleaners rely on an air pump that sucks up air along with the dirt, deposits the dirt in a reservoir (Vacuum bag or dirt cup) then expels the air back into the room. Vacuum cleaners can either be upright, canister, back-pack, robotic, hand-held or central vacuum units. The most common vacuum cleaner is the upright vacuum cleaner. This type of vacuum cleaner stands upright and has the motor located right above where they intake is. Upright vacuums are also installed with brushes that help agitate the dirt from the carpet or floor. The dirt is either deposited in a vacuum bag or in a dirt cup referring to the either bag or bag less vacuum. The vacuum bag is changed out when full and the cup emptied out when the dirt reaches a certain level.

There are many manufacturers of vacuum cleaners that are designing an array of different styles of vacuums that boast different functions. There are two new trends developing in the vacuum cleaning world today. The first is the upright bag less vacuum cleaner. This style vacuum cleaner was developed by James Dyson approximately 15 years ago. The Dyson vacuum cleaner does not use a bag and is considered on the most effective vacuum in the market place today. The Dyson does not loose suction and effectively has more cleaning power. The vacuum cleaner sucks in the air/dirt combination and uses the centrifugal principle to separate the dirt from the air. The air is then expelled from the vacuum after passing through a number of filters which keeps the air clean. Since Dyson introduced a bag less vacuum there have been many other manufacturers introducing their version. Dyson vacuums are however still expensive unlike the bag less competition’s vacuum cleaners. The second trend is the robotic vacuum cleaner like the Roomba or the FloorBot. These are not vacuum cleaners per see but are self propelling and clean the floor and carpet of dust and debris. They are equipped with special sensors that allow them to navigate around the room and are efficiently programmed to cover the entire floor.

To comparison shop for vacuum cleaners you can visit the popular manufacturer’s websites. Miele, Dyson or eureka vacuum cleaner website have online product catalogues where you can read up on the various features of the vacuum cleaners. You can also visit some of the websites like epinions.com where consumers rate and review vacuum cleaners. This will give you a more unbiased opinion. Another good source for comparisons are Consumer guides. They do a thorough and detailed comparison of vacuums cleaners and summarize their findings. Vacuum cleaners can be considered a big investment with some of the more popular brands going for as much as $500 dollars and some for as little as $50. The high end vacuum cleaners boast high technology that makes them more effective. Allergy sufferers are being advised to purchase vacuum cleaners like the Dyson Vacuum that is designed to keep dust to a minimum.

How to Buy a Vacuum Cleaner - Which Type of Vacuum Cleaner is the Best For You?

By Jenny Watson

There are many different kinds of vacuum cleaners available on the market today and it can be a daunting task to decide which one to buy. Do you know how to buy the right vacuum cleaner for your needs? In this article, I have provided you some tips to help you choose the best cleaner for your home.

Types of Vacuum Cleaners

These are the most common seven different types of vacuum cleaners. I have listed down each of their benefits and possible disadvantages for you to compare them.

Backpack Vacuums: Convenient for vacuuming several areas but be sure you are able to handle the weight of the unit.

Bagged or Bagless: Bagged or bagless is mostly a matter of personal preference as some prefer the ease of emptying a dust cup without needing to regularly purchase vacuum cleaner bags.

Canister Vacuum Cleaner: The old reliable canister style vacuum has come a long way since its inception and most are rather powerful machines ideal for cleaning a variety of surfaces.

HEPA Filter Vacuum Cleaner: HEPA filters help to clean the air and are an important feature to look for if you are concerned with air quality or have allergies or pets.

Stick/Broom: Stick or broom style, as well as the smaller handheld vacuums are all great for quickly cleaning small spills and are easy to operate.

Upright Models: A common type of vacuum that is ideal for carpeting but does not usually work well on steps.

Popular Brands of Vacuum Cleaners to Consider

Thankfully there are more than a few popular and reliable brands of vacuum cleaners on the market to choose from, many of which have been around for decades and have proven the effectiveness of their products. Besides, if you are looking for old vacuum cleaner parts, chances are a more familiar manufacturer will still carry those you need.

If you need vacuum cleaners that will last for several years and retain their power over time, some you may want to consider include those made by Dyson, which are excellent for households with pets, Hoover, a brand that has been around for quite some time, and of course, Kirby, a name that is synonymous with both high quality and customer service. Other reliable vacuum cleaners include models by Miele and LG, who each have several to choose from with technologies on the cutting edge of the vacuum industry.

Why Do You Need Detailed Vacuum Cleaner Reviews?

By Tomaz Mencinger

Investing in a vacuum cleaner is a serious decision and without expert vacuum cleaner reviews you are very likely to make a choice that will cost you time and money not to mention the stress you will experience after a hasty decision.

So take your time to do the proper research and select the best model for your needs.

There are almost countless options when it comes to buying a vacuum cleaner. First, you have to choose a brand like Kirby, Dirt Devil, Hoover, Eureka, Miele or any other well established manufacturer.

Then you need to decide on a specific category of vacuums – central, industrial, upright, commercial, hand held etc. And each of these categories has different number of models like bagless or without bags, wall mounted, with HEPA filters and so on. The list of available vacuum cleaners is huge these days and that’s where vacuum cleaner reviews can help you finding the best model for your needs.

