How to choose a washing vacuum cleaner?
If you decide to purchase a washing vacuum cleaner, then you probably know that you can find different types of this equipment in stores. It is the assortment that can often confuse the buyer. What to choose - a vertical model, a robot, a standard wired one, or even a manual modification?
This article will help you understand how different power vacs work, what your options are, and what to look for to find the best one for your home.
The content of the article
Types of washing vacuum cleaners and the principle of their operation
Regardless of which type of vacuum cleaner you choose, they work the same:
- Clean water and sometimes detergent are poured into the container.
- In spray mode, liquid under pressure is supplied to the nozzle through a hose and distributed over its surface, thereby wetting the floor covering.
- Further (under the influence of rarefied air), dirty water collected from the surface leaves through special channels that remove dirt.
- From there it goes into another tank, already intended for used water.
It is worth noting another important feature of washing vacuum cleaners: some models are suitable for dry cleaning.To do this, you need to turn on a special mode at the right time.
It is convenient to wash any type of floor covering with a washing vacuum cleaner: laminate, parquet, linoleum, wood, stone, tile.
As you can see, the principle of operation is quite simple and clear - it does not change. The only difference between such equipment is their appearance.
Standard wired
Visually they are practically no different from conventional “dry” vacuum cleaners. They are intended for domestic use, therefore they are equipped with small capacity tanks. These are small, lightweight and easy to store devices that provide good suction, especially on upholstery.
The advantage of such models is that they can often perform both dry and wet cleaning.
Vertical wired
Suitable for those who do not like to bend over while tidying up and have a lot of carpets or rugs at home. Plus, such models are quite mobile. In addition to suction power, upright units have belt-driven rotating brushes that help sweep up stubborn dirt.
Vertical wireless
A great option if you live in a house with several levels, want something light and not bulky, and there are no outlets in the rooms in the right places. Such models allow you to move freely without wires, and each full charge provides approximately 30-40 minutes of cleaning.
Manual
Small devices that are more suitable for cleaning a car, upholstery, tiles or stairs. They generally have low suction power, so they are unlikely to be suitable for cleaning the entire house.
Robot vacuum cleaner
If you don't like working with a vacuum cleaner and want to save your time, then this is the best choice.
- Uses intelligent navigation systems to navigate your home and detect dirt.
- You can set your robot to clean at a preset time.
- Powered by charging.
How to choose a washing vacuum cleaner
Before you go to the store and become the proud owner of a similar type of equipment, study the characteristics and pay attention to important indicators.
Suction power
For high-quality cleaning and removal of stubborn dirt, the device must have a suction power of 380 W or more. It must be taken into account that during operation a small percentage of energy is additionally spent on filtration, humidification, and sometimes deodorization.
Water tank volume
To correctly calculate the optimal tank volume, consider the area of the room you are going to clean:
- for small apartments up to 3 rooms, a 3-4 liter tank is sufficient;
- spacious houses - at least 8.
Filtration system
To prevent dust from coming back into the room during cleaning, the device is equipped with a filter system. It may consist of one or more barriers that trap dirt. The most effective:
- fine cleaning (HEPA) - there are different classes, depending on which small particles and allergens are retained by 99.99%;
- separators with efficiency up to 99.97%;
- carbon filter - eliminates unpleasant odors, ideal if you have pets;
- aqua (water) filters – hold dirt in a separate tank, which significantly reduces the risk of backflow. The air masses collected by the vacuum cleaner pass through a water filter, which is capable of creating vortex flows of the highest possible speed.
Dimensions and weight
These indicators depend on the specific type of washing vacuum cleaner.If it is a vertical or manual model, it should be lightweight, and if it is a standard version, then think about where you will store it so that it does not take up much space.
Noise level
Not the most important criterion, although for some reason they pay attention to it. In any case, the vacuum cleaner will make noise, and it is unlikely that you are going to clean late at night. However, the maximum noise level in different models does not exceed 80 dB.
Cunning! Devices in which the engine is located above the tanks are less noisy, since this arrangement creates additional sound insulation.
Ease of maintenance
Washing vacuum cleaners must be cleaned after each use: this contributes to a long service life. But also be sure to pay attention to how easy the tanks are to remove, how they are located, and whether you will have any difficulties during disassembly.
Additional attachments
Different surfaces require the right tools. Most vacuum cleaners come with a variety of brushes, or you can buy them separately:
- Slotted. A thin instrument with a sharp end. Great for narrow spaces, baseboards, heating radiators, upholstered furniture.
- For upholstery. Wide nozzle with a fleecy stripe. Designed for curtains, pillows, sofas and armchairs.
- For dust. Brush with soft bristles. It is used to treat window sills, shelving, lampshades, and keyboards.
- Turbo brush. For effective cleaning of pile carpets and pet hair. It needs to be cleaned after each use to ensure best performance.
