The by-product of a warm cosy fire is messy ash that spreads everywhere. Here, you will find the best ash vacuum cleaners buyers guide and reviews for 2021. If you enjoy a summer barbecue or lighting up your fireplace when it gets nippy, you will need to consider buying an ash vacuum to eliminate soot and ash with minimum fuss.
These ash-busting appliances are equipped with unique filters and suction power that never fades, to ensure that tiny dust particles are picked up effectively. When using an ash vacuum you can be assured that it will speedily suck up a substantial amount of ash residue and leave your fireplace, grill or barbeque with gleaming results.
Let’s admit it, barbequing with the family is a great joy. The thought of tasty chargrilled meat leaves me salivating, however the drawback is the cleaning up after the meat has been devoured.
Ash is a nuisance, it gets everywhere if left to gather. It’s better to get rid of it sooner rather than later. Ash loves to hide in the nooks of your grill and fireplace which is why it’s a bad idea to rely on a brush and dustpan to clean it. For this job, you need an ash vacuum to ease the burden.
An ash cleaning machine is a handy purchase for your wood burning stove or fireplace, keep reading to discover some of the great benefits it will afford you around your home. We will delve into the features to look out for when making your selection and also recommend the crème de la crème of top-rated ash vacuums.
In addition to cleaning to your fireplaces and barbeque stands you can use your ash vacuums to clean up residual ash from fire pits and pellet stoves. Your new appliance will make sure that ash doesn’t go flying everywhere during cleaning and it will massively cut down on the time it takes to clear up.
Most users will opt for an ash vacuum because of the convenience- it takes away the arduous effort of eliminating soot and it gets through tasks quickly. Another big advantage of using one is that it prevents your clothing from attracting ash stains which, in most cases, are impossible to wash out. Start using a top-rated ash vacuum cleaner to keep your fire areas immaculate and performing at their best.
I’ve sourced the cream of the crop and shortlisted a great range of ash vacuums available right now. Our summary will save you time and point you in the right direction when searching for the best machine in a sea of endless lists. Simply click the link below for our leading recommendations.
Ash vacuums might look like a regular vacuum cleaner but they are some key differences that make them unique to a standard unit. They are specially adapted to suck up fine ash dust which is different to regular dust- for this type of job the machine needs specialised HEPA filters to catch minute particles and stop them from escaping or getting to vital parts of the machine. You can also use certain units as shop vacuums to pick up smaller dust such as drywall dust.
The collection tanks are made from metal and the hoses are impervious to heat and as a result, most models can pick up warm/hot coals without the risk of causing a fire. I would always advise waiting until the ash is cold before cleaning it up.
Vacuuming hot coals shouldn’t be a common practice as this could shorten the life of your vacuum cleaner. Although most ash vacuums are designed to deal with higher temperatures it’s best not to constantly push them to their limits to ensure that they remain performing at their best for many years.
The regular use of an ash vacuum will also optimise the performance of your fireplace, grill or pellet stove. They can achieve a cleaner burn when kept free from ash.
Perhaps you’ve heard about ash vacuums before and liked the idea of eliminating ash quick and easy or maybe this is your first time coming across them. Whatever the case, you’re thinking of buying one and want to do your due diligence. You’ve come to the right place!
There are tonnes of practical ash vacuums currently on offer but there are also just as many inferior products out there that are not worth the money. To ease the process of finding the best ash cleaner, for your requirements, I’ve done the hard work for you.
Throughout this article, you will find helpful links that will take you straight to the ash vacuum best suited for you. I’ve taken into account performance, quality, power, convenience and cost, and summarised the best possible units available.
Can an Ash Vacuum Cope With Hot Ashes?
It’s crucial to know if your ash vacuum can handle hot ash (some don’t) to take away the risk of an accidental fire. Some ash vacuums can only clean up cooled down ashes, therefore, you will need to let the fire die down and wait until the next day before cleaning the ash as the embers can stay warm long after the fired has been put out.
If your ash vacuum can only deal with cold ash this isn’t a major problem even if you light a fire daily, simply vacuum the ash shortly before igniting your next fire on the following day.
Ash vacuum cleaners that can tolerate hot ash are designed with a special tank which can absorb the heat, however, the temperature should not exceed 122°F or 50°C. That means you shouldn’t attempt to vacuum ashes while they’re still burning.
Why an Ash Vacuum Cleaner is best for your Barbeque Stand, Fire Pit & Pellet Stove
I would highly advise against trying to use your standard vacuum to clean up ash. This is a mistake that could end up costing you money and even your safety. A normal vacuum cleaner is usually designed from a plastic material that is not fire-proof whereas most ash vacuums are made to handle the heat. As mentioned earlier, ash, even when cool, can still contain hot embers hidden in the pile. Don’t take the risk of using a regular vacuum.
The next reason why it’s a bad idea to use a normal vacuum for ash is the damage it can cause to the interior components of your machine. Ash particles are much smaller than regular dust and can rapidly infiltrate your normal vacuum’s filtration system and travel directly to the motor. This would soon spell the end of your vacuum and cost you more money to replace.
Ash vacuums are a great investment and can speedily complete tasks that would otherwise be messy and arduous. They are portable and budget-friendly too. The remnants of charcoal, after the family party, is unsightly ash residue but with an ash vacuum, you can have this cleaned up in no time at all.
Where Can You Use An Ash Vacuum?
By now, you already know that an ash vacuum can be used in any area that results in a build-up of ash. Places such as your fireplace, barbeque grill, pellet stove, fire pit, wood burning stove and coal fire can all benefit from the cleaning effects of an ash vacuum.
Certain models can be used to clean the soot from the base of your chimney but I wouldn’t go further beyond that. It’s best to leave Chimney cleaning to the professionals. A Chimney sweep, done properly, avoids the risk of a fire.
Ash Vacuum filtration
Ash vacuums need to be equipped with the best possible filters. High-grade machines are equipped with HEPA filters as standard. As mentioned earlier, this type of filter is necessary to capture ash particles that are smaller than regular dust. The HEPA filter will ensure that the ash doesn’t escape back into the air once caught.
You can rest assured that dust clouds will not fly out of your new appliance whilst you’re cleaning up the ash.
How BIG are Ash Vacuums?
In the world of vacuum cleaners size matters and ash vacuums are no exception. Thankfully the majority of these models are compact but can still suck up a substantial amount of ash. Many of the standard size vacuums should be adequate for your needs unless your fireplace is exceptionally bigger than the conventional size.
Aim for a capacity between 4 to 6 Gallons or 18 to 25 litres and you should be okay. This capacity is large enough to perform multiple tasks in one go but if you decide to buy a smaller ash vacuum, it just means that you’ll be emptying it more frequently than the larger-sized models.
Which is the Best Ash Vacuum?
We’ve searched the market and found the best performance ash vacuums from brands such as SHOP-VAC, PowerSmith, Vacmaster. The heavy lifting has been done for you and all you need to do is select a suitable appliance from our shortlist. Simply click the link below and get yours today.
I hope that you’ve found the information provided in this article to be helpful in making your decision when it comes to buying an ash vacuum cleaner. Before we conclude I would like to highlight some important functions that should be taken into account prior to purchasing your new machine and also explain some of terminology that you will come across when making your selection. In addition to this I’ll also provide some helpful tips of useful ways to recycle the collected ash.
Important Functions To Consider When Choosing An Ash Vacuum Cleaner
Make sure you take your time when choosing a suitable ash vacuum. We’ve found that the big brands provide remarkable models, however, you should still know what those functions mean to you and how they will affect your cleaning regime.
To help you make the best choice, I’ve summarised 3 primary functions to keep a note of during your purchasing decision.
Capacity or Compactness?
