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Buying An Upright Vacuum Cleaner – Things you Should Know

admin — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 07:39:35 +0000

An upright vacuum cleaner is an investment that you make in the cleanliness of your home environment and the health of your family. It is natural that you would want to buy an upright vacuum that will be easy to use, powerful, effective and not very expensive.

Let us look at some of the obvious and not so obvious factors that you should consider before buying a vacuum cleaner.

Power
The power of a vacuum cleaner is measured in the amp value of the motor. A higher amp value means more power. Although the power of the motor is an important consideration, it is not the only one.

HEPA filtration
True HEPA filtration ensures that 99.97% of all allergens (down to a 0.3 micron size) are captured by the vacuum. Allergens include dust, pollen, dust mites, ragweed, fungus and other agents that may cause allergy if not picked up by your vacuum. Ensure that your vacuum has HEPA filtration capability.

Bagged or Bagless Design
Most vacuum cleaners that are available today are of a bagless design and include a dust cup or a canister to collect dust and debris. Bagless designs cut down on the costs as you don’t have to buy and store disposable bags.

Check out whether the bagless design is actually usable. There are quite a few bagless vacuum cleaners where the mechanism for emptying the dust cup or canister is clumsy and not very effective.

Overall Design and Usability
Ensure that the vacuum cleaner is not too heavy especially if you have to carry it up and down the stairs. Make sure that the unit is stable and does not tend to topple over. If the design is unstable then you might be spending more time in picking up the vacuum cleaner than in actually using it.

Make sure that the length of the power cord in the vacuum cleaner is long enough for your home. If you buy a vacuum cleaner with a short power cord you may have to hunt around for a power outlet. Your vacuum should at the minimum enable you to clean one room without having to hunt for another power outlet.

It is a good idea to buy a vacuum cleaner with a wide cleaning head. This helps you to cover more carpeted area with fewer strokes and reduces effort.

Bumper guards and edge cleaners are other features that will help to improve overall convenience and usability of your vacuum cleaner.

Before you make a final Decision
Read the reviews of a particular vacuum cleaner and take the opinion of people who have used a particular model before you commit yourself to it. If in doubt, visit the dealer and have somebody demonstrate the vacuum. Try to use the vacuum on your own and see if it meets your requirements.

Bagless Vacuums and Allergies – What you need to know

admin — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 16:59:54 +0000

Household dust, pollen, mildew, pet dander and dust mites are common allergens that can trigger off allergic reactions or asthma. Some of these allergens are a fraction of a micron in size. The floors and carpets (especially carpets) at home are common repositories of household allergens.

In order to reduce internal pollution we vacuum floors, carpets, stairs and upholstery or just about any area that can collect allergens. Let us take a look at what we should know before taking a final call on the vacuum cleaner that we buy for our homes.

Depending on the dirt collection mechanism, the two types of vacuums that are used are bagged and bagless. Bagged vacuums use a disposable bag that collects the dirt. Bagless vacuums on the other hand usually have a dirt cup that needs to be emptied periodically.

Both these types of vacuums may have High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filtration systems. HEPA filtration collects microscopic allergens (some filters actually capture allergens down to a 0.3 micron in size) on dirt suction and on return air streams and ensures that carpets and floors are free of allergens.

Of course we are assuming that regardless of the type of vacuum you own or are planning to buy has HEPA filtration capabilities. Let us talk about the main issue at hand and that is the things you should know about bagless vacuums and allergies.

A number of bagless vacuums (in all fairness, not all) have faulty dirt release mechanisms that result in unnecessary exposure to dirt. Some of them manage to do a good job of cleaning your house, only to release dust and allergens into the air when you empty the dirt cup into the trash can. If you are allergic and also happen to be the one who does most of the vacuuming, then a faulty dirt release design could expose you to dirt.

So the first thing that you should make sure is that it should be easy and safe for you to empty the dirt cup in your bagless vacuum.

The HEPA filtration technology that is used in bagged vacuums is built into the dirt capture mechanism. Bagless vacuums on the other hand use secondary HEPA filters that capture the allergens. We usually buy bagless vacuums to save on the cost of disposable bags. However some bagless vacuums have HEPA filters that need to be replaced at intervals. The interval could depend upon how much and how often you sue your vacuum.

Some of the replaceable filters can be expensive and buying these filters for a bagless vacuum can offset any savings in terms of disposable bags. Make sure that the bagless vacuum you buy does not have very expensive HEPA filters. It would be better if you looked around for a bagless vacuum that has a washable HEPA filter.

If you or any people in you family suffer from asthma or dust induced allergies and also happen to be in doubt about which vacuum to buy, then play safe and buy a bagged vacuum that has HEPA filtration technology.

