Changing your lifestyle to become more “green” or eco-friendly has become a norm amongst many households. We’ve even seen it from our customers who ask us regularly about green cleaning products and eco-friendly vacuums.
Being green, however, encompasses a ton of different factors so it is hard to accurately determine the “green-ness” of a product. But I was fascinated when I came across a vacuum that is made up of 50% recycled auto parts. As it turns out, like most people could have predicted, the vast majority of American and European consumers want eco-friendly products, a fact researched by the Electrolux company.
When we inquired about this machine, however, we were told that the machine was only built for a limited release in the European market, leaving the American market looking for other alternatives. I was sad to hear that we could not sell this machine to our customers (who are majority American). I can only hope that the limited release was to test out the profitability of the machine and that in the next year or so the Electrolux company continues to tweak the vacuum so that it can provide the world market with both a commercially viable and a eco-friendly vacuum.
In my infinite search for new wisdom, I am subscribed to an interesting site called Idea a Day. Today’s idea was something of obvious interest to me: vacuums. The author of the site made an interesting suggestion for a new kind of vacuum. Check out the idea below:
“Manufacture a vacuum cleaner with an integral carpet freshener function. An adjustable switch or trigger on the handle would dispense the user’s preferred brand of carpet deodorizer through a series of wide-spray nozzles on the front of the device. A dial mechanism (similar to those used on steam irons) would allow the user to adjust the intensity of each burst of the good stuff.”
After summoning the more mechanically and technically inclined members of the GoVacuum team for an emergency vacuum invention meeting, I realized that this technology already exists. Actually, I didn’t realize anything, I was reminded by GoVacuum’s CEO Bill Anand that this technology already existed. He reminded me of his early days of entrepreneurial activities where he sold Rainbow vacuums.
As it turns out, through the use of the Rainbow’s water filtration system, you can add fragrances into the machine so that your vacuuming efforts leave your carpets clean and smelling like your favorite fragrance. I believe the only part missing from fulfilling the “Idea a Day” dream is a nozzle that controls the level of fragrance output.
In the end, it was nice to see a dream come to fruition, albeit a partial fruition. It did leave me wondering, however…do any of our readers out there have their own vacuum invention dreams?
This week we’ve seen the vendors of many of the products we sell stepping up their efforts to make the world a better place. Earlier this week the GoVacuum team was impressed by IQAir’s commitment to providing clean air to the Olympics in Beijing.
Now, we found a new story. iRobot, the makers of the Roomba robotic vacuums, have upped their efforts in using robot technology to help solve many of the world’s complex problems.
Most recent is their unveiling of the iRobot Negotiator, a “low-cost tactical robot designed to meet the basic reconnaissance needs of public safety professionals.” To be delivered in the fourth quarter, this robot is aimed at “police departments, fire departments and domestic security experts.” Currently, the robot is estimated to be priced at $15,000 with certain options (including stair climbing capabilities) pushing that price to upwards of $20,000.
While we have been giddy to watch the Roomba scoot around our showrooms and houses, the fact that the company who gave us this cleaning technology is also helping save the world with their patented technologies makes us all the more excited to be Roomba dealers.
“GoVacuum, this is Chris speaking, How may I help you?”
When you’ve been in the vacuum industry for as long as I have, you can almost predict what the response is going to be on the other side of the line. More often than not, the question is something usually like “What is the best vacuum you sell?”
The thing is, however, that “best” is subjective to each individual vacuum owner. So I usually have to ask them questions about their flooring situation and cleaning preferences. But most often, I need to know whether the customer would prefer a canister or an upright vacuum, the eternal debate of the vacuum purchaser.
I can tell those in search of an upright vacuum, however, that I unequivocally have a favorite upright vacuum that I would not hesitate to label the “Best” in the industry. That vacuum is the Sebo X Series Upright Vacuum. In the X Series, there are two different models, the X4 and the X5. The only difference between these two is the length of the roller brush. The X5 is 15″ and the X4 is 12″
In order to explain my love for this machine, I put together a video (a rather long one too) demonstrating the features of this vacuum.
To sum up the video in text, I’ll briefly explain three main features of this machine that prove its superiority. These are:
Lifetime Warranty on the Belt (which is almost unheard of in the vacuum industry).
Automatic Height Adjustment on the head of the machine, letting you easily change between different floorings.
Durability - With proper maintenance, the machine can last you up to 25 years.