Some ash cleaners contain great capacities and as a result, you can use them several times before they need to be emptied. Some of them are smaller therefore, will require more frequent emptying usually after a couple of tasks. A bigger model won’t need to be emptied out as often but it might not necessarily be the best choice for you. How so?
If you buy an ash vacuum with a larger capacity, the trade-off is that it won’t be portable, therefore, it might become a burden to move between rooms or from the pellet stove indoors to the outdoor grill. You’re better off deciding beforehand whether portability is more of a priority over longer intervals between emptying or vice versa. The best approach to this scenario is checking the weight of the appliance and its dimensions.
Suction Power
Unquestionably, a key feature that determines a vacuum cleaners effectiveness is its suction power and this couldn’t be more important when eliminating ash. Always check the motor’s power when scrolling through the specs. The criterion for any ash vacuum is a motor with a minimum of 5 to 10 amps of power. Don’t settle for anything less!
Hose and Power Cable Measurements
The last thing you want to discover, when your new ash vacuum cleaner arrives, is that the power cable and hose are too short to reach your stove or fireplace. Even if it’s a great performing machine, the convenience is compromised if it can’t reach the areas it needs to clean. Avoid short cables and hoses. Be sure to assess the length of the power cable and hose and match them to the dimensions of the room sizes around the house.
HEPA is an acronym for High-Efficiency Particulate Air filters. This type of filter is commonly found in premium vacuum cleaners but for ash vacuums, it’s a necessity. It’s a special type of filter different from the alternatives. For a filter to be classified as HEPA-grade it should be capable of extracting more than 99.7% of particles that are bigger than 0.3 micrometres and as a result, HEPA filters are superior to regular filters.
PHP
PHP stands for peak horsepower. The wording implies that the vacuum cleaner has tonnes of power inside but in reality, PHP is just the wording used to calculate the output of a motor and not the functional horsepower. This isn’t as important as it might suggest and nothing to worry about. Check the amps instead, as mentioned earlier, the motor should come with a minimum of 5 to 10 amps of power.
Can I Recycle Ash?
The most obvious thing to do with ash is to chuck it in the garbage can but before you do that did you know that ash can be useful? Keep reading to discover some of the great things ash can do for you. Whether it’s indoors or outside, ash can be resourceful and here are some of the ways it can be used.
To enrich garden soil
The ashy remnants from firewood are nutrient-rich and can revitalise your garden soil and strengthen some of your plants. The nutrients can promote growth and healthy plant life, however, not all crops take well to ash scatterings. I would advise that you research whether your specific plants can absorb ash nutrients before scattering them.
Ash is great on glassware
You might not believe me but ash is actually brilliant at cleaning your glassware and utensils and it leaves gleaming results. All you need to do is add some ash to a wet cloth or stir it into some warm water until it forms into a paste. It can also get rid of oil stains.
Ash can combat slugs
If slugs are an issue around your home you can easily get rid of them with a bit of ash. Simply scatter some ash in the areas where they commonly congregate and slugs will soon be deterred.
We’ve come to the end of our best ash vacuum cleaners buyers guide and Reviews for 2021. I hope this guide has highlighted the importance of these unique appliances when dealing with ash. Once you’ve got a better picture of what to look out for head on over to our shortlist of recommended appliances to see which machine best suits your needs.
Are you considering buying a fireplace ash vacuum cleaner or do you already own one? Please leave your comments in the section below. I’d love to hear from you.
Need to steam clean in a hurry? Read the best handheld steam cleaners guide in 2021 to find the best and most convenient type of steamer for your house cleaning needs. Modern steaming devices are lightweight, portable and heat up water quickly so that you are not waiting around to get the job done.
Why Should You Invest in a Handheld Steam Cleaner?
First of all, I’d like to highlight the benefits of buying a handheld steam cleaner over other types of steaming devices such as a canister model or a steam mop.
Perfect for spot cleaning: Handheld steamers come into their own when needed for small tasks. They are ideal for cleaning areas such as kitchen countertops, tiles, grout and windows. Whilst cleaning, the hot steam disinfects surfaces and blasts dirt out of small crevices.
Great range of accessories: Most handheld steam cleaners are sent to you with an impressive set of accessories to increase the number of tasks you can use them for. This makes them highly adaptable and able to clean many different types of surfaces quicker. Look out models that include brushes, scrapers, cloth pads, window squeegees.
Budget-friendly: You’ll be pleased to know that handheld steamers are amongst the most affordable of all types of steam cleaners. They are cheaper than larger-sized alternatives.
Easier storage: Handheld steam cleaners are the smallest steamers you can find. The benefit of a portable machine is that it doesn’t take up a lot of space thus, much easier to store. If storage is limited in your home then a handheld unit is the most practical choice.
User-Friendly: Handheld units are lighter than other types thus making then less of a burden to carry around. You can use them for long periods without causing strain to your hands or wrists. They are also practical for cleaning confined spaces.
They are some downsides to handheld steam cleans though. I’ll summarize them below to help you decide what’s best for you.
The compactness of a handheld unit is a benefit as well as a drawback. The reason for this is that the small steam nozzle wouldn’t be suitable to clean bigger floors spaces. A handheld is beneficial for spot cleans but it wouldn’t be practical for cleaning on a large scale.
They eject steam in small concentrated bursts and their water tank capacities are smaller than alternative steam cleaners. As a result of this, they can’t deliver steam for long periods and require frequent refilling. The advantage of the smaller capacity is that a handheld is lightweight
Another slight disadvantage is that the choice of handheld steam cleaners is limited compared to other models. There’s less choice but we are starting to see more offerings from manufacturers such as VonHaus, Bissell, Hoover, McCulloch.
You should bear in mind that a handheld steam cleaner is a compact device and shouldn’t to be expected to clean at the same rate as a larger sized steamer. Whilst the top-performing unit expels strong steam bursts, you’d be better off with a full-sized steam cleaner for difficult cleaning tasks. Although nothing can rival the speed and ease of using a handheld for smaller tasks.
Choosing a Compact Handheld Steam Cleaner
What type of features should you look out for when buying a handheld steam cleaner? While most of the choices out there are good value for money, not all of them perform at the same level and their range of accessories differs between models. Personally, I think the more accessories the better!
Below is a quick summary of the features to consider when deciding which handheld steamer to get-
Water Heating Time: The majority of handheld units heat water quite fast, but it’s still a good idea to look at the heating times of any potential model. Nobody wants to wait around for water to heat up which, in the long run, could put you off from using the machine.
Steam Power: A steam cleaner with a higher level of power enables it to achieve temperatures that can clean stubborn dirt such as stains and grease. If you intend on using the unit on grout, oven grills, burnt food on barbeques, be sure to pick up a model with a concentrated and strong steam output.
Water Tank: There’s no getting around the fact that handheld steam cleaners are equipped with smaller water tanks compared to the alternatives. A larger tank provides longer cleaning times but takes longer to heat up water.
Which Brand Should You Buy?: Wherever possible go for a recognised brand or if it’s a less known brand choose one with lots of good customer reviews. Many of the brands that we shortlisted are not as popular as Bissell or Hoover but we’ve found that they manufacture machines with equivalent performance and provide great customer services. Use the link below to access our list of recommended handheld steams cleaners.
Accessories: We’ve touched on this subject earlier but I’ll reiterate the importance of a good selection of accessories as this transforms your handheld steamer into a versatile multi-purpose cleaning gadget. Be on the lookout for squeegees to clean glass and mirrors, brush nozzles for challenging grease and grime, cloth pads, an extension wand and flexible hose for better reach.
Budget: The good news is that a handheld steam cleaner won’t cost the earth. They are more affordable than other types of steamers and can be bought within the $50 (or less) price range. Premium models with cost between $50 to $100. Decide on your budget then visit the link below to find the best model for your needs.
