Vacuum Cleaners

A vacuum cleaner is a household appliance that uses an electric motor to pump air and created a 'vacuum' effect. This technique aims to suck dirt and dust into a collection canister or bag.

The vacuum cleaner has a long and varied history. The first vacuum cleaner can be dated to the year eighteen sixty. Since then, the invention of the electric motor revolutionized the device.

For the most part, the Hoover company has dominated the electric vacuum cleaner business for the past one hundred years. In fact, the phrase 'to hoover' has become as popular as 'to vacuum'.

Only in the past twenty to thirty years has Hoover's dominance waned. Dyson's bagless cyclonic vacuum cleaner became the market leader in many western nations.

Features to look for

• The capacity of the dust container. The larger the better.
• Power, watts above 1200, the higher the level the better the performance typically.
• Length of the extension cord, over eight metre's should cover most homes and rooms.
• The power of the air watts, this decides the power of the suction, look for over 200 watts.
• Surface adjuster, so you can clean hard floors and deep pile carpets without damaging them.
• The level of the filtration system, and how effective it is at removing allergens.
• A lifetime filter, means you will have to clean it after uses, but will lower replacement costs.
• You can also purchase a vacuum which has it's filtration system approved by the "British Allergy Foundation".
• If you buying an upright vacuum, it's useful if it has a hose with a tool kit with add-ons like a crevice and upholstery tool.

Safety guidelines

• Unplug the vacuum cleaner whenever it is not in use.
• Young children should be supervised when operating a vacuum.
• Always check the mains lead for damage, and ensure you do not use the mains lead to drag or lift the vacuum.
• Do not operate with wet hands, or plug it in with with hands.
• Keep an openings free from dust and away from any loose clothing.
• Turn of the controls before unplugging.
• Replace old filters, and make sure a filter a dry before inserting it.
• Do not pick up any flammable or combustible materials.
• Do not pick up mud, wet materials, burning ash, large or sharp metal objects.
• Do not run over tassels or the fringe of a carpet/rug incase they get caught within the mechanism of the beater bar.
• Do not leave a vacuum rotating at the same place for too long incase it damages a carpeted floor.

Common problems

Motor fails to rotate,

• Plug not connected properly, firmly press it in.
• The mains plug fuse is blown.

Motor runs but no suction,

• Filter is clogged.
• Hose is blocked.
• Dust container is full, and the compartment inlet is subsequently blocked.
• Beater bar is clogged by a large object, or a belt is broken or loose.

Typical components and accessories

Below is a list of the common parts found in a vacuum cleaner,

• Handle.
• Dust filters for the container.
• Air filters.
• Central and pre-filters.
• Dust container/compartment.
• Extension cord.
• Hose, crevice and brush nozzles.
• Belts.
• Beater bar (rotating bar which picks up all the dust and dirt).
  

   Further Reading

    Types of Machines - Upright or Cylinder, Bagged versus Bagless
    Accessories - Tools and attachments, Vacuum filters, HEPA filters
    Technology - Cyclonic
    Brands - Dirt Devil, Dyson, Hoover, Miele, Vax