How to Buy a Vacuum Cleaner

Wondering how to buy a vacuum cleaner? Grab a vacuum cleaner, head to the check-out counter, right? Not quite. If you're going to be doing the vacuuming around the house, you just might want to do some research to pick out the right one. You can get a steamer, a spritzer, a bagless, or a traditional vacuum, so it's up to you to weigh your requirements for a good vacuum in relation to price.

Types of Vacuum Cleaners

• Broom Vacuums: Broom vacuum cleaners are similar to upright vacuum cleaners, but don't have rollers or beaters. Usually utilizing a cup to catch dirt, they are often available in a cordless style with smaller motors, requiring less power.
• Handheld Vacuums: This vacuum style is easy to stow away in a closet or kitchen cupboard, and it often has attachments to clean hard-to-reach spots.
• Robotic Vacuums: Small, robotic vacuums need a clear space on the floor to clean, but besides that, they save you time and are well worth the cost for the busy professional, mom/dad, or student.
• Carpet Steamers: Steam vacuums use steam and a formulated detergent solution to clean carpets. Using powerful suction, these vacuums utilize multiple rotating heads to dig dirt up and get it on the surface.
• Central Vacuums: These vacuums connect from the wall to a motor in a concealed spot. To clean a room, you simply hook the vacuum attachment into the hose plug, and the dirt and dust is concealed in a canister for disposal later.

Qualities of a Canister Vacuum

• Canister vacuums are often easier to carry up and down flights of stairs, and are generally considered more portable.
• Canister vacuums have been known to present more reliable suction power for carpets.
• You can often vacuum underneath furniture without switching to special attachments when you use a canister vacuum.

Qualities of an Upright Vacuum

• Since you push the entire vacuum in front of you, you won't have to roll the canister behind you. Many people prefer this.
• This type of vacuum has been recommended for allergy sufferers, because allergens are less likely to escape from the bag.
• You won't have to change the vacuum bag as often, because canister vacuums generally have larger vacuum bags.
• Hallways are much easier to clean with an upright vacuum, and you can cover larger carpeted areas quicker as well.

Know How to Buy a Vacuum Cleaner

Consider the following areas when making your selection.

Allergen Protection

Some vacuums can protect users better than others from dust, dust mites, and other irritations. When choosing your vacuum, look for one with a Hepa filter, which can remove airborne allergens effectively. You are more likely to see this feature on an upright vacuum rather than a canister one.

Bag vs. Bagless

Many people purchase vacuum cleaners without bags because of the general cost reduction, but they can be much harder to clean than vacuums with a standard bag. With a bagless vacuum cleaner, you need to shake out the dust, dirt, hair, and food particles into another trash receptacle, and it's not the easiest process out there.

Ergonomic Considerations

You'll have to do a lot more stooping when you use an upright vacuum cleaner, which is particularly useful for those with movement restrictions, as well as those who spend a considerable amount of time vacuuming every day. When you test out a vacuum cleaner, it should be tall enough that you can use it while standing upright, and with your shoulders back. For those living in two-story homes or duplexes, you might find a canister vacuum to be more comfortable to carry up and down stairs.

Where to Buy a Vacuum Cleaner

Here's where to look when you're wondering how to buy a vacuum cleaner, and how to choose the right one.

• Sears, Roebuck, and Co. carries a variety of vacuum cleaners, and you can apply for credit if you aren't able to pay for a vacuum all in one go.
• JCPenney carries vacuums and has regular sales.
• Wal-Mart is a convenient place to purchase a vacuum if you live in a remote area.

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