Taking into account all of the above, the most valid factor when buying a handheld steam cleaner is that it lives up your requirements. I know I’ve said this before but it’s worth mentioning again as this is an appliance that either makes all the difference or be left on the shelf to gather dust (if it’s not right for you).
If you require one that can cope with sticky grease and limescale, it’s better to stretch your budget a bit more for a unit with a stronger steam output. If you just need one for occasional small jobs then a budget choice might be adequate.
Now that we’re clearer on the features of a handheld steam cleaner lets look at some of advantages of using one instead of detergents or a regular brush and bucket.
Kinder to the environment: Steam cleaners only need one ingredient to get started, water. By doing this you are eliminating the use of chemicals and disposal of the plastics that they are contained and packaged in.
Safe around children: Steam cleaners don’t need detergents that could be hazardous to kids. There are no side effects or skin irritations to contend with. Steam is also safe to use around pets.
Multi-purpose-cleaning: These compact machines are highly versatile and there are very few other appliances that can be adapted in as many ways as a steam cleaner. The majority are shipped with plenty of attachments to help clean bathrooms, kitchens, upholstered furniture, drapes, carpets, rug, stain and mould removal, and greasy ovens.
Low-cost investment: A steam cleaner might cost more than your regular detergent but it will soon pay for itself after several uses. Once purchased, there are no other costs involved except electric (very minor usage). It will work out to be cheaper in the long run.
Allergies: A steam cleaner is a must-have for allergy sufferers. The steam that gets expelled into the air will bind dust together and kill allergens floating around.
Handheld steam cleaners are becoming a common sight in many households as more and more people are using them. They are fast becoming the preferred choice of cleaning instead of using detergents and bleach. Once you’ve used it a few times you’ll wonder why you didn’t buy one sooner. In this section, I’ll go through how to use a handheld steam cleaner.
(1). Start with the Nozzles
Before switching on your beloved steam cleaner you must ensure that steam nozzle or jet nozzle is connected to the machine. Usually, you’ll either screw or clip on the nozzle. Check carefully that it is secure fastened to avoid burning yourself.
(2). Pouring Water Into The Tank
Next, you need to fill up the tank with water. To do this, place the appliance onto a flat surface and ensure that it’s disconnected from the power supply. Depending on the design of the machine, you’ll either use a measuring cup or pour water directly into the unit. In either case, be sure not to exceed the maximum capacity measuring line. Distilled water elongates the lifespan of your handheld steam cleaner.
Pour the water into the tank slowly to avoid overfilling it. Don’t look straight down the water inlet, it’s better to look at it sideways. Hold the unit with one hand and measuring cup with the other hand. Ensure that kids and pets are not close by to avoid them knocking over the machine. Once done, place the cap back onto the inlet securely.
(3). Operating Your Handheld Steam Cleaner
Plug the unit into the nearest plug socket making sure that there’s enough cord length to reach all areas of the room. Depending on the model you should see an indicator light to prompt when the steam is ready. To start cleaning press the steam button which is usually found by the handle. Ensure that the nozzle is directed away from you or anyone else.
When cleaning is complete, unplug the unit to stop the boiler staying on constantly. Always check that the boiler has an adequate level of water before and during use. If there is a lack of water, you risk damaging the heating element. It takes at least 30 minutes for the boiler to cool down.
(4). Maintaining Your Steam Cleaner
When the job is done, remove the nozzle from the handheld steam cleaner and clean any debris that has collected around it. Wash the nozzle in the sink, discard any unused water from the machine’s reservoir and rinse it out
During use, you also need to follow safe practices to avoid injury and burns. firstly make sure that you are wearing shoes with a good grip to avoid slipping whilst handling a hot appliance. Ensure that you don’t topple over the unit. Do not place your hand or any part of your body directly into the steam and always leave the unit to cool down for at least 5 minutes before removing the safety cap.
That concludes our best handheld steam cleaners guide for 2021. If you are considering buying one of these great devices you are in the best place. Use any of the links in this article to check our leading recommendations.
Handheld cleaners are amazing tools to ease the stress of cleaning stubborn grime and mould. You can eliminate limescale, clean windows and mirrors without leaving streaks behind. The best units will make light work of tough jobs and get rid of airborne allergens air whilst they are at it.
Remember that a handheld cleaner is not as powerful as a canister or upright model. Full-sized machines are equipped with bigger water tanks and can clean bigger areas, however, handheld units still play an important role in domestic cleaning, with the most important factor being their convenience. You can get a lot of great usage out of them as long as your expectations are realistic.
Are you considering buying a portable handheld steam cleaner or do you already own one? Do you like the idea of quick steaming ? Please leave your comments in the section below. I’d love to hear from you.
Searching the market for a vac that handles solids and liquids? We’ll show you how to choose a wet and dry vacuum cleaner in 2021. If you’re not sure how to find the best one or what features you need to look out for then you’ve come to the right place. Sit back and continue reading our guide which will take you through everything you need to know.
The most important thing to consider when looking for a new wet & dry vacuum is your requirements. Are you a workman that needs an appliance to clean up after you’re done sanding, drilling or sawing? Do you need a domestic device that can unblock sinks and dry up wet floors or leaks? How many gallons of water does the machine need to extract in one go?
It’s important to understand your new machine’s capabilities and performance levels so that you can get the most out of it. I’ll highlight the main features to take into account throughout this article so that by the end of it you’ll be well-versed at what to expect when buying a new wet and dry vacuum cleaner.
What is your budget and usage requirements?
In this section, we’ll delve a bit deeper into your usage requirements. The standout feature of a wet and dry vacuum is its ability to suck up water on in addition to vacuum cleaning. A standard vac is not capable of this as the water would short-circuit the electrical components whereas a wet/dry vacuum has a layer of protection that keeps the electrics completely dry and separate to the collected water.
If you need a machine that can occasionally pick up liquids as well as perform regular household duties then a smaller unit, under 4 gallons, would be adequate. For those that need a machine that can deal with mess on an industrial level and one with a bigger tank size then you’ll need a unit that can collect a minimum of 6 gallons and a 3 peak motor. We’ve shortlisted the best wet and dry vacuums available in 2020, simply follow the link below to see our top recommendations.
Affordability is also an important factor when deciding what type of machine to get. The majority of our recommended wet vacuums cost less than $200, and most of them are priced substantially less than this, however, they might be a few compromises with cheaper models. For instance, budget models are usually equipped with a less powerful motor and a lower capacity.
It’s also possible to buy a handheld wet vacuum but these are more suited for smaller tasks like spot cleaning spilt liquids and would not be able to cope with larger areas or commercial cleaning.
The models that we’ve discussed thus far are full-sized robust cleaners that can perform the most demanding type of cleaning such as cleaning up sawdust, wood chippings, picking up snow and so on. A handheld wet vacuum cleaner has considerably less suction power and water-holding capacity but still has its uses and advantages.
For starters, a handheld unit is cheaper than a full-sized wet & dry vac and is easier to store in homes with limited storage. They are handy for fast clean-ups that don’t require a large machine to be assembled just for a small spill.
If there’s one function that sets apart the wet and dry vacuum cleaner from other types of vacuums is their industrial-level suction power. These mahcines are incredibly powerful and as a result, they can extract large volumes of water on demand.
Wet and dry brands such as Craftsman, Workshop, Shop Vac and Vacmaster are different to standard upright or canister vacuums because their suction power far exceeds them. This level of suction is required to clean areas such as workshops, construction sites, debris caused by power tools. Could you imagine trying to do all of this with your domestic vacuum? Not a chance. If you’re after a powerful long-lasting and virtually indestructible vacuum cleaner, a wet and dry unit is the perfect choice.
But even with this high level of suction there’s still some big differences in suction levels between wet and dry models. High power wattage doesn’t necessarily equate to higher suction, but there’s generally a correlation with the two.
Always check the suction power level before buying to get an idea of the tasks your desired model can carry out so that you know it won’t struggle with the demands placed upon it.
