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DISCLAIMER:
Whilst all care is taken to provide accurate information with respect to the item described, the Independent Living Centre (ILC) is not involved in product design or manufacture, and therefore not in a position to guarantee the accuracy of the information provided. Selection of equipment, which is both suitable and appropriate for individual needs remains the responsibility of the person(s) considering requisition, and no responsibility is taken by the ILC for any loss or injury caused through use of the equipment or alleged to have arisen through reliance upon information provided. As information is subject to change any enquiries should be directed to the manufacturer.
Item Details
A Buyers Guide - Vacuum Cleaners
ILC Reference NO 32:37:608
Item sourced from ILC ACT database
Short Description
Vacuum cleaners are available in a number of different styles : ducted vacuum cleaning systems, upright cleaners, barrel or canister style and small hand held types. In addition wet dry vacuum cleaners are available in canister, hand held and upright styles.
Price Guide
Refer to supplier details for pricing.
More Details
DUCTED VACUUM CLEANING SYSTEMS :
These units are built into the home. They consist of :
. A motor and dust collection unit (usually located on outside wall or in the garage).
. Ducted tubing to 2 - 4 outlets within the home.
. Flexible hose and attachments which connect with outlets.
Features of this type of system are :
. No bags to empty, main collection unit emptied a few times each year.
. Powerful
. Low noise within home.
. Lightweight to manoeuvre.
UPRIGHT VACUUM CLEANERS
This style is upright and suction works by sucking dust up through a fan and blowing it into the collection bag. In addition brushes beat the dust up from the carpet.
Features of this type of cleaner are :
. Eliminates need to bend; most have on/off button on handle.
. Wand and hose attachment for cleaning furniture and crevices.
. Head adjustment to suit different carpet pile heights and tiled, wood or slate floors.
. More difficult than barrel style to manoeuvre when there is a lot of
furniture to be cleaned around and under.
. Can be heavy to carry upstairs.
. Dust bags must be changed or emptied regularly.
CANISTER OR BARREL STYLE VACUUM CLEANERS
These vacuum cleaners sit on the floor on wheels. The user vacuums with tubing and attachments and pulls cleaner along. They vary in size from small and lightweight to quite large and heavy. Fan is usually positioned after the bag so suction is decreased compared to uprights.
Features of this type of vacuum cleaner are :
. Can manoeuver under furniture.
. Dust bags need to be replaced or emptied at regular intervals.
. Can be used on carpet and bare floors.
HAND-HELD VACUUM CLEANERS
These cleaners are available in both corded and cordless, rechargeable models.
They are designed for small pick ups only.
Features of this type of cleaner are:
. Ease of storage.
. Lightweight; although entire weight must be carried whilst cleaner is used.
. Suitable for small spills.
. Able to get into difficult places, eg. furniture, stairs.
WET - DRY VACUUM CLEANERS
These cleaners are available in canister, upright or hand held units. They are designed to shampoo and clean-up liquid from large surfaces and in some hand held styles, to pick up small liquid spills. Large cleaners are often time consuming to assemble and have small parts.
POINTS TO CONSIDER IN THE PURCHASE OF VACUUM CLEANERS :
. Location and space available for storage. Environment in which the cleaner is to be used.
. Dust collector. Vacuum cleaners collect the dust in paper or reusable cloth bags. Reusable bags generate less waste and will be cheaper in the long run. Is the dust bag easy to remove?
. Floor adjustment. Can brush head be adjusted for different carpet piles and bare floor?
. Optional extras : Does the cleaner come with or, are other attachments available for purchase, such as crevice nozzle, dusting brush and upholstery brush? Is there room for storage of these on the cleaner?
. Dustbag full indicator. Some cleaners have an indicator as to when dustbag is full.
. Blower. Is there an exhaust hole to blow air back through tubing? May be useful to clear tube or to inflate some items, eg air beds.
. Retractable cord storage.
. Size and location of on/off button. Are they clearly visible and easy to
reach and turn on and off. Are they clear and easy to read, ie large print in contrasting colours.
. Weight of cleaner.
. Length and conditions of warranty.
For further information check Choice magazine, the yellow pages of the telephone book or talk to a retailer.
We are pleased to receive feedback on the information we provide...
If there is something we should add or need to change, please let us know.
These are general suggestions - If you experience considerable difficulty in performing activities of daily living, consult an Occupational Therapist at a Community Health Centre or Aged Care Assessment Team, or make an appointment with the ILC.
Supplier Information - click to supplier for contacts details
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