Orrilmart

Central Vacuum Systems

A central vacuum system (sometimes called a whole-house vacuum system) is a cleaning device installed throughout a building. Located in the garage or basement, a canister receives dust and debris sucked by the force of a motor from wall outlets, which are located for the homeowner’s convenience.
While many Americans are unfamiliar with central vacuums, they are not new inventions; the idea dates back as far as the 1850s in Sweden, where horse-powered fans were used to create suction through in-wall plumbing. Horses were later replaced by servants, who pumped giant bellows or pedaled stationary bicycles, until electric motors eventually took over. Shortly thereafter, however, portable vacuum cleaners became available, and central vacuum systems were largely forgotten due to their relative expense. Their hibernation ended by the 1990s when growing house sizes and concerns over air quality combined with the availability of cheaper plastic piping, more powerful motors and refined filtration systems. Yet, even today, American homes are dependent on portable vacuum cleaners, in contrast with Canadian and Scandinavian homes, where central vacuum systems are more common.

Porous Polyethylene Filter

This type of filter is used in several of our wet/dry Nilfisk vacuums. Made up of microporous plastic material, this filter works especially well collecting liquids because the material is water-, mildew-, rot-, and corrosion-resistant. This filter features 105 filter “fingers” with pores arranged in a labyrinthine design that traps particles on the surface but also in its deep channels. This filter is completely washable and captures particles down to 1 micron in size.

Cartridge FilterCartridge

Filter: Available in large, continuous duty vacuums, the particulate capture size for a cartridge filter is 3.0 microns. Ideal for the collection of ultra-fine dusts, this “non-stick” filter captures the dust on the surface, eliminating clogging. Dust is easily cleaned from this media, which is available for dry collection only. The filter is conductive and features Teflon coating for sticky dusts. Consult your local Nilfisk Representative for which is right for you.

Microfilter

Microfilters are available for Nilfisk light industrial vacuums. The standard felt microfilter fits over the bottom of the motor, protecting it and acting like a barrier to even bacteria-sized particles. It retains 99.5% of particles, down to and including 2 microns in size. The microfilter is an important part of the graduated filtration systems of Nilfisk vacuums. Specialty microfilters include Gore-Tex, which can be used in conjunction with a Gore-Tex main filter, and AES Polycomposite, which can be used with an AES Polycomposite main filter.

Heavy industrial vacuums

The standard main filter is polyester and retains 99.1% efficiency at 1.5 microns. The star-shaped pleats of the filter add surface area, which lowers the air-to-cloth (ATC) ratio and increases the efficiency of the filter.The line features several specialty main filters. The PVC Membrane filter is ideal for the collection of fine powders and is capable of quick release during purging. It retains 99.9% down to 1.5 microns. A Nomex filter is used in applications in which the material being vacuumed is a higher than normal temperature. The Nomex filter can withstand temperatures up to 220oC. It retains 98.4% of particles down to 1.5 microns. An Anti-Static main filter is ideal for environments where static electricity is a problem. It retains 99.7% down to 1.5 microns. The type of main filter you choose depends of the application for which you plan on using the vacuum cleaner. Consult your local Nilfisk Representative for input on which is right for you.

Light industrial vacuums

The standard main filter is an oversized, napped cotton filter. This filter retains 99.8% of particles, down to 3 microns in size. The napping of the cotton provides additional filtering area by furnishing depth to the filter.Specialty main filters for the Nilfisk line include Gore-Tex® and AES Polycomposite. Gore-Tex membrane filters retain 99.995% down to 0.33 microns. They are non-stick, and their smooth PTFE membrane keeps fine dust particles from passing through the filter. Ideal for fine powder filtration, Gore-Tex main filters can be used in conjunction with Gore-Tex microfilters. AES Polycomposite filters are capable of achieving a high separation efficiency when removing particles from the airflow, while at the same time, maintaining a high airflow rate and low pressure. As a result, this filter provides a longer running time because less filter loading is occurring. AES Polycomposite filters retain 99.9986% of particles, down to 0.5 microns in size. The AES Polycomposite filter is ideal for abrasive particles such as cement, steel, and lead. This filter can be combined with an AES Polycomposite microfilter.