Is it possible to have too much such suction power? Yes, there is! If you decided to clean your house carpets with a powerful industrial wet/dry vacuum, the suction power would probably lift the carpet and keep the nozzle or cleaner head stuck to it, thus making it harder to push back and forth.
Length & Diameter of the Hose
The diameter of the hose will determine the amount of debris or liquids that the vacuum can pick up and the rate at which it does this. The large proportion of wet and dry vacuums are equipped with large-diameter hoses but it’s a good idea to assess this before purchasing.
The hose length is equally as important because it determines the cleaning range of your unit, a longer length hose ensures that areas that are difficult to reach can be accessed easier. In certain cases a longer hose can result in lower suction power.
A machine with a larger water gallon capacity is more convenient and time-saving. Bigger capacities are a must-have on work sites to ensure longer operating times, as small units would need to be emptied frequently.
Another thing to look out for is the listed capacities for wet and dry vacuums, these could be different for the dry capacity compared to the wet capacity. Note that liquid weighs more than dry debris, therefore a larger volume of liquid would be more difficult to empty out of the tank.
Filtration
Wherever possible, choose a wet and dry vacuum with high-grade filters particularly if you suffer from airborne allergic reactions. If you’re after a model for worksites that work with hazardous substances, you’ll require a machine with filtration designed to cope with this.
Features To Consider When Buying A Wet & Dry Vacuum
Accessories– Most wet and dry vacuums come with standard attachments such as a crevice tool, wet nozzle and an extension wand. If you need accessories for specific tasks then make sure you check what’s included in the box before purchasing. Preferably, get a model with built-in storage.
Length of the power cable– a longer cable is better for cleaning bigger rooms and reduces the need to constantly change plug sockets.
How much does it weigh?– The heaviness of a vacuum should be considered. Don’t underestimate how challenging a heavy appliance is to move around. You don’t want to be stuck with a machine that adds time to your cleaning and is a burden to manoeuvre.
An outlet for Power Tools- This feature is not included on all wet and dry vacuums but is extremely useful for those that work with power tools. You can connect your work tools to the outlet and the machine will automatically extract any resulting dirt when required.
Noise level– Certain wet and dry machines are noticeably louder than others as a result of their strong motors. I’d recommend buying a unit that is fitted with a noise diffuser to minimise its loudness.
Water Drainage- Some units are equipped with a drainage valve to empty large volumes of water, thus eliminating the need to lift the tank and tip out the liquid.
Hose connection– in some cases the material that connects the hose to the tank can be of poor quality. If you want a hard-wearing connection, search for a model with a screw-on or lock connection.
After-care– The majority of wet and dry cleaners include a limited warranty or guaranty. It’s a good idea to check if this also covers labour and parts.
Carpet Shampooing machines warm up a tank of water and disperse it onto the carpet. The water is mixed together with a cleaning fluid (specifically designed for carpets), which then dislodges dirt with the help of scrubbing brushes found at the base of the unit.
The carpet washer then sucks up the dirt and dirty water into a separate tank leaving a fresh-looking carpet once done. Some carpets cleaners might wash in a slightly a different way, but overall this is how they work.
Wet and Dry Vacuums are not to be confused with carpet cleaners. They cannot do the above. They don’t come with a dual tank for clean and dirty water and they cannot disperse shampoo onto carpets. You can vacuum liquids efficiently from wet floors with a wet and dry vacuum but if you want to wash your carpet you’ll require a carpet cleaner.
What Sets Them Apart From Other Vacuums?
For starters, wet & dry vacuum cleaners are built to cope with demanding jobs that a regular vacuum simply couldn’t withstand and for this reason, they are often used for workshops, building sites, shop floors, outdoor tasks such as gardens, removing snow, vacuuming dirt from decking and cleaning vans/trucks. To deal with such challenging environments they have to be heavy-duty and stronger than other machines.
One of the most important factors of these type of appliances is their ability to clean both dry debris and liquid substances. To do this the electric components need to protected from the water. There is a special insulation that separates the electrics from liquids, thus keeping the unit and the user safe from short-circuiting or electrocution respectively.
Within the machines, most units will be designed with a mechanism that separates solids from water. You will need to adapt the machine, by changing its filters, to perform specific tasks but this also varies between models.
You can also reverse the motor from suction to blower and as a result it can be used to shift leaves or blow away dust from your tools. Some models will come with a dedicated detachable blower.
You’ve come to the end of our guide and I hope that we’ve made it clearer on how to choose a wet and dry vacuum in 2021. These units are the most robust appliances available for cleaning. They can work through gruelling tasks that would soon break a standard vacuum cleaner, and their capabilities to extract water from floors and unblock sinks increases their usefulness.
Before settling on a wet and dry machine, begin by considering what you need it for and what areas it will be required to clean up. is it needed for domestic or industrial use or maybe both? Also, check how far your budget can stretch, sometimes the price difference between an average and outstanding vacuum can be a few bucks.
Overall, the suction performance is normally the deciding factor when choosing your ideal model. There are a large number of wet & dry vacuum cleaners that deliver great suction power, therefore providing spotless results.
Are you considering buying a wet and dry vacuum cleaner or do you already own one? Please leave your comments in the section below. I’d love to hear from you.
Want to eliminate bacteria quickly without the need for chemicals? We’ve put together a buying guide for the best steam cleaners for home use in 2021. Steam is a powerful cleaning agent for various chores around the household especially those with pets, it’s a great investment for cleaning areas such as tiles, grouting, oven interiors and even windows.
There’s plenty of options out there when it comes to deciding on the perfect steam cleaner, however, you need to first decide whether you want a steam mop, cylinder or a handheld steam cleaner before buying.
If you’ve already made a decision on the type of steam cleaner you want then you can head straight to our recommended steam cleaners using the link below. If you’re not sure what to get then continue reading to learn more about different models, and other important functions before settling on the best steamer for your needs.
A steam mop is a popular choice and is primarily used to clean and disinfect hard flooring. It keeps floors looking shiny and maintained to a high level. But the cleaning doesn’t stop there, nowadays most modern steam mops come with a host of accessories to turn them into versatile domestic cleaners. They clean faster than a manual mop and don’t leave floors damp for long periods and as a result, incoming foot traffic won’t mess up your floors.
A basic steam mop is exclusively for floor cleaning but shouldn’t be overlooked as it delivers brilliant performance on hard floors and carpets too depending on the accessories provided. There are two types of steam mops- an upright and cylinder steamer.
Uprights are normally a bit easier to navigate, but the main body can sometimes be slightly heavy. Cylinder steam mops look very similar to a canister vacuum cleaner, they are bigger than upright steamers but the cleaning nozzle is easier to use in comparison.
For the ultimate convenience, you should buy a combination steam mop to get all the best features of a steamer bundled into a single device. This type of steam mop can be detached from the main unit to transform it into a handheld steamer so that you can enjoy the best of both worlds. Combination steam mops cost slightly more than standard models but their versatility justifies the added expense as you are getting a variety of streaming configurations for various jobs.
In addition to cleaning tiles, some steam mops are equipped with variable steam control so that they can be adapted to clean vinyl, laminate and wooden flooring without the risk of causing damage to the material.
Handheld Mop
Handheld steam cleaners are the second choice and can be used for smaller jobs above floor level such as cleaning upholstery, wall tiles and ovens. Handheld mops are smaller than steam mops but are usually designed with a stronger concentrated steam output and are perfect for areas that a larger steamer would be awkward to use such as shelves or bins.
Handheld models usually cost less and are more portable. They are supplied with various accessories for different chores throughout the house, but you should also consider that their water tanks are smaller thus they’ll need frequent refilling.
Handheld steamers are great for small cleaning tasks and ideal for cleaning confined areas such as the shower cubicle or the inside of your oven. They usually weigh less than uprights and cylinders and are perfect for homes with limited storage space.
