The GoVacuum Blog

By Michele Kadison

I’ve been doing some research on dust mites after my cousin came down with serious allergies apparently due to a proliferation of microorganisms in her home.  We all have mites and pathogens nesting in our furnishings, actually, but often their effect is not that obvious.

The truth is that the average dust mite lives for 80 days and produces approximately 1,000 allergenic waste products that can cause asthma and other similar irritations.  Up to 2 million mites can live in our mattresses and other soft furnishings, feeding on our dead skin cells.  It is a frightening picture, isn’t it?

In addition to dust mites, soft furnishings attract all sorts of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens such as the influenza virus, E coli, Staphylococcus Aureus, and Candida.  Spraying with anti-bacterial products is not that effective for removing pathogens or dust mites, and even the highest end vacuum cleaner will not successfully get rid of them.

But… there is one solution and that is a brilliant new antibacterial vacuum that functions with a UV-C light, which is a germicidal light that damages the DNA of mites and pathogens at close range.  The unit comes with a vibrating pad that loosens dust mites from their territory, whereby they are then stricken by the UV-C ray and then sucked up by a vacuum that moves everything through an anti-allergenic filter.

The Earlex RayCop kills 99.9% of the microorganisms that live in our mattresses and other furnishings.  It comes with two settings:  one that vibrates and the other that does not, which is great for use on harder surfaces where it is not necessary for loosening mites and other debris from their homes.  The unit weighs only 5 lbs and has a sleek design, making it easy to hold and operate.

So, if you want to keep your home dust mite and bacteria free, do what I just did, and that is purchase yourself an essential tool that will keep you and your family microorganism free.

By Michele Kadison
I am a newcomer to the idea of steam cleaning, and now that I’ve done some research, it seems like this is the best way to go…. not just in terms of cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing the house , but also in terms of helping maintain the health of our families and the environment.

Steam cleaning involves vaporized water that is heated to over 200 degrees F and applied to surfaces via appropriate attachments.  The steam heat weakens the bonds between the surfaces and the dirt or stains that linger there.  Because all hard surfaces are in reality porous, the steam is able to dislodge embedded elements, killing microorganisms and sanitizing the area naturally.  With the heat creating an almost moisture-free cleaning agent, any type of surface can be wiped, rubbed, or scrubbed as needed, depending on the attachment tool you use.

Looking a lot like a conventional vacuum cleaner, a home steam cleaner is lightweight and easy to maneuver.  Units come in canister, upright, or hand-held models and include a wide range of attachment tools that make cleaning almost any surface a breeze.  You can use a steam cleaner on large surface areas such as tile floors and countertops, as well as on carpeting, upholstery, window screens, mirrors, car interiors, baked-on grills, toys, and everything in between, including removing dry cleaning solvent from clothing.  Steam cleaners are also highly effective in getting rid of animal smells, with no toxic substances that could potentially harm your pets.

Because the only ingredient used in a steam cleaner is water, you are able to do a complete cleaning without a single chemical.  Allergy free, this natural sanitizer banishes toxic residue, with nothing else but water washing down your drain into the communal water supply.

With better results than any other form of cleansing, steam cleaning your home eliminates bacteria, mildew, mold, viruses, toxins, and any other element that can cause infections, irritations, or allergies.  Allergens such as mites, pollen, and other microscopic pests are immediately killed once the surfaces on which they lodge are hit with steam heat.  This is the same for pathogens like E. Coli and salmonella, making a steam heat unit especially effective on kitchen surfaces.

I’ve looked at two steam heat cleaners, which are excellent choices once you decide to change your cleaning habits.

The Environmate Steam Cleaner T730A comes with a refillable built-in water tank with a light indicator to alert you when the water level is low.  This unit is great for tough chores and is made with a 1450 W heating system inside a stainless steel tank.  Included is an eleven-piece accessory kit, which means you have enough tools to clean the whole house.  The unit comes with a power switch on the handle, a pressure gauge for regulating power, and an automatic shut-off system for when the water level is too low for efficient cleaning.

The Lady Bug T2200S has a continuous water refill system and professional-grade cleaning tools.  This unit is made with an EPA-certified TANCS system, (Thermal Accelerated Nano Crystal Sanitation) that helps improve air quality as it removes chemical residues from the environment.  The system functions by heating nano-crystals in tap water, whereby they are activated to blast the cell membranes of microorganisms when initiated by heat.  This fast-acting disinfection is, according to Nelson Labs of Utah, ” thousands of times better than any directly applied water disinfecting system using chemicals.”

