Choices in vacuums are almost as varied as there are cleaning needs. With so many options there is bound to be the perfect one for you and your family. Along with offering superior discounts, Overstock.com will guide you and answer questions about your vacuum needs.
When considering the purchase of a vacuum, be aware of your long-term needs. Do you suffer from allergies? Have small children? Hate noise? Own dogs or cats? Have many rooms to clean? Be sure to think about each component that you will use on a vacuum cleaner or carpet steam cleaner. Make sure the vacuum cord is long enough to effectively clean one area of your home without changing outlets. A seemingly small issue like that can become a major irritation when you are cleaning.
Another component to pay attention to is the vacuum's brush agitator. It affects the cleaning effectiveness on carpet. If your carpet is on the delicate side, the type of bristles is especially important. Most vacuum cleaners are also supplied with various specialized attachments, tools, brushes and extension wands that allow them to reach otherwise inaccessible places or to be used for cleaning a variety of surfaces.
With that in mind we will discuss the three main categories of vacuums: upright vacuums, canister vacuums and wet/dry vacs. Steam cleaners will also be discussed, along with the advantages of HEPA vacuums.
Upright vacuum cleaners have the pump mounted directly above the suction intake, with the bag mounted on the handle. There are two types of upright vacuums. On a single-motor upright vacuum, the beater brush is driven by the vacuum motor via belt, while on a dual motor upright, the vacuum and beater brush are driven by separate motors. The dual motor upright is very common in commercial uprights. Upright vacuums tend to be lighter than canisters, without making a lot of noise.
Canister vacuums (or cylinder) have the motor and bag in a separate canister unit (usually mounted on wheels) connected to the vacuum head by a flexible hose. Most canister vacuums have "power heads," which contain the same sort of mechanical brushes as in upright vacuums, although they are driven by a separate electric motor. Some people prefer canister vacuums because of the lighter, more maneuverable power head.
Wet or dry vacs — a specialized form of the canister vacuum — can be used to clean dry surfaces or to vacuum up liquid spills. Some are also equipped with a switch or exhaust port for reversing the airflow, a useful function for everything from clearing a clogged hose to blowing dust into a corner for easy collection. These are often called shop vacs.
Steam cleaners make it easy to clean and disinfect all around the home, car and garden with ease. Pressure steam cleaners use moisture and heat to loosen dirt and stains the vacuum won’t get. They often have a steam canister you can pull around with a hose and cleaning head. Handheld steam cleaners are good for those small, hard to reach spots in cars or other compact spaces.
High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters trap germs and other contaminants which then die in the dry environment of the filter fibers. HEPA vacuums can remove at least 99.97% of airborne particles. A HEPA vacuum filter traps fine particles (such as pollen and dust mites) which trigger allergy and asthma symptoms. HEPA vacuum filters are also helpful in the prevention of the spread of airborne bacterial and viral organisms. There are other micro filters that do a good job too, though they don’t necessarily meet the strict HEPA standards.
Dyson vacuums are some of the most popular HEPA vacuums. These bagless vacuums separate dirt from the air at high speeds using unique technology. Dyson's cyclonic suction technology is said to be setting new standards in vacuum performance as the most powerful upright vacuum.
Is a bag or bagless vacuum better ?
It depends on who is using it. Many people like a vacuum with a bag because it doesn’t make as much of a mess as emptying the dirt from a bagless vacuum. Some also feel that a bag traps more allergens. However, a bagless vacuum like a Dyson lets you see how much dirt you are collecting. You also save money and time not having to worry about replacing vacuum bags.
Is there a good vacuum for tight edges and hard to reach areas ?
Some models have vacuum areas that extend out to the very end of the machine for cleaning tight edges. Dyson’s low access cleaning head is great for this. Ovestock.com has a large selection of Dyson vacuums at discounted prices.
Here are some additional suggestions for those who might be looking for a vacuum for a house with lots of stairs, a small apartment, or for professional cleaning.
Good vacuum for stairs
Canister vacuum cleaners might fit the needs of someone with a lot of stairs. They can reach carpet high and low without you having to move the whole vacuum. If you prefer an upright vacuum, make sure it is lightweight.
Small apartment vacuum
Since you most likely do not need a high-powered vacuum, a small upright vacuum is perfect for your needs. If you have animals and children, you may want to consider a HEPA vacuum cleaner.
Professional cleaning
For those jobs that require quick but precise cleaning your best bet is the high powered Dyson. A shop vac would also serve you well in a more industrial area. There is a perfect size vacuum for all your professional needs at Overstock.com.
With Overstock.com’s famous discounts and large selection of housewares, you will easily find the perfect vacuum for your needs.