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rrivrsong -> RE: Vacuum Cleaner Advice (4/14/2007 10:32:22 PM)
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hi there,
I clean houses for a living so i use a vacuum daily in different homes on different types of floors.
At one home I use a Dyson per the homeowner's request: it picks up a lot of stuff, is bagless and you can see the results when you go to empty the "bin". It's easy to clean, maneuver on carpet, and not terribly heavy to lug upstairs. The downside is price, it does not have a any "under furniture clearance", and the wand attachment [for me] is cumbersome and awkward to hook / unhook. The construction of it overall does not have a really "sturdy" feel, all the parts seem to be plastic "snap in place type" and i do not know how frequently they break.
At another place I use a Rainbow: This one I generally do not prefer after using it several times. It's a pain in the butt to fill and empty the water tank, and it takes up a relatively large area to store because it has two long hose attachments. Also, it operates more like a canister vacuum than an upright which means you are sort of pulling / lugging the base of it behind you while you vacuum with the main part and the hose. I have not had to take it up stairs but it feels combersome and would take both hands and is heavy [because part of it is filled with water]. It is also expensive from what i understand.
I used to use a Hoover Wind Tunnel which worked pretty well although it did not last so long under heavy frequent use. It's relatively inexpensive.
My favorite is called a Riccar Upright and you can get them at a vacuum store or on Ebay. I believe they are made by the same folks that make Simplicity Vacuums. I've had mine for 5 years, clean about 10 houses a week, and it's still going. It's not to heavy to bring up stairs, uses a disposable bag, has under-furniture clearance and can take quite a beating. [smile]. I can use it on carpets and bare floors equally well. I think you can get one for under $200 although i haven't priced them recently. I've had to change the belt a few times, and I bring it in for servicing and cleaning every once in a while. It has hose attachments for furniture and drapes and high reaching places.
If you are serious about getting the one that's truly best for your needs, i would consider going directly to a vacuum specialty store and talking to the folks there. They know vacuums, not dishwashers or bicycles or stereos, and often times they repair and resell vacuums for a lower price.
Good luck and happy sucking. :)
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