Though the initial investment when buying a home steam cleaning unit may be high, it evens out in the long run, and then some.  You won’t ever have to spend money on cleaning supplies again, which includes buckets, rubber gloves, disinfectants, polishers, glass cleaners, oven sprays, and the like.

By Michele Kadison

Electrolux keeps surprising us with its ability to move vacuum technology even further ahead of the curve.  Their Ultra Silencer model is exactly that.  When you look at their advertising, you see a baby curled up on the back of the unit, implying that the machine is just that silent, never waking the child.  If you are the type who gets the urge to vacuum at odd hours, such as 3 AM when you can’t sleep, then this is definitely the model for you!  Vacuum away, knowing that you won’t wake a soul.  The unit comes with an 1800 watt motor and claims to be four times quieter than most vacuums on the market.  It is created with optimized suction that can be controlled, high tech sound absorption material, along with seals that prevent air leaks.  With a low noise floor nozzle, soft wheels that never scratch, a shock absorbing bumper, and an easy grip soft rubber handle, the Ultra Silencer is the vacuum of the future.  Or at least the immediate future, for there is yet another Electrolux model that looks like the very next future indeed!

Welcome the Musical Vacuum Cleaner.  This model is based on the Ultra Silencer, but comes with an iPod dock and integrated speakers.  It seems that the designers of the Ultra were so inspired by its silence that they decided to let ardent vacuumers and music fans combine their passions.  The dock is built into the front of the unit, allowing us to listen to music while we vacuum away the dust.  It’s the “whistle while you work” concept, which I can verify as making cleaning a true pleasure.  Product line manager, Cecilia Gustavsson corroborates by saying that listening to music while we clean helps us stay focused, reduces our stress, and gives us a feeling of well being.  Who would have thought that vacuuming could be part of our pleasure principle!  Well, thanks to Electrolux, now it is.

By Michele Kadison

Oreck , one of the leading companies in the vacuum cleaner industry, has been working with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Fund on a campaign called Clean for the Cure, helping to find a cure for cancer. By donating $25.00 from each purchase of the Oreck XL Upright Model U3671, consumers can rest assured that they are also doing their part in helping women fight and hopefully win against breast cancer.

Since Oreck got on board in July 2009, $1.3 million has been raised by selling the pink Special Edition vacuum cleaner in conjunction with the Susan G. Koman Fund.  Started by Susan’s sister, Nancy G. Brinker as a testimony to Susan’s fight against cancer and her vigilance in helping other women in the same condition, the fund has seen a $1.5 billion investment since its inception in 1982.  It is now considered the largest grassroots network of activists and survivors with contributions from a wide spectrum of supporters, sponsors, and partners such as Oreck.

The Oreck XL Upright Model U3671 is frontrunner in the new wave of vacuum cleaners on the market.  With its MicroSweep technology, it is able to move from thick carpeting to bare floors with equal efficiency as it adjusts to each surface.  It comes with dual-edge side brushes that effectively clean edges such as moldings and baseboards, with antimicrobial protection embedded in the roller brush bristles to handle the miniscule particles that can contribute to allergies and disease. Its additional IntellaShield technology fights odors, mold, mildew, and bacteria, even when the vacuum is turned off!  A powerful hypo-allergenic filtration system eliminates 99.9% of allergens to assure that your home is as free as it can be of irritants.

The Oreck XL comes with a dirt-search lighting system that illuminates debris, a disposable bag attachment dock with a “Saniseal” that traps dirt and dust inside, and an inner bag that traps odors.  It boasts an ergonomically designed handle that keeps you from having to bend or twist your wrist uncomfortably during use, which has been recommended by the Arthritis Foundation as being especially helpful to those who suffer from arthritis.  At a mere 9 lbs, the vacuum cleaner is easy to maneuver, especially with its 30-foot power that allows for a long range of movement.

Along with all of the exceptional attributes mentioned above, the Oreck XL U3671 comes with a five-year warranty and its guarantee that you are doing your part in helping find a cure for cancer.  Need I say more?

By Michele Kadison

There have been some significant breakthroughs in the cleaning industry over the past several years, all of which have impacted our lives, cutting down on cleaning time while making our tasks easier.  Here is a short list of a few of these innovations:

Battery Power

One of the most evident forward trends has been in battery improvement.  Now batteries are more powerful, longer lasting, and charge more quickly, adding to greater productivity as equipment downtime decreases.