One of the most important aspects of vacuum cleaner is its motors suction rating. Over the years there have been many different terms used. Do you understand any of these terms? I am sure most people feel that a 1600 watt motor simply uses 1600 watts when vacuum cleaning a room. Not quite. Here is a rundown of the terms used over the years.
Amperage or Amps: the maximum amount of electrical current that can flow through the vacuum cleaner’s electrical system. Amp ratings are not power ratings; they are however a part of the formula for computing the input power of the motor.
Peak Horse Power: the peak horse power rating has pretty much disappeared in recent years. It was an inflated rating found by taking the suction motor without any fans and adding as much load as possible without burning it out. This was the peak horse power.
Air Watts: air watts measures the output power of the vacuum cleaner rather than the input power. This rating is mostly used for rating central vacuum system.
Sealed Suction: sealed suction is a measure of water lift of a vacuum cleaner and is a good indication of how well it will perform.
Air Flow: air flow is a measure in cubic feet per minute. While the air flow rating is not a direct rating of the power of the suction motor, it is affected by its suction. Air flow does not take into consideration any obstacles that may impede air flow.
Wattage or Watts: wattage ratings are simply a mathematical formula found by multiplying the amperage (amps) by the voltage (volts). Wattage is a measure of the input power of the motor.
A vacuum cleaners suction rating is an important aspect to consider when comparing vacuums prior to purchasing. However, don’t assume that a higher rating means better cleaning. Cleaning can be affected by the surface being cleaned, the vacuum cleaners maintenance condition and the condition of the various components such as filters and dust bags.
Before buying a vacuum cleaner talk to those who can best advise you. They will take into account all the conditions under which the vacuum cleaner is to be used and make recommendations. GoVacuum.com are vacuum cleaner specialist and will be only too happy to answer any questions and point you in the direction of the right vacuum cleaner for your needs.
Central vacuums are similar to your central heating system. A fixed motor is connected to a series of pipes which run to each of the rooms in the house that you wish to have connected to the system. Each of these rooms have a valve connection where the vacuum hose is attached.
Vacuuming could not be easier with a central vacuum. Take the vacuum hose into the room, plug it into the wall socket and clean the room. When you finish, unplug and move onto the next room. No canisters or uprights to carry around, just the hose and any attachments.
One of the side benefits in using a central vacuum cleaner is the lack of recycled air. Conventional vacuum cleaners suck air (and dirt or dust) into the vacuum where the dirt or dust is filtered out and the air sent back out into the room. With good vacuums this normally not an issue, however, with a central vacuums it is non issue as the air is expelled in the basement or garage, wherever the main motor is situated.
Central vacuum cleaners tend to be much quieter than traditional units whilst still maintaining a strong cleaning action. Other benefits include the increase in home values, once installed you will never need to purchase a vacuum cleaner again.
There are two types of central vacuum cleaners:
Filtered: these use a variety of filters to clean the air taken in by the vacuum. The filters will still need to be cleaned and replaced.
Cyclonic: these use centrifugal tornado-like force and gravity to separate the impurities from the air being taken in by the vacuum and deposits the dirt into a canister.
GoVacuum.com can help you out with any questions related to central vacuum cleaners, their installation, and any attachments required.
The vacuum cleaner as a technology is only just over 100 years old. Prior to the vacuum cleaner we had to cart our carpets outside and beat the dust out of them, give then an airing then drag them all back inside. It is understandable that this didn’t happen all that often, in fact, this is became part of the spring cleaning routine.
The first vacuum cleaner was actually a blower. It blew the dust out of the carpet, into the air where it gently settled back where it came from, or all over the furniture. Hardly a success. The next model used suction to draw air, and dirt into a filter. The unit was so big it had to be parked in the street.
We have come a long way since those days. The upright, still popular now, was the first truly commercial vacuum cleaner and was sold by door to door salesmen. The Goblin brand, one of the first manufacturers, had over 2500 sale people throughout the UK in the early 1920’s.
Since then we have evolved first to the barrel type vacuums, then to canisters and on to portable and backpack style vacuum cleaners. The latest are the robotic style of vacuum cleaners that propel themselves around your room extracting any dirt and dust along the way.
Filter technology has made the biggest leap where vacuum cleaners originally relied on large cloth bags hanging off the side of uprights to the latest HEPA triple filter air cleaning pollen reducing filters that leave the air as pure as possible.
We often take our modern vacuum cleaners for granted, however one thing I do know, I am sure glad we no longer have to park them in the street to clean our carpets.
