When it comes to cleaning your home, you might be inclined to think that the only thing that matters is how much dirt you can get out with one pass. After all, isn’t that the point of vacuums?
The reality, however, is that vacuums aren’t very good at cleaning multiple surfaces. There are many types of vacuums on the market today, each designed for a specific purpose.
Understanding the different types of vacuums, and which one is best for your needs, will help you get the most out of your home cleaning efforts. Read on to learn more about the different types of vacuums and which one is right for you.
Stick Vacuum
A stick vacuum cleaner is exactly what it sounds like: a simple handheld device meant for picking up dirt and debris off of hard surfaces. While they may not be as powerful as a canister or upright model, they are still capable of doing a decent job on most floors.
They are usually able to pick up dirt and debris off of hardwood, tile, and stone floors, but if you have carpet you may want to consider investing in a canister or upright vacuum.
Canister Vacuum
Canister vacuum cleaners are designed to clean thoroughly and efficiently. They are often more expensive than stick vacuums, but they are also more powerful and versatile.
You can use a canister vacuum for vacuuming carpets as well as hardwood, tile, and stone floors. You also have the option of using a canister vacuum for cleaning car upholstery or stairs. Because of their versatility, canister vacuums are often recommended for homes with pets or allergies.
Dyson Cordless Vacuum
Dyson vacuums are known for their powerful suction, which is why a lot of people choose to get a Dyson when they are looking for a new vacuum.
The Dyson cordless vacuum is specially designed for those who want to keep their vacuuming simple. It features a small, lightweight body that is easy to carry from room to room. It also has a tool-less roller brush and washable filters, making it simple and convenient to clean.
Cordless Vacuum
Cordless vacuums are excellent for cleaning hard-to-reach spots. They are also handy for cleaning large rooms that have furniture close to the walls. Some models are also able to be used for cleaning stairs and do not require an extension cord. However, make sure the cordless vacuum you purchase has adequate power and runtime.
Hard Floor Vacuum
Hard floor vacuums are designed to clean floors that have been heavily soiled. They have a hard, plastic body that can withstand heavy use, making them excellent for cleaning tile and concrete floors. If you need to vacuum carpet or upholstery though, you may want to look into a canister or upright vacuum.
Steam Vacuum Cleaner
A steam vacuum cleaner is a unique type of vacuum that uses water instead of rotary or bagged attachments. The water creates a powerful suction that can pick up dirt and debris from the deepest parts of your home. They are also able to get into tighter spots that other vacuums can’t reach, such as those along baseboards and corners. However, a steam cleaner does require more effort and skill on your part compared to a traditional vacuum.
Upright Vacuum
Upright vacuums are often referred to as canister vacuums, and for good reason. They are vacuum cleaners with a classier, more refined look compared to their stick, canister, and cordless vacuum counterparts. They are also more powerful, and able to produce a higher amount of suction than a canister vacuum. If you have large spaces to clean or a lot of carpets to vacuum, an upright vacuum is the best choice.
Robot Vacuums
We’ve just covered a lot of different popular vacuum types, but there is one last type that you might want to consider for your home: robot vacuums.
A Robot Vacuum Cleaner is a robotic device that automatically cleans floors. It is like a normal vacuum cleaner except that it uses a digital control system and a set of sensors to help it navigate around a room and avoid bumping into things.
Cleaning is fully programmable too. Some types of floors can be completely vacuumed, while others may just need minor dusting.
The entire process of using a robot vacuum is quick and designed to save you time. Best of all, the device doesn’t require an expensive monthly fee.
The Working Parts of a Robot Vacuum
To explain more fully, let’s take a look at what a robot vacuum can and cannot do.
Some of the most common robot vacuum features include easy retracting handles, sensors to detect obstacles, distance adjustments, and a 3.5-hour battery life on a single charge.
While strong suction power and a long battery life should be a top priority, some models also come with high-tech features that do so much more. Below are a few additional features that you may find:
- Wifi connectivity: Wifi-enabled robot vacuums can be turned on remotely using an app or even paired with your favorite voice assistants such as Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa
- Programmable cleaning schedule: Many robot vacuums can be pre-programmed to clean at certain times of the day or days of the week, leaving you with one less chore to have to think about.
- Self-charging: These vacuums come with a charging dock that it automatically returns to when it detects that its battery is running low.
- Self-emptying: For the ultimate in hand-off vacuuming, look for a model that offers a self-emptying mode. These vacuums will connect with their base and empty their contents into the attached dustbin, where it can accumulate for weeks before it needs to be emptied.
A low-budget robot vacuum may miss a little dirt and debris here and there. However, they help you stay ahead with cleaning and vacuuming until you have the time to do a more thorough cleaning.
How Long do Vacuums Last?
How long do vacuum cleaners last? It’s a common question, and one that has a simple, albeit unhelpful, answer: As long as you clean the filters and replace the bags, your vacuum will be able to last for years to come.
If you clean and maintain your vacuum cleaner regularly you can significantly extend its life.
This includes emptying the canister and brushing the bristles regularly. Look for a model that is built to last, such as the Electrolux EL6901A upright vacuum.
Vacuuming Tips and Tricks
Here are a few simple tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your vacuum:
- Always unplug your vacuum before you perform maintenance on it. This includes changing the bags, cleaning the filters, or adjusting the suction power. You don’t want to accidentally damage any components by putting them in the wrong areas.
- Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter. These filters trap microscopic particles that are harmful to the environment and your health. They are also able to eliminate odors such as pet hair and smoke.
- Vacuum your stairs. Stairs often accumulate dirt and debris that makes them harder to clean. A vacuum is the perfect tool for cleaning stairs, getting into those tight spots, and ensuring you don’t miss any spots that may be difficult to reach with a broom.
- Empty your vacuum’s dust reservoir frequently. This allows the vacuum to perform at its best by preventing clogs and keeping debris out.
- Clean your filters regularly. This may seem like a no-brainer, but many homeowners forget to do this. If your filters aren’t clean, your vacuum won’t be able to capture as much dirt and debris. Your easiest option is to remove the filter and wash it in cold water with a brush attachment. Don’t put it in the dishwasher, as it may damage the filter.
Book Now for Your Professional Carpet Cleaning
There are many types of vacuums on the market, each designed for a specific purpose. Be sure to choose the right vacuum for the job, as well as the type that will last for years to come.
No matter how great your vacuum is, remember that vacuuming isn’t a substitute for a professional cleaning. You’ll need deep cleaning of your carpet fibers to rid of allergens and bugs you might not be able to see.
If you have not had a carpet cleaning in 6 months or more, contact Hydra Clean Northwest to set up an appointment.