Selecting a Vacuum Cleaner

Selecting a Vacuum Cleaner

Hardly a week passes that I'm not questioned about the selection of a vacuum cleaner. Personally, I have found the Miele canister to be an excellent vacuum. I have used dozens of vacuum in years of professionally cleaning homes and I'm very pleased with the Meile. It's expensive but has done a wonderful job.

Carpet Stain Remover: My New CleanEz is proving to do an excellent job removing all kinds of stains from carpet. The new trick at rest stops is to drop fresh gum at your car door. Yes I stepped in it smearing it all over the carpet of my brand new truck. CleanEz removed the gum in a matter of a minute and I was on my way. 

Here is an article from the Carpet and Rug Institute on selection of a vacuum cleaner. Their website also contains a list of their Green Label approved vacuums. Interestingly enough Eureka vacuums are not included in the list.

"High performance vacuum cleaners have a significant impact on improved indoor air quality (IAQ). At the same time, vacuums that effectively remove and contain soil while keeping the carpet looking good will help carpets last longer. So, ultimately, better performing vacuums provide a greater return on your investment and ensure a healthier indoor environment.

Recognizing the need to identify superior cleaning equipment, CRI introduced its Green Label Testing Program for vacuum cleaners in 2000. This program tests two general categories of vacuums: a) general purpose vacuums approved for use on all conventional carpet styles; and b) vacuums specifically approved for use on carpet with a low pile, or surface texture, measuring approximately 1/4 inch or less.

To qualify for the Green Label, these vacuums must go through a stringent testing process that measures three key performance factors:

• Soil Removal — The vacuum must remove a set quantity of soil from carpet in four passes
• Dust Containment — The vacuum must not release more than 100 micrograms of dust particles per cubic meter of air. This protocol evaluates the total amount of dust particles released by the brush rolls, through the filtration bag and via any air leaks from the system, and is more stringent than the National Ambient Air Quality Standards
• Carpet Appearance Retention — The vacuum should not affect the appearance of the carpet more than a one-step change based on one year of normal vacuum use

Vacuums meeting the above protocols, which have been peer reviewed by scientists, can display the CRI Green Label on packaging, merchandising displays and on the machine itself. Since the launch of this test in 2000, CRI has certified more than one hundred machines in the following categories: backpacks, canisters, central systems, and uprights.

Ultimately, proper carpet maintenance is assured and made significantly easier with high quality machines that are CRI Green Label-certified. This important testing program has raised the bar for all vacuum cleaners on the market, resulting in cleaner, longer-lasting carpet and improved IAQ."

This article may only be reprinted giving full credit to Mary Findley and her website at http://www.goclean.com. Copyright @2006 All rights reserved worldwide.