Backpack Vacuums

A huge step forward in the vacuum industry has been the advent of the backpack vacuum cleaner.  Battery-powered, small, and of minimum weight, this model makes it easy for users to do the job at hand.  With an impeccably devised harness, the weight of the vacuum is distributed across the hips rather than the shoulders, helping with balance and maneuverability.  The ergonomically designed wand and hose helps relieve stress on the wrists while allowing users to reach difficult areas such as ceilings and corners.  Now with HEPA filtration systems, backpack vacuuming has become one of the most popular ways to reduce time and effort while cleaning.

Ergonomically Designed Equipment and Tools

Enormous improvements have been made to prevent users from strain while using equipment and tools.  From mops and buckets to dusters and dustpans, and more, designers are looking to find ways to relieve pressure on fingers, hands, wrists, and arms by creating newly shaped handles and grips.  Dustpans now come with a L-shape handle to harmonize with hands and wrists, dusters are now made with longer handles for reaching up with no strain.  Compression sprayers now come with trigger locks that eliminate the need to constantly press down on the thumb release.  Cushioned gloves are now made with grip areas that combat hand fatigue.

Green Cleaning Agents

Green cleaning agents of all kinds are on the rise.  With Green Seal approval (the organization that certifies green products through testing and proving their efficacy), green products are becoming a viable and necessary option when it comes to cleanliness and protecting our environment.

Polymer Floor Finishers

This innovation has made floor wax a thing of the past.  With advanced molecular chemistry allowing for the creation of finishes comprised of larger molecules and higher percentages of solids, polymer floor finishers create greater durability and shine than any wax finish can provide.

Microfiber

Whether its mops or cleaning clothes, or the mitts and bonnets used in the food service and healthcare industries, microfibers are becoming the fabric of the future.  Made with smaller fibers than found in standard fabric, durable microfibers can be laundered and reused over 500 times without showing wear.

Touchless Restroom Equipment

Reducing cross-contamination in public restrooms has been perfected through the advent of touchless toilet flushing devices as well as sink water, soap, and drying or towel dispensers.  Automatic dispensers help encourage hand washing and drying, while reducing excess waste.

By Michele Kadison

The new Dyson Air Multiplier is another example of the company’s cutting edge attitude towards household necessities.  A bladeless room fan, the Air Multiplier creates a natural breeze with absolutely zero turbulence.

Creative technicians at Dyson noticed that there was something interesting when they were testing the company’s Airblade hand-dryer.  This dryer blows a single sheet of air upwards at the speed of 400 miles per hour.  You can run your hands through the air stream and they are dry in a flash, with no need for wiping.  Along with the single sheet of air, the team found that a large amount of extraneous air was pulled along with it, something called “inducement” by people in the know.  The techies knew they could do something with this concept, and so began to apply the technology to a household fan.

Using friction and pressure, the concept of “inducement” was successfully applied to the Air Multiplier, whereby a thin sheet of air is blown out of a small opening at the rear of the unit.  Driven by a motor similar to that found in a jet turbine or a turbocharger, the 16 degree wing slope of the fan allows negative pressure to gather around the moving sheet of air, sucking more air along with it so that it is multiplied at 15 times more powerful.  The breeze is created by moving 118 gallons of air per second, which is what high level room fans generally do.  Instead of the chop that one experiences from angled, rotating blades, the Dyson Air Multiplier provides an unobtrusive stream of air that feels natural as it cools.

Right now prices are high at $299.99 for the 10 inch and $329.99 for the 12 inch.  But if you are looking for a natural feel from one of the most reliable companies around, the investment is well worth it.

For information on room fans, air purifiers, and filters, check out the GoVacuum website.

By Michele Kadison

These days green office supplies have become a part of the mainstream.  No longer the province of the few, sustainable business practices now include buying from manufacturers that are producing energy-efficient products.  This means that more office supplies consist of recycled materials such as paper products, furniture, and even electronic supplies.

One of the most prominent suppliers to eco-conscious businesses is Shoplet.com.  With over 200,000 products for sale, Shoplet is making it easier for consumers to find green alternatives to their business needs.  Over the last three years, a demand for these products has increased by 700%, an astonishing figure that attests to our increasing awareness of the viability of eco-friendly alternatives.  Speaking to this expanding awareness, Shoplet has created a Facebook application that calculates the amount of conserved energy, water conserved, and trees saved due to buying green products.

