We all know the principle function of a vacuum cleaner is to clean your floors and upholstery. For most of us, this is where our knowledge of vacuum cleaners starts and ends. Other than the usual function, size, brands and price questions you may encounter when buying your cleaner, how well do you know vacuum cleaners? In this article, we explore the unknowns of vacuum cleaners beyond the norm, from fun facts such as when it was first produced and where to top rated canister vacuums presently in the market, which may come in-handy when you’re out to purchase your own cleaner.

How does it work?

We know it leaves your home spotless, but how does it really work. Derived from its name “vacuum”, which means an open space, the vacuum cleaner draws dirt and dust from floors as well as other surfaces with the use of an air pump then gathers it in a dust bag for disposal. Think of it this way; when sipping soda using a straw, you suck up all the air inside the straw which in-turn causes liquid to draw up the straw and into your mouth. The vacuum cleaner uses the same mechanism to draw dirt and dust from your floors, carpets, draperies and upholstery.

The dirt and air go through a filter where air is separated from the dirt particles and then stored in a separate compartment known as a dirt-bag.

Let us rewind back in time!

Development of carpet cleaners begun over 20 decades ago and the first to exist was developed by Daniel Hess in 1860. Over time, janitors and engineers developed more models trying to perfect it. Today you can find different variations of vacuum cleaners from hand-operated powered by batteries for your household to commercial models which can clean up large surface areas or even the inside of your truck. Although various models have come up over the years, its main principle still remained. The various approaches aimed at solving issues such as health, noise hazard and effectiveness.

Various types of vacuum cleaners

Currently there are several types of vacuum cleaners designed for specific uses for your home as well as businesses. They include upright, canister, wet/dry, drum, backpack, pneumatic, hand-held, robotic, cyclonic, constellation, and built-in just among others. Buying a vacuum cleaner is very different from grocery shopping- it is a lifetime investment to ensure the freshness of your home in years to come. Therefore, you need to know their specific functions before making your decisive pick on one.

Make-up of a vacuum cleaner

From their outlook, they seem to be complex machines. However, regardless of their size and functionality, all vacuum cleaners have similar vital components. These include:

·Exhaust compartment

·Intake compartment

·Motor, either powered by electricity or battery

·Fan

·Pervious bag

·Casing

Expensive doesn’t necessarily mean best!

Just because it is highly priced does not mean it is the best for you and also cheap can be expensive in the long run. It is understandable how these two principles can be confusing especially if you don’t know much about vacuum cleaners. Before you step out to shop for your ideal vacuum cleaner, ask yourself:

1.What do you want to use it for, cleaning floor surfaces or carpets or both?

2.What is the stated shelf-life of the machine by the manufacturer?

3.How much are you willing to spend on a cleaner?

For those who cannot afford their own cleaners, there are vacuum cleaners that can be rented when you need to do deep cleaning for your house.