Upright Vacuums 101: Features, Maintenance, Accessories & More

Are you sick of carrying around a big, heavy vacuum cleaner that hurts your back and does not clean your floors well? With the upright vacuum, it is time to get rid of the old and welcome the new.

This clever cleaning tool will not only save you time and energy, but it will also give your carpets and hard floors a better clean.

In this article, I will talk about why an upright vacuum is a game-changer for any homeowner and what its benefits are.

So, take a seat, relax, and get ready to learn about the upright vacuum's power.

Upright Vacuums: Features and Maintenance

Advantages and Disadvantages of Upright Vacuum Cleaners

Straight vacuums are all-in-one machines that stand upright and balance on the power head/power nozzle.

They usually clean carpets better than canister vacuums and are more efficient, less expensive, and easier to move and store.

But because they have everything in one place, they often feel much heavier.

On the other hand, canister vacuum cleaners are quieter than uprights and work better on bare floors, but they cost more.

Since you only have to move the wand and powerhead to clean them, they tend to feel lighter to use.

Also, the body of the canister has wheels that make it easy to move around a room.

When deciding between an upright vacuum and a canister vacuum, you should think about how you will use it, your personal preferences, your budget, how much weight you can handle, how you will store it, and how much cleaning power you will need for carpets or bare floors.

Key Features to Consider When Purchasing an Upright Vacuum

  • Flooring type: Upright vacuum cleaners are the best choice for homes with a lot of carpeting or wall-to-wall carpets.
  • Power performance: Ensure the vacuum has enough power for effective removal of dust and other dirt.
  • Suction capacity: The more suction power the vacuum has, the better it will be for cleaning.
  • Manually controlled suction: Preference should be given to machines with manually controlled suction for better cleaning.
  • Convenience features: Look for features such as on/off brushroll control, height adjustment, and suction control.
  • Quality filters: Ensure the vacuum cleaner has powerful suction and quality filters.
  • Bagged or bagless units: Upright vacuums offer the choice of bagged or bagless units.
  • Customer reviews: Check reviews from other customers who have used similar models and brands.

Using and Maintaining Your Upright Vacuum

  • To properly use and maintain an upright vacuum for optimal cleaning performance, follow these steps:
  • Check the dirt level: For bagged vacuums, change the bag when it is 1/2 to 2/3 full. For bagless vacuums, empty the dirt canister after every use and pay attention to the max fill line while vacuuming.
  • Clean your vacuum regularly: Aim to clean your vacuum every month or sooner if it's not working well or if it's smelly. To do this, unplug the vacuum, remove any attachments or hoses, cut away any hair or string around the brush roll, and wash or rinse parts with warm soapy water. Let them dry completely before reassembling.
  • Adjust the nozzle height: Set the nozzle on high, then lower it just until the bristles make contact with the carpet pile. Don't go lower to avoid damaging your carpet.
  • Schedule regular maintenance service: Regular maintenance ensures that all parts are working correctly and efficiently, prolonging the lifespan of your vacuum.

The Importance of Filtration System in Upright Vacuums

When it comes to cleaning your home, an upright vacuum cleaner is a popular choice due to its convenience and efficiency.

However, one crucial aspect that often gets overlooked is the filtration system.

A good filtration system is essential in trapping dust, allergens, and other particles that can cause respiratory problems.

It is especially important for people with allergies or asthma.

A high-quality filtration system can capture up to 99.9% of particles, ensuring that the air in your home is clean and healthy.

HEPA filters are the most effective type of filtration system, and many upright vacuums come with this feature.

When choosing an upright vacuum, it is crucial to consider the filtration system to ensure that you are getting the best cleaning experience for your home and your health.

For more information:

Clean Air, Clean Home: Vacuum Filtration 101Clean Air, Clean Home: Vacuum Filtration 101

Upright Vacuums: Flooring and Noise

  • Upright Vacuum Cleaners: Ideal Flooring and Noise Considerations

Best Flooring for Upright Vacuums

  • When choosing a vacuum cleaner, it is important to consider the type of flooring in your home. Upright vacuums are best suited for:
  • Carpets
  • Low-pile rugs

They can also work well on bare floors like hardwood or tile, but if you have hardwood floors all over your house, you might want to look into other vacuums like cordless ones with a soft roller or canister vacuums.

Noise Levels of Upright Vacuums

Most upright vacuums are louder than canister vacuums, making about 70 decibels of noise on average. But it is possible to find a quiet upright vacuum with a decibel level of about 70. The unibody design of upright vacuums makes it hard to muffle the sound from the motor. The average noise level of a canister vacuum is between 60 and 65 decibels, which is lower than that of an upright vacuum.

Reducing Vacuum Noise

  • There are several ways to reduce the noise level of a vacuum cleaner:
  • Choose a canister vacuum instead of an upright vacuum, as they are usually quieter.
  • Choose a cordless stick vacuum if weight is a big concern, as they tend to be quieter than canister and upright vacuums.
  • Install a central vacuum cleaner on the lowest level of the building in a low traffic area, such as a laundry room or workshop, where loud noises can be emitted.

