Vacuum Groom

Vacuum Cleaner Reviews to Groom Your Home

Best Central Vacuum Powerhead – Review of The Top 4 Heads in 2020

by

Here are the highest rated central vacuum powerheads, from the most complete kit to the cheapest and easiest to use. Our top choice goes to the …

Choosing a reliable powerhead is important so that you maximize the power of your central vacuum system. There are many options for powerheads, ranging from the most complete kit to the most affordable and easy to use. Which one should you get?

Highest Rated Central Vacuum Powerheads

Here are the best powerheads for central vacuums in 2020:

  1. Wessel Werk EBK 360 – Best Overall Powerhead
  2. NuTone CT700 Deluxe – Most Lightweight Head
  3. Comet Central Vacuum Kit – Complete Accessories
  4. Cen-Tec Systems Vacuflo Turbocat – Most Affordable Head

Read a brief review of each one below:

1. Wessel Werk EBK 360 – Best Overall Powerhead

The Wessel Werk EBK 360 is our top choice for a central vacuum head. It can work efficiently for cleaning a variety of floors and also for deep cleaning low-pile or high-pile carpets. It’s price tag is friendly if compared to other heads, which makes it popular among users.

This vacuum head comes with a 5-height adjustment that makes transitioning between bare floors and area rugs or carpets smooth. When you purchase the kit, you get an integrated telescoping wand, a 30 ft direct connect hose, or 35 ft pigtail hose, depending on your choice.

Notable features about the EBK 360 that make your cleaning chores become easy is a 360-degree swivel steering that allows you to maneuver in small areas. The head has LED lights that brighten up dark corners or under furniture to help you do a thorough cleaning.

At 10 lbs, the Wessel Werk powerhead isn’t the most lightweight option. The height adjustment may not be as smooth as you like. You can buy just the head or the full kit. Considering the factors we review here, it is a great choice for a central vacuum head.

2. NuTone CT700 Deluxe – Most Lightweight Head

Our second top recommendation goes to the NuTone CT700 Deluxe. This powerhead is particularly useful for deep cleaning carpets of various thickness, making them look almost brand new.

As the bigger brother of the NuTone CT600 and CT650, the CT700 has ample new features. Among them is a 4 height adjustment that you control with a foot switch. Similar to the Wessel Werk, this vacuum head also has a wide LED light that aids you in cleaning low light or dark areas.

The downside is that some users report their vacuum head breaking apart after some use. Though there are some issues, being a lightweight head at around 1 lb makes the CT700 a worthy choice. Note that this product contains only the head with no other accessories.

3. Comet Central Vacuum Kit – Complete Accessories

If you’re looking for a powerhead that comes with a complete set of accessories, then the Comet Central Vacuum Kit is the one for you. It’s compatible with various brands of central vacuums that have a 1.5” inlet valve.

With this kit you get a 35 foot hose with direct connect or pigtail configuration, a 12” floor brush, telescopic wand, red dust mop, upholstery tool, crevice tool, and dusting brush to cover all of your cleaning needs.

Similar with the Wessel Werk and NuTone above, the Comet has a 360-degree swivel and LED lights, giving you maneuverability and lighting in hard to reach places. The hose of the Comet is tough, preventing any dents or damage from accidents.

This powerhead can prevent hair build-up with its sealed bearings if you are cleaning pet hair. It has a transparent window that allows you to see if there are any debris jamming up the brush roller.

There is a lack of manual instructions, but the kit and accessories should be simple enough to install without any problems.

4. Centec Systems Vacuflo Turbocat – Most Affordable Head

The Centec Systems Vacuflo Turbocat is a no frills, simple vacuum head that uses air flow to run. This type of head uses the air from the central system as a turbine to operate. You won’t need electricity or batteries to use the Turbocat.

Running on air flow, this head is rather quiet, making it a good fit if you often require a low noise vacuum while other family members, housemates, or even pets do their activities. It’s also light at 4.5 lbs, thought not as lightweight as the NuTone.

The best aspect of the Turbocat is that it’s the cheapest option on our list and it’s powerful enough to efficiently clean various types of floors, though it’s not the best choice for cleaning carpet.

Considerations When Choosing a Powerhead

Electric Powerheads or Air Turbine Ones?

Air Turbine or air driven heads use the air flow from the central vacuum system to power up the suction. These types of heads are best used for cleaning bare floors and carpets with low thickness, including area rugs.

On the other side, electric heads use a motor for the suction and you can turn it on or off using a switch. Electric powerheads are best for deep cleaning thick carpets. These heads offer more powerful suction than air turbine ones, but require electric cost to run.

Hose Compatibility With Inlet Valves

You want to avoid buying a powerhead that you can’t plug into your inlet valve. The good news is that the heads we recommend on this page are compatible with many types of central vacuums.

Some vacuum systems have proprietary valves and you must pay attention whether your head can plug into them. There are also adapters available if you need to make connection adjustments. By paying attention to the compatibility, you ensure you get an efficiently working powerhead.

How Does A Wet Vacuum Cleaner Work?

by

A wet vacuum uses two devices that separate wet spills from the dry dust. Owning one can increase your cleaning efficiency while making work easier.

The introduction of the wet vacuum was a result of the inconsiderable time people spend trying to get rid of tough liquid stains. It gets worse if you have kids who tend to spill everything from juice to mush on the carpet.

The wet/dry vacuum cleaner doesn’t make use of two bags. Rather, it uses two devices that separate the wet spills from the dry dust. Owning a wet vacuum cleaner is advisable because it can increase your cleaning efficiency while making work easier.

In most cases, you will come along a wet and dry vacuum cleaner which does the job of both removing dust and wet spills. It comes with interchangeable brushes made to get rid of wet spills and dry debris.

It is advisable to stick to vacuuming water. Just because you have the option to vacuum spills doesn’t mean you have to do it.

If, for example, you need to clean spilled milk, and you want to use the cleaner, you will have to do a lot. Once you get the cleaner, you will have to remove the filter and select an attachment. You will then need to vacuum the milk, clean it out, and clean the whole wet vacuum cleaner again.

