Vacuum cleaners are the base of a home cleaning program. They are designed to clean dirt and dust from carpet and hard floors on a regular basis. Vacuum cleaners have become so popular we often just use them without ever thinking of the benefits they provide in addition to there most common use.

Vacuum machines have come a long way in the past 50 years. From the old dusty bagged models to bag-less and now high tech models, vacuum cleaners now have more user friendly options for emptying and maintenance as well additional uses on various fabrics in the home.

Attachments are available for various applications including cleaning curtains, window tracks and door runners.

Some vacuum cleaners are suitable for both wet and dry applications which are great for cleaning wet spills as well as typical dry pick-ups.

Vacuum cleaners come in 3 basic types. Upright, Pull Along and Hand Held.

Upright Vacuum Cleaners

Upright Vacuum cleaners are suitable for most hard and carpeted floor surfaces. They are particularly useful for regular cleaning such as daily living area cleans. Upright Cleaners lack the ability to get into small areas and along walls.

Pull Along Vacuum Cleaners

One of the more versatile cleaners, Pull Along Cleaners can get into areas where upright cleaners can not. They pack away into small areas and can be easily transported across 2 or multi storied buildings. Pull Along Cleaners were one of the first original vacuum cleaner designs many decades ago.

Hand Held Cleaners

Hand Held Cleaners have improved in design over the years. These are great for bringing out when small spills happen that do not require a major clean-up. The strength and battery longevity rivals that of many pull along and upright models in a compact easy to use cleaner.

Bag-less cleaners are the most common though bagged models are still in use. Regardless of whether your cleaner is a bagged or bag-less they need to be emptied on a regular basis to maintain a quality suction capability and to prevent the build up of dust in the hose or pick-ups. Bags can be either paper or cloth. The paper bags are usually thrown away bag and all. The cloth bags can be emptied multiple times making them a more environmentally friendly and financially better option.

When the time comes to replace your vacuum cleaner, always check for brand and quality before price. Cheaper versions are available but the more you are prepared to pay, the more you are prepared to pay for your initial purchase the happier you will be in the long run. Cheaper cleaners may work well for a short time but will quickly show their value after repeated uses.

© Eric J. Smith