Paper Bag

As the first stage of filtration in many of our vacuums, paper bags are available in two forms. The standard bags are made of a two-ply material. The inner lining captures particles, while air passes through the outer cellulose layer. With a filtration efficiency of 99.7% at 3 microns, the paper bag will capture the bulk of large particles for easy collection and disposal. Particles smaller than 3 microns move through this standard paper bag toward the next filter. For dust-free disposal, the container can be lined with a disposable polyliner.
The electrostatic paper bag offers finer filtration capabilities. This two-ply paper bag has an electrostatically charged inner lining comprised of meltdown polypropylene. The inner lining attracts even the finest particles, enabling the bag to be used to capture materials such as toner. The electrostatic paper bag retains 97.8% of particles down to 1.5 microns.

Price of the Good, Residential Vacuum Cleaner?

The price of the vacuums varies significantly – some people are satisfied with $50 units, while some people require $1000 units.
Personally, uprights/canister/stick vacuum cleaners in the $200 - $400 range satisfy the requirements of most buyers. As technology advances, units in the $100 - $200 range are getting better and better – especially when more expensive units are found on sale :)
The performances and features of robot vacuums vary significantly, just as their price.
A good upright vacuum cleaner with a stretch hose and telescopic wand can be used for cleaning surfaces from the floor to the ceiling and is a much more popular unit than the canister vacuum, at least in the United States.
With good warranty conditions for residential use, it is a smart investment since it is going to be used for many years to come.
And if you need a small, handheld, emergency vacuum (pets, kids, etc.), there are cheap and reliable cordless units on the market, and such units can be used safely even by children - under the supervision of adults!
Such units complement larger upright/canister/robot/stick vacuum cleaners and even prolong their operating life.

Vacuum Cleaner Types

Most popular vacuum cleaner types include upright vacuums, canister vacuums, stick vacuums, cordless vacuums, robotic vacuums, and similar.
Each type has its own pros and cons with some models being designed as convertible units, having features of two or more vacuum types.
Upright Vacuums
Upright vacuums are one of the most popular vacuum models, especially models with additional cleaning hoses, which allows them to clean both floors and elevated surfaces.
Upright vacuums are mostly corded, bagless units intended to be used as the main vacuum cleaners in both homes and apartments.
Canister Vacuums
Canister vacuums feature canister (hence the name) with wheels, suction motor, air filters, and dirt cup/dirt bag, and often the foot controls of the vacuum.
The canister is attached to the flexible cleaning hose, which is attached to the cleaning wand with the main cleaner head.
Since the user carries only a cleaning hose/wand, canister vacuums are somewhat easier to use, although most uprights are designed to have most of the weight resting on the transport wheels.
Canister or upright vacuum cleaner is often just a matter of personal preferences.
Cordless Stick Vacuums
Cordless stick vacuums are lightweight vacuum cleaners being powered by the onboard battery. Many cordless stick vacuums are designed as 2-in-1 units and may easily be converted into handheld units and back.
Although initially designed as second vacuum cleaners in larger homes and apartments, thanks to the improvements in technology, more and more cordless stick vacuums are designed even as the main vacuum cleaners.
Corded Stick Vacuums
Corded stick vacuums are very similar to cordless stick vacuums, except that they are powered using long power cords and often feature stronger suction motors.
While the autonomy of the cordless units is limited by the energy stored at the onboard battery, the autonomy of corded stick vacuums is limited only by the length of their power cords.
Handheld Vacuums
Handheld vacuums are mostly cordless units intended for quick cleanups and cleaning in emergencies.
Handheld vacuums are small, compact, and lightweight units that can be easily used even by elderly people and even children - children under supervision by adults.
In order to make them more versatile, handheld vacuums often feature additional cleaning tools, including Crevice Tool, Dusting Brush, Turbo Pet Tool, Upholstery Tool, etc.
Robotic Vacuums
Robotic vacuums are autonomous vacuum cleaners intended for vacuuming large floor areas.
Robotic vacuums differ greatly in suction power, air filtration level, autonomy, sensors, the intelligence of the onboard computer, and similar, but so do their prices differ.
Good robot vacuum cleaner, especially with the self-cleaning brushroll and automatic dirt disposal can really be helpful in cleaning home and making it more pleasant to live in, but it can't vacuum elevated surfaces.
Some robotic cleaning systems combine robot vacuums and robot mops in one unit.
Mops
Mops are used for cleaning of the bare floors using mop pads.
Also, mops can be steam mops (combine hot steam and mop pads), spray mops (combine cleaning solution and mop pads), vacuum mops (combine vacuum cleaning and mop pads), and similar.
Note: when cleaning sensitive floors using mops, be sure that the floor is certified for such cleaning.

