The market is flooded with many kinds and brands of vacuum cleaners. There are Dirt Devils, Eureka, Dyson, Electrolux, Kirby, Hoovers and many more. Every brand and type has its pros and cons. There are gadgets with many different functions and attachments. Buying a vacuum cleaner is not easy business and different kinds are to be used for differing purposes.



Here is a vacuum cleaner 101 to help you in your purchase of a vacuum cleaner:

1. Determine what your vacuuming needs are, do you have heavy curtains and upholstery. Do you live near a dusty road with lots of traffic or in a clean quite environment? There are tow basic kinds of vacuum cleaners the upright and the canister. Check out the pros and cons of each kind.

2. Think about weight. If you buy a heavy vacuum and too many stairs then things will be difficult. So choose a vacuum that is easy to handle and can be used even by the kids.

3. Ask about the suction power. If you have pets and hair all around you will need a vacuum that has greater suction power. If you are cleaning electronics then you need a gentler vacuum.

4. Many vacuums have a HEPA or water filtration system to trap dirt sucked up from carpets and upholstery. Few machines let microscopic dust out through the exhaust and this causes asthma and other allergies. Although vacuums with filtration systems are more expensive they are more effective in removing pollen and dust mites from the environs.

5. Another important consideration is attachments. Some vacuums have many different attachments to clean special equipment like computer key boards, music systems and so on. Some have different kinds of brushes for upholstery and curtains and computer key boards.

6. Read through the warranties carefully. This is important as you need to know what is covered and what is not.

7. Determine what the ongoing expenses are likely to be. Many vacuums require replacement of filters and bags.

8. Think about storage space. How you will store the vacuum and its numerous cords and attachments.

9. Consider how much electricity the vacuum will consume and the noise it will create. The stronger the machine the more the power it will use. The higher the wattage the better its cleaning capacity and saving on power. You will need to check whether you have the right kind of socket in all the rooms in your home.

10. Think whether you need a wet and dry vacuum cleaner. These are useful to mop up liquid spills but are not considered to be very useful in a home.

11. Check whether the cleaner has CRI Green Label. This certifies adherence to stringent performance standards.

In general high-traffic areas of the home need more frequent vacuuming. If any surface is lightly soiled then it will need three passes while heavy duty surfaces will need at least eight passes of the vacuum cleaner.

Choose a vacuum with care and you will gain a friend for life. Vacuuming keep your environment clean and promotes good health.