Instead of taking your machine through all this, why not use a paper towel instead? Doing this preserves the cleaner for a longer time, as opposed to using it all the time, even when it’s unnecessary.

Using a wet vacuum cleaner ensures that cleaning the wet spills is no longer cumbersome. If you own a wet vacuum cleaner, you need to know how to take care of it to avoid doing constant repairs.

Below are ways to take care of your wet vacuum cleaner to ensure it lasts longer.

Invest In a High-Quality Machine

If you plan to purchase a wet vacuum and your house is big, it’s good to invest in a high-quality machine, especially if you anticipate the cleaner to be in constant use. If you buy a good machine and take good care of it, it will serve its purpose for a longer time.

Please don’t go for a cheap machine since it may be of low quality and may require constant repairs. Do your research in advance to understand which brands you need to buy.

Clean the Wet Vacuum Cleaner

After using it, taking care of the wet vacuum cleaner is necessary for it to remain functional for a long time. Since the wet vacuum cleaner handles moisture, there is a high chance of mildew developing inside the device if the cleaner is not maintained.

It would be best to give it a good scrub as often as possible to provide no room for mildew and molds to develop. Just use warm water, scrub, and soap to clean every corner of the wet vacuum cleaner thoroughly.

Store It in a Proper Place

How you store the wet vacuum cleaner matters. You shouldn’t be placing it everywhere, even when it’s not in use. Since the cleaner is also heavy and sucks up puddles of water, it’s good to have the right storage place. Store the cleaner in an area where you do the vacuuming often.

The wet vacuum cleaner comes in handy when you need to clean wet spills. It makes cleaning easier and saves you a lot of time. Ensure you maintain it if you want it to have a long life span.

Roomba 614 vs 675: Which One is The Better Robot Vacuum?

by

The iRobot Roomba is a highly popular choice for a robot vacuum. Though there are many model numbers available, currently the official iRobot site only offer two versions of the Roomba 600 series: the 614 and the 675.

Let’s look at each vacuum so that you can decide which one is the right one for your needs.

Roomba 614

The 614 operates using a remote control. You can use the remote to choose various cleaning modes that the Roomba has. This remote is also useful to order the vacuum to recharge, and for setting a cleaning schedule. These features make it easy for you to control the vacuum and customize the workflow according to what you need.

The Roomba 614 can handle cleaning bare floors, carpets, and picking up pet hair. It uses a simple and effective cleaning system consisting of side brushes that suck up the dirt, dust, and other gunk within the vicinity of the robot as it crawls along the floor.

The brushes push the dirt underneath the vacuum and enters the main brush. The main brush cleans dirt that is directly underneath the robot. The final step of the cleaning involves pushing the dirt into the vacuum’s suction and ultimately dust bin.

This system makes it easy for the 614 to do thorough cleaning. Other than the simple brush system, it has powerful suction that works great on bare floors and similar surfaces. However, the 614 isn’t great for cleaning high-pile carpets or thick rugs.

The Roomba 614 can run for 90 minutes, a run time that isn’t as long as other robot vacuums that are more affordable, such as the Ecovacs DEEBOT. When it runs out of power, the Roomba will return to the charging dock to replenish its batteries.

The 614 is a good robot vacuum that’s affordable but not the cheapest, and has satisfying cleaning performance. That said, it’s best only for cleaning bare floors and not carpets.

Roomba 675

The Roomba 675 has more advanced features compared to it’s little brother, at a higher price. If you don’t mind spending a bit more money, you can get an easier cleaning experience with the 675.

The first notable difference between the 675 and the 614 is that the 675 is operational by using an app on your smartphone. Similar to the 614 remote, with this app, you can access all the cleaning features and set a cleaning schedule.

Even better, since you enter the orders through your smartphone, you can change the settings when you’re away from home. For example, you can set the vacuum to start cleaning a few hours before you get home so that your house is refreshingly clean once you arrive.

The cleaning system on the 675 is similar to the 614. It uses two side brushes and a main brush to collect the surrounding dirt and suck it up into the dust bin. The suction power is stronger than its little brother, making the 675 better for cleaning carpets and rugs up to a certain thickness.

It’s possible to clean low-pile carpets or thin rugs with the 675. However, even with more powerful suction, the Roomba 600 series isn’t a good choice for cleaning thick carpets since it’s unable to pick up the deep dirt.

The battery life on the 675 is the same as the 614, around 90 minutes.

Verdict

Both the iRobot Roomba 614 and 675 are great choices for robot vacuums. The 614 robot is more affordable but without smartphone controls, while the 675 is compatible with a Wi-Fi connection and Alexa but at a higher price.

Ecovacs DEEBOT N79 VS iLife A4S – Which One is Best for What?

by

Which robot vacuum cleaner is the best for cleaning carpets or picking up pet hair? Find out in our comparison of the DEEBOT N79 versus iLife A4S …

Verdicts: Which One is Best for What?

Cleaning power: TIE
The DEEBOT and A4S have similar cleaning power.

For carpets: TIE
Both vacuums can handle carpets up to 12 mm thick.

For pet hair: DEEBOT
The N79 is slightly better for picking up pet hair.

Longest battery life: DEEBOT
Both have 2 hours battery life, but the DEEBOT has less problems returning to the charging dock.

Most coverage: DEEBOT
With a bigger dustbin (520 mL vs 450 mL), the N79 can cover a larger area.

Quietest noise: TIE
Both the A4S and DEEBOT are considered quiet enough for conversation.

Not getting stuck: DEEBOT
This bot gets stuck less often compared to the iLife bot vacuum.

Compatible with Alexa: DEEBOT
The DEEBOT N79S, not the N79, is compatible with Alexa.

Conclusion: At the same price, the DEEBOT N79 is slightly better for picking up pet hair. It has less problems getting stuck and has an easier time returning to the charging dock compared to the iLife A4S.

With a bigger dustbin, it covers a larger area and the N79S version is compatible with Alexa. Hence, when evaluating the Ecovacs DEEBOT N79 vs iLife A4S, we recommend the DEEBOT.

Continue reading below for a detailed explanation on each benefit.

Which One Has Most Power?

The DEEBOT has a v-shaped main brush that allows it to do deep cleaning, similar to iRobots. In some cases, it can collect more dirt than an iRobot vacuum that is much more expensive.