Vacuumed Area

The size of the area to be cleaned and cleaning frequency dictate the required vacuum cleaner quality and durability.
For cleaning small apartments, a good cordless stick vacuum cleaner powered with a modern lithium-ion battery is perhaps all that one requires. And if that stick vacuum is an all-in-one unit, combining handheld and stick vacuum cleaner in one unit, then definitely one doesn’t need another, larger unit.
However, cleaning large(r) homes and apartments require big and sturdy, mains powered units with motorized cleaning head, with on/off brushroll switch, adjustable cleaning head height, additional stretch hose with telescopic wand, and set of accessories including various dusting brushes, crevice tools, pet turbine tool and similar.
Headlights are a great aid when cleaning in low light conditions (under furniture, for example) and in spotting dust, hair, and other dirt and objects that should be vacuumed or not vacuumed (toys, socks, etc.).

Weight of the Vacuum Cleaner

It is not the same to vacuum a home with a vacuum cleaner that weighs 5 or 15 pounds. Most upright and canister vacuums have most of their weight resting on the ground, but nonetheless, the larger the weight, the more force is required to push or pull the vacuum while cleaning.
However, this also depends on the design of the wheels and the cleaning head – some vacuums have motorized cleaning heads that pull the vacuum when the user pushes it and vice versa, significantly reducing the required force during cleaning.
Also, the weight of the vacuum is important when the vacuum is carried around, especially if there are stairs at home.

Cleaning Tools and Accessories

Additional cleaning tools help in cleaning various surfaces and dirt like upholstery, sofas, crevices, ceiling fans, mattresses, dust, pet, and human hair, and similar. Such cleaning tools often come with the vacuum cleaner but can be bought separately.
Perhaps the most common cleaning tools are:
- Crevice Tool is a long and narrow cleaning tool that is designed for cleaning crevices (hence the name), gaps, edges, corners, and similar hard-to-reach areas.
- Dusting Brush is used for picking up fine particles of dust and other dirt. As the brush bristles glide over the cleaned area, they agitate the surface dirt which is then vacuumed by strong suction. Very often Dusting Brush and Crevice Tool are combined in a convenient 2-in-1 cleaning tool.
- Motorized Pet Tool features a small brushroll usually powered by a small air turbine. As the brushroll spin, it pulls out deeply embedded dirt, pet and human hair, lint, fibers, and other dirt from the cleaned surfaces, which is then vacuumed by strong suction. Motorized Pet Tool is not a maintenance-free tool, but it is one of the favorite cleaning tools of many pet owners.
- Upholstery Tool is used for vacuuming upholstery (hence the name), stairs, pet beds, and other surfaces that require thorough cleaning, but that are perhaps too sensitive to be vacuumed using Motorized Pet Tool.
Of course, there are other tools as well, but these are the most common ones. If required, new cleaning tools and accessories may be ordered from online shops or can be found in local stores.

