Guides

Additional Types: Although these three are the main types of vacuum there are a few variations. Some canister or upright devices are wet/dry devices and are capable of cleaning up liquid as well as dirt. You can also invest in a robot vacuum cleaner, which literally bounce around the house like a pool cleaner, randomly sucking up dirt. They're not as effective as normal vacuum cleaners but they are automated.

Suction power

Determining the strength of a vacuum cleaner can sometimes be a little tricky. Many vacuum cleaners only list their power in watts. This is the amount of electricity a vacuum uses and does not dictate how well a vacuum operates. You need to find out how much of this power is converted into airflow to determine the vacuum's suction strength. Most vacuums will provide adequate suction power for household cleaning, but if you remain unsure, ask if you can try out the unit before you buy it. Some models have adjustable settings, which allow you to increase the suction power when necessary.

Vacuum bag - disposable or reusable?

Vacuum bags (also known as dust collectors) come in two varieties: disposable and reusable. Disposable bags are more convenient, as you don't need to shake the bag out when it fills up - you simply replace it with a new one. On the other hand, reusable bags do not require you to buy replacements and are more environmentally friendly. Some vacuum cleaners use a hard bag, also referred to as a bag-less design. They use a container, rather than a cloth or disposable bag to deposit dirt into.

HEPA

This is an international standard for a specific type of air filter. HEPA-approved vacuum cleaners remove fine particles from the air, such as pollen, more effectively than a regular vacuum can. They are therefore very useful for those who suffer from asthma and airborne allergies.