Cylinder Cleaners
Cylinder steam cleaners are great for floors but are also flexible to reach high areas thanks to the hose and nozzle. A huge advantage of cylinders is their long steaming times compared to upright and handheld mops because of their bigger water tanks, therefore you won’t need to refill the tank as often.
Bear in mind that the larger size means that they are not as fast to use as smaller steamers. You’ll be provided with plenty tools though, to allow you to tackle virtually all jobs that require the power of steam including grout, flooring (including carpeting), ovens and even steaming out creases from drapes and clothing.
The popularity of steam cleaners has soured over the past few years and there’s a good reason for this.
High performing steam cleaners simplify difficult tasks such as removing grease and grime from all types of surfaces. Steam is hot enough to eradicate germs and dust mites lurking in your home and is helpful for allergy and asthma sufferers. You would also be doing your bit for the environment because there’s no need to use bleaches and detergents when cleaning with steam, plus it saves you money in the long run.
Thinking of getting a steam cleaner? Here’s how to buy one.
How To Choose The Best Steam Cleaners
The main thing to look out for when sourcing a new steam cleaner is its quality and performance on different surfaces. It needs to be able to cope with cleaning consistently on hard floors, carpets, windows, tiles, bathrooms and kitchens with the various tools provided.
Another aspect is the ease of use when operating the steamer. Can the tools be attached easily? Is the water tank in a convenient location to refill water? If the Steam cleaner is a combination unit can it be switched easily between different modes i.e. from upright to handheld? It’s also worth checking how much steam time you get with each full tank of water to give you a clearer indication of the area that can be steamed per session. I
What I love most about steam cleaners is that they are so easy to use yet
extremely versatile and powerful enough to remove grime that I’d struggle to
remove with just elbow grease alone. These appliances offer hygienic cleaning
solutions without requiring any type of bleach or cleaning fluid, you just fill
up the water tank, wait a few seconds for the water to heat up and away you go.
Steam Cleaner Water Tank Capacity
The volume of water inside the tank is usually measured in litres. Larger tanks don’t need refilling as often as smaller ones.
As previously mentioned, Cylinder steamers contain the biggest water tanks and as a result, they can clean larger areas and multiple rooms in one go. The trade-off here is that a bigger tank takes more time to heat up the water.
Steam mops have smaller tanks than cylinders but the advantage is that they
heat up water much quicker. Most of them have detachable water tanks which
means that you can refill the tank straight from the tap without the hassle of
fiddling with the whole machine.
You’ll need to decide what you prefer, tank capacity or quicker water
heating times. It’s possible to buy a steam cleaner that strikes the right
balance and we’ve got a range of recommended appliances that we think would do
the job.
The amount steaming time you will get from your appliance, in one go,
depends on the type of steamer and the size of its water tank. We’ve already
covered water tank capacities and established that handheld cleaners have small
tanks and as a result will provide steam in short spurts, thus appropriate for
little tasks. The same goes for bigger steamers such as cylinder cleaners,
their larger tanks will allow for a longer steaming period before a top-up is
required.
Generally, steam mops contain a reservoir system that regulates the water
temperature instead of heating water when required, consequently they’re ready
to steam quicker because the pre-heating process is less than 60 seconds.
There’s less control over the steam with these type of appliances which means
that steam output will be continuous. This shouldn’t be a problem for hard
flooring but might be trickier to use on surfaces that don’t require large
amounts of steam e.g. certain rugs and carpets.
Handheld steamers typically heat the whole water tank and provide an abundance of high-pressure steam whenever it’s required. These models are generally controlled with a switch or button, thus making them ideal for multiple surfaces and providing you with a greater level of output control.
Water heating times vary between different steam cleaners. The amount of
time it takes the water to heat up hinges on the type of cleaner you choose.
There’s a good selection of steam mops that produce steam in a mere 20 seconds,
which is incredibly fast.
Cylinder cleaners take much longer to heat up. You can expect it to take between 6 to 8 minutes to produce steam because it utilizes a pressurised steam chamber. The advantage is that a cylinder can deliver a continuous flow of high steam output.
Removable Mop pads
Steam cleaners are normally supplied with mopping pads that can be washed in the washing machine, after use, with your regular laundry. Ideally, you should get a steam mop with at least two pads so that there’s always one available when the other is in the wash. Some units let you turn the pad inside out without swapping it over, thus giving you twice the cleaning.
Certain high-grade mopping pads are integrated with Microban protection to
eliminate germs that cause bad odours. This ensures that you pads are
consistently fresh for repeated usage and an increased lifespan.
Almost all steam cleaners are supplied with attachments to help clean a variety of areas and surface types. The range of accessories will vary between manufacturers and models but generally, you’ll get tools to help clean grout, ovens, greasy cooker hoods, worktops, shower screens and so on.
I’d highly recommend buying a steam cleaner that is supplied with a selection of accessories or has the option to attach them if you decide to buy some later on. Steam mops are often supplied with a floor attachment and handheld steamers come with a larger range of tools to complement their portability and versatility.
Nozzles are perfect for getting murk off grout and small brushes are a godsend for greasy taps and hobs. Some models are even supplied with tools to clean windows. Below is a list of accessories that are commonly shipped with steam cleaners-
Scrubbing brushes to extract sticky grime on tiles and grouting.
Squeegees to clean windows and glass.
Carpet gliders to freshen up rugs and carpets.
Cleaning pads for surface wiping.
Scrubbing pad to ease the burden of removing grease from oven interiors.
Upholstery tool to freshen up the fabric on couches and drapes.
What Type Of Steam Cleaner Should You Buy?
The type of steam cleaner you purchase depends on the type of tasks that you need it for, the size of areas that you’ll be steaming and how frequently you intend to clean. Here is a quick summary to guide you in the right direction.
If you’ll be focusing your steaming on floors only then its best to buy a steam mop. They are ideal for those hard floors such as tiling, wooden floors, laminate flooring, some are even designed to inject life back into carpets and removing stains. Steam mops are cheaper but not as adaptable as combination mops, which can change from upright to handheld to perform more tasks.
If you want to extend your steaming beyond floor level then I’d highly recommend a combination mop. They are flexible for a multitude of jobs because you can switch between handheld and upright, and you are supplied with an arsenal of attachments for different tasks. As a result, you can use steam power to clean bathtubs, drapes, upholstery, kitchen worktops and plenty other areas using just one machine.
Cylinder steam cleaners are best for rigorous cleaning such as removing limescale around the shower and taps as well as steaming surfaces that attract dirt easily. The large tank on these models means that you can clean on a large scale for longer periods than other types of steamers.
Cylinder cleaners are also easier to handle because the main body of the appliance sits on wheels so that you can easily cart it wherever you need it. Most Cylinders can provide similar performance as combination mops and are equipped with a good range of accessories. You can also buy a portable cylinder steamer that can be hoisted onto your shoulder if required.
How much should you pay for a decent steam cleaner?
Unfortunately, the steam cleaner market is flooded with too much choice. It’s easy to get lost in what appears to be an endless list of varieties from numerous brands. There is also the differences in performance and cleaning quality and as a result, you want to be sure that you’re getting the best bang for your buck.
Thankfully we’ve done all the heavy lifting for you and are pleased to report that you can buy a good quality steam cleaner for as little as $75. While the best Combination steam cleaners cost around $129. There’s a steam cleaner out there for every budget.
The choice of Cylinder and Handheld steam cleaners is not as big as other models. Cylinder cleaners start from around $169, while a decent handheld model will cost around $40. Price and quality can vary wildly with steam cleaners, so be sure to check out our reviews using the link below.
How easy is it to use a Steam Cleaner?