Cleaning Reach

The vacuum cleaning each or operating radius is the distance between the power outlet and the furthest area which can be cleaned with the vacuum cleaner.
Upright vacuum cleaner reach is usually the length of its power cord, while the maximum reach of an upright vacuum cleaner with the flexible cleaning hose is the length of the power cord, combined with the length of the hose.
Obviously, cordless vacuum cleaners don't depend on the mains power and have ‘infinite’ reach, but it comes with shortcomings on their own - a limited amount of energy stored at the onboard batteries.
However, thanks to the advancements in technology, the best cordless units feature a runtime of up to 30-60 minutes, allowing them to clean large areas on a single battery charge - and no, such units that are comparable to corded units in the terms of suction and other performances are not cheap.

Noise Levels

The vacuum cleaner with the noise of a jet fighter at take-off is not the best solution for a home vacuum, regardless of its other qualities.
Note: Noise levels are given in decibels (dB – logarithmic scale).
Personally, anything noisier than 80 dB (or even 75 dB) should be avoided. Vacuum cleaners with noise levels below 60 dB are great and can be used even when others are sleeping, but most of the vacuums have noise levels between 65 and 75 dB. Reducing suction strength often reduces noise level, too.

Air Filtration

The following table lists various classifications of EPA/HEPA/ULPA filters according to the EN 1822 standard:
Note that better filtration increases air pressure drop within the vacuum itself – more expensive vacuums have minimized energy losses due to the HEPA air filtration, while cheaper units, although claiming that they are HEPA vacuums with strong motors, often lack information about their Air Watts and have weaker suction.
The level of air filtration leads to filter maintenance – some units come with several mechanical air filters, some combine air filtration of the vacuum bag with air filters, others combine cyclonic action with mechanical air filters, etc.
Simple foam air filters are washable and reusable, while true HEPA filters, especially when combined with activated charcoal, are often disposable filters.
Washable HEPA filters can be reused after being washed, but after some time, they must be replaced, too.
Note: always thoroughly air-dry your air filters before reassembling them back into your vacuum cleaner - using the vacuum cleaners with a wet air filter or no air filters at all, can damage or even destroy the vacuum cleaner, rendering its warranty void.
Pressure drop inside the vacuum can be automatically detected with sensors, or the unit relies on the user to notice the suction loss and to clean or replace the filters - of course, units with filter sensors are preferred ones, although such system increases vacuum's complexity and in the end, the price.

Wet or Dry Vacuum

Dry vacuum cleaners are optimized for cleaning dry dirt, while wet vacuums can clean moist and wet dirt and sometimes even water or other liquids directly.
Large canister/drum wet vacuums are excellent workshop/construction sites vacuums - they are designed to vacuum both dry and wet dirt as well as smaller spills of water.
Most households have dry vacuums and they do their job well. If such vacuums accidentally vacuum wet dirt, they must be stopped, cleaned, and thoroughly dried before the next use – if something like that happens, check the manual, just to be sure.

Vacuum Dirt Bag or Dirt Bin Capacity

Regardless if the unit is bagged or bagless, a small dirt bag or a small dirt bin means often emptying and hence slower overall cleaning. On the other hand, a large amount of vacuumed dirt left in the dirt bin or dirt bag can lead to the build-up of unpleasant smells.
A dirt bin capacity of at least one liter is desired for most full-size vacuums, allowing the user to vacuum large areas without interruptions, while an easy-to-empty system helps the user to empty the dirt bin after each use.
Convertible 2-in-1 cordless stick vacuums often have dirt cups in the 0.3-0.7 liters range, but they are also very easy to empty - such vacuums are intended for quick cleanups and cleaning in emergencies, although there are some models that are suitable even as a main vacuum cleaner in homes and apartments. While some people prefer bagged vacuums, other people prefer bagless units. Both types have their pros and cons and it is often up to the user to choose which one to buy.
Personally, bagless vacuums feature low maintenance costs, while bagged units may be messy when emptying the dirt bag, unless it is a disposable bag with the collar that automatically closes and traps the dirt inside.

