A Comprehensive Guide on Vacuum Cleaners: Do’s and Don’ts and How to Choose

Finding the best vacuum cleaner for your home can be overwhelming. With many options on the market, each boasting a range of features and capabilities, it's no wonder that choosing the right one may seem challenging.

Whether you are new to the world of vacuum cleaners or looking to upgrade your current model, this guide will provide you valuable insights into the factors to consider when buying a vacuum cleaner. We will also present a list of do’s and don'ts to keep in mind while making your decision.

How to Choose the Best Vacuum Cleaner for Home

1. Know Your Cleaning Needs

   The first step is to identify your cleaning requirements and preferences. While you might wish for a vacuum cleaner to work like a magic wand that can instantly whisk away all dirt in a flick, not all vacuum cleaners can do that. Therefore, it is important to know your cleaning needs as it will help in maintaining your home clean.

   Answer these three questions before you start searching for a vacuum cleaner:

   • Where do you intend to use the vacuum cleaner?

   • How often do you plan to use the vacuum cleaner?

   • What type of debris are you aiming to remove?

2. Suction Power

   Suction power is one of the most important parameters in determining the cleaning ability of a vacuum cleaner. It is usually measured in Pa, Kpa, or air watts. It is also defined as the vacuum cleaner’s strength to pull in dirt and debris. Factors like motor strength, airflow design, and filtration impact the suction power of a vacuum cleaner. Therefore, when looking for the best vacuum cleaner for your home, opt for vacuum cleaners with suction power of at least 100 air watts. Forbes Cordless Zerobend Z10 Vacuum Cleaner comes with a suction power of 100 air watts at Turbo Mode. The vacuum cleaner is also equipped with the ZeroBend Technology that enhances the machine’s capability to bend flexibly for effortless deep cleaning. Moreover, the 3-in-1 motorised floor brush and cyclonic technology in the vacuum cleaner make it easy to pick up dirt and debris from different surfaces without losing suction power.

3. Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaners

   In Indian households, where versatility is key, opting for vacuum cleaners with dual cleaning abilities is highly recommended. Look for models that can seamlessly handle both dry dust and wet spills. This ensures that your home is clean at all times. Moreover, it reduces your reliance on house help. Eureka Forbes has a wide range of wet and dry vacuum cleaners that make it easier to tackle dry dust and wet spills. These wet and dry vacuum cleaners from Eureka Forbes come with a powerful suction that can remove dust, dirt, debris, and wet spills from wooden floors, marble, tiles, and carpets with ease, making them perfect for everyday cleaning.

4. Bag or Bagless Vaccum Cleaner

   Vacuum cleaners with dust bags can store dust inside the vacuum cleaner for uninterrupted cleaning. The collected dust can be disposed off easily by emptying the bag.

   On the other hand, bagless vacuum cleaners don’t have a dust bag, they have a dust tank that stores the collected dust. You can easily empty the tank at the press of a button.

5. Vacuum Attachments and Accessories that Matter

   In the process of choosing a vacuum cleaner, giving due consideration to the accessories and attachments is crucial. Vacuum cleaner attachment and accessories enhance the versatility of a vacuum cleaner. For instance, you can use the crevice nozzle to clean the windows or you can use the wet floor brush to clean wet spills like coffee or curry.

The Do's of Choosing a Vacuum Cleaner

1. Determine Your Cleaning Needs

   As mentioned before, evaluating your cleaning requirements before purchasing a vacuum cleaner is important. It ensures that the vacuum cleaner you choose aligns perfectly with the specific cleaning requirements of your home.

   Eureka Forbes has a wide variety of vacuum cleaners for all your cleaning needs. For instance, the Forbes Robotic LVac Voice Pro Vacuum Cleaner is smart and intelligent households that need an automated vacuum cleaner. The robotic vacuum cleaner from Eureka Forbes comes with a Smart Voice Control feature that allows you to clean your home with voice commands. It can easily integrate with Alexa or Siri to automate cleaning like never before. On the other hand, the Forbes Cordless ZeroBend Z21 Vacuum Cleaner comes with Zero Bend Technology that makes it easier for the vacuum cleaner to bend flexibly and clean out dust and first from every nook and corner. The cyclonic technology in the vacuum cleaner captures and separates fine dust from the air, making deep cleaning easy & efficient.

   Different vacuum cleaners are suited for various purposes, so understanding your needs is crucial.

2. Look for Specifics

   Spend time researching different vacuum cleaner models. Read product information to get an idea of how well a particular model performs. A reliable starting point is to explore product websites.

