The domestic vacuum cleaner has been with us now for some 90 years, during which time it has become the most popular labour-saving appliance in the home. The basic principle of operation is quite simple. An electric motor drives fans to create a fast-moving air flow. At one end, a vacuum (suction) of air is created, while at the opposite end the air is exhausted. If the air is moved quickly enough at the inlet end, it will carry with it any debris that enters the airflow. A means of removing the debris from the airflow is required to prevent its redistribution as the air is expelled. Read the rest of this entry »
For symptoms, possible causes and action relating to cylinder vacuums, see the Fault finder for upright vacuums. Unless the appliance has a power head attachment, references to the brush rolls can be ignored. Checking a long hose for blockages can be simply done by dropping a coin down one end, gradually lifting the hose and listening to the movement of the coin. If a blockage is present, the point at which the coin stops indicates the location. If the blockage is near either end of the hose, it may be necessary to remove the actual hose end if possible. In most instances, reversing the airflow through the hose frees the blockage. Read the rest of this entry »
This type of cleaner, which cleans purely by suction, is better suited to situations other than large carpeted areas: rugs, car interiors, large areas of hard flooring, walls, curtains and furniture. Carpeted stairs are also much easier to vacuum with a cylinder cleaner.
Suction-only carpet cleaning does not remove dirt and grit from the pile base in the same way that the beating and sweeping action of the upright models. However, a machine has been developed that combines the cylinder model with the powered brush roll of the upright vacuum. This type of cylinder appliance has the option of a powered cleaning head attachment that can be connected when required for large carpeted areas. This attachment has a revolving brush roll which is similar to that of the upright cleaner and the suction is supplied by the motor of the cylinder cleaner. Read the rest of this entry »