It’s relatively easy to use a steam cleaner. Remember that you are using just water as your main ingredient- you don’t need to mix any type of detergent into the water. Hot steam should spray onto the floor and remove stains without the need for exhaustive scrubbing.
Refilling the water tank should be pain-free. Our recommended products are designed with easily detachable tanks that are quick to refill so that you can get back to the task at hand in no time. Heating times should be quick (less than a minute) to save you waiting around before the steam is ready.
Some models are equipped with safety features to reduce the risk of injury, we are dealing with hot steam after all. It’s possible to find appliances with warning lights and audible prompts to guarantee safer usage of your steam cleaner.
What else should you pay attention to when buying a steam cleaner?
The water heating times, steam duration and volume of the water tanks have all been discussed throughout this article and if there is anything else I would point out is the quality of water that you are using with your steam cleaner.
It’s worth finding out if your desired machine will work optimally with normal tap water. Certain brands advise using distilled water with their steam cleaner, which can be costly and bothersome. This is especially important if you live in an area with hard water and it would be advisable to get a model with a descaler or limescale filter.
Our Steam Cleaner Buyers Guide should shed some light on everything you need to know before you purchase one. I think it’s safe to say that this is a handy domestic appliance that could save you hours of cleaning. Hot steam is kinder to the environment as it eliminates the need for detergents plus it can clean much better than a bucket and brush.
Are you considering buying a steam cleaner mop or do you already own one? Please leave your comments in the section below. I’d love to hear from you.
Carpet spillages are almost impossible to avoid and the cost of renting a carpet shampooer or hiring a professional cleaner can soon add up. This helpful guide will show you what to look for when searching for your own domestic carpet cleaner and provide a list of recommended appliances for your cleaning requirements.
In a nutshell, carpet cleaners shampoo the carpet with a special cleaning fluid, warm water and scrubbing brushes found at the base of the machine. Regular usage of a carpet washer will keep your carpets looking fresh, minimise stains and target dirt rooted deep within the carpet pile.
Shampooing carpets will vastly improve their appearance compared to solely vacuuming them. It usually takes about 3 to 4 hours for the carpet to dry after washing.
Carpet cleaners are larger than vacuum cleaners because they need to house separate water tanks for clean and dirty water. You can choose a portable machine for smaller jobs such as spot cleaning and eliminating small stains or a bigger machine to clean larger spaces and multiple rooms.
If you want to save yourself money in the long-term but want your carpets to always look as new as the day they got fitted then its time you found a domestic carpet washer that will give virtually the same results as renting a professional appliance.
Lighter-coloured carpets are difficult to maintain and usuall fall victim to stains and spills, they also show signs of ageing much quicker than darker carpets. You can keep on top of this once you get into the habit of periodically washing carpets with your new carpet cleaner rather than putting it off until the next big clean.
I hate to say this but as lovely as they are, kids and pets are not good for the health of a carpet, and vacuuming alone isn’t enough to maintain the life of your carpets. We’ll give you the best advice to make an informed choice to buy a powerful carpet washer that deep cleans and dries carpets fast. You can now enjoy the best of both worlds- clean carpets and family time without worrying about dirt and stains.
The tricky part of the process is purchasing a carpet cleaner that provides the functionality to suit your requirements but without costing you an arm and a leg. It can become a difficult task to strike the right balance between performance and affordability. Thankfully we’ve got you covered. When you’re ready to choose your new carpet cleaner you can go straight to the shortlist of our best product recommendations using the link below:
If you want to research more information about carpet cleaners, read on. This guide covers practically everything you need to know before buying a new carpet washer.
How Does a Carpet Washer Work?
The majority of carpet washers are equipped with a water container and a section for the carpet detergent. Other machines will integrate both the cleaning solution and water to be mixed in a single tank. As you move the machine across the carpet, it sprays the mixture onto the carpet fibres and simultaneously scrubs the area with the onboard brushes to clean stains and dirt.
The cleaner will then deploy powerful suction to suck up the dirty water, debris, moisture and help dry the carpet quicker. Some machines aren’t fitted with a suction feature and will rely on your existing vacuum cleaner to remove the dirt dislodged by the carpet washer.
Although carpet cleaners are manufactured with safety features it’s always good to be extra careful when using water and a machine connected to electricity. Make sure you plug your new carpet washer into a ground-fault circuit interrupter or GFCI outlet which is a fast-acting circuit breaker designed to turn off electric power in the event of a ground-fault within as little as 1/40 of a second. It’s highly unlikely to happen but this mechanism will protect you from electrocution in case water and electricity mix.
The cleaning performance of a carpet washer is calculated in watts (W) and as a result, the greater the wattage the greater the power of the machine. Therefore, more power results in better dirt lifting performance and a comprehensive deep clean.
Carpet cleaners with better performance are usually equipped with a motorised scrubbing system that aids in the removal of stubborn dirt and stains.
Water Capacity
The capacity of the water tanks is calculated in litres but you need to bear in mind that a carpet cleaner requires at least 2 tanks to hold the clean water and the resulting dirty water. Clean and dirty water is separated when shampooing commences i.e. clean water is applied to the carpet along with detergent then the dirty water is collected into a separate tank as it’s sucked up from the carpet.
The benefits of using a carpet cleaner with large water tanks means that you won’t need to refill and empty them as often as smaller ones.
Carpet Cleaner Heating System
Premium models will often feature a heating system that regulates the water temperature to ensure that it is always heated correctly to optimise cleaning performance. Hot water helps to break down dirt particles and remove grime from carpets for a perfect clean.
Not all carpet cleaners come with a heating system but I’ll help you find the best carpet shampooers with a heated water regulator. Simply click on the link below to access our latest recommendations.
The length of the carpet cleaner will gauge the amount of floor that can be cleaned in one go. Wider units have a greater cleaning range to scrub more surface area, therefore, reducing the time it takes to clean the area.
Certain cleaners with better reach will let you clean right up to the baseboard and corners of the room.
Carpet Cleaning Detergent
For a carpet cleaner to be effective it needs a good cleaning solution. Most manufacturers will ship their units with a complimentary bottle of recommended cleaning fluid designed for use with that specific machine.
The user guide that accompanies the machine will instruct you on the correct quantities required and the number of times you need to pass each area of carpet to get consistent results. Different solutions are formulated for different tasks. Some will be produced to clean stains whilst others will clean your carpet and add a layer of protection to make it less susceptible to stains.
Advantages of Using a Carpet Cleaner
Regular vacuum cleaning is encouraged to remove visible dirt from your carpet but it won’t always clean tougher dirt hidden deep down the carpet fibres. The occasional use of a carpet cleaner will result in fresher looking carpets throughout your home.
As mentioned earlier, leasing out a carpet cleaner or employing a professional cleaning company is an expensive option if you intend on doing so regularly, buying a domestic carpet cleaner will drive down costs in the long-term and give you the same outstanding results.
A busy household prone to pet stains and messy spillages will massively benefit from owning a carpet washer because spills and stains can be dealt with immediately as they occur, which improves the likeliness of eliminating them completely.
The most effective way of keeping your carpeting 100% fresh and always looking at its best is deep cleaning it a minimum of once a year.
How big is a carpet cleaner and how much does it weigh?
Carpet cleaners weigh more than vacuum cleaners. Some can be as heavy as 50 pounds (22Kgs) and others can be as light as 20 pounds (9Kgs). The dimensions and heaviness of a carpet cleaner can hugely affect its ease of use because cumbersome machines can be challenging to handle.
If you’re going to be carrying the machine between different floors then it’s wise to consider the weight and how easy it can be lifted up and down stairs. Always check the weight of the carpet cleaner prior to buying it.
Another point to consider is that the machine will get heavier as you pour water into the tank. The benefit of a larger carpet cleaner is that it won’t need refilling or emptying as often as a smaller unit. A good tip is to transport the cleaner on an empty tank between floors, then you can always fill it up when you get upstairs.