Sometimes your vacuum is just a little to big for some of the jobs around the home or office. Portable vacuum cleaners can be a little to small as well. These days there are attachments for just about every conceivable tricky spot that needs cleaning.
Take your computer, particularly the keyboard and some of the sensitive places inside; or the printer filled with printer dust. Your standard vacuum doesn’t quite get the job done and whilst you can buy little computer vacs, do you really want another vacuum cleaner around the place.
The answer is the Mini Attachment set that is designed to fit most vacuum cleaners with round hoses. The set includes a curved extension, straight extension, oval brush, round brush, crevice tool and the adapter. There is sure to be a tool there for all your little jobs with the bonus of using the full power of your vacuum cleaner.
How about tricky spots like your ceiling fans. You could always stand on a chair with a bucket of water and old rag and give them a wash. Perhaps climb a ladder with the vacuum strapped to your back. The answer is the Ceiling Fan Attachment set that helps you clean both the underside and top of your ceiling fans safely and quickly. No more chairs or ladders.
Do you drag your refrigerator out on a regular basis to clean around, under and behind it. How about a handy little Under The Refrigerator Cleaning Wand to make life easier. Simply attach it to your vacuum cleaner and the wand will reach under and behind your refrigerator to clean out all the accumulated dust. Life is getting easier.
These are just some of the attachments that are available and the best thing about them - they are designed to fit nearly all vacuum cleaners. Actually, that is the second best thing about them - the best thing is the amount of work, time and effort they save.
GoVacuum.com have these plus many other attachments and cleaning accessories so check out our range; while your there feel free to ask any questions particularly when it comes to fitting any of these attachments to your vacuum cleaner.
Some people lead very busy lives and the last thing they want to do is vacuum floors. For others, it is not an option. Take the elderly or frail for example…they are often not physically capable of pushing (or pulling) a vacuum cleaner around. However, there is an answer. The Robotic Vacuum Cleaner.
Robotic vacuum cleaners can do a thorough job of cleaning the floors as they are equipped with sensors. Some models even doing spot cleaning until the area is spotless. Many robotic vacuum cleaners use sensors to identify when they are at the top of the stairs, thus preventing an disasterous flight down. Being robotic, they are able to work around all obstacles on the floor without getting stuck.
Most robot vacuum cleaners sit under four inches in height and can often fit beneath objects that are missed by conventional vacuum cleaners. For some, a side brush is fitted to clean the baseboards and get into those hard-to-reach corners. With all these features it is surprising they have not made it into every household but their time is coming.
Our range of robotic vacuum cleaners are safe around children and animals as they have a cut out device to stop the action if picked up or turned upside down. Newer models can be controlled by remotes and self charging stations. Top of the range models even empty their own dust containers.
If you would like more information on Robotic Vacuum Cleaners then check out our range at GoVacuum.com - we are always happy to discuss your vacuum cleaning needs.
HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air which is quite a mouthful and I am sure you are none the wiser. Rather than looking at the name, let’s have a look at what it is.
HEPA filters are filters that contains tiny screens designed to trap the tiniest particles; so tiny they are measured in microns. To give you an indication of size, a human hair measures around 70 microns and pollen measures between 5 and 100 microns. Quality HEPA filters are designed to trap particles as small as 0.3 microns - now that is tiny! HEPA filters with an 0.3 micron rating can trap and remove 99.97% of all particles - now you’re talking clean air.
These filters are recommended for those suffering with allergies; particularly if they live or work in high allergy areas. One the quirks of HEPA filters is that the more they are used, the more efficient they become. The more efficient they are, the less allergens remain in the air providing allergy sufferers with some respite.
HEPA filters are noted for removing pollen, dust mites, animal hair and dander from all surfaces without leaving any residue in the air. There is nothing worse than vacuuming a floor for example and then spending the rest of the day sneezing because of the dust thrown into the air.
Good vacuum cleaners will have their HEPA rating listed in their specs. Look for those that have an 0.3 micron rating and you will know that you have a great vacuum. HEPA filtered vacuum cleaners come in both canister and upright versions so there are plenty of options to choose from.
If you want cleaner healthier air, then perhaps a HEPA filtered vacuum cleaner should be considered when you next purchase a vacuum cleaner. If you need any further information on HEPA filters, feel free to contact us at GoVacuum.com.
HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air which is quite a mouthful and I am sure you are none the wiser. Rather than looking at the name, let’s have a look at what it is.