Thinking of buying a new Vacuum Cleaner?

Which is better, bag or bagless?

Originally all vacuums were bagless. Then paper bags were introduced to dramatically cut down on the dust! The two main reasons people ask about bagless is: 1) They want to save money on bags, or 2) They want less dust. Bagless vacuums need a HEPA filter to stop the dirt. These filters are very effective. They also need to be changed at least once a year (more often if you have small children or pets) and, they aren't cheap, $29 - $59 each. It is impossible to spend as much for paper bags.

Less dust? Do you have trash cans at home? Do you use trash can liners? Why? Because it's far more sanitary when you throw out the liner instead of dumping the can with all the dust being thrown into the air. Almost all the bags we sell are micron filtration bags, to keep the air dust-free and the inside of your sweeper clean. This helps keep odors down, especially pet odors. Want to know more? Stop in or give us a call.

Should I buy an Upright or canister?

Uprights and canisters are two different tools for two different jobs.

Uprights - are made specifically for wall to wall carpet. The motors are designed not so much for suction, but to turn the brush and pick up the dirt.

Canisters - usually have more suction, and are used more for bare floors, cars, furniture and steps.

Canisters with open nozzles - the best of both worlds. The power of a canister, and the agitating action of an upright. These usually cost a lot more than either upright or canister because they have two motors and an expensive electrified hose to connect the motorized carpet nozzle to the main tank. Also, the motors are usually a better quality than the uprights of most manufacturers. Wouldn't it be great if you could find a vacuum cleaner with the power of a canister motor, but with the convenience of an upright? Want to know more? Stop in or give us a call.

Do I need a HEPA Filter?

HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air filter. All bagless vacuums have to have a HEPA filter to keep all the dust from blowing into your room when you vacuum. Most of the bags we sell are micro-lined, meaning they trap over 99.7% of the dust.

The best vacuums out (in our opinion) are vacuums that have disposable micro-lined bags and then a series of filters to both keep the dust down and keep the inside of the vacuum clean.

The best designed machines (again, in our opinion) have the micro-lined bags before the motor, keeping the motor fan free of dirt, rocks, pine needles, socks, pennies, etc. This keeps the motor clean and undamaged. Want to know more? Stop in or give us a call.

Do I need Attachments? What kind?

If you are ever going to use your vacuum cleaner to clean drapes, furniture, your car or truck, carpeted steps, mattresses, or ceiling fans, you need attachments. Our customers have, for years, bought extra long hoses (up to 15 feet) to help with reaching all their steps without moving their vacuum cleaner. Also, they love cleaning out their car without having to move the vacuum to each door. Some vacuums have a lever to disconnect the roller brush from the motor (on uprights) to be able to sweep bare floors. The problem is that without any brush contact with the floor, you can't get between the wood slats, or in the crevices and designs on a linoleum or tile floor.

We recommend a separate bare floor tool with full brushes (preferably natural fibers) to dislodge any grit. With the proper brush your bare floor, after vacuuming, will feel smooth with no gritty feeling. If you have pets that shed, the best tool to dislodge the hair from your furniture is a brush on your upholstery tool. It's the brushing action, not the suction, that gets the hair. Also, a dusting brush, with natural fibers won't scratch the T.V. and computer screens when you vacuum them. Want to know more? Stop in or give us a call.

Is the vacuum Easy to push? Should I get Self Propelled?

The most expensive upright sweepers are self-propelled. They are more expensive because you're paying for a transmission on your vacuum cleaner. This also usually adds three to seven pounds to the weight. Vacuum cleaners are self propelled for only one reason - they are hard to push! The reason they are hard to push is because they have height adjusments to help keep the roller from burying itself in the carpet. If set two low, a partial seal is created between the nozzle and your carpet. This cuts off the air flow that carries the dirt into the bag. It also slows the roller brush speed so that the belt will stretch and there is almost no deep cleaning.

If you have a vacuum cleaner with height adjustments, you should set the height for each level of carpet in your home. In our opinion, the easiest and best solution is a vacuum cleaner with a free-floating adjustable nozzle. That way the brush separates the fibers of the carpet, and you don't cut off your air flow. The best vacuum cleaners with a free-floating head feel self-propelled. Want to know? Stop in or give us a call.