A vacuum cleaner is a device that uses suction to get rid of dirt, debris, and dust from surfaces in your home. A vacuum with a high suction power level sucks up more dust than a vacuum with a lower suction power level.
The suction power of a vacuum cleaner is an important component of the machine, and a unit with good suction provides excellent performance. Other factors that determine performance include the motor, the airflow, and the filters.
However, identifying the best vacuum can be difficult because the market is flooded with vacuums. As a result, before purchasing a vacuum cleaner, it is critical to understand its specifications, attachments, usage. Continue reading for more details.
In this post we will cover:
Understanding Your Vacuum Cleaner: Specifications, Attachments, & Usage
1. Specifications
Suction power: There is a difference between low and high suction power which many people fail to understand. However, for you to understand the difference between the two, measure the air intake of your vacuum cleaner, which can be done in four different ways.
The first is air watts, which calculates the volume of watts required by a vacuum to move an air unit through the machine’s nozzle. It is the most accurate method of determining a vacuum’s suction power.
The second method is to use cubic feet per minute (CFM), which measures the airflow of a vacuum from surfaces to bins or bags in a minute. A higher CFM indicates more suction power.
When using this technique, make sure the suction and wands are disconnected to get the actual suction measurement.
The third method makes use of watts and amperage. However, amperage is less reliable since it indicates an engine’s power and it includes electrical energy from other parts of the machine.
Watts, on the other hand, indicates the power consumption of the motor rather than the level of performance of a vacuum. The fourth method is to use is the water lift technique, also known as “seal suction.”
In this method, the vacuum must be sealed before being connected to a water-filled tube. A high water level indicates strong suction.
Filtration: Filtration is a key cleaning element, because filters such as HEPA or other advanced filters enhance the vacuum’s resistance. Therefore, a vacuum with normal filtration can easily accomplish higher ratings of airflow.
HEPA filtration units cost more because they can cope with higher resistance within the machine. HEPA filters last five times longer than their counterparts and can trap airborne particles inside the vacuum.
Dustbag: The dust bag is a component of the filtration system and has a significant impact on airflow. Many new materials are used in the bag’s construction to retain fine dirt and small harmful particles while allowing free airflow.
The surface area of the bag is critical because the more surface area there is, the easier it is for air to flow through it. As the bag fills up, this translates to improved cleaning ability.
Capacity: A large capacity in a vacuum cleaner indicates that the machine will continue to clean effectively. If all other factors remain constant, a full-sized vacuum cleaner will clean better, especially as the container or dust bag fills.
Weight: A light vacuum cleaner can be easily maneuvered and they can access tight spaces due to its smaller size. However, these compact and lightweight vacuum cleaners lack the filtering capabilities and power that can be found in large and heavier models.
Upright vacuums have swiveling heads that allow them to access tight spaces irrespective of their size. Canister vacuums have hoses consisting of several add-ons that can reach all the nooks and crannies of your home.
Agitation: Agitation dislodges soils from surfaces such as flooring and carpeting. To get the best agitation, select the correct accessory or cleaning tool. If you have lots of difficult soils or carpets, select a power team with a motorized power nozzle or an upright power nozzle.
Noise: the noise made by vacuum cleaners while operating is measured in decibels (dB). The noise level of most vacuum cleaners is between 65 and 75 dB. High-quality vacuums operate at comfortable levels and you can use such a vacuum even when your child is sleeping.
2. Attachments
The attachments of a vacuum cleaner make cleaning easier, especially in areas that are difficult to reach, such as corners, stairs, and upholstery. Below is a list of vacuum cleaner attachments and their uses:
Standard attachments
These attachments are provided by most vacuum models and are used for various basic purposes across all homes.
The extension wand: The tool expands the length of the hose of an upright vacuum by 18 inches. It allows you to reach above floor areas such as fan blades, light fixtures, chimneys, and door frames. You can also use it to get items stuck under couches and beds.
Dusting brush: it is an attachment that is round in shape with smooth and long bristles that is used for cleaning framed pictures, window sills, bookcases, blinds, and lampshades, among others. The tool cleans these areas without causing any scratches.
Crevice cleaner: the attachment is thin and has a curved tip, and it assists you in reaching tight areas such as air vents, corners, between couches, car seats, and many more. It can also be used to clean refrigerator coils.
Upholstery tool: this is a wide attachment that performs tremendously on upholstery texture. It withdraws lint and traps dirt on your chairs, cushions, carpeted stairs, mattresses, and couches.
Add-on attachments
The accessories are bought separately from your vacuum cleaner and they include:
Radiator brush: the tool is a slim piece that is fixed to the radiator attachment of Miele vacuums and it can clean all types of radiators, vent slats, and refrigerator coils. The tool traps stubborn matter that is normally difficult to eliminate.
If you do not have a Miele vacuum, use a bottle brush to dislodge debris and then use your vacuum’s dusting tool to suck it up.
Fan blade duster: the tool is used to reach and clean the areas around your fan blades to remove the dirt that has accumulated there. Start at the core of the fan, then pull the duster toward the blade’s end.
The bottom will be swept by the broom head while the microfiber cloth cleans the dust from the top. The debris will be sucked through the bristles into the hose.
Car cleaning nozzle: the nozzle traps small particles on the mats of your car and it can be utilized to clean porch furniture if you have any. Attach the nozzle to the hose of a wet and dry vacuum so that it can provide you with targeted suction on car mats.
Floor sweeper: this is a wide brush utilized for cleaning wood or tile floors and vacuuming rugs and carpets. Vacuum the floor in overlapping rows and the soft half-inch bristles will combine with the suction of the vacuum to quickly pick up more dirt.