It has long been the notion that green choices meant higher prices with less value than conventional products.  This is no longer the case and customers are discovering that with easy access to finding green alternatives, the choice is an easy one. Shoplet is taking its mission to supply businesses with conscious supplies by extending their reach to the manufacturers themselves.  Experts are working with manufacturing companies to discover better ways to improve products from an ecological point of view.  HP is one example of a company now using more recycled material, and many other companies are following suit.

More and more businesses, government institutions, and individuals are discovering that buying green not only benefits the environment, but also their bottom line.  As the demand increases, so will the supply.

For more information on Green office supplies, see www.shoplet.com.  For information on Green cleaning supplies, see Green Cleaning.

Those of you who are fans of carpeting may or may not be aware of a relatively new fiber on the market known as PTT (Trimethylene Terephthalate) or Triexta.  This is a high-end fiber used for both the making of garments and carpeting.

There are many interesting elements to PTT, including the fact that it requires 30% less energy than in the production of an equal amount of nylon, which is often used in carpeting. A polyester known as SmartStrand, production also creates up to 63% less greenhouse gas emissions than nylon manufacturing.

Some other extremely positive factors in PTT carpeting are that it is allergy and asthma friendly, safe for children, and completely resistant to mold and mildew. Additionally, it is incredibly easy to clean, especially when it comes to hard-to-remove stains like coffee, red wine, tea, shoe polish, and the like.  Because it is quick to dry, mopping up spills is easy.  Containing a built-in protector, the material does not require topically applied chemicals that can wash or wear off over time. And with its resistance to discoloration from bleach or UV light, the carpeting is made to last.

If your home gets a lot of foot traffic, PTT carpeting can be a good way to go as it is made of fibers that are durable and rebound easily. Because it is also extremely soft, non-flammable and creates no static, the carpet is exceptionally comfortable underfoot.

With its elegant appearance, manufacturers claim that PTT/Triexta is one of the best flooring alternatives for creating a beautiful home while contributing to a cleaner, healthier environment. Judging from the low carbon footprint it seems to make during manufacture as well as the excellent performance it has in the home, they may be right.

We’ve received word that PayPal is currently experiencing severe errors, making their API’s and accounts basically inaccessible. GoVacuum uses PayPal as its payment processor (for both PayPal payments and credit card payments) and unfortunately this means that many customers who go through our checkout process may see an error that says “Unable to communicate with payment processor. Please try completing this transaction later” or “Error in communicating with PayPal. Please try completing this transaction later.”

We are aware of this error and we apologize to all our customers for the inconvenience. We actually chose a third party payment processor like PayPal to avoid such issues, but obviously this is out of our hands at this point. We have contacted the appropriate people at PayPal and Yahoo (our e-commerce platform provider), to alert them of the error and they have responded and told us that they are working on the issue and it should be resolved soon. In the meantime, some customers may experience errors in the checkout. If you do, please call us at 888-468-2210 to complete your transaction.

For more information about this problem with PayPal, you can read about it at TechCrunch.

Once again we apologize for this inconvenience and we hope that we can still help you find what you need. Feel free to contact us with any questions.

We just received notification from Electrolux of a safety recall for the popular Electrolux Pronto Stick Vacuum cleaner.  Electrolux recently discovered that a small number of Pronto models EL1000, EL1005, and EL1006, as well as the Ergorapido and PE1000 Precision Vacuum models are having problems with the rechargeable batteries leaking out of the vacuum cleaners. 

 Electrolux says “In a small number of recent reports, rechargeable battery cells indside the products have expanded and fractured the (vacuum) cleaner housing, sometimes expelling battery contents or projecting pieces from the unit.”

 Electrolux has isolated this problem to the Pronto, Ergorapido, and Precision units in the Red, Green, Gold, and Blue carrying the model numbers EL 1000A, EL 1000B, EL 1000BX, EL 1000BZ, EL 1005A, and PE 1000B that were manufactured between October 18, 2007 and December 21, 2008.  The vacuum with problems serial numbers are 074000001 through 085100001 and 74000001 through 85100001. 

 If you have purchased one of the affected vacuum cleaners, Electrolux is asking that you please unlpug the unit, and stop using it immediately, and call them to replace the defective parts at no cost to you. 

GoVacuum has not sold Electrolux vacuum cleaners since 2006, and have not sold any of the affected serial numbers, but we thought we should get this information out to help anyone that may have had this problem in getting this fixed.

You are asked to call Electrolux between 8:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. CT Monday-Friday, and 10:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. CT Saturday & Sunday at 1-800-932-1778, or visit the special website Electrolux created for this problem at; http://www.stickvacrecall.com