Carpet Cleaner Suction
One of the primary features of a carpet cleaner is its suction performance. It needs to draw out the water, cleaning fluid and dirt from carpeting to make certain that the cleaning is effective. Great suction is crucial to wipe out troublesome stains.
Powerful suction is also necessary to speed up carpet drying times after shampooing is completed. Typically it will take the carpet between 3 to 5 hours to dry after a wash.
Some carpet cleaners don’t come with suction functionality and depend on you to use a vacuum cleaner after shampooing the carpet to extract dampness and dirt. I wouldn’t recommend this type of carpet cleaner because it’s too much of a hassle and this process could potentially reduce the lifespan of your vacuum cleaner!
Another useful feature is a carpet cleaner that can rinse. This helps you to thoroughly clean the carpet with just pressurised water, after shampooing it, to give it a dedicated rinse.
Carpet cleaning machines are fitted with brushes that agitate dirt and work together with the cleaning mixture (water + detergent) to treat your carpets.
Cheaper cleaners use stationary brushes that don’t move without assistance, other machines use motorised brushes that spin unaccompanied in various directions whilst the machine is operational.
Motorised brushes normally give the best scrubbing performance because the independent movement deep cleans the carpet fibres more thoroughly than fixed brushes. Machines with fixed bristles usually cost less but they aren’t always the most effective option.
Cable Length and Hose
Similar to corded vacuum cleaners the length of the power cable on a carpet cleaner is important because it determines the cleaning range. Longer cables enable you to clean bigger rooms easier. I’d recommend finding a carpet shampooer with a cable that’s a minimum of 15 feet long (4.57 metres).
If you can buy a carpet cleaner that is fitted with a hose, I’d urge you to get one because this increases its reachability to clean areas such as stairs, upholstery and car interiors without moving the whole machine back and forth.
If you want a flexible carpet cleaner you should find a model with a hose that is a minimum of 9 feet long (2.74 metres) in length.
Getting a carpet cleaner with accessories is beneficial because it gives you more options to get certain jobs done that would be practically impossible to do with a full sized machine.
If you plan to clean smaller areas, stairs and fabrics on furniture then you might want a cleaner that is supplied with handheld accessories such as a stair tool, a spray crevice nozzle or a jet cleaning wand for smaller tasks.
Carpet Cleaner Water Tank
When analysing the dimensions of your new carpet washer, you should give thought to the size of the water tank. A bigger tank has the benefit of fewer refills during cleaning.
Machines with larger tanks will usually be heavier though, and could potentially be harder to handle but it also depends on the design of the machine.
As detailed throughout this guide, most good carpet cleaners are equipped with two water tanks- a tank to hold clean water and another for dirty water. Designs tend to be different, other cleaners will utilize a single tank with a bladder-like system i.e. clean water is contained in a small tank within a bigger one, that collects the dirty water and keeps them apart.
Certain models will dispense the cleaning solution differently. Some will mix it straight into the clean water and other machines will dispense the detergent and water separately at specific intervals.
The price range for carpet cleaners is between $100 to $400 to buy. Premium models with the best features such as high suction, motorized brushes and a sizeable water tank, start at about $200 and can go anywhere up to $400.
Cheaper models with lower or no suction power, a small water tank and motionless brushes will generally cost between $99 to $150. Thankfully there’s an option to suit most budgets.
Washing Your Carpets
If you want great results from your new carpet cleaner you need to learn how to use it properly to get the best out of it. Below are a few tips for optimum cleaning performance.
The comprehensive user guide below will talk you through the process and explain what you need to do, from pre-treating your carpet all the way to drying it. For the best cleaning, there are several things to do prior to using your carpet cleaner.
To ensure that your carpet is cleaned evenly you will need to shift obstacles out of the way.
Items like t.v. stands, couches, tables and chairs will hinder your carpet cleaner from washing the areas underneath them. These sections shouldn’t be overlooked as they normally accumulate hidden dirt over time.
If shifting furnishings out of the room proves to be a challenge then you should try moving them to the centre of the room so that you can clean the outer edges of the room.
Vacuum Prior to Washing
To enhance your carpet cleaner’s performance you should vacuum clean the room prior to shampooing to get rid of dust and dirt sitting above the carpet fibres. Removing this first layer of dirt will allow your carpet cleaner to reach deeper hidden dirt easier.
Try not to get your carpet too damp, usually caused by going over the same area multiple times. Some machines don’t provide sufficient suction to completely draw out the wet, which can encourage bacteria and mould.
Stains are best cleaned within a short time of them occurring to improve the chance of removing them completely.
Only use lukewarm water on woollen carpets to prevent harming the delicate fibres.
If your carpets have previously been treated by a stain repellent make sure that you check the machine’s instructions so that you know the correct shampoo solution to clean with. Applying the wrong shampoo may compromise the existing coating.
To speed up carpet drying time after washing its handy to switch on a dehumidifier, fan or air conditioning if available.
The dirt in your carpet is made up of three-quarters of soil treaded into the pile. If you’ve not already done so you should place doormats at the entryways to reduce the transportation of soil from outside into your carpets.
Always use the provided accessories for their specific tasks to simplify and speed up the cleaning process.
Shampooing your carpet more than once a year will quickly recoup your costs in just 2 cleaning sessions.
That concludes our guide for the best carpet cleaners to buy in 2020. Owning a carpet washer will help keep stains and spillages at bay and freshen your carpeting when it’s time to spring clean. Machines such as the Bissell or Hoover brand, with a suction feature, can also collect wet spillages using a nozzle attached to the hose.
It’s important to follow the carpet cleaner’s guidelines to ensure a hassle-free cleaning experience. The manufacturer’s instructions will also show you the number of times to shampoo each area of carpet to make sure that the results are even. Overall, a carpet cleaning machine is great for prolonging the life of your carpets and saving you cash in the long term.
Are you considering buying a carpet cleaner or do you already own one? Please leave your comments in the section below. I’d love to hear from you.
In recent years we’ve seen an exciting range of battery-powered vacuums. Our cordless vacuum cleaners reviews and buyers guide for 2021 will help you find what to look out for when searching for your perfect cordless cleaner.
Although they’ve been around for years, we’ve only recently started to see cordless vacuums that are truly powerful with longer battery running times from brands such as Dyson. Mr Dyson is so confident with his cordless range, that he’ll soon be phasing out his corded vacuum cleaners.
What’s all the fuss about going cordless? For starters, these vacuums are highly portable, agile and massively cut down on cleaning times because they’re instantly accessible. Once you’ve used one you’ll ask yourself why you didn’t get a cordless earlier. No more hunting for plug sockets and they are just so lightweight to carry anywhere.
The ingenuity of a cordless vacuum is that it can be used as an upright simply by connecting an extendable wand to it or it can be switched to a compact handheld vacuum, making it ideal for quick cleanups in challenging areas such as stairs and car interiors. You get the best of both i.e. stick functionality and a handheld vacuum all in one device.
Unique vacuums such as the GTech Bissell Airam are full-sized cordless uprights that blend the suction and dirt holding volume of a standard sized vacuum with the agility and ease of a cordless cleaner. The convenience of cord-free cuts down the time it takes to clean floors and gives you the freedom of vacuuming areas with limited or zero plug sockets.
Who doesn’t want an easier cleaning experience? Cordless vacuum cleaners allow you to whizz across your floors easily without causing strain to your back, hands or wrists. They are a joy to push around your floors thanks to their lightweight. Most of them are designed to reach awkward spaces beneath furniture and small gaps, using the crevice tool and other accessories provided.
When first introduced to the market, cordless vacuums were thought to be accessories to compliment full-sized vacuums. They were meant to be for quick top-ups in between deeper cleans. Modern innovations with battery design and powerful micro motors have seen certain cordless cleaners completely replacing bigger machines to become the sole cleaning device, even in large households.
