Vacuum Cleaner Glossary

 

 

Accessories
an upholstery brush, a crevice nozzle, and an additional hose for stair cleaning are accessories that are generally included in a cleaner package. Several other types of accessories for your particular needs can either be bought as extras or are included in more specialised cleaner packages.

 

Air-Driven Turbo Brush
this is often found on cylinder cleaners and is ideal for deep carpet cleaning and pet hair removal. As an alternative, some brushes are driven electrically.

 

Anti-Bacterial Filtration
this type of filtration should reduce the level of bacteria exhausted into the atmosphere by the cleaning process.

 

Bag Full Indicator
this is an LED indicator that will alert you to the need to empty or replace your Vacuum Cleaner’s bag.

 

Bagged Vacuum
In these models, dust is collected in bags so you do not have any contact with dust particles. Less filtration is required as the bag serves as a major part of the filtration system. When the bag is full, you simply remove it, dispose of the full bag and replace it with a new one. Whilst this imposes ongoing costs in terms of the purchase of new bags, it reduces exposure to dust particles when emptying the machine which may be important if you are an allergy sufferer. On the downside, bagged cleaners reduce in suction power and efficiency as the bag fills up and its walls become clogged with microscopic dust particles.

 

Bagless Vacuum
In these models, dust is collected in bags so you do not have any contact with dust particles. Less filtration is required as the bag serves as a major part of the filtration system. When the bag is full, you simply remove it, dispose of the full bag and replace it with a new one. Whilst this imposes ongoing costs in terms of the purchase of new bags, it reduces exposure to dust particles when emptying the machine which may be important if you are an allergy sufferer. On the downside, bagged cleaners reduce in suction power and efficiency as the bag fills up and its walls become clogged with microscopic dust particles.

 

Brush Bar Control System
this allows you to switch the brush bar off/on when the cleaning surfaces changes. The brush bar on a vacuum cleaner attachment head is generally used for smooth surfaces such as wooden or laminate flooring and needs to be retracted when vacuuming carpets.

 

Cable Length
the longer the better, especially if you need to take the cleaner outside to perhaps deal with the car's interior and in any circumstances when there is not a convenient mains socket nearby. Lengths vary greatly from model to model from a huge 10 metres down to less than 4 metres.

 

Carbon Filter
some models have carbon filters, which can help in neutralising pet odours as you hoover.

 

Compact Cleaners
these are Ideal for the smaller jobs and are easily stored due to their size if space is at a premium. Their reduced weight and size generally requires some sacrifice of suction power and dust capacity.

 

Cordless Handheld Cleaner
these are not designed to replace a mainstream vacuum cleaner. They are suited to quick clean-up jobs and light cleaning work such as car upholstery and carpets. By definition, they have a rechargeable battery and usually come with a charging station which can be wall mounted, close to a mains outlet.

 

Cord Rewind
this device will save you time by rewinding your flex by simply depressing a button with your foot.

 

Cylinder Cleaners
these are smaller and easier to store and are usually lighter in weight than upright models. Unlike upright cleaners, most cylinder models don't have a rotating brush (although some will have an air-driven turbo brush on one attachment).They are not as well suited to the removal of pet hair from carpets but many prefer their flexibility and often better attachments that accompany them. Cylinder cleaners are available in both bagged and bagless variants.

 

Cyclone Technology
a technology developed by Dyson to ensure no loss of suction while hovering even the most stubborn of flooring or messes.

 

Edge Cleaning
cleaners with this facility utilise side suction channels and, optionally, brushes so will clean right up to the edge of the floor where it meets the wall.

 

Filtration
this controls the amount of dust particles, allergens, bacteria and so forth that can be sent back into the atmosphere from the cleaner's exhaust. Levels can range from 3 levels through to 7 levels or more. The more levels, the purer the exhausted air will be but the greater the motor power required to maintain acceptable suction. Filtration is particularly important if you or any family members suffer from asthma or allergies.

 

Hard Floor Tool
a tool developed specially for the hoovering of wood, laminate and tiled floors. The soft bristles and roller base will glide across this floor type while vacuuming.

 

HEPA Filter
a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter will remove up to 99% of airborne impurities, such as dust, bacteria, allergens and tobacco smoke. This is of particular benefit to any allergy sufferer in your home.

 

On Board Tools
most vacuum cleaners carry a range of on-board tools so that they’re there when you need them. Often these tools are located in a compartment inside your vacuum cleaner.

 

Stretch Hose
a stretch hose can, as the name suggests, extend and vary in length for applications such as stair cleaning and for reaching into corners at the edge of the cleaning radius.

 

Suction Power
this is the power with which your vacuum cleaner vacuums your carpet, measured in Watts.

 

Telescopic Tubes
telescopic tubes are adjustable in height, making it more comfortable to use your vacuum cleaner effectively without hurting your back.

 

Turbo Brush
a turbo brush rotates at speed and has small bristles that brush the carpet to remove dirt. Turbo brushes are especially useful if you are tackling pet hairs.

 

Upright Cleaner
upright cleaners, in general terms, offer the advantage of a larger waste bin or bag capacity when compared to cylinder type cleaners. They almost invariably incorporate powered rotating brushes which assist greatly in the removal of pet hair from carpets. On the downside, they tend to be heavier than their cylinder counterparts and some will offer less flexibility when it comes to hoses and tools.

 

Watts
this is the unit of measurement for the suction of your vacuum cleaner.