But it’s not only the vacuum cleaners that you need a review of. There are many items associated with vacuum cleaners like bags, parts, accessories, filters and belts that you will eventually need to replace or add to your chosen vacuum.

Taking some extra time to review these vacuum cleaner accessories will save you all the troubles after a year or two of using your vacuum cleaner.

In order to make the best of the information online you must first know exactly what your needs are.

What kind of flooring do you use? How are you going to clean your drapes? How about your walls or furniture? Do you have any pets that leave fur all the time? They would require special models of vacuum cleaners.

Second, you need to consider the price, weight and versatility of different models.

Even if you choose the most expensive model that doesn’t mean that you will get the best vacuum cleaner for every need that you have. And some of the latest models are very heavy to operate so consider the weight too.

Here is where detailed and well researched vacuum cleaner reviews will help you make the final choice of choosing the best model for your needs. You can learn all the pros and cons of each model, the most important features and what is the best use of each specific model.

And you will know in advance which vacuum cleaner parts or accessories are really needed and where and how you will replace them if needed.

So take the time and find a reliable and expert online vacuum cleaner site that will show you what you need to look for when buying a new vacuum for your home or business.

Key Features of Vacuum Cleaners

By Victor Thomas

A vacuum cleaner is a very useful and easy device to clean the house. The latest models also help in cleaning upholstery, car interiors, wall hangings etc. There are few features or characteristics of vacuum cleaners that have to be checked before buying them.

Some cleaners come with a collecting bag and some without a bag. The bagless cleaners are expensive when compared to the former, due to the technology used in it. But it is compensated on the money that is spent buying collection bags for the bag type cleaners. Bagged models are more hygienic, as the bags are use and throw types and so the dust and mites do not get accumulated in the bag. If the user has allergy or similar health related problems, then it is better to go for the bagged models. The Vax V002 Mojo II Bagged Vacuum Cleaner is an example of bagged vacuum cleaners and the Miele CAT & DOG TT 5000 Vacuum Cleaner is an example of the bagless vacuum cleaner.

The next factor is the power required by the cleaner to clean. The rule is that the higher the wattage, the more efficient and powerful the motor would be. It is better to have a cleaner of 1300 - 1400W power motor. The Vax 6140 Pet Vax vacuum cleaner has a power capacity of 1300W.

Filtration is also another cause of concern. This is of great importance for the asthma and allergy prone users. There are basically three types of filtration, the standard, S-class / HEPA and the lifetime filtration process. The standard one is found in the less expensive models and is not suited for the allergy prone. If the cleaner employs this technique, then it must contain atleast more than one filtration process, to make it a little efficient. The Hoover TC3827 Vacuum Cleaner is an example of standard filtration technique used.

The S-class is the second type in which the air that remains after the vacuum cleaning is clean and contains very less or zero allergens. This is the best for the allergy prone. The Seba X1 Vacuum cleaner is an example. The first two processes of filtration require changing of the filters in regular intervals. Lifetime filters, the third type, do not require changing of filters. The incoming air is filtered all through the life of the cleaner. The Dyson DC19 Cylinder Vacuum cleaner is an example of having lifetime filtration procedure. Some S-class cleaners come with lifetime filters, but are expensive.

In short, whichever type of vacuum cleaners used, they are always useful and easy to use. A definite welcome and need, more than a luxury, in each and every household!

Many Retailers Have Miele Vacuum Parts

By Tim Bock

Miele vacuum cleaner parts, including vacuum cleaner bags; vacuum filters; wands, brushes, and tools; belts; and vacuum hoses are all widely available. Miele vacuum cleaner bags F/J/M for the star line, the ambiente, and the Solaris series, are five to a package and each comes with air filters; Miele vacuum cleaner bags G/N are models S400 and s599 series deluxe midsize vacuum cleaners; and the Miele vacuum cleaner bags type H are for Miele vacuum cleaners s269i and S282i. The filters for Miele vacuum cleaners come in Active HEPA, in HEPA S4, and HEPA S140 that fits the vacuum cleaner models S140 and S157.

In terms of Miele wands, brushes, and tools, while the Miele 160 dusting brush is useful for cleaning soft furnishings and wood trim; it will only fit under the lid of the S314 and S514 Solaris series, the S558 Silver and the S658 Blue Moon. The Miele STB205-2 Miele Turbobrush features an 11" wide brush roll, a floating head, and a swivel neck, and provides excellent results when cleaning kelims and other flat-pile carpets; the SBB Parquet-2 floor brush (at 12" wide) gives an excellent result on parquet floors and quite satisfactory results on hardwood floors; and the 01347991 radiator brush has long bristles for dusting hard-to-reach architectural features and decorative items.

Miele-manufactured belts are available for replacement purposes: part MI-03854940 fits SEB 204 to SEB 226; the toothbelt MI-0497760 fits SEB 213/217 and STB 205 models, and the crescent belt MI-03466240 fits SEB 191 model vacuum cleaners. You be glad to look in to these vacuum cleaners today.