Vacuum Cleaners

A nicely carpeted room can be a fabulous addition to a home. It is attractive, a pleasure to walk on and a safe, comfortable play area for children and pets. On the other hand, a wood, laminate, or vinyl floor can be stylish, functional and easy to maintain. Many homes feature different types of flooring in different rooms, and a good vacuum cleaner can be invaluable in the cleaning and maintenance of all types. While traditionally designed for carpeting, many vacuums today have multiple settings appropriate for use on plush to thin carpets as well as on bare floors. They are available in many different models and designs, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages.

A traditional upright vacuum model can be highly efficient for cleaning large, flat surfaces as well as for cleaning upholstery and other elements of a room. These models combine power suction with a rotating roller brush designed to lift dirt into the trap. The trap is traditionally a disposable bag, although bagless models have become increasingly popular. They often feature adjustable heights for uses with different thicknesses of carpet versus bare floors. In addition, upright models have a detachable hose with various attachments and extenders which usually attach conveniently onto the body when not in use. These can be used for cleaning upholstery, furniture surfaces and into corners and edges or even along ceilings. While designed to be handled predominantly at waist level, upright models are also adjustable to a flat or near flat position, which enables the vacuum to reach under furniture. For storage, they can lock into an upright position and thus fit very compactly in a tall, narrow space.

One disadvantage of upright models is that they can be heavier than others, because the entire apparatus is moved together as one unit for cleaning floors. Many newer models are much more lightweight than older uprights and are also more ergonomic and comfortable to use. Another potential issue is that the rotating brushes can become clogged, especially with long hair. The brush usually dismantles relatively easily, and these issues can be resolved with periodic cleaning.

A popular alternative to a traditional upright is a cylinder or canister vacuum. These models feature a long hose used for suction, attached to a small rolling base containing the motor and the trap. Other vacuum models available include small, hand-held, cordless vacuums which are very convenient for small jobs. Finally, robotic, cordless vacuums have the advantage that they operate without a user.