Tips for Reducing Noise in Existing Upright Vacuums

  • If you already have an upright vacuum and want to reduce its noise level, there are several things you can do:
  • Make sure that the bag or dirt cup is not full, as this can cause excessive noise.
  • Check the brush roll (the spinning brushes) for any debris that may contribute to excessive noise and clean it if necessary.
  • Check the short length of hose that allows the handle and body to flex in relation to the base for any clogs and remove them using a hanger wire if necessary.
  • Check for clogged secondary or internal filters which may contribute to extra noise and clean or replace them if necessary.

Upright Vacuums: Accessories and Safety

Common Attachments and Accessories

  • Upright vacuums come with several accessories and attachments that make cleaning easier. These typically include:
  • Crevice tool: A skinny, angled tip attachment for tight spots such as corners, baseboards, around radiators, between sofa cushions, and more.
  • Upholstery tool: A wide attachment with a lint-catching fabric strip for cleaning sofas, chairs, mattresses, and cushions.
  • Extension wand: Provides extra reach for high ceilings, corners, or deep spaces behind appliances.
  • Floor brush: A lighter-weight head for cleaning hardwood and tile floors, typically included with full-sized canister vacuum cleaners.

Vacuums may also come with hose attachments, corner cleaner attachments, tools for grooming pets, and tools for getting rid of dust and allergens from mattresses and upholstery.

Safety Considerations

  • When using an upright vacuum, there are several safety considerations to keep in mind:
  • Ergonomics: Choose a vacuum with an ergonomic handle to reduce strain and decrease the risk of injury. Pairing a tall operator with a shorter upright vacuum can cause hunching and increase twisting during operation.
  • Foot protection: Wear slippers while vacuuming to avoid accidents like toes getting stuck in the vacuum nozzle when the carpet is lifted. Clean the house without hurrying, and if necessary, lift the carpet before vacuuming.
  • Protective clothing: Wear hand gloves to keep your hands free from dirt, debris, and dust while vacuuming.
  • Electrical safety: Keep your vacuum cleaner far away from flammable or combustible materials while using the machine.

Upright Vacuums: Lifespan and Troubleshooting

  • Upright Vacuum Cleaners: Lifespan, Maintenance, and Troubleshooting

Lifespan of Upright Vacuum Cleaners

  • Median lifespan of a vacuum cleaner is 8 years
  • Mid-range vacuum cleaners typically last about 6 years
  • Some vacuums can last up to a decade with everyday use

Signs It's Time to Replace Your Vacuum Cleaner

  • Age: more than 8 years old with heavy use
  • Reduced suction power
  • Loud noises during operation
  • Major faults: broken switches or burnt-out motors

Regular Maintenance to Extend Vacuum Cleaner Life

  • Clean filters regularly
  • Replace drive belts when necessary

Loss of Suction

  • Check for a full bag (if applicable) or debris container seal issues (for bagless vacuums)
  • Clean dirty or blocked filters with a baking soda and water solution, or replace if necessary
  • Inspect the hose for visible blockages and gently push a broom handle through it to locate and remove any obstructions

Burning Smell or Beater Bar Not Moving

  • Replace the slipped or jammed drive belt
  • Remove any obstructions from the drive belt

Jammed Cleaning Heads

  • Check for blockages in the hose
  • Empty the bag or bin if needed
  • Clean or replace filters as required

Important Tips

  • Always consult the vacuum cleaner manual before attempting repairs
  • If the vacuum is under warranty, avoid taking it apart yourself to prevent voiding the warranty

Choosing the Right Upright Vacuum

  • Upright Vacuum Cleaners: Choosing the Right One for Your Needs

Factors to Consider

  • When choosing the best upright vacuum cleaner for your specific needs and budget, consider the following factors:
  • Type of flooring in your home
  • Suction power and airflow ratings
  • Filtration capabilities
  • Ease of use
  • Presence of pets

Flooring Type

If your home has different types of carpeting and bare floors, choose a vacuum that has tools for the most delicate rug you own.

Suction Power and Airflow Ratings

A good upright vacuum cleaner should have at least 60 CFM, which stands for cubic feet per minute.

Conclusion

In the end, upright vacuums are a popular choice in many homes because they are easy to use and clean carpets and floors well.

Before making a purchase, you should think about what you need for your home and how you live.

Do you have a lot of pets that shed? Have a lot of stairs or places that are hard to get to? The type of upright vacuum that will work best for you will depend a lot on these things.

But we should also think about the role cleaning plays in our lives, not just from a practical point of view.

Vacuuming may seem like a boring task, but it gives us a chance to take care of our homes and make them a clean, comfortable place for us and our loved ones.

It is a small way to take care of ourselves that can make a big difference in our overall health.

So, the next time you use your upright vacuum, stop and think about how nice it is to have a clean home.

And do not forget that buying a good vacuum can make this job even more fun and effective.

Good luck cleaning!

Looking for a new robot vacuum?

Choosing a gadget can be very difficult if you know nothing about the technology.

Some will pay for features they do not need while others may not consider what they really want.

So I created this quick, newbie guide to help you focus on what is really important to you:

The best robot vacuum for you.The best robot vacuum for you.

Links and references

Bissell instruction manual for CleanView vacuum cleaner

Wikipedia page on vacuum cleaners.

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