EnglishVacuum Cleaner is a household appliance that has made cleaning a much faster and easier task. It also helps prevent allergies by removing dust mites and other irritants from floors.
Think of vacuum cleaners as a straw, the action of sucking creates negative air pressure inside the straw, which is lower than ambient air pressure. Some vacuum designs use cyclonic separation, while others have a bag to catch the dust.
What is a Vacuum Cleaner?
Vacuum cleaners make dusting and other household chores much faster and easier to do. They're among the most common household appliances, and they use nothing but suction to remove debris. They're available as handhelds, uprights and canisters or in corded and cordless versions.
They're powered by electric motors, generating vacuum suction that draws in messes from floors and other surfaces. They also contain filters to trap allergens and odors.
Engineers seal all other access points, so that only air from outside can fill this low-pressure vacuum inside the machine. This air rushes through the hose and tool ports, into the bag or filter system and out of the exhaust port. It carries with it all the dust, dirt and other debris sucked up by the vacuum.
How It Works
The basic vacuum cleaner design is an electric fan that creates negative pressure, drawing in air — and any small particles that get caught up in it — into a bag or other receptacle. It also exhausts clean air back into the room. The world would be a much dirtier place without them.
The motor is the heart of any vacuum cleaner, and it is the source of most specifications related to power and cleaning ability. The more powerful the motor, the higher the pressure differential and the better the cleaning.
Other important components include a dust bag or filter and the base of the machine that holds everything together. The bags are often made of porous materials to prevent the loss of fine dust particles or harmful bacteria.
Cleaning Methods
Vacuum cleaners come in a variety of sizes and styles, from small battery-powered hand-held devices to wheeled canister models for home use to giant central vacuum systems for commercial cleaning. They suck up dust and wet debris, collect it in either bags or cyclones, and filter air.
For a general household cleaning, our lab experts recommend a cordless stick or handheld model. For homes with hardwood floors, look for a vacuum that can also mop. And if you have pets, consider a pick with special bristles for picking up fur and dander.
The power of a vacuum cleaner depends on its suction and how well it can deal with different surfaces. You can gauge the strength of a device's suction by its waterlift rating or airflow (or sealed suction). Bagged vacuums are easier to maintain but require that you keep a supply of replacement bags on hand. Bagless models are less messy but can be a hassle when it comes time to empty them.
Accessories
The best vacuum cleaner accessories extend reach, clean hard-to-reach corners and crevices, and help pick up fine dust particles. Some come bundled with a compatible model; others can be purchased separately.
Vacuum accessories typically take the form of nozzle attachments that fit onto a vacuum’s hose. They vary in width and head shape to suit different tasks.
A wide nozzle attachment with a fabric strip helps lift dust, dirt and pet hairs from upholstery (such as sofas, cushions and mattresses). A narrow, angled crevice tool slides along baseboards, vents and other tight spaces to pick up crumbs and debris. A narrow, round brush tool has soft bristles for removing fine dust from delicate home decor items (such as framed art and lampshades). It can also be used to sweep up dust on bookshelves and other surfaces.
Buying a Vacuum Cleaner
Choosing the right vacuum cleaner starts with deciding whether you need a corded or wireless device. Corded models require a power outlet for operation while cordless ones use battery-powered energy.
Consider the size of your home, how many pets you have and how often you vacuum. If your house has wall-to-wall carpeting, opt for a full-size canister vacuum with a powered nozzle to remove embedded dirt from deep carpeting and stairs.
Those with smaller homes might want a handheld vacuum to quickly clean dry spills on bare floors or nab pet hair and lint from fabrics and upholstery. Check what accessories and attachments a model comes with, such as various multipurpose brushes, nozzles and extension pipes. Also, pay attention to how a vacuum is rated for noise level.
