Vacuum Cleaners

Definition

There's one in a cupboard in every clean and tidy house. Vacuum cleaners are an eternal household appliance that have remained under the spotlight due to recent innovations. The advent of bagless vacuum cleaners a few years ago significantly changed the market, and the development of robot cleaners heralds a revolutionary new way to keep our houses clean.

Choosing your vacuum cleaner

Which type of vacuum cleaner?

Conventional canister vacuums are still the most widespread type of cleaner on the market today. These powerful models are designed mainly to clean large surface areas. They have large dust collectors, and can be used for some time before being emptied. They are sometimes thought to be easier to handle and less tiring to use than upright models, on which the weight of the motor is applied directly to the handle.

Upright vacuums are better suited to small surface areas. They take up less space and are ideal for small apartments. But their smaller size means that they are less powerful and have to be emptied more often that the canister equivalents.

Robotic cleaners are small, self-contained battery-powered machines that clean the floor without any intervention by the user. They are very compact, not particularly powerful and have small dust collectors. Their performance and the manner in which they move around the floor are sometimes below par. While they may supplement a canister model, which would be used less often, they are not yet capable of replacing a real vacuum cleaner.

Type of dust collector

Just a few years ago, every vacuum cleaner contained a bag. The advantage of models with bags is that the dust is contained in a disposable recipient. They are also capable of cleaning up greasy or slightly damp dirt fairly effectively, as well as small solid or sharp objects. These qualities make them particularly versatile. But replacing the bag at regular intervals is a bothersome chore, especially since these consumables are quite expensive and difficult to find after a few years.

Bagless cleaners overcome these problems by collecting the dust in a tank that has to be emptied from time to time. But bagless vacuums are not all equal. Models that simply collect the dust in a tank are inefficient, quickly become dirty and their performance declines as the tank fills up and the filter becomes clogged, in which case the filter needs to be cleaned. Cyclonic bagless vacuums, including the Dyson cleaners and other machines available from leading manufacturers, use centrifugal force to compress the dust and dirt against the walls of the dust collector. Performance is improved and the dust does not fly out every time the collector is opened. They are also easier to maintain and do not become very dirty.

Power

The power of the vacuum cleaner's motor is expressed in Watts. While the power is not the only factor that determines the quality of the vacuum, it is important, and manufacturers are always careful to publish the power of their machines. A machine with a more powerful motor will almost certainly produce a better vacuum than another cleaner of the same type with a less powerful motor. The power also has a direct impact on the electricity consumption. Certain so-called "ecological" models are fitted with motors that are equally efficient, while consuming less power.

Vacuum

The vacuum is the cleaner's capacity to suck air into the hose or the handle, and in doing so, to pick up the dust. The vacuum is the cleaner's most important characteristic, if you need to clean up even the most stubborn dirt. The power of the vacuum is expressed in kilo Pascals (kPa).

Noise

Noise, which is often related to the machine's power and performance, is another important factor when it comes to choosing a vacuum cleaner. Most modern vacuum cleaners offer a range of speeds that can be used to adapt the noise level. But if you have to use your cleaner at full power for lengthy periods, then a quieter machine will be much more gentle on the ear.

Which vacuum cleaner for which use?

Two important factors must be taken into consideration when choosing a vacuum cleaner: the surface area of your home and the type of floor surface.

If you have to clean a large surface area, then you need a canister vacuum cleaner.

If you only have to clean up dust, then a cyclonic bagless system will be more comfortable to use.

If you only have a small surface area, then an upright vacuum might be the best option, especially since they take up less space and are easier to store.

If vacuum cleaning is a chore that you could well do without, then robot cleaners can do some of the work for you. They will not replace your vacuum cleaner, but you will not have to use it quite so often.

And depending on the type of floor surface, your environment and the type of dust and dirt you have to clean up, you must always remember to bear in mind the accessories that come with your cleaner. One of the most important accessories is the rotary brush, which is not well suited to hard floor surfaces, but is ideal for getting rid of animal fur and hair on mats and carpets. Special nozzles are also available to get into those awkward corners or to clean curtains or bedding.