You are here:About>Parenting & Family>Stay-at-Home Parents
About.comStay-at-Home Parents
Newsletters & RSSEmail to a friendSubmit to Digg
Related Guide Picks

Top Bagless Upright Vacuum CleanersTop Canister Vacuums

Suggested Reading

Before You Buy a Carpet Steam Cleaner

Before You Buy an Upright Vacuum Cleaner

From Barbara Whiting,
Your Guide to Stay-at-Home Parents.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!
Buying the right upright vacuum cleaner for your individual needs is an important and expensive decision. Vacuums come with many different options and advantages, and it can become confusing finding just the right vacuum for your needs. Here are some of the more common options to consider before purchasing a vacuum cleaner.

Amps

Amps refers to the power of the motor, and range from 3.6 to 12. In general, the higher the amp rating, the more suction the vacuum cleaner will have and the more it will cost.

Bag or Bagless

Traditionally, most vacuum cleaners come with cardboard bags to collect the dust and dirt. Today, more and more vacuums are bagless, containing a cylinder that collects the dust and is emptied after vacuuming. The advantages are that you don't have to purchase bags and the ease of emptying.

Filters

Many vacuum cleaners have some form of filtration that helps capture fine particles. Filtration ranges from micron filters to true-HEPA filters, which are said to offer the best filtration. In general, a true-HEPA filter will increase the cost of the cleaner.

Attachments

Most upright vacuum cleaners come with some onboard cleaning attachments. Although an upright's attachments will generally not clean as well as a canister type vacuum, you will want to compare the attachments available and flexible hose length if applicable.

Edge Cleaning

This is another factor to consider before purchasing your vacuum cleaner. Vacuums that can pick up dirt under the entire area of the cleaning head are more useful for cleaning wall-to-wall carpeting.
Makeover Your Home

Cut Out the ClutterCleaning with the KidsRemodeling Your HomeSpring Lawn CareGardening Made Easy

 All Topics | Email Article | | |
Advertising Info | News & Events | Work at About | SiteMap | Reprints | HelpOur Story | Be a Guide
User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy©2008 About, Inc., A part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.