What is a Vacuum Cleaner

Vacuum Cleaner is an electric-powered device that vacuums dust particles and other waste materials into a container. The device consists of a canister, nozzle and attachments.

After a string of demonstrations involving smoke and a handkerchief filter, Booth launched his huge beast into wealthy London homes. The machine worked on a simple principle: when air pressure drops in an enclosure, highly pressurized air from outside rushes in.

Power

Vacuum cleaners use powerful motors to create suction. They may also have additional features like a water tank for liquids or agitation to dislodge soils.

Understanding vacuum cleaner specifications is important to selecting the right machine. Most consumers equate vacuum cleaner motor power with cleaning ability, but there are many other specifications that affect performance.

The most important is airflow, which determines how well the vacuum cleaner will transport soils from the surface to the bag or filter. The other is wattage, which indicates the amount of electrical energy consumed. However, it is important to compare watts only with the rated amperage of the motor. Otherwise, the comparison is not valid. See our vacuum cleaner specifications page for more information.

Filtration

Most vacuum cleaners rely on a bag or bin to collect dirt, dust and harmful particles, and they are usually designed with a series of filters to avoid this dust from being released back into the environment. New materials are being used to ensure these dust bags hold the maximum amount of debris without blocking airflow.

Some vacuum cleaners also use cyclonic separation, which causes the intake air to be cycled or spun so rapidly that most of the dust is forced into the collection bin rather than returning to the atmosphere. This is particularly beneficial for people with sensitive respiratory problems.

Suction

A rotating fan in the motor generates a flow of air that moves through the intake and exhaust ports. The air moving through the vacuum creates suction by rubbing against loose dust or debris. The friction carries the particles of debris down into the vacuum and into the dirt receptacle.

The receptacle traps the particles of debris in a bag or dirt cup that allows clean air to pass through. This process is called the Venturi effect and it makes the vacuum cleaner work.

Add this telescopic wand to your vacuum cleaner for extra reach on high surfaces, like ceiling fans or light fixtures. It also works great on cluttered furniture and countertops, cleaning inset panels on door frames or reaching the bottom of the refrigerator.

Bags

Bags keep dirt and debris from getting into your vacuum’s internal components. This extends the life of your vacuum and improves its performance.

Vacuum bags work by trapping dust, hair and other debris in an airtight container. This prevents it from being released back into your home, and can provide relief for allergy sufferers.

The amount of dust and debris in your vacuum bag will affect how often you need to empty it. If it starts to get full, your machine may make a louder noise than usual as it struggles to continue collecting dust.

If you own a bagged vacuum cleaner, it’s important to have replacement bags on hand. You can order them in bulk online to save money and avoid running out.

Accessories

Vacuum cleaner accessories help you tackle specific cleaning jobs efficiently. They fasten to the end of a vacuum hose and work with either upright or canister models.

A crevice tool with a narrow, angled head is a common addition to a vacuum. It fits into the nooks and crannies of baseboards, light fixtures, window tracks, door frames and more to grab dust bunnies, cobwebs and crumbs.