Suction Power

The cleaning performances of the vacuum greatly depend on the suction power, which is given in Air Watts. It is related to the power of the main motor (given in Amps or Watts), but the high power rating of the main motor does NOT warrant good suction or good cleaning.
If you have, for example, thick carpets and hairy pets, a strong suction motor is important, but almost useless without a good motorized pet hair brushroll with self-cleaning technology.
Most full-size corded vacuum cleaners feature suction power of 100-200 Air Watts, although there are more and more cordless units that feature that suction power, thanks to highly-efficient brushless motors and lightweight, but powerful lithium-ion batteries - for example, Dyson V11 Outsize feature maximum suction strength of 220 Air Watts and Dyson V15 Detect feature maximum suction of 230 Air Watts.
On the other hand, certain full-size vacuum cleaners exceed 300 Air Watts when set to maximum power.

Ease of Use, Handling, and Maintenance.

The vacuum cleaner should be easy and intuitive to use. Nonetheless, when you get a new vacuum cleaner, it is highly recommended to read the manual first and familiarize yourself with the new unit, how to use it, and perhaps even more important, how to maintain it.
Controls of the new vacuum cleaner should be easy to use and reach, especially when there is a need to often change the suction strength and floor type.
Dirt cups should be easy to empty directly into the trashcan, without ever touching the vacuumed dirt.
If there is a brushroll, a self-cleaning brushroll is highly recommended.
Many advanced vacuums are digital units with a set of sensors all across the unit, measuring various parameters and signaling to the user when it is time to, for example, clean or replace the air filter, battery, brushroll, and similar.

Vacuum Cleaner Features vs. Buyer’s Requirements
When buying a new vacuum cleaner, it is highly recommended to any potential buyer to write down the requirements of the new vacuum cleaner, and of course, a budget.
There are many models of various vacuums from different manufacturers on the market, with very similar specifications, like motor power, weight, warranty conditions, cord length, number and types of attachments, air filtration, and similar.
If it is possible to test the vacuum cleaner personally or even rent it for few days, do it – it can save you a lot of time, money, and nerves in the long run. Since something like that is not always possible, one should check reviews and recommendations of other people who bought and tested such vacuums or have at least gathered experiences, reviews, and technical data from several sites.
That is why we always try to leave a link for more reviews and recommendations – after all, if we like a vacuum cleaner for some reason, you may dislike that vacuum for exactly the same reason we like it in the first place.
Before buying a new vacuum, ask yourself a few questions:
Where do you live - in a house or an apartment?
Do you need a vacuum cleaner for residential or commercial use?
Floor types - are there low-pile, medium-pile, high-pile carpets, area rugs, tiles, hardwood, or a combination of a few of them?
Bagged or bagless a vacuum cleaner?
Do you have pets, how many, what type of fur do they have?
Any allergies or respiratory issues in the family?
You should consider all of these questions before buying a new unit, especially if you go for more expensive vacuums since those units can cost a lot of money.
When comparing performances, it makes no sense to compare $50 units with $500 units, although at first glance, they can be very similar – until you start to use them.
When comparing similar vacuums, be sure to check their features.

What Flooring Types Do I Have?

Probably the most obvious consideration is whether you have mainly carpeting, hard floors, or a fairly even combination of both. Generally speaking, for homes with a lot of carpeting, especially in large areas, an upright vacuum cleaner is a good choice. However, if your personal preference tends toward canister style vacuums, there are quite a few excellent choices available. You will want to be sure that it has a floor nozzle with a motorized brushroll and height adjustment options for various pile carpets.

Things to Consider When Buying a Vacuum Cleaner

The old vacuum cleaner has “bitten the dust” and you need a replacement. One quick look online is all it takes to realize that choosing a new machine might be more challenging than you thought. It’s easy to get caught up in the “latest and greatest” and end up with a machine that is either too much or not enough, or just doesn’t fit your needs.

