Household Cleaning Tools: Part 1

Proper tools are crucial for effective and efficient cleaning. Using the wrong tools will add time to your tasks and make a thorough cleaning job impossible.

Vacuum Cleaners

A vacuum cleaner is vital for cleaning floors and carpets, upholstery, drapes, and more. There are two types if vacuums: upright vacuums and canister vacuums.

• Upright Vacuums: These have a flat, broad base with a vertical handle that you push in order to vacuum.
• Canister Vacuums: These vacuums have a suction device connected to a hose. You pull the canister behind you while vacuuming with the hose.

Upright vs. Canister Vacuums

The type of vacuum that’s best for you depends on your living space and personal preference. If your home is mostly carpeted, you’re probably better off with an upright. If your home has rugs and bare floors, a canister vacuum will generally make it easier to transition between the two surfaces.

Additional factors to consider are:

• Weight: Canisters are usually lighter, making them easier to carry up stairs.
• Size: Uprights are more compact and easier to store.
• Maneuverability: Many people find it awkward to have to pull a canister being them. The pushing action of an upright is easier and requires just one hand.
• Versatility: Canisters are usually more versatile than uprights. They allow you to clean floors and tough-to-reach spots, such as under furniture and appliances. Most uprights include hoses that are often shorter and stuffer than canister hoses.

Bagged vs. Bagless Vacuums

Both canister and upright vacuums are sold in bagged and bagless versions. Bagged models suck dust into a disposable bag that you’ll have to throw away and replace every few months. Bagless varieties have a dirt-collection compartment that you can open and clear out. Bagless models eliminate the hassle of having to buy and replace disposable bags, but cleaning out a bagless compartment is messy. A bagged model is a much better choice if you have allergies r are sensitive to dust.

Vacuum Attachments

To use your vacuum efficiently, you should have three attachments (in addition to the standard attachment for vacuuming the floor) that fit onto the end of the vacuum’s hose:

• Upholstery Attachment: This is used for cleaning upholstery, drapes, and other fabrics
• Crevice Tool: This is used for getting into tight spots.
• Vacuum Brush: This is used for dusting non-delicate surfaces

Vacuum Cleaner Filters

Vacuum filtration systems reduce the amount of dust particles that the vacuum releases into the air while it’s running.

There are three levels of vacuum filtration

• No Filtration: These vacuums are the least expensive and still pick up dust off the floor, but a significant portion of that dust will end up in the air.
• Microfiltration Systems: These are a step up from a no system filtration, both in cost and effectiveness.
• HEPA Filtration: HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters are the best and most expensive filters.

It’s generally a good idea to buy a vacuum cleaner with microfiltration. If you or a family member has asthma or allergies, then a HEPA vacuum is a must.