cordless vacuum

Is There a Good Cordless Vacuum Cleaner?

By Neil Greenlees, eHow Contributor , last updated June 29, 2011

A cordless vacuum is like any other appliance. If it performs the tasks you want it to perform efficiently, it is a good cordless vacuum for you. However, this does not mean it is a good cordless vacuum for someone else. Yes, it may be reliable, but to be a "good" cordless vacuum for another person, it must meet her needs in the way it meets yours. As far as vacuum cleaners are concerned, cordless or otherwise, the word "good" is very much a subjective term. Does this Spark an idea?

1. Identify Your Cordless Vacuuming Tasks

   • To find a good cordless vacuum cleaner for your home, the first thing you must do is determine what tasks you need it to perform. Decide whether you will use it for floors only, for surfaces above the floor or a combination of the two. You must also decide if it is purely for quick cleanups -- for example, crumbs on the cushions of a sofa -- or if you want it to provide a lightweight alternative to your main vacuum for cleaning larger areas.
     

   Choosing a Type of Cordless Vacuum

   • Once you have determined what tasks you want to perform with a cordless vacuum, you need to match your requirements to one of the different types of cordless vacuums available. If you want it simply for quick cleanups above the floor, a handheld vacuum will suffice. If you intend to use it solely for quick daily floor maintenance, a cordless stick vacuum will meet your needs. You can also buy cordless stick vacuums that transform to hand vacuums by disconnecting the floor cleaning head.
     

   Length of Charge

   • The amount of cleaning time a cordless vacuum provides once it is fully charged is also an important consideration. If you are buying the appliance simply for quick and easy cleanups, a running time of 10 minutes will be sufficient. However if you intend to regularly use it for larger cleaning tasks, look for a vacuum that holds its charge for longer.
     

   Consistency of Power

   • Another consideration is whether the cleaner provides consistently strong suction no matter how much charge is left in its battery. A cordless vacuum may provide 15 minutes of cleaning time once fully charged, but in some cases the suction becomes less powerful as the battery empties. If you want to vacuum a large area of flooring with your cordless cleaner, purchase one that guarantees no diminution of power as the charge is used up.
     

   Choosing Which Model to Buy

   • Once you have clearly identified your needs, your search for a good cordless vacuum should focus on the type that meets them most closely. Read reviews and recommendations of different models in consumer magazines. If any of your friends or family members own a cordless vacuum, find out how satisfied they are with its performance. The more information you arm yourself with, the easier choosing a "good" vacuum will be.
     

How to Find the Best Vacuum

On cleaning day, you may find yourself fantasizing about the perfect vacuum cleaner—a lightweight, easy-to-use machine that never clogs and leaves your home free of dirt and allergens. In reality, there is no single best vacuum for every consumer. Needs and budgets will vary, so it’s best to look closely at your specific set of requirements before you buy.

Step 1

Evaluate your needs. Make a list of the ways you will use your new vacuum and also make note of the reasons you are dissatisfied with the vacuum you are now using. This will help you find a vacuum tailored to your needs and preferences.

Step 2

Determine your type. Based on your needs, you will naturally be guided to the type of vacuum you are looking for. Traditionally, upright models are best for carpets and rugs. A canister vacuum may be the right choice if you will be using it primarily on hard surfaces, though some models may be suitable for all surfaces by incorporating a variety of attachments. If you’re only concerned with quick pickup of daily debris, you may be in the market for a light duty, or hand-held vacuum.

Step 3

Compare features. Consider the weight and maneuverability of each model, and keep in mind that heavy-duty vacuums are made to withstand longer use. For convenience, you may choose a cordless, rechargeable vacuum or a bagless unit. If allergens are of great concern, look at models that incorporate HEPA filtration. Special attachments offer versatility and may also boost effectiveness in picking up pet hair. Read online vacuum reviews to see what other consumers are saying about different models and features.

 

Step 4

Shop around. Once you’ve decided on the best vacuum to purchase -- or at least narrowed it down to two choices -- do the required legwork to find the best price. Visit stores that carry the models you are interested in and familiarize yourself with the demonstration models, if possible. And don’t neglect to comparison shop online.

Step 5

Get a guarantee. In the event that something goes wrong with your new vacuum, a comprehensive warranty will prove to be invaluable. Even after the warranty period expires, it is important to be able to easily contact the manufacturer for parts that may need replacing or repair.

How to Vacuum Cushions

A vacuum cleaner can remove dust and pet hair from furniture cushions much better than lint rollers or fabric brushes, because the suction draws particles from inside the cushions into the vacuum. Fabric cushions not made from delicate materials tolerate vacuuming well. Deep-clean your furniture with the vacuum to extract allergens and liven up its look. If you have pets, vacuum cushions more frequently to reduce the dander and hair in the air as well as in your furniture.

Step 1

Vacuum or sweep the floor where you'll be working.

Step 2

Remove removable cushions from furniture and place on the freshly cleaned floor. Pick up and throw away all visible trash and debris from under the cushions and vacuum the furniture's frame.

Step 3

Hold the cushion or secure it on the floor by standing on it. Starting at the edge of the cushion farthest away from you, move the vacuum upholstery attachment toward you, removing it and starting again next to where you just vacuumed, overlapping the lines. As an alternative, have a partner hold the cushion with both hands on the edges while you vacuum the center, then rotate until all sides are vacuumed.

Step 4

Vacuum non-removable cushions on the furniture. Start at the point on the cushion farthest away from you and pull the vacuum upholstery toward you backwards. To get the entire edge, change your position relative to the furniture periodically and use the same process to vacuum the cushion thoroughly.