Picking out a vacuum cleaner can be an intimidating chore. Which model will suck up the most dirt for the least amount of money? DIY's Buying Made Easy expert, Carolyn Forte, helps you prevent being the real sucker when it comes to purchasing the perfect vacuum cleaner for your home.Why Do We Need a Vacuum Cleaner?
Unless you have a no-shoes-in-the-house rule, you must have a good vacuum cleaner. Not only is it cleaner looking and better for the health of the people living in the house, but clean carpets last longer. With so many on the market with different claims, Carolyn Forte will supply useful tips on picking the perfect vacuum.
What to Look for In a Vacuum
Start with the known quality manufacturers that have a great warranty. Then, you have to determine if you want one with a bag or not. Bag and bagless both clean equally well, but with bagless vacuums you don't have to buy replacement bags—but they can also be messier. When emptying them, it can get dusty. Also, you have to keep the filters clean.
Vacuums that have bags, well, you have to buy replacement bags, but if you are a neat freak or an allergy sufferer, these are much less of a mess.
What's a Top Value Vacuum?
Some vacuums on the market these days can cost as much as $500, but there are certainly much less expensive models on the market. One feature that most of the top quality models have is mobility: when you pull the hose tight, the vacuum stays upright. That's very important because other less expensive models we tested fell over.
Is Your Vacuum Taking up too Much Space?
If space is your issue, yes, some of the smaller models can do the job. Fold away vacuums are very compact—you can store in the corner of a closet or even under a bed. Most have a pull down handle that makes it really simple to store. You don't have to sacrifice a lot of cleaning power and you can usually find them for as little as $99 bucks! They are perfect for a small apartment, or if you don't want to drag your large vacuum cleaner up and down stairs.
What About High-Tech Vacuum Cleaners?
The small futuristic vacuums come in all shapes and sizes. But, just because they are cutting-edge doesn't mean they make the grade. Good Housekeeping Institute has tested many and they usually came up short compared to the traditional models. You should always watch these guys. You are supposed to be able to turn them on, and leave the house to let them do all the work. But, even though they get under couches and tables, we found they didn't necessarily deep clean. It took the round robotic vacuum one a full hour to clean a medium sized room.
How Often Should We Vacuum?
Every day for an area with heavy traffic. Once or twice a week is more realistic with hectic schedules. Also for best results, slowly move the vacuum over the carpet several times, going back and forth and side to side in parallel rows.
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