Loving Your Home

Love your home. Love Your Life. Home is where the heart is.

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Canister vs. Handheld For Hardwood Flooring: How do You Choose?

If you have natural hardwood floors, chances are good that you have paid a considerably price for them. For that reason you are also continually looking for ways to keep your floor looking its best for years to come. After all, unlike carpeting all you need is one small grain of sand or other gritty material run over by a foot or other object, and you will probably have a scratch to deal with for quite some time.

It behooves you, as a result, to vacuum your floors often, which means selecting the canister or handheld you think is best for your needs. The first problem is whether to choose a canister or a handheld, which is the focus of this article. Vacuums Are Not Created Equal

All it takes is one look at practically any vacuum display at your local store to see that there are an almost infinite variety of models available. Generally speaking there are several things to keep in mind, whichever you choose.

No beater brushes: A vacuum that features beater brushes is great at digging up dirt that is buried in a carpet, but when it comes to hardwood floors they cause scratches and dings in the wood.

Contains mop and sweep functions: Vacuums that have both mop and sweep functions are great for hardwood floors since they allow you to wet mop after you have vacuumed. Make sure, however, that the model you buy doesn't leave water puddles behind.

Good suction power" Having a lot of suction power is essential to being able to pick up deeply embedded things like pet hair.

Lightweight and Easy to Use: Of all the requirements that you should have for a vacuum, be sure you pick one that you can pick up and move easily, especially when you want to vacuum an entire home. Make sure also that there is nothing complicated about operating your vacuum.

Packing it Together

With these guidelines in mind, next is to determine whether a canister or a handheld vacuum is best for you. After all, besides what your vacuum does it also needs to be maneuvered around your home in the easiest way possible. There is more direct control over the entire machine with a handheld vacuum, since the canister of that variety takes some doing to keep it oriented to where you are going.

Handheld vacuums tend to be made in such a way that makes them easier to carry. This doesn't, however, mean that they are light-weight. Further, since handheld vacuums are carried in one way or another, they are usually heavier than canister types, which usually require that you actually carry no more than the brush tool.

A canister normally contains all of the actual functioning parts of the vacuum, and this rolls behind you wherever you go. This is also important to understand that many if not most canister models have rubber rollers which rotate easily and also prevent scratching.

All things considered, a canister vacuum is generally better suited for cleaning hardwood floors, both in terms of how they function as well as how they are built.

More Information:

http://www.homefloorexperts.com/canister-vacuum/

http://www.homefloorexperts.com/handheld-vacuum/

http://thesweethome.com/reviews/best-portable-vacