When accumulating debris in the tank, the draft of the “cyclone” vacuum cleaner does not fall. Whereas in a vacuum cleaner with dust bag, the suction power (it’s the same thrust) depends on the degree of filling with dust.
The minus of the “cyclone” is the contact with dust during the emptying of the dust container, and also the fact that the filtration of the exhaust air in these vacuum cleaners is usually somewhat less qualitative (in principle, the cyclone filter allows a qualitative filtering of not more than 97% of the dust particles) .However, the latter is now not so relevant, because modern cyclone vacuum cleaners are usually equipped with additional filters, including HEPA filters, which are discussed below.
A dust container for a cyclone vacuum cleaner is not too nice to shake out and wash
Vacuum cleaners with water filters.Another way to filter – with water.The air passes through the brush, suction pipe, hose and under high pressure gets into the pressure enters the aquafilter (water filter).Here he, of course, is mixed with water.Dust remains in the water, and the purified air bubbles rise up.Before leaving the vacuum cleaner, it passes through an additional filter, which catches the remaining in it wet, but not settled into the water particles of dust and other contaminants.One of the advantages of this method of filtration is the constant suction power.Another advantage – easy disposal of dust: dirty water simply pours into the sewer.The air coming from the vacuum cleaner with the aquafilter comes out of it not only clean, but also moistened, which, at times, is important.
Dust (dirty water) from this vacuum cleaner must be removed strictly after each cleaning.On the one hand it’s good, in terms of general apartment hygiene. But on the other hand, often to wash and dry the container-dust collector a little bothers.
Vacuum cleaners with an aquafilter are usually larger in size than those with a dust bag or “cyclones”.This should be remembered in the light of the definition of the place where the vacuum cleaner will be stored, and also from the one who will use the vacuum cleaner.For example, an elderly person, it may be more convenient to operate a small vacuum cleaner with a dust bag, also considering that it should not be cleaned after each use.
In addition to the types mentioned, there are also vacuum cleaners-hybrids.They can use a dust bag or an aquafilter.
Washing Vacuum Cleaners
With the help of a washing vacuum cleaner it is possible to carry out wet and dry cleaning, spraying moisture and sucking it, it is possible to collect spilled liquid on the floor. Ideal is a washing vacuum cleaner for rinsing carpets, cleaning furniture, for general cleaning of the house, washing tiles, stone, windows (you need a special nozzle).
The advantages of such vacuum cleaners include washing the floor and windows, the possibility of deodorization and aromatization of the room, the possibility of harvesting a large litter, the possibility of cleaning a clogged shell or bathroom. Vacuum cleaners have higher cleaning efficiency than dry ones. Where the usual vacuum cleaner is cleaned every other day, washing – once a week. The disadvantages of washing vacuums include: their high price (about 2-3 times more expensive than the models for dry cleaning). Such vacuum cleaners can not vacuum natural fleecy carpets, pieces of furniture that do not like moisture, preferably do not vacuum the floor. They are larger in size and heavier. After use, you need to take care of them (wash, disassemble, dry). Detergent vacuum cleaners require additional costs for cleaning fluids and consume more electricity. More than half of the detergent solution settles on the carpet and does not return to the vacuum cleaner.
Washing vacuum cleaner, as a rule, more than other vacuum cleaners, although now in stores there are models of less impressive dimensions
The device of washing vacuum cleaners. There are two reservoirs, one of which is with clean water and a detergent solution. From it, the solution is fed to the hose and sprayed over the entire area of the nozzle. The other tank gets dirty water, which is sucked from the cleaned surfaces. The user is free to adjust the water supply to the surface.
We do not recommend using these vacuum cleaners for weekly cleaning: vacuum cleaners are best suited for dry cleaning.
Vacuum cleaner suction power
Suction power – one of the main parameters, which should pay attention when choosing a model of a vacuum cleaner . The higher it is – so, of course, the cleaner copes better with dust and dirt, the less effort required to clean.
What manufacturers write on the body of the vacuum cleaner in large print (1200, 1500, 1800, 2000 W) is not the suction power, but the power consumption: the maximum amount of energy consumed by the motor of the vacuum cleaner.
The power of the suction is either not indicated on the body at all (only in the instruction manual) or is indicated in a smaller font. In principle, there is still no standardized, precise system for measuring the suction power of vacuum cleaners. The standard procedure for determining the class of washing or spinning the washing machine is. But the vacuum cleaner was less fortunate. Some manufacturers measure suction power in airwatts (a unit specially designed to measure this parameter, which is not a world standard). Others are just in Watts. Honest manufacturers, as a rule, report both maximum (in the first minutes of operation) and nominal (after 5-10 minutes of operation) suction power. It is desirable that the difference between these indicators does not exceed 14-16%. The smaller it is, the better.
Suction power is usually written on the body of the vacuum cleaner is not as large as the power consumption
A vacuum cleaner with a capacity of 300-350 watts is enough for cleaning linoleum, tiles, parquet, carpet with a small nap. If you have a large family, have pets with wool, or coverings that are difficult to clean (carpets with long nap, for example), choose a vacuum cleaner with a suction power of 350 to 500 watts. Remember: not very high power consumption, but at the same time a high suction power – an indicator of a high class vacuum cleaner, good quality of its vacuum pump.
Air filtration system in vacuum cleaner
The filtration system is designed to minimize the amount of dust and dirt blown from the vacuum cleaner. In expensive models there are up to 12 filters (this is, in many ways, a marketing move). First, a vacuum cleaner with a certain power sucks in dust, dirt, small particles. After – the debris and air get into the bag-dust collector, in the tank or in the aquafilter. The main amount of garbage in the end remains here (sand, clots of dust, etc.). Then the air passes through the pre-engine filter. The main task of this filter is to protect the motor from what remains in the container. Finally, air gets to the so-called “output filter” (or filters). Another name is the “fine filter”. In modern vacuum cleaners this, most often, HEPA filters.
HEPA is a “High Efficiency Particulate Air”. The HEPA standard was developed by the US Atomic Energy Commission, and HEPA filters are widely used around the world for air purification in medical institutions and laboratories – where the highest requirements for air purity are required.
The HEPA filter is a fibrous material folded in the form of an accordion. The fibers have a diameter of 0.65-6.5 μm, and the distance between them is 10-40 μm. They are made of paper and fiberglass (disposable) or fluoroplastic. In the second case, they can be (and need, from time to time) washed with water, they serve until the end of the life of the vacuum cleaner. HEPA filters according to the European norm There are several main types of HEPA filters, the efficiency of which according to the European norm EN 1822 is the following:
- HEPA H 10 – not less than 85%;
- HEPA H 11 – not less than 95%;
- HEPA H 12 – not less than 99.5%;
- HEPA H 13 – not less than 99.95%;
- HEPA H 14 – not less than 99.995%;
- HEPA (ULPA) H 15 – not less than 99.9995%;
- HEPA (ULPA) H 16 – not less than 99.99995%.
In modern vacuum cleaners, mostly filters HEPA H 11, HEPA H 12 and NEPA H 13, however, come across and models with the “ten”. There are models As a rule, the larger the number in the filter designation, the more expensive the cleaner, but the cleaner the air that it returns to the room.
Suction pipe
The suction pipe is an important component of the vacuum cleaner. At one time, some manufacturers used plastic for its production. There are such models and now, but most of the vacuum cleaners, presented in stores, has a metal suction pipe. Metal is much more durable.
The suction pipe in the vacuum cleaner can be assembled from two parts (two pipes inserted one into the other). There are also vacuum cleaners with telescopic suction pipes. The latter are constructed on the principle of a telescope. For the convenience of dealing with dust, they are pulled out (extended) and fixed in a user-friendly position, you adjust the length yourself. Of course, telescopic pipes are a more “advanced” option.
Telescopic suction tube is more convenient to use
Vacuum cleaner nozzles
Standard set – two-three-four nozzles. The main brush for a smooth and fluffy coating, crevice nozzle, nozzle for cleaning furniture, for clothes, for cleaning parquet. Well, if the vacuum cleaner body has a place to store the nozzles – less chance of loss and damage of these.
Usually in the delivery set of the vacuum cleaner there are several different nozzles
The brush usually has a mode switch (“floor” or “carpet”). As a result of switching, the bristles are then pulled out (“carpet”), then hides (“floor”). Such brushes may have wheels that facilitate the easy movement of the brush. Sometimes in these nozzles you can adjust the length of the bristles. In models, brushes with lighting are more expensive, so that the dust-collecting individual can see pollution even in hard-to-reach and dark places.
Noise level
Undoubtedly, the noise level during operation is quite an important parameter, which you should pay attention to when buying a vacuum cleaner.
The Brussels Convention of 12 March 2002 establishes a single standard for the declaration of noise. Representatives of major vacuum cleaner manufacturers (such as Bosch, Electrolux, Miele, Philips, Rowenta, LG and others) have signed this document. According to the convention, measurements are taken with the vacuum motor running at full power. If 93.5% of vacuum cleaners in one batch are quieter than the remaining 6.5%, as the maximum noise level, the noise level of these same 6.5% is declared.
The noise level is determined at the factory. A finished vacuum cleaner is included in the network. At a distance of 30-50 cm from him, a microphone and a device are installed, which during a certain time measures and records the noise level. Then this process is repeated 2-3 times and a constant noise level is found.
In a modern vacuum cleaner, the noise level should not be above 80 dB (whisper – 40 dB). In general, now the stores sell models with a noise level of about 70 dB. However, there are also those that make noise less – in the range from 60 to 65 dB. Note that “cyclones”, in view of the design features, are generally noisier than vacuum cleaners with a dust bag.
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