Cleaning and/or changing bagless upright vacuum cleaner filters

admin — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 14:08:06 +0000

So you’re in the market for an upright bagless vacuum? There are a few things that must be kept in mind when selecting a bagless vacuum over a regular one, and probably one of the most important things is the cleaning procedure.
Since no bags are used, the container where all the dust accumulates must be emptied regularly, and the filters cleaned, like with any other vacuum. The cleaning process should be done outside, if you don’t want to see all the dust from the container go right back onto your carpets and floors.
Most vacuums have the same cleaning procedure, and the steps should be done in order, to ensure your vacuums optimal functioning.
The first step you need to take is opening the waste collection canister and removing the filter from it. This is usually in the middle of the canister, and easily recognizable by the massive amount of dirt on it.
Then you must wash the filter with warm water, and soap is recommended as well. After it is washed, bang it against a hard surface so all the dust and dirt that are stuck to it will come off. This is why we recommend doing it outside, because once you start banging it, dust will fly all over the place. Something to cover your mouth and nose is also recommended.
After the filter has dried, put it back in the canister, or replace it with a new filter entirely. Those can be ordered from a number of places, including the manufacturer’s site, as well as different online stores.
The HEPA filter is usually located in a side chamber, and since that must be cleaned as well, open the side chamber and remove it. You can wash it, or it can be replaced, just like the regular filter. Once that is done, slide it back in and close the plastic latch that attaches it to the vacuum.
At the base of the vacuum hose you will find the last filter, which is square. You can slip this out of its place and wash it thoroughly, just like you did with the other filters. Once it is dry, put it back in its place.
It’s not a complicated procedure, but this must be done quite often to ensure that your vacuum has maximum suction power and nothing is clogging it inside. Although filters can be replaced whenever they’re dirty, we recommend washing them a few times before finally replacing them.
They are not very expensive, but the costs can add up and washing them produces equally good results. Once you see that dirt no longer comes off when washed or banged against a hard surface, it is finally time to change them.
The HEPA filter in particular must be paid close attention to, since this handles dust particles and must be kept extremely clean, for your vacuum to have an optimal cleaning efficiency.

What you need to know about bagless upright vacuum belts

admin — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 14:05:11 +0000

Upright vacuum cleaner belts are something you’ll soon know more about then you would have liked. This is because they tend to break, every so often, and replacing them can be a complicated process.
Just like with the filters, several steps must be followed to ensure the correct replacement of the belt. As you might imagine, the first step is identifying the correct size belt for your vacuum cleaner. Since belts do not exist in universal size, make sure you purchase the correct size for your vacuum cleaner.
The second step involves opening your vacuum cleaner, so be sure to do it somewhere outside, or at least place some old newspapers under the vacuum, to pick up the dirt. After it’s unplugged, look for screws at the bottom that attach the bottom plate to the main body of the vacuum.
Identify the correct screw type and use the appropriate screwdriver to turn them to the left, and finally remove them. Take out the bottom plate as well, and clean the area with a piece of cloth to remove all dust and dirt that tends to accumulate there.
Now locate the belt, which is usually attached to the beater brush on one side or in the middle. After sliding it out and removing the belt, make sure you remove all the debris and strings from the brush.
Replace the belt by sliding it onto the beater brush and the motor, and relieve tension on the belt by placing a screwdriver inside the belt, near the motor. Stretch the belt carefully, while still holding the screwdriver with the other hand, and slide the beater brush back into place. After this step is complete, you can remove the screwdriver.
Clean it once again, and tighten the screws back in. Afterwards, be sure to test your vacuum thoroughly, to make sure it functions as it should.
The process is easier than it sounds, so you don’t have to worry too much about it. However, you will want to try this for yourself and see exactly how difficult you find it, or consider taking your vacuum to service whenever the belt needs changing.
Taking care of you vacuum is as important as buying a vacuum that suits your needs perfectly, but we’ll cover that in another article. Changing the belt and filters of your vacuums should be done with care, as not to damage the vacuum.
If your vacuum is still covered by warranty, go ask if you can change the belt yourself, without losing the warranty, or if you need to take it to a specialized service. Always make sure you ask first, because you don’t want to lose the rest of your warranty just because you did this yourself.

Bissell Cleanview Helix Deluxe Bagless Upright Vacuum: Model 22C1

admin — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 17:55:05 +0000

Overall Rating:
Amazon Price: $89.99

The Bissell 22C1 CleanView Helix is a full featured vacuum cleaner that offers a lot of features aiming at providing the complete cleaning solution for homes.

This upright, bag less model features a 12 amp motor, HEPA filtration, headlight and tools on board.

It also features 15" cleaning path, a lengthy 27 foot power cord and offers dual-edge cleaning.

Another highlight of this product is the 5 setting manual height adjustment. This feature makes it ideal for any and all cleaning situations.

Whether it be floor, carpet or stairs, the Bissell 22C1 CleanView Helix delivers high-performance in cleaning. With its high powered 12 amps motor, the vacuum cleaner is powerful enough to make the home real clean. Its 27 foot power cable offers extreme mobility and the clean view bag less system solves the problem of overflowing bag or the tedious work of bag-cleaning.

The HEPA filtration process is very effective offering complete cleaning not only of the visible dust but also of other minute and harmful substances.

Offering a lot of features and being easy to use, this vacuum cleaner is ideal for all home users. The suction power and the versatility of the machine make it very popular.