The A4S performs exceptionally well for certain types of surfaces. It can pick up dirt, dog hair, cat litter, sand, and other grit tracked in by your family members.

Both the DEEBOT and A4S have multiple cleaning modes for general cleaning, running along walls, and tackling a particularly dirty spot. The difference is the A4S has a Max Mode that has more power at the cost of shorter run time.

For optimal cleaning using either appliance, make sure to remove any cords, cables, or objects on the floor that can obstruct the cleaning path of the robot vacuums. Both bots will stop if anything gets tangled or eaten accidentally, and you will have to manually untangle them.

Verdict: Tie. The DEEBOT and A4S have similar cleaning power.

Which Vacuum is Best for Carpets?

Both the DEEBOT and A4S are not made for cleaning carpets. They are both best used for handling hardwood and tile floors. That said, each appliance does have some capability to clean carpets.

The DEEBOT can clean carpets with a maximum thickness of 12 mm and light colors. The A4S also has the same limitation. For both bots, dark colored carpets or ones with black borders can disturb the infrared navigation system and make the vacuum avoid carpets entirely.

Both bots can push up or suck up light rugs. You can either put pads that keep your rugs in place or remove them entirely when you want the vacuum to do daily cleaning run.

Verdict: Tie. Both vacuums can handle carpets up to 12 mm thick.

Which One is Best for Pet Hair?

Owners of the DEEBOT say it’s a great vacuum for cleaning pet hair from floors. It’s a magnet for pet hair, sucking it all in. Tthe N79 can work for cleaning small rugs and thin carpets, but not for thick carpets.

Pet owners who use the A4S are surprised at how much pet hair it can pick up, even after they’ve cleaned the floors before with a vacuum. For both bots, the dustbin fills up quickly and you may need to clean it out after every run through the house.

Pet hair can get tangled up in both vacuums. You’ll need to clean them out after each run to make sure the vacuum runs in good condition. However, on the iLife vacuum, heavy pet hair can get clogged in the brush or not pass through the filters.

Verdict: DEEBOT. The N79 is slightly better for cleaning pet hair.

Which One Has Longest Battery Life?

The DEEBOT carries a Lithium ion battery that take 3-4 hours to fully charge, giving it power to run for 110 minutes. Ecovacs offers a one year warranty for battery replacement.

The A4S carries a Lithium ion battery that takes almost 4-6 hours to charge and giving it 120 minutes of cleaning time. The iLife A4S has some problems navigating back to the charging dock once it’s low on power, occassionally getting stuck somewhere and running out of battery.

Verdict: DEEBOT. Both have 2 hours battery life, but the DEEBOT has less problems returning to the charging dock.

Which One Covers the Most Space?

The DEEBOT has a 520 mL dustbin while the A4S has a 450 mL dustbin. With this capacity, the DEEBOT can clean around 1,600 – 2,000 sq ft of space before recharging, while the A4S cleans about 1,100 sq ft of space before running low on power.

Verdict: DEEBOT. With a bigger dustbin, the N79 can cover a larger area.

Which One is the Quietest?

The DEEBOT’s noise level is around 64 dB, similar to the noise of background conversation. The A4S doesn’t provide noise level specification, but it’s also quiet to the point that some owners are able to sleep with the vacuum running. However, the A4S Max Mode makes twice as much noise.

Verdict: Tie. Both the A4S and DEEBOT are considered quiet enough for conversation.

Do They Often Get Stuck?

The DEEBOT has a 57 mm height so it can go beneath furniture with that clearance, while the A4S has a 76 mm height. The N79 sometimes gets stuck under furniture, but the A4S receives far more complaints about this issue. Some people return the A4S since it becomes too much of a hassle.

Verdict: DEEBOT. This bot gets stuck less often compared to the iLife bot vacuum.

Which One is Compatible With Alexa?

The DEEBOT N79S version has compatibility with Alexa, while the iLife A4S has no native compatibility with smart home features.

Verdict: The DEEBOT N79S, not the N79, is compatible with Alexa.

iLife A4S Robot Vacuum Cleaner – A Little Demon that Cuts Cleaning Time

by

The iLife A4S is a great entry level robot vacuum cleaner with an affordable price. It’s best for bare floors and pet hair, but it has a navigation that users find …

Verdict: Should You Buy It?

The iLife A4S is among the most affordable options for a robot vacuum cleaner. It’s a little demon that can cut your cleaning time in half. It’s best for cleaning hardwood and bare floors, and carpets up to 12 mm thick.

This robot vacuum can cover around 1,100 sq ft during its two hours runtime before it needs to charge. It’s strong enough to keep pet hair under control, though you need to clean it after every round, especially if hair gets tangled in the main brush.

It doesn’t have any mapping function. Therefore, it will run around in random paths until it cleans the area, taking up more time than a robot vacuum with internal mapping. Still, at this price point, the iLife A4S provides a solid choice for an entry level robot vacuum.

YES, the iLife A4S is a great robot vacuum if it’s your first time owning one. It’s best for homes with mostly hardwood, tile, and bare floors, and low-pile carpets. It can pick up pet hair though some hair might get tangled. The navigation is rather quirky and takes time to cover the area.

How Good Does It Clean?

The iLife A4S has surprising suction power for a little robot. You can use it mostly on hardwood, tile, and laminate floors, and it does a decent job for low-pile carpets. This robot vacuum won’t perform well on thick carpets, and dark colored floors due to the infrared navigation system.

For the surfaces for which it’s designed, the A4S performs exceptionally well. If you have a family with children and dogs or cats, this bot can become a very helpful assistant. It can pick up dirt, dog hair, cat litter, sand, and other gunk tracked in by your loved ones.

It has four cleaning modes to fulfill various needs. Normal Mode is for ordinary cleaning, Max Mode gives you more suction power at the cost of shorter duration, Edge Cleaning is for running along walls and baseboards, while Spot Cleaning is for tackling any messes in one area.

It comes with an extra large 450 mL dustbin, making it able to cover a large area in one run. This robot vacuum is suitable for small spaces, beginning at 700 sq ft, all the way up to 2,000 sq ft. Note that the larger area you clean, the more preparation you will need to make.