Mattress refresher: the tool is used to remove allergens and dust from your mattress, upholstery, and other furniture. Move the tool in short strokes on the mattress section by section so that it can pick up allergens, lint, and dirt.
Power brush: it is a brush whose roller rotates to clean small wardrobes, carpeted stairs, and other tight areas around your home.
Multi-angle brush: the tool has soft nylon bristles which are used to clean spots that are difficult to reach, such as door frames and light fixtures. The tool’s pivoting head and curved hose help it to maneuver into tight spaces.
Novelty attachments
The attachments may not seem important, but they play a crucial role in cleaning some spots in your home. They include the following:
Drain unclogger: the tool is used to trap any misplaced items or unpleasant substances that have dropped into the sink, shower, or tub drain. It is used with a wet and dry vacuum. Make sure to use a rubber glove to pick the collected objects.
Computer cleaner: you can remove any grime from your computer’s keyboard using this tool. It can also clean the inner areas of the sewing machine.
Pet groomer: the tool is suitable for homes with pets since they shed a lot of furs. It can brush your pet and pick up loose hair.
3. Usage
Pet hair cleaning: a vacuum collects pet hair stuck on your floors, carpets, and other surfaces around your house. It can also be employed in cleaning your pets’ bedding and hair from the quilt.
If the hair is not cleaned, it can cause water pump failures, clogs, and leaks.
Lowering allergens: when you vacuum regularly, you will avoid the accumulation of allergens. You will also get rid of pollen, and dust from mattresses, doors and window screens using the dust brush accessory of the vacuum.
Cleaning your washing machine’s lint filter: the lint screen of your washing machine can be easily cleaned with the brush attachment of your vacuum cleaner.
The crevice attachment can be employed to clean any areas that are difficult to reach in the machine, such as the lint cavity.
Insect control: frequent vacuuming eliminates 96 percent of larvae and adult fleas in your home. Vacuuming will effectively discard dust termites and human skin cells consumed by them.
Use the hose and crevice attachments to access difficult-to-reach areas, such as catching insects that collect in roof corners. Get rid of any cobwebs and extra dust with a neat piece of cloth attached to the attachment using a band.
Preventing house fires: use the vacuum cleaner to eliminate any Sulphur lint from the dryer chimney and the dryer itself, since it is one of the main causes of house fires.
First, unplug your dryer and gas line off, then use the vacuum’s crevice attachment to reach the vent tracks and below the dryer.
Creating a wonderful smell in the house: moisten a cotton pad with any essential oil and put it inside your vacuum bag, and as you vacuum the house, the bag will gradually release its fragrance, refreshing your home.
Freshening upholstery, carpets, and cushions: the vacuum can be used to eliminate odors and freshen various fabrics using baking soda.
Sprinkle some of the baking soda on your cushions, carpet, or upholstery, and use a sponge or moist cloth to make it settle.
Leave it open for an hour and then use your vacuum cleaner over it. That will eliminate bad smells and the fabric will be much brighter.
Cleaning kitchen equipment: first, ensure that the device to be cleaned has been unplugged from the electrical power source. Get rid of the dust on the refrigerator coils or condenser using your vacuum cleaner.
The cleaning will significantly improve the functioning of your refrigerator as its operation will be more effective and it will stay much steadier and cooler.
The crevice attachment can be used to decrumb areas between the kitchen counter-tops and discard crumbs from toasters and ovens, as the crumbs will attract insects and may cause minor fires.
Finding tiny things: many things get misplaced or dropped daily, such as nails, screws, and earrings. Usually, they roll into places that are hard to access or furniture that is heavy to move.
Use some mesh on the edge of the crevice attachment using a band and then suck it up with your vacuum.
Conclusion
A vacuum cleaner is an essential cleaning tool in your home because it allows you to keep your surroundings clean and neat. However, it is critical to understand your vacuum cleaner and its inner workings.
If you know the specifications of a vacuum cleaner, selecting one that meets your cleaning needs at the time of purchase will be a piece of cake because you will know exactly what you want.
The attachments, which are used for a variety of cleaning tasks, will assist you in diversifying the use of the vacuum cleaner. Knowing how to use the vacuum and where to use it is critical in avoiding damage that may shorten the machine’s lifespan.
FAQs
Which is better between a corded and cordless vacuum cleaner?
Corded vacuums
A corded vacuum cleaner is a unit that consists of a plug-in cord and several extensions that help to clean large areas. Such vacuums have high suction power suitable for cleaning rugs, carpets, and more.
The cleaning process is made more manageable by the changeable parts and tools of the corded vacuum.
The pros: The high suction power sucks out even the toughest dirt. Corded vacuums have a longer lifespan as they do not rely on batteries. The long cord enables you to reach most parts of the house.
The vacuums have large dust bags for collecting more dirt, and they are less expensive compared to the cordless versions.
The cons: the cord length is limited because you can only extend your cleaning as far as the cord allows you. The units are bulky and bigger, preventing the user from easily moving them around.
Cordless vacuums
The units do not have a cord that connects them to the power supply, rather, they are battery-powered as they come with a chargeable battery. The cleaning process is driven by a powerful motor.
The pros: the vacuums are flexible and convenient to use, they can access tight areas, and they are ideal for quick cleanups. The machines are super lightweight and require little maintenance.
The cons: the vacuums have a low capacity compared to their corded counterparts, their battery life is limited, and they are a bit expensive.
The choice between a corded and cordless vacuum cleaner depends on various factors, such as the size of your home and family, the presence of pets, carpets, or children, your budget, and much more.
Therefore, there is no definitive answer as to which of the two vacuum types is the best between the two, as each has its pros and cons. Other important factors also come into play, as mentioned above.
However, cordless vacuums are gaining more popularity due to their advanced technology.