We’ve put together a few questions to help focus your search efforts before purchasing that new vacuum cleaner. Maybe you’ve already thought about some of these, so please use the following list to quickly navigate to the concerns most important to you.

Clean Kitchen Appliances

No, your vacuum is not going to clean out the refrigerator or remove grease from a cooktop, but it can help you in the kitchen. For each of these tips, ALWAYS unplug the appliance first before doing any work.

Use the vacuum cleaner to remove dust from the refrigerator coils and condenser. Your refrigerator will work more efficiently and keep temperatures colder and more steady.

Decrumb the spaces between appliances and countertops with the vacuum crevice tool. Keeping crumbs under control will help prevent insect infestations.

Prevent small fires by using the vacuum to remove crumbs from unplugged toasters and toaster ovens.

After running an automatic oven cleaning cycle, use the vacuum to capture any ashy residue.

Recover Small Items

If you have dropped something small like an earring, nail, or screw behind a hard-to-move piece of furniture, grab your vacuum. Attach a piece of mesh or old pantyhose over the end of the crevice tool with a rubber band. Aim for the lost item and the suction from the vacuum will trap it against the mesh so you can make a recovery.

Trap Dust Before It Spreads

Use the vacuum's dusting brush attachment to trap dust on lampshades, books, light fixtures, blinds, and even plant leaves before you do any additional cleaning. Removing the dust first will prevent streaks and smears.

Reduce Indoor Allergens

Keep window sills and the crevices between outdoor screens and window panes from accumulating allergens by vacuuming regularly. Use the dust brush attachment to vacuum window and door screens to remove pollen and dust. And, don't forget to give the drapes and any window treatments a good going over as well.

Prevent House Fires

Using a vacuum cleaner is a great way to remove any excess lint, a leading cause of house fires, from your dryer vent system and from the dryer itself. Always unplug the dryer first and turn off the gas line if you have one and then use the crevice tool to access the vent area and under the appliance. If you are handy, open the outside housing at the back of the dryer and vacuum away any trapped lint.

Freshen Upholstery, Pillows, and Carpets

Beyond removing dust, crumbs, and dirt, your vacuum and a box of baking soda can do wonders to remove odors and brighten fabrics. Simply sprinkle baking soda liberally over upholstery, toss pillows, and carpets. Work it in lightly with a damp sponge or a mop.

Allow the baking soda to remain on the surfaces for at least one hour and then vacuum away. You'll be amazed at how much brighter fabrics can look because the slight abrasive nature of baking soda helps loosen soil and the vacuum whisks it away.

Exert Insect Control

A study by Ohio State University shows that frequent vacuuming will kill 96 percent of fleas (adult and larvae) in a home. A vacuum is also a great way to remove dust mites and the human skin cells they feed on from mattresses.

A vacuum hose and crevice tool are also a great way to reach and capture spiders or mosquitoes that gather in ceiling corners. After the insects are gone, attach a clean white cloth to the tool with a rubber band to corral cobwebs and dust.

Capture Excess Pet Hair

A vacuum cleaner's job is to gather all the pet hair sticking to rugs and tumbling along on hardwood floors. But you can also use it to vacuum your pet's bedding and remove pet hair from quilts and bedspreads before you toss them in the washer. Excess hair in a washing machine is one of the main culprits in causing clogs, leaks, and water pumps to fail.

There are also attachments that you can purchase to help groom your dog by brushing and suctioning away all of the loose fur, but remember never do anything that makes your pet uncomfortable.

Surprising Uses for Your Vacuum Cleaner

No matter whether you love or hate your vacuum, it can do much more than remove the dust and dirt from your floors and carpets. Since you have a machine that uses suction to capture messes, here are eight surprising uses for your vacuum cleaner's action all around the house.

For most of these jobs, you will need a canister or upright vacuum that includes a hose with different attachments or a detachable portable hand vac rather than a simple upright floor vacuum cleaner. For some jobs, a smaller handheld vacuum will also work well.