For optimal cleaning and machine lifespan, make sure to remove any cords, cables, or objects along the floor that can get in the way of the A4S. If the vacuum gets tangled or eats a cable, it will stop and shut down and alert you to untangle it. Read more about how to avoid this problem below.

A quirky trait about the iLife A4S is that it doesn’t vacuum in straight lines. It cleans in random lines, covering the area slowly until it does the job. Some users find this behavior irritating, and prefer a robot vacuum that runs in straight lines. If you have that preference, you may want to choose a different brand.

Is It Good for Cleaning Carpets?

Robot vacuums in this price range aren’t the best choice for cleaning carpets. The iLife A4S itself is good for carpets up to 12 mm (around 3 inches) thick. Carpets thicker than that may be to steep for the robot to climb automatically.

It doesn’t do well for carpets that have black or dark borders. The navigation system will tell it to turn around instead. Another issue is the bot can push up or lift up kitchen mats. You may want to clear the area of mats before the robot vacuum cleans it.

Is It Good for Cleaning Pet Hair?

Living in a home with one or several pet that shed a lot can make you pull your hair. Fortunately, the A4S is capable of picking up dog or cat hair with no problems. It’s a little demon that picks up all pet hair, filling up the dustbin and keeping fur under control.

Many pet owners are surprised at how much pet hair the A4S picks up, even after they sweeped or vacuumed the floors before. Since the dustbin fills up, you ought to clean it out after every use. While doing that, it’s a good idea to untangle any hair that can get wrapped around the main brush.

However, in some cases, heavy pet hair can clog up the brush or not pass through the filters. This is a problem that doesn’t occur often, but it can be a consideration if you plan to get the A4S primarily for cleaning pet hair.

How Much Space Can It Clean?

The iLife is a match for studio apartments with an area about 700 sq ft consisting of a bathroom, living room, and kitchen. In small spaces like these, the A4S cleans thoroughly, leaving zero grit and making the floor feel spotless when you walk barefoot.

For larger areas up to 2,500 sq ft two story houses, this robot can be used but with some caveats. The battery can run up to two hours, covering about 1,100 sq ft or space. If you have a living space larger than that, the bot will have to charge before it can continue.

Make sure that there is nothing on the floor that can get in the way of the robot. A small floor plan with many corners and furniture may be difficult for the robot’s navigation. A large floor plan with open spaces will cause the A4S to take time to cover all the rooms.

Due to the random path it takes to clean, it may look like the A4S misses spots. But over time, it can cover all the areas properly. As long as you don’t micro-manage it, it will get the job done.

Does It Often Get Stuck?

Navigation is the most challenging aspect for the A4S. It does not have automatic mapping, so it will clean around randomly every time you run it. The lack of a mapping feature means the bot takes a long time cleaning since it has to do “trial and error” every time it runs.

You need to place the charging dock with 1 m free space around the sides and 2 m on the front, or else it will be tough for the bot to return home.

The bot uses infrared sensors that help it avoid falling down the stairs or off ledges. This mechanic means it also avoids dark floors or carpets. Some owners put white tape over the sensors so the bot doesn’t avoid dark colored floors. You can do this if you use the bot only on the ground floor of your home.

The machine has a 15 cm height, meaning it can go under furniture with that amount of clearance. The A4S can get stuck under furniture if the clearance is a tight fit, allowing it to enter but not exit. If it does get stuck, the robot will make a beeping sound, asking for your help to pick it up.

The beeping sound also happens if the bot gets tangled on cables or other cords. It has an algorithm for freeing itself, but in case it can’t untangle itself, it will beep and shut off. If that happens, you will need to untangle it manually.

For some owners, it’s not a big deal to get the vacuum unstuck. However, other users feel its too much of a hassle getting the A4S from under the couch and other areas it gets stuck.

They get annoyed when the bot gets stuck at night or when they aren’t at home. Not only does it become a game of hide and seek, it also means the floors aren’t cleaned and the batteries need to recharge before the bot can run again.

How Loud Is It?

The A4S emits a very quiet sound that’s barely noticeable. Some owners are able to sleep while the vacuum runs. You can watch TV or talk on the phone while having the bot do it’s routine. Note that the Max Mode will create a sound twice as loud as Normal Mode, so you may want to use that mode when noise isn’t bothersome.

How Long is the Battery Life?

The battery for the A4S is one Lithium ion battery that can last up to 120 minutes (two hours). It has a 200 – 350 minute charge time (around four to six hours). Once the battery runs out, the bot will automatically return to the charging dock to recharge the battery.

Some owners have a problem with the A4S not returning to the charging dock, even when ordered to do so. The bot passes in front of the dock and instead of returning home, it continues to wander around the house until the battery runs out.

On the other hand, most owners have no problem with the docking issue. Even in some spaces where the charging dock isn’t placed in an open area, the iLife bot can still find the dock easily.

Is It Easy to Set a Schedule?

You can use the A4S manually by turning it on when you want it to clean then put it into the dock once it’s finished. You can also program cleaning schedules, but only one schedule, such as every day at 8 AM. Unfortunately, the A4S doesn’t connect with smart home hardware, such as Alexa.

What You Get With This Vacuum

  • iLife A4S robot vacuum cleaner
  • Remote control
  • Charging dock
  • AC power adapter
  • Extra set of filters
  • Extra set of side brushes

The A4S comes with a one year warranty from iLife. Customer service is fast to respond, and in some cases, customers receive a replacement should their appliance malfunction.

The vacuum has a Japan Nidec high speed motor that gives it a powerful suction. It has a three stage filter beginning with a prefilter, a foam filter, then a HEPA filter so that it doesn’t trigger allergies when it’s cleaning dirt and dust.

Possible Troubleshooting

Other than the navigation issue, another main complaint that makes users disappointed with the iLife A4S is when it malfunctions. In some cases, the vacuum starts to develop problems over a period of time.

Some problems that occur include the robot only travelling a short distance and then shutting off. Even though the user has cleaned all the parts, it doesn’t solve the problem. In these error cases, iLife often offers a replacement if the original device still has a warranty.