3. Consider Allergies and Air Quality

   A study showed that vacuum cleaners with HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are more effective at reducing allergens in homes.¹

   If you or someone in your household suffers from allergies, consider a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. HEPA filters capture and trap tiny allergens, preventing them from being released back into the air during vacuuming.

4. Check for Attachments and Accessories

   A versatile vacuum cleaner should come with a variety of attachments and accessories. Look for models that include tools for upholstery, crevices, and different floor types.

   For instance, the Forbes Wet & Dry NXT Vacuum Cleaner comes with accessories like Upholstery Cleaner, Floor Brush, Crevice Cleaner, and Wet Squeege. These accessories are useful for a variety of cleaning tasks, including vacuuming upholstery, cleaning floors, reaching tight corners and crevices, and even handling wet cleaning tasks like spills and wet floors.

5. Check for Special Features and Smart Technology

   The world of vacuum cleaners has witnessed a remarkable transformation in recent years with the advent of smart technology. The wise decision would be to consider them when choosing a vacuum cleaner.

   Take the Euroclean Steristeam Vacuum Cleaner, for example, which is equipped with a unique Aroma Diffuser. This innovative feature includes specially designed scent discs that seamlessly release a delightful fragrance when exposed to the steam generated during the cleaning process.

   There's also the Forbes Select WD X2 Vacuum Cleaner, which boasts an intelligent Auto Clean feature. This cutting-edge technology is designed to autonomously clean the vacuum's filters, effectively eliminating any accumulated dust particles and residue. Doing so ensures the extended durability and optimal performance of the vacuum's filters, a key factor in maintaining its efficiency over time.

6. Assess the Weight and Manoeuvrability

   Consider the weight and manoeuvrability of the vacuum cleaner. If you have to carry it up and down the stairs, a lightweight model might be more practical. Ensure it can easily manoeuvre around furniture and corners.

   Canister vacuum cleaners or handheld vacuums are good examples of weight and manoeuvrability. Both are generally lighter, making them easier to carry and manoeuvre.

   Canister vacuums have a compact, portable design and a long hose, which allows them to reach tight spaces and navigate around furniture easily. Handheld vacuums are designed for small, tight areas and are incredibly easy to manoeuvre into these spaces.

7. Review Warranty and Customer Support

   Pay attention to the warranty and customer support offered by the manufacturer. A good warranty ensures your investment is protected, and efficient customer support can assist with any issues that may arise.

8. Set a Realistic Budget

   Vacuum cleaners come in a wide range of prices. Set a budget that aligns with your needs and expectations. While more expensive models often offer better features, there are also budget-friendly options that provide excellent performance.

   Until now, this vacuum cleaner buying guide has provided information on what to do or what to look for when choosing a vacuum cleaner. Now, let’s look at what not to do.

The Don'ts of Choosing a Vacuum Cleaner

1. Impulse Buying

   Don't rush into buying a vacuum cleaner without conducting thorough research. Impulse purchases can lead to regrets later on. Take your time to make an informed decision.

2. Ignoring Maintenance Requirements

   All vacuum cleaners require regular maintenance. Neglecting this can reduce the vacuum's effectiveness and lifespan. Be prepared to clean or replace filters, belts, and brush rolls as recommended by the manufacturer.

3. Disregarding Noise Levels

   High noise levels can be an annoyance, especially if you have young children or neighbours. Don't overlook the vacuum cleaner's noise level. Look for models with noise-reducing features.

4. Discounting the Size of the Dustbin or Bag

   Consider the size of the dustbin or bag. If you have a large space to clean, you'll want a vacuum cleaner with ample storage capacity. Smaller bins will require more frequent emptying.

Summing Up

Choosing the right vacuum cleaner can greatly impact the cleanliness and air quality of your home. With the above vacuum cleaner buying guide, you can make a well-informed decision that suits your specific needs and budget.

Remember to consider factors such as your home's layout, allergies, maintenance requirements, and additional accessories. Ultimately, the perfect vacuum cleaner for you is the one that makes your cleaning routine more efficient and enjoyable.

Feel free to get in touch with us if you need more help choosing your vacuum cleaner.

So, happy cleaning, and breathe easier with the right vacuum cleaner!

References

1. Munir, A. K. M., Einarsson, R., & Dreborg, S. (1993). Vacuum cleaning decreases the levels of mite allergens in house dust. Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, 4(3), 136–143. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8220802/ Accessed on 22/02/2024