 VACUUMING:
So easy a robot can do it
Innovations in vacuum cleaner technology
by Andrew Traeger
Today’s vacuum cleaners are nothing
like the old wheezing models of yesteryear.
They no longer come “one
size fits all.” Newer models have designs that
have taken style, ease of use and power into
consideration. Stores like HomeWerks of San
Antonio will actually fit a vacuum cleaner to
your home. Depending on the number of stories
in your house and the size and types of
flooring throughout, the right vacuum cleaner
can save you time and make housework a
much more pleasant experience. Here is a
brief guide to help you pick the right vacuum
for your needs.
There are a few things you should first consider
when choosing a vacuum cleaner. The
suction power of a vacuum largely affects its
ability to clean beyond the surface of the carpet.
This power is measured in cubic feet of
air per minute (CFM). You should look for at
least 100 CFM in a quality vacuum. The filter
quality should also be carefully considered
because your home air quality is greatly affected
by your vacuum cleaner.
Poor filtration and seals can cause your vacuum
to fill your room with the same dust you
thought you just removed. Allergy sufferers
should always look to high efficiency particulate
air (HEPA) filters and vacuums containing bags.
Bag-less vacuums can save money, but emptying
the dust bin can put you into contact with
larger quantities of dust and allergens.
Don’t forget about the accessories: A good
hand-held turbo brush is needed to take the
hair off of your pet’s favorite couch. Also look
for dusters and crevice tools.
Upright vacuum cleaners
Uprights are the trademark vacuum cleaner.
These units work best in one-story homes with
similar surfaces in all rooms. Uprights offer plenty
of power but lack the control available from
most canister vacuum cleaners. The downside
to upright units is their lack of options; for the
most part, you can’t change the suction power
or type of cleaning head for different flooring or
dusting. However, units typically do have a
powered brush that works well at cleaning highpile
carpet and that can be turned off when
switching for use on hard floors.
The Dyson DC 18 Slim is a good
quality upright vacuum cleaner. This unit
offers great suction power and is easy to
maneuver. Because of the ball design
built into the bottom of the product, this
vacuum cleaner has the ability to act like
an extension of your wrist, leaning left
or right to twist into corners and under
tables. This ability to flex also makes
cleaning the stairs easier than many
other uprights.
The Oreck XL Ultra with IntellaShield
technology is another upright option for
those who care about protecting themselves
from bacteria, mold, mildew and
odors. According to Oreck district manager
Alicia Donald, this advanced technology
actually penetrates microbes and
inhibits their growth and the ability to
multiply and does so for the lifetime of
the vacuum cleaner. It also eliminates pet
odors, which is always a plus. “The technology
is built into the vacuum, so you get
a better clean with no extra effort,” says
Donald. “In fact, IntellaShield works even
when the vacuum is turned off — it’s
working while you sleep!”
 Canister vacuum cleaners
Although canister vacuum cleaners
typically cost more than upright units,
they offer more control when cleaning
expensive flooring. Many manufacturers
offer different heads for different styles
of flooring. Plush carpets require a
power brush that runs off a separate
motor; these units, although similar in
looks, are much more powerful than the
air-powered turbo brushes used to clean
low-pile carpets.
If you live in a two-story house, or if
you switch surfaces a lot, a canister vacuum
cleaner will make housework easier.
They reach farther under furniture, vacuum
the stairs with ease, and easily change
suction power for different surfaces.
Miele offers a high-quality vacuum
cleaner, and while these models can be
expensive, they offer years of worry-free
service. Not only do these units have
amazing suction, they are nearly silent as
well. You can truly vacuum in the same
room while someone is watching television
without disturbing anyone.
Robotic vacuums
Robotic vacuum cleaners can go
where your regular vacuum cleaner can’t and will reduce the time you spend sweeping. Place one in the
room to be cleaned and walk away. Sure, the first time you use it
you won’t want to leave it alone — you’ll enjoy watching it for a few
minutes. However, once the awe-factor wears off, you’ll realize it is
a useful tool. These vacuums are great at getting under beds and
tables, and are good at removing dust and pet hair, but they seem
to lack true suction. They have the ability to clean the surface and
leave a room with a clean feeling, but they won’t be able to replace
your regular vacuum cleaner. They function amazingly well on tile,
wood and low-pile carpets without the concern of getting caught on
tassels or falling down stairs.
Although robotic vacuums may look like toys, they are built by
the same people whose robots disable improvised explosive devices
(IEDs) in war zones. The Roomba by iRobot has led the market in
robotic vacuum cleaners, offering units that not only vacuum but
also mop floors. They’ve even designed a “light house,” which you
set in the doorway to stop The Roomba from leaving a room until
it has vacuumed it four times. Once it’s done, The Roomba will
move into the next room and continue to clean up to three more
rooms. After having the opportunity to test a few models from different
manufacturers, we were amazed by their innovations and
improvements. It’s a great feeling to leave the house and come
home to spotless floors and a freshly vacuumed carpet. These are
available at many stores throughout San Antonio and may also be
found online.
With so many choices, it’s easy to buy the first one you see, but
it’s wise to spend a little more time choosing your next vacuum
cleaner. A quality vacuum will not only last longer, it will add a bit
of free time to your day and help you breathe more easily at home.
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