The best cordless vacuums combine both handheld and stick functionality in one machine. But some cheaper versions are limited to one cleaning mode. Cordless stick vacuums are designed to mimic the cleaning technique of uprights but they are much lighter in weight and portable. They are ideal for regular cleaning and are a godsend for homes with little storage space.
In addition to simplifying house cleaning, your cordless vacuum can be kept closer to rooms that need frequent vacuuming, such as the kitchen or living room. Most cordless units come with a wall bracket that doubles up as a charging station and cradle for tools. You can position the wall mount somewhere close by so that your cordless is always within easy reach.
Handheld vacuum cleaners are handy tools for picking up dust, cobwebs, breadcrumbs and dirt throughout your home, you can take them virtually anywhere that needs cleaning. The bin on a handheld is smaller than bins on a conventional vacuum but the emptying mechanism is usually designed to make dirt disposal quick and easy.
Just because cordless cleaners are small doesn’t mean that they are weak performers, provided you get the right unit. Their power is calculated in volts. A larger voltage rating gives better suction power and improvements in dirt lifting performance. Stronger units are capable of powering up a spinning brush to improve cleaning on carpets and rugs.
Dirt Bin Capacity
The volume of dirt held inside a cordless vacuum is calculated in litres. Handheld and stick vacuums have smaller bins than standard-sized vacuum cleaners because of their portability. They need regular emptying but the disposal process is done within seconds. Easy!
Virtually all Cordless cleaners are bagless. The dirt container gathers mess inside and usually has a marker level to help you gauge when it is at full capacity and needs emptying.
For a cordless vacuum to clean effectively it needs a reliable high-grade battery to power it up. Rechargeable batteries will either make or break a cordless cleaner. Always check the battery running time before making your purchase. This will give you a good idea about the length of time your new cordless will vacuum on a single charge.
Models with lithium batteries usually run for longer but the operating times will differ depending on the unit that you choose. Most cordless vacuums run up to 20 minutes providing enough time for quick clean-ups. Remember that the agility of a cordless machine reduces the time spent cleaning, it now takes me less than 20 minutes to clean all the floors in my 2 bedroomed house.
Premium cordless vacuum cleaners can provide a battery run time of up to 1 hour on a full charge. Lithium batteries have the advantage of charging faster and are usually designed with a cut-off mechanism once 100% charged to avoid overcharging and degrading the battery cells.
Check Before You Buy:
Battery Time: This can range from 15 minutes to over 60 minutes.
Charging time: Batteries charge at different rates depending on the model. Charge times vary between 60 minutes to an eye-watering 16 hours. Choose wisely!
Turbo vs standard settings: Machines with a boost setting, to maximise suction power, can radically reduce the battery time to less than 7 minutes.
Interchangeable batteries: Certain cordless vacuums come with an extra battery as a backup so that you never run out of power.
Battery power and quality are hugely important factors to consider when deciding on the best cordless vacuum cleaner to buy. Cheap brands often come up short and are not worth purchasing. Some manufacturers exaggerate their battery life claims leaving consumers short-changed. Don’t worry, we’ve shortlisted our favourite cordless cleaner in the link below.
Pet hair is the bane of most pet owners. It is difficult to get rid of and it never seems to end. Cordless cleaners are the best tools in your fight against pet hair and some units come with specialist attachments to pick up hair with minimum effort. Turbo tools are equipped with rotating brushes that catch hair from upholstery, rugs, carpets and furniture.
Cordless vacuum cleaners are easier to manoeuvre between rooms and around furniture than conventional vacuums. This makes the process of picking up pet hair less of a chore and more of a speedy cleaning session, giving you the convenience of frequent cleaning as and when it’s needed.
What’s The Cost Of A Decent Cordless Vacuum?
Models are priced anywhere between $50 to more the $500. This is a big price range but that doesn’t mean you should go for the cheapest or most expensive units. There are plenty of options and we’ve made the selection process simpler by shortlisting our best performing cordless vacuums.
To find the ideal cordless cleaner for your requirements and budget simply visit the link below.
There is no denying that Dyson is the frontrunner at designing the best cordless vacuum cleaners. Their range is hugely popular and it includes the V7, V8 and V10 models. There’s better battery life, functionality and bigger capacity as you go higher up the range. Each one also has its own variants to cater for different cleaning conditions.
Below is a breakdown of the variants within each range:
Motorhead – this is the entry-level model.
Animal– Comes with a specialised attachment for pet hair.
Absolute– Supplied with extra accessories, an additional cleaner head designed for hard floors and a higher quality filtration system.
Total Clean– the top-spec comes with all of the above plus an extended accessory pack to give you everything you could possibly need from a comprehensive vacuum cleaner.
Prices for Dyson cordless vacuums differ massively and models are usually on offer which makes it hard to gauge which one to pick. Stick to our recommended cord-free vacuums for the best balance between price and features.
Resist the urge to splash out on the top-end model before comparing what each model provides and deciding which tools you will need for various jobs.
Although Dyson is leading the cordless race it’s still worth checking out the competition such as Shark, GTech or Deik. I’ve found models from alternative brands with similar performance and in some cases with longer battery life. Find everything you need by heading to our shortlist of best rated cordless cleaners.
Cordless Vacuum Functionality
The majority of cordless vacuums can interchange between stick and handheld mode. Designs differ between manufacturers but generally the functionality is the same.
You can attach different tools to the stick or directly to the primary unit when using it as a handheld. This gives the cordless vacuum a unique advantage over the upright and canister because it is more adaptable to use in smaller spaces and confined areas that would normally be hard to clean with a larger machine.
Certain cordless vacuums are made primarily for floor cleaning with less focus on handheld cleaning. The machine might be a bit bulkier and not as practical for handheld usage. Make sure you consider how you’ll be using your cordless before you decide which one to buy.
Illuminated cleaner head– Some maufacturers cleverly integrate LED lights onto the floorhead to help you light up dark hidden corners and spot dirt easier. Sadly you won’t find this feature on Dyson cleaner heads (yet).
Trigger switch– Originally a Dyson feature, the power trigger has been adopted by other brands. You simply press the trigger to instantly power the unit and it automatically cuts off as soon as you let go. This improves battery efficiency and saves power.
Posture- certain cordless vacuums can stand independently without support, others are designed to avoid falling over once propped to a wall and some are better off being lied on the floor or docked into the supplied wall bracket.
Battery level lights– you won’t find this feature on all cordless vacuums but it’s very handy to help you see how much battery life is left.
Is It Worth Buying a Cordless Vacuum?
Absolutely. It’s now possible to find a cordless vacuum cleaner with similar cleaning performance and suction power as a standard sized vacuum. That’s a huge leap forward when you consider the size of these things. The best cordless cleaners are equipped with motorized tools to deep clean carpets, eliminate pet hairs and deal with stubborn dirt.
Be wary of inferior cordless vacuums that struggle to lift up dirt and suffer with poor battery life. The market is flooded with cheap units that you should avoid. Visit the link below to get your hands on our favorite top-performing cordless vacuums.
Cordless vacuums are here to stay. The best performers will clean multiple floor types to the same level as larger vacuum cleaners. They are highly capable despite their portable size and will conveniently reduce cleaning times.
The benefits of cordless vacuums are clearly evident but this might mean shelling out a bit more money for a vacuum cleaner compared to a corded machine. Our shortlist has narrowed down the best value for money cordless machines to suit all budgets.
If you’re tired of hauling around your cumbersome vacuum cleaner then you should seriously consider going cordless. Cleaning becomes less arduous and more of a quick 5 to 10-minute job. Ready to choose one? Simply click this link to review our best offerings.
Are you considering buying one of our recommended cordless vacuum cleaners or do you already own one? Please leave your comments in the section below. I’d love to hear from you.
