Vacuum cleaners are the front line of the war against dust. Today’s revved-up, dressed-up machines have ways to suck focaccia crumbs out of a keyboard and Afghan hound hair from a sisal rug.
The first widely known upright vac (a “suction sweeper”) was invented in 1907 by a guy who had asthma. His design was marketed with great success by the Hoover company. Today, dozens of brands tout dizzying lists of features.
The age-old debate in vacuums has been upright versus canister. Jay Morris, an owner of the chain Brothers Sew & Vac, says urbanites like canisters because they work well in old houses and apartments with hardwood floors and stairs. In the suburbs, acres of wall-to-wall carpeting make uprights top dog.
LOW, MIDDLE, HIGH
Susan Ruhl, Home Depot’s floor-care buyer, recommends three bagless upright models at three price points. The Shark model is available only at www.homedepot.com.
Hoover Windtunnel
Entry-level unit with cyclonic technology that minimizes clogging. Five carpet-height adjustments. 27-foot power cord. Model UH70107, $100.
Shark Navigator Lift-Away
Swivel steering. Lightweight detachable canister for portable cleaning. Pet hair removal tools. Model NV352, $169.
Dyson Animal
Ball technology for easy maneuvering. Turbine head for efficient removal of dirt and pet hair. Washable HEPA filters and rigorous dust and pollen removal for those with asthma or allergies. Model DC25, $549.
WHAT’S NEW
o Special pet attachments. Some are grooming tools; others gently vacuum hair from your dog before it falls on the floor.
o Vacuum wardrobes. Consumers have an average of 2 1/2 vacuums in their homes, according to industry experts. That can include hand-held and stick versions for quick jobs; robotics for cleaning of larger spaces and wet-dry vacs to attack flooded basements.
o Dust up. More models feature self-sealing bags to keep dust contained as you remove and toss the bag, says Allen Rathey, president of the Housekeeping Channel, a Web site about cleaning.
OPERATING TIPS
o Dump the dust. In bagless models, empty dirt cups after every use. Change vacuum bags when they are three-quarters full. Never empty and reuse them.
o Check the belt. Many uprights need belts replaced every one or two years to maintain optimum power. For details, visit the Vacuum Dealers Trade Association Web site, www.vdta.com.
o Keep it clean. Jay Morris of Brothers Sew & Vacsuggests wiping out the cavity where the bag sits with a damp paper cloth.
o Turn it off. Turn the vacuum switch off before you plug or unplug the machine.
SHOP SMART
o In addition to cleaning power, consider a vacuum’s weight and noise level. Test it in person, even if you end up ordering online.
o Consider a model with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter, especially if any family member has allergies or asthma.
o If you have a large home, make sure the hose and cord lengths are adequate. Allison Duy, a spokeswoman for Electrolux, says, “There is nothing worse than having to keep unplugging.”
