How to Choose a Vacuum Cleaner
Flooring is a costly investment and important to the overall look and feel of our home. Those factors make floor care and maintenance an important priority. Choosing the right vacuum cleaner not only will help keep flooring looking great longer, but will make the maintenance work easier on you.
Floor Type
Most homes have a variety of flooring. A few rooms of carpet, hardwood or laminate, a few rooms of tile or linoleum and a lot of area rugs scattered throughout. You need one machine that can handle cleaning all floor types. A good vacuum with have height adjustments options and motor speeds so it can tackle any floor type with just a flip of a switch.
User-Friendly Handle
You don’t think much about a product handle, until your hand begins to hurt after using the product. Grasp the vacuum handle and push the machine around to see how it feels in your hand. Does the handle place any stress of strain on your wrists, forearms or elbows? Look for a cushioned egonomic handle that won’t stress wrists and hands.
Weight
The heavier the vacuum, the harder it will be to maneuver around furniture and up and down stairs. The weight of the machine will also place stress on the back, arms and neck. Push and lift a vacuum before purchasing to make sure it’s a comfortable weight for you. Consider the cord length too, a forgotten feature until you run out of cord before you run out of dirty flooring.
Lifestyle
If anyone living in the home has allergies, a vacuum with hypoallergenic filters or bags is a must. If pets live in the house, a machine with a brush roller will remove fur and dander better than one without. A large family, large home or multi-level home will benefit from having two vacuums – a light-weight, inexpensive model kept in the high-traffic areas for quick cleanups and then a more substantial model for weekly cleaning.
Price Points
Vacuum cleaners have a wide price range, and as with anything else, you get what you pay for. That’s not so say the most expensive is the best machine for you, but strong motors with good suction power, reliable service, in-town repairs, add-ons like steam cleaners or upholstery cleaners and a good warranty are important factors which will increase the cost of a good machine.
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