The 15" cleaning path is quite good if not exceptional and the 27 foot power cable is more than sufficient for all practical purposes. The height adjustment is a very useful feature that helps in cleaning different surfaces and the dual-edge cleaning feature complements it resulting in cleaner surfaces. The 12 amps motor is very powerful and produces more than sufficient suction for ultimate cleaning.

This vacuum is powerful, comfortable to use, offers a lot of added features and comes at a reasonable price. This appealing combination of features and productivity makes it an efficient one.

Our Editor's Quick Thumb Guide
	What We Love...
	Powerful Motor Hepa Filter 27-foot power cord
	What Needs Improvement...
	Large size Heavy

*Understanding all the Bissell CleanView Helix* Models:**
Features	Model: 22C1	Model: 21K3	Model: 82H1
12 amp motor	X	X	X
15 amp motor
13.5" cleaning head			X
15" cleaning head	X	X
27' cord	X		X
35' cord		X

The Bissell 21K3 CleanView Helix is a full featured vacuum cleaner that comes as the total home cleaning solution.

This upright, bagless model features a 12 amp motor, HEPA filteration, headlight and tools on board.

It also features 15" cleaning path, a lengthy 35 foot power cord, dual-edge cleaning and weighs just 16 lbs.

Another highlight of this product is the 5 setting manual height adjustment. This feature makes it ideal for any and all cleaning situations.

Whether it be floor, carpet or stairs, the Bissell 21K3 CleanView Helix delivers high-performance in cleaning. With its high powered 12 amps motor, the vacuum cleaner is powerful enough to make the home real clean. Its 35 foot power cable offers extreme mobility and the clean view bagless system solves the problem of overflowing bag or the tedious work of bag-cleaning.

The HEPA filtration process is very effective offering complete cleaning not only of the visible dust but also of other minute and harmful substances.

Offering a lot of features and being easy to use, this vacuum cleaner is ideal for all home users. The suction power and the versatility of the machine make it very popular.

The 15" cleaning path is quite good if not exceptional and the 35 foot power cable is more than sufficient for all practical purposes. The height adjustment is a very useful feature that helps in cleaning different surfaces and the dual-edge cleaning feature complements it resulting in cleaner surfaces. The 12 amps motor is very powerful and produces more than sufficient suction for ultimate cleaning.

The overall performance of the cleaner is exceptional and the features are highly practical and usable. This machine performs exceedingly well and can be considered as one among the best in terms of price-performance evaluation.

Our Editor's Quick Thumb Guide
	What We Love...
	Powerful motor HEPA filtration process 35 foot power cord
	What Needs Improvement...
	Large size Heavy

*Understanding all the Bissell CleanView Helix* Models:**
Features	Model: 21K3	Model: 22C1	Model: 82H1
12 amp motor	X	X	X
15 amp motor
13.5" cleaning head			X
15" cleaning head	X	X
27' cord		X	X
35' cord	X

Bissell 22C1 CleanView Helix

Bissell Cleanview Helix Deluxe Bagless Upright Vacuum: Model 82H1

admin — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 17:49:38 +0000

Overall Rating:
Amazon Price: $79.99

The Bissell 82H1 CleanView Helix is yet another full featured vacuum cleaner that offers total home cleaning solution. This relatively inexpensive vacuum is definitely impressive in doing its job.

This upright, bag less model features a 12 amp motor, HEPA filtration, headlight and tools on board.

It also features 13.5" cleaning path, a 27 foot power cord, and provides dual-edge cleaning.

Another highlight of this product is the 5 setting manual height adjustment. This feature makes it ideal for any and all cleaning situations.

Whether it be floor, carpet or stairs, the Bissell 82H1 CleanView Helix delivers high-performance in cleaning. With its high powered 12 amps motor, the vacuum cleaner is powerful enough to make the home real clean. Its 27 foot power cable offers extreme mobility and the clean view bag less system solves the problem of overflowing bag or the tedious work of bag-cleaning.

The HEPA filtration process is very effective offering complete cleaning not only of the visible dust but also of other minute and harmful substances.

Offering a lot of features and being easy to use, this vacuum cleaner is ideal for all home users. The suction power and the versatility of the machine make it very popular.

The 13.5" cleaning path is quite good if not exceptional and the 27 foot power cable is more than sufficient for all practical purposes. The height adjustment is a very useful feature that helps in cleaning different surfaces and the dual-edge cleaning feature complements it resulting in cleaner surfaces. The 12 amps motor is very powerful and produces more than sufficient suction for ultimate cleaning.

Though this vacuum features a relatively smaller cleaning head, it has enough power and features to perform well. Except for the size of the cleaning path, all the other features are the same as the other Helix models. This vacuum performs really well for its price tag and specifications.

Our Editor's Quick Thumb Guide
	What We Love...
	Powerful motor HEPA filtration process 27 foot power cord
	What Needs Improvement...
	Smaller cleaning area Large size Heavy

*Understanding all the Bissell CleanView Helix* Models:**
Features	Model: 21K3	Model: 22C1	Model: 82H1
12 amp motor	X	X	X
15 amp motor
13.5" cleaning head			X
15" cleaning head	X	X
27' cord		X	X

Guide Test

admin — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 16:37:07 +0000

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