Vacuum Cleaner Buyers Guide – Before You Hit the Vacuum Cleaner Store, Read This! – Sewing Machines Los Angeles

Vacuum cleaners have come a long way. With all the different models out there, it can be hard to decide which vacuum is right for your floor. But if you figure out what you need before you go to the vacuum cleaner store, you’ll end up saving time and money, and picking the cleaning machine that’s just right for you…instead of getting talked into some fancy, expensive machine that you really don’t need and can’t afford. Here’s what you need to know:

Upright Vacuums

Do you have a lot of carpets? Then an upright is probably your best choice. They are better at deep-cleaning and have a wider cleaning range than canister vacuums. They are also easier to store, since they are self-contained. They tend to be heavier to use than canisters, since you literally have to move the entire machine in order to vacuum, so if you have a lot of stairs this can be inconvenient. They are also noisier than canisters.

Canister Vacuums

They clean carpets well, but are better than uprights for bare floors, furniture (on and under) and drapes. They are easier to use on stairs, since you only need to move the hose and not lug the whole machine up with you. Though the hose and wand make canisters bulkier, and more difficult to store.

Stick Vacuums or Broom Vacuums

If you’re an apartment dweller or have a small home, a stick vacuum might be all you need. They hold less than uprights, but are also much lighter and easy to use. If you need to clean up a mess, they are convenient to grab and use. However, most are not good for carpeting.

Bags or Bagless?

Both uprights and canisters have models that use bags, while others collect debris in a bin. Both have their pros and cons. Bag vacuums hold more dirt, and don’t release as much dust into the air when you empty them as bin vacuums do. They usually have an indicator that tells you when the bag is almost full. Bagless vacuums can save money in the long run, since you don’t have to buy bags. They do however use filters, which need to be cleaned every now and then, and sometimes replaced. If you have allergies, bagless vacuums can irritate them because emptying them will send particles into the air…it’s a good idea to empty them outdoors if you can.

Filters

Many people think that they have to have a HEPA filter on their vacuum, but it isn’t always necessary. Micron filters perform well, and may be more affordable than a model with a HEPA. If you have allergies or, more importantly asthma, you do want more than just the standard filter to get rid of particles that get sucked in and blown back out through the exhaust.

The best thing to do before you visit a vacuum cleaner store is make a list of all the features your vacuum must have, and the features that would be nice to have but aren’t deal-breakers. Also, have a budget in mind and stick to it…it’s far too easy to get excited about a fancy looking machine that does it all, and then end up regretting it later when you aren’t even using half the features you paid for.