Vacuum Cleaners
A) Types of vacuum cleaners
B) Things to consider when purchasing
C) Features & Benefits
A) Types of vacuum cleaners
Canister vacuum (most common)
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Handheld and Stick Vacuums
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Robotic vacuums and mops
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Steam mops
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B) Things to consider when purchasing
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Size of product
- Cleaning area: Battery powered products may not be suitable for large cleaning areas
- Mobility (Stairs)
- Floor Surface
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Frequency of vacuum usage
- Daily/spot cleaning: lightweight stick vacuum
- Less frequent: Canister vacuum
- Everyday but lack of time/single stories: Programmable robotic vacuum
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Allergies
- If you have allergies, choose vacuums that are HEPA certified
- Change the filter every six months
- If you want to save cost, consider getting a vacuum with a washable filter
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Noise
- If you live in a condo or apartment, you would want to choose a vacuum that is less noisy
- To compare noise levels, you can ask your salesman for the product specifications and compare the dB levels
- A very quiet vacuum would be at 60-65dB
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Weight
- Lightweight models can be less than 4.5kg
- The weight you choose depends on where you want to haul the vacuum and whether you need to move up/downstairs
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Pets
- There are vacuums that are designed to help with pet hair messes
- Choose models that have at least 12 amps of power
- Some models come with specific hair attachments such as brushes with special patterns, wider openings to reduce hair clogs, etc
C) Features & Benefits
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Bagless
- More convenient
- Detach container unit and dispose dirt and dust without pulling out a separate bag
- Saves you money on buying bags
- Empty container regularly for better suction and performance
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Bag
- Keeps dust contained better since bag itself seals the dust away
- Good for people with allergies
- Replace bag regularly for better performance
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Multi-surface Flooring
- If you have hard floor or a combination of carpet and hard floors, look for multi-floor or multi-surface vacuum that allows you to turn the brush roll on and off. That way you won’t scratch the surface of your hard floors
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Power
- Air watts are the best indicator of your vacuum’s power capability because it factors in resistance to suction
- Anything more than 200 air watts is a good indication it will have the power you need for typical home cleaning
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Filters
- HEPA filters remove particles like dust, dander and allergens from the air
- It is a must-have for anyone who is sensitive to dust, pet hair or allergic to pollen
- Replace the filter every 6 months
- Reusable filters are available. It allows you to remove, clean, replace the same filter as necessary
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Accessories and Attachments
- Attachments you should consider getting
- Crevice tool for cleaning corners and tight spaces
- Dusting brush used to gently dust shelves and tables
- Upholstery tool for vacuuming your furniture without damaging
- Turbo brush offers deep cleaning for thicker carpets
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Cordless vacuums
- Battery powered
- No cords to get in your way
- Usually lighter than other vacuums
- Great for quickly cleaning up small messes
- Useful for cleaning windows or upholstery, car interiors, etc
- Consider battery charge time and run time
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Silencer
- Less noise without affecting the performance
- 2-in-1
- Steam or mop function built-in