Where Can You Buy the iLife A4S?

The iLife A4S is available through the link below.

How Does a Leaf Vacuum Work? What Can It Do for You?

by

Learn how a leaf vacuum works, how it’s different from a leaf blower, and what it can do for you in cleaning up leaves and maintaining a lawn.

Having to spend time and energy raking leaves is never a fun task for anyone. In these situations, a leaf vacuum can do wonders for making your life easier. Below, we will be going over how leaf vacuums work and some of the benefits they can offer.

How Does It Work?

A leaf vacuum works by using a motor to produce a suction created by intense airflow. This sucks all of the leaves and other debris into the chute and deposits it into a hopper. These can come in either gas-powered engines or electric.

Benefits of a Leaf Vacuum

1. Dry Leaves

While a blower might be the best option for leaves that are wet, a vacuum is going to be the much more efficient and effective option for leaves that are dry. Leaf vacuums can be very effective at sucking up dry leaves which can save you a lot of time not having to direct leaves into piles for pickup.

2. Getting Leaves and Debris Out of Your Gutters

Using one of these vacuums can come in handy when you are in need of something to get the leaves and debris out of your gutters. A lot of these vacuums come with attachments which will allow you to do this kind of job very easily.

3. Avoid Messing Up Flower Beds

One of the biggest downsides associated with a leaf blower is the fact it can absolutely destroy your flower beds. If you are someone that has a lot of flower beds that you don’t want to disrupt when you are cleaning up your leaves, having a vacuum will allow you to efficiently clean up the leaves without disrupting anything. It is a great option for those that are looking to make their leave cleanup job much more efficient without causing more of a mess or a problem.

As you can see, there are plenty of different benefits that a leaf vacuum can offer. It is one of the best ways to clean up your yard during the fall. If you are tired of having to manually rake your leaves or if you need a vacuum for specific tasks, it can be one of the best investments you make.

A vacuum offers a lot of different use-cases than what you would get with a leaf blower. Therefore, it can work well side by side with a blower during the fall season.

Ecovacs DEEBOT N79 Review – Win Less Time Cleaning

by

The DEEBOT N79 is a robot vacuum with a surprising performance at its price range. The pros: it sucks up dirt you didn’t know was there. The cons: it …

Verdict: Should You Buy It?

Imagine being able to sit down and read on the couch with your children after breakfast. You’re in no rush to get out the door because you’re not busy cleaning a mess. The DEEBOT hums along the floor, doing the job for you while you spend time with your kids.

You win less time cleaning.

That is the experience of a working mom who got the Ecovacs DEEBOT N79. This little guy can make your life a lot easier, especially if it’s your first time using a robot vacuum. It cleans up dirt you didn’t even know was there, and can clean places that would otherwise be a dreaded chore if you did it yourself.

At this price range, the DEEBOT gives a surprising performance. However, the main issue is that it can get stuck easily, depending on the layout of your home, especially if you have thick carpet areas and furniture with low clearance space.

YES, you should buy the N79 if you want similar performance of a Roomba without the price tag. This robot vacuum is a great fit for mostly non-carpet areas and around 1,000 square foot living space. If you have many thick carpets, or a large house bigger than 2,000 square foot, the DEEBOT may not live up to expectations.

How Does It Clean?

The Ecovacs DEEBOT has multiple cleaning modes: Auto Mode for general cleaning, Single Room mode for cleaning one room, Edge Mode for cleaning along walls, and Spot Cleaning for cleaning a particularly dirty spot.

It has around 900 – 1000 Pa of suction power. It is equipped with a v-shaped main brush, making it able to do deep cleaning, similar to iRobot vacuums. In some cases, it can even collect more dirt than the more expensive iRobot. People who own both vacuums, are surprised the DEEBOT can compete with iRobot.

This robot is recommended for 1,000 sq ft of space. But it surely can handle larger areas, even up to 2,000 sq ft. Also, if you want even more efficiency, you can get two DEEBOTs to cover every area in your large home.

Is It Good for Cleaning Carpets?

The DEEBOT is made mostly for cleaning hardwood and tile floors. It can clean carpets with a maximum pile height of 12 mm and light colors. If you have carpets thicker than 12 mm, or you have dark colored carpets (that can disturb the infrared navigation of the robot), this vacuum doesn’t give great performance.

If you have light rugs, the vacuum can push the rug, making it curl up and causing the robot to get stuck. A possible solution is to have pads that keep your rugs in place. You can also remove the rugs and other furniture temporarily so the N79 can clean floors easily.

The DEEBOT can act as a complementary vacuum that automatically cleans your floors while you handle the thick carpets with another vacuum. However, if your home is mostly rugs and carpeted areas, then you may want to choose a different vacuum.

Is It Good for Cleaning Pet Hair?

If you have dogs or cats that shed hair mostly on floors, then the DEEBOT can perform well. It can also pick up pet hair on small rugs and thin carpets. It’s able to clean up dirt and dust your pets bring from the outside, particularly your backyard.

On thicker carpets, the N79 performs poorly. It can get stuck on the edges easily, or it avoids the carpet altogether, leaving the pet hair for you to clean up.

Sometimes, pet hair can get tangled on the rotating brush. The bot will stop running and make a beeping sound. You have to remove it yourself to keep the vacuum in an optimum condition. Removing any tangled hair once a day should be enough.

Owners of the DEEBOT that live with up to nine pets at once say it is a great vacuum for cleaning pet hair from floors. They schedule the robot to clean once a day, and it makes their floors spotless from fur. As one owner says, the N79 is a magnet for pet hair, sucking it all in.

How Long is the Battery Life?

The power consists of two Lithium ion batteries. The robot takes around 3-4 hours to charge, giving it enough power to run for 100 minutes. It means the DEEBOT takes longer to charge than it does doing the cleaning.

The good news is that it has an automatic recharge function when low on battery. The bot will return to the charging dock on its own, charge, and continue cleaning after the power is full. This feature is very convenient if you need to leave the house for several hours and want the robot to clean many rooms.

Some owners feel the charging dock is too flimsy though, making it difficult for the DEEBOT to charge, as the dock gets pushed around. Other owners report that the bot can get stuck and never return to the docking bay unless they pick it up and place it there. This problem is a minor annoyance for some people, but annoying enough for others who return their vacuum for a refund.

Ecovacs offers a one year warranty for battery replacement that they’ll do for free. Outside of that, expect to pay around $25 to $35 to replace the battery.

How Much Space Can It Clean?

With a 100 minute run time, the N79 can cover around 1,600 – 2,000 sq foot of space before having to recharge. When set on auto, it can clean a larger area than that, but it will take a few hours.

You may be surprised at how much dirt it picks up when you run it the first and second time. Users who ran the DEEBOT after they vacuumed manually still find dust collecting in the robot’s bin. It’s because the bot can run under beds, sofas, and other areas that are rarely cleaned.

At first, the cleaning pattern looks erratic. You want the bot to have a steady and predictable pattern, but it can look like it’s just randomly moving about. However, over time the DEEBOT does get to all the spots in your house, if you let it. The downside is that it takes longer to clean thoroughly than doing it yourself.

How Loud Is It?

The noise level is around 64 dB when cleaning floors, quieter when on carpets. This level is similar to the noise of background conversation in a restaurant or office. It’s quieter than a Roomba, and most owners can still comfortably watch TV while the N79 runs along.

Does It Often Get Stuck?

Assuming the floor is free from obstructions, the DEEBOT can navigate your whole house very well. Things that can get in the way are cords across the floor, floor transitions that are high, and furniture with low clearing, among others.

The vacuum has a 3 inch height, so it can’t go under furniture with a clearing lower than that. It can climb over floor transitions around half an inch high, any higher and the bot may turn around. Floor vents can activate the drop sensors and make the bot turn around too.

The best solutions to prevent it from getting stuck is to clear the floors from obstacles before you turn it on. Another way is to run it for a few times and learn where it gets stuck, then remove those obstacles.

Though the DEEBOT can run smoothly once you work out the kinks, for some people it becomes troublesome. They need to pick up the bot every few minutes to get it unstuck. This issue is the number one complaint from people who are disappointed with this robot vacuum.

That said, how often it gets stuck depends on the layout of your home. If you have a narrow living space with tight areas, the DEEBOT may have a tough time navigating thoroughly.

Main Brush Malfunction

Other than getting stuck, the most complaints come from bots where the main brush malfunctions. If it occurs within one year of purchase, you are covered by the one year warranty. Ecovacs has responsive customer service that gets back to you quick.

Many problematic DEEBOTs are called and replaced with a new unit for the owner. However, if it’s pass the warranty period, then you won’t receive a replacement. Ecovacs will still help you resolve the issue if possible.

For cases where the problem persists, the owners become disappointed with the DEEBOT.

What You Get With the Ecovacs DEEBOT N79

  • Remote control with battery
  • Two side brushes
  • Charging dock and adapter
  • Sponge filter and high efficiency filter

For optimum performance and navigation, regularly clean the vacuum. Empty out the dust bin and untangle any hair in the brushes before use. If the robot starts to get problems, the first step is to clean it and see if it solves the issue.

You can control the vacuum with the remote or using the app. It requires 2.4 Ghz Wi-Fi to connect your smartphone with the DEEBOT. Users who have 5 Ghz Wi-Fi switch their connection to 2.4 GHz in order to use the application.

With the app, you can set cleaning schedules for a week. However, if you need to clean the dust bin after every use (due to how much dirt the DEEBOT picks up), you will need to reprogram the schedule, since turning off the bot resets the cleaning schedule.

Unfortunately, the N79 model from Ecovacs isn’t compatible with Amazon Alexa. Ecovacs added this compatibility on the N79S model, which is a different product with almost the same features. This is the difference between the N79 and N79S models. Get the N79S if you plan on using it together with Alexa.

Where Can I Buy The Ecovacs DEEBOT?

The low price (compared to most robot vacuums) may make you think it’s cheap and clunky. Most people do think this way, but they find out the DEEBOT is a powerful little guy.

You can occasionally save money buying the DEEBOT when there is a sale. That said, it is already quite affordable among its class and gives a capable performance. As several people who bought this vacuum say: it’s the best purchase they’ve ever made.

How Do Manual Pool Vacuums Work? A Beginner’s Guide

by

Manual pool vacuum cleaners require you to have a vacuum head, telescopic pole, vacuum hose and manual work that is time-consuming.

A pool vacuum is a must for any pool owner. The way a pool vacuum works is largely dependent on what type of vacuum you get. There are two primary types of vacuum cleaners you can choose.

One is a manual one where you do a lot of the work yourself. The other is an automatic one where it handles everything on its own. In this article, we will mainly be going over a manual pool vacuum.

How To Use It

In order to take full advantage of the vacuum cleaner, you will need to attach the head of the vacuum to a pole that is capable of reaching every crevice of the pool. You will then need to attach the hose into the water intake nozzle of the vacuum. From there, you can begin sucking the water in from the bottom of the pool and guide the vacuum head along until you have thoroughly cleaned it.

Everything You Need

In order to get your pool vacuum set up and running, you are going to need specific equipment to get started. First, you need a vacuum head that you will be using in order to suck up the dirt from your pool floor.

Likewise, you need a telescopic pole that is going to be long enough for the depth of your pool. You also need a vacuum hose that is capable of reaching all areas of your pool. You might need a vacuum plate and a scrub brush in order to get the bottom of your pool.

Vacuuming your pool is something that is extremely tedious, time-consuming, and downright hard work. That is if you are going to be doing it completely manually. You will need to use the same sort of motion you would use to vacuum your carpet with overlap to ensure you aren’t missing any particular area.

There are options that you can choose from if you are not someone that wants to have to manually vacuum and clean your pool. You can either choose from suction pool cleaners, pressure pool cleaners, or fully robotic pool cleaners. Each of these can deliver similar results as manually doing it with a vacuum with much less work involved.

Kenmore Elite 31150 Pet Friendly Vacuum – Works Like a Charm

by

The Kenmore Elite 31150 Pet Friendly bagged upright vacuum cleaner works like a charm for pet hair, but the complaint is that the hose is too …

Verdict: Should You Buy It?

The Kenmore Elite 31150 Pet Friendly is a bagged vacuum that comes with the Pet Handi-Mate, an attachment especially made for removing pet hair. Though this vacuum’s main attraction is for pet owners, it provides a good balance for cleaning hard floors and carpets, leaning more towards carpets due to the stiff bristles on the brush roll.

Those who have used it say the Kenmore is three times stronger than a Dyson at a more affordable price. It’s a workhorse vacuum if you live in large living spaces with plenty of human traffic and a squad of adorable pets. It satisfies most owners to the point they buy two for their homes, or for their family in other homes.

The trade-off for having a powerful suction and a sturdy body is that the Elite 31150 is a bit difficult to move. If you are looking for a lightweight vacuum, there are other choices. The hose on this model is also very short, making it mostly effective for floors but not for above-floor surfaces.

YES, the Kenmore Elite is good if you need to remove plenty of pet hair. The vacuum performs well on both floors and carpets, and it has a sturdy body. The issue is that it’s not a lightweight appliance, and the hose for attachments is very short.

Kenmore Elite 31150 Reviews by Customers

Is It Good for Cleaning Carpet?

With a manual 5-height adjustment button, the 31150 gives a good balance for cleaning both plush carpets and hard floors, with a better performance for the latter. Users report that the Kenmore glides over their rugs, making it feel self-propelled although it isn’t.

The dirt sensor tells you if there is still dirt in the carpet or not. One user says her sensor stayed on for 30 minutes. Once she finished, her rugs looked brand new due to the Kenmore’s ability to clean up the deepest dirt.

The vacuum has powerful suction, so much that some people feel it’s too strong and sucks up their throw rugs. In some cases, the Elite damages the surface of an area rug or unravels the edges of it. You can turn down the suction power to avoid this issue.

How Is It at Cleaning Hard Floors?

Many people are concerned whether the big and sturdy looking 31150 can scratch their floors. Though the bristles on the brush roll are slightly stiff, most people report they get no scratches vacuuming with it. Make sure you switch the height adjustment to the floor position to turn off the brush roll.

With the height adjustment, you can easily change between cleaning floors and carpets. However, you need to manually change the height since it doesn’t automatically adjust like other vacuum brands. It’s not a big deal for most people, but some users feel it interrupts their cleaning process.

Can It Pick Up Pet Hair?

The Kenmore Pet Friendly vacuum is designed for removing pet hair. With the specially designed Pet Handi-Mate attachment, which is a roller brush with an air driven turbine, you can easily pick up pet hair from your bed, sofa, car interior, and other places your pets love to play at.

Most vacuums actually are decent for picking up pet fur, if you have only one or two cats or dogs. If you have more than three or even a foster house full of rescues, the 31150 works like a charm for these situations. The Pet Handi-Mate has a high speed that allows you to easily clean pet hair.

Are the Bags Easy to Replace?

This appliance has a Power Flow design, meaning it maintains optimum suction power even as the bag becomes fuller. The bag has triple stage HEPA filters certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), making the 31150 a good choice for allergic persons.

Depending on how often you vacuum, the bags may need seldom changing. For daily cleaning of a household with a dog and two children, you may only need to change bags every two months.

You get one bag and filter when you buy the Kenmore Elite. Some people feel that the price of the bags are expensive, but others say it’s worth the price considering how easy it is to dispose.

The Kenmore Elite 31150 rates number 5 on our list of best bagged vacuums.

Is it Easy to Move?

At 21 lbs, the 31150 isn’t a lightweight vacuum. For most people, this vacuum is heavy to push around. On the plus side, it is strong and durable with a pleasing look that many people like. Even users with arthritis say they don’t complain about carrying this vacuum up the stairs, since they like the solid feeling of it.

The vacuum’s size is quite big, but it can lay flat, allowing you to clean under beds. For smaller areas though, such as a small kitchen, it may be difficult to maneuver the vacuum to reach all corners and under chairs and tables.

It isn’t self-propelled, but as long as the height adjustment is correct, the Kenmore can pull itself forward. If you are alright with a heavy vacuum that’s sturdy, the Elite is great. However, if you have back pain or other physical conditions, or if you’re not very strong, the weight of the 31150 may not be a good fit.

Another consideration is the height of the vacuum that is 45 inches. If you are short, it might be difficult for you to move this vacuum up and down the stairs. It’s not a common issue, but one worthy to think about if you want to get this vacuum.

Is it Loud?

The consensus on the loudness of this appliance is mixed. Some users report the Kenmore 31150 is the quietest vacuum they have ever owned. The pitch of the motor is low, and it doesn’t whine like some other vacuums.

On the other hand, some owners wear ear plugs when vacuuming with the Kenmore. It will depend on how sensitive your hearing is to determine whether this vacuum is loud or not for you.

Features of the Kenmore Elite 31150

  • Inducer motor
  • Dirt sensor
  • 10 ft telescoping wand
  • Crevice/dusting tool
  • 35 foot cord

The inducer motor provides 20% more suction power compared to older models from Kenmore. It uses three motors for beltless suction that results in less maintenance and repairs. The 31150 can last quite a while in your house and save you the hassle of having to send it for repairs.

The dirt sensor turns on when there is still dirt on the floor or carpet. It’s a handy indicator that tells you where to clean and for how long. That said, some people say the sensor isn’t very useful, since it can turn on in clean areas if there is a single piece of small debris.

The 35 foot cord is generous, allowing you to vacuum the whole house with using just one outlet (if your space is that big). However, there is no retractable cord, so you have to hook it up at the back of the machine.

The number one complaint that makes the Kenmore Elite fall short of a “perfect” vacuum is the hose that is too short. People who give this vacuum a 5-star rating admit that the hose is too stiff and not long enough.

The hose can reach up only a few stairs, meaning you have to bring the vacuum up with you when cleaning stairs. It’s tough to reach high spots such as draperies. The vacuum also easily falls over if you try to stretch the hose too far. It’s a minor annoyance for some users, but a major issue for other users such that they return their Kenmore Elite.

There is currently no hose extension you can use to replace the default hose. Though it’s an issue, some owners say the hose is enough for their needs. Many buyers feel that this vacuum is worth every dime, and is the one vacuum they’re looking for.

Prolux Tritan Bagged Canister Vacuum Review – Cheap Little Wonder

by

The Prolux Tritan bagged canister vacuum cleaner with HEPA filtration is a low cost unit that has great suction and is a real work horse.

Verdict: Should You Buy It?

The appearance and casing of the Prolux Tritan might look cheap, but the suction can perform as well as a Miele or a Dyson vacuum that costs eight times as much. Owners of this vacuum love it, since it is a cheap little wonder that offers big power at a low cost.

The Tritan’s ease of use makes vacuuming fun. It offers five levels of suction power, but users almost never need to use more than half of it. In fact, at higher levels, the suction of the Tritan might be too strong, making it tough to move the vacuum around.

This bagged canister vacuum works best for hard floors, and it’s able to clean carpets as well. However, you should get the turbo-style floor tool upgrade if you are going to use it for intensive carpet cleaning. It’s not the best carpet for vacuum, since the turbo-style head is non-motorized, but for the price and performance, the Tritan is a real work horse.

YES, the Prolux Tritan is good if you clean mostly hard floors and some carpets. The Tritan is good for picking up pet hair too, and the low price sweetens the deal. The issue is that the metal wand easily falls off, and the replacement bags are difficult to find.

Prolux Tritan Reviews from Customers

Is it Good for Cleaning Carpet?

The Tritan has a powerful suction, even at a low setting. You don’t have to use the highest suction power to clean thick carpets, but the choice is there. Some users even need to dial back the power knob when they are cleaning carpets.

There are two floor tools or heads you can use with this vacuum. One is the combination floor tool that has a button to switch between cleaning floors and carpets. The other one is a turbo-style head with a non-motorized (non-electric) spinning brush roll that is better for carpet cleaning. This head is an optional upgrade (bought separately).

If the Tritan is difficult to move on carpet, or if it sucks up throw rugs, set it to number three on the power knob (which is meant for rugs). It’s recommended to get the optional head if you live in a home with plenty of carpet areas. This attachment upgrade is more effective for carpets than the default combination floor tool that comes with the Tritan.

However, the non-motorized brush roll is not as strong as a motorized one. It rolls the brush using the power of the suction, not using electricity. If you have wall-to-wall carpet areas, you might want to look for a vacuum with a motorized brush that has optimum performance.

How is it at Cleaning Hard Floors?

Having the combination floor tool as the default vacuum head means this appliance is designed for mostly cleaning hard floors. It does the job very well for that, and most users agree that this device works best for hard floors.

Even so, some owners wish the Tritan had a hardwood floor brush tool. They replace the default one with a better floor brush since they want to avoid any harm or scratch to their hardwood. The bristles on the Tritan floor tool are stiff, but most users say it doesn’t scratch their floors.

The Tritan uses 35mm connections for the floor tools and attachments. You can change the Tritan floor brush tool with one from a different brand, such as Miele. One user did that and says the Tritan now works like a premium vacuum.

Is it Loud?

Most users feel that the Tritan is a quiet vacuum. Some owners say this vacuum is the quietest one they have ever owned. When turned on, other family members or guests can still listen to the television or talk on conference calls while you are vacuuming.

At the highest setting, there is some whistling noise. But due to the suction power, some users say they never need to turn the power dial higher than the lowest speed.

Can it Pick Up Pet Hair?

Though it doesn’t have any tools specific to pick up pet hair, the Tritan is a capable vacuum for this job. Using the crevice attachment, it collects hair strands that accumulate in your couch and other corners. The upholstery attachment helps you get pet hair off the sofa.

If you have three or more cats or dogs, you may want to get the head with the spinner brush for better performance. Users who have multiple pets say the Tritan picks up all of the hair with no problem.

Are the Bags Easy to Replace?

The bags that come with the Prolux Tritan have HEPA filtration seals with three stage filtration to seal in dirt and allergens. This type of bag is recommended if you are prone to allergy from dust.

How long the bags last depend on how often you clean. One user who has three dogs and cleans every day replaces the bags every two months. In most cases, you won’t need to change it very frequently.

The bags are specific to this model, meaning that you can’t use any other bag. You get five extra bags with the Tritan when you buy it. However, recently many customers report that finding replacement bags is difficult, since the sellers are currently out of stock.

The bag dimensions are 14 x 12 x 0.3 inches. An alternative bag type you can try is the Bissell Bag Type V bag, number 2037270. Some customers use this bag as a replacement.

Features of the Prolux Tritan

  • Adjustable power knob (settings 1-5)
  • Adjustable metal wand
  • 23-foot cord with an auto-retract button
  • Duster brush, crevice tool, and upholstery tool
  • 15 lbs weight (in the medium weight range)
  • Rubber wheels to prevent scratches on floor

Use the low setting on the power knob for cleaning upholstery and other fragile surfaces. The high setting is used for thick carpet, though it might be too strong. The floor tools that come with the Tritan have low enough clearance to fit underneath a sofa, or to clean around kitchen chairs without moving them around.

The relatively long cord and adjustable metal wand allows you to clean quite a large area without unplugging the vacuum. That said, some users wish for a longer cord since they have large living spaces. Some feel the hose length is too short, and the adjustable wand too, making it hard to clean high spaces.

The problem with the metal wand is that it attaches to the hose by friction. Therefore, it might slip off during vacuuming, which some users have complained about. Most users agree the holder (or on-board caddy) for the attachments on the vacuum is not that useful, since the attachment parts easily fall off. It’s easier to keep the attachments in your pocket as you vacuum.

This vacuum is not the most lightweight, but it isn’t heavy either. At 15 lbs, it’s a small and compact appliance that you can store in tight spaces, a good fit if you live in a motorhome or trailer. Users with arthritis (joint pain) say this vacuum is comfortable to use.

If there are any issues, Prolux customer service is worthy of a 5-star rating. They have sent new vacuums and replacement parts to buyers that receive wrong or missing parts, or a faulty vacuum. You also get a one year limited manufacturer warranty.

The Prolux Tritan ranks fourth on our list of best bagged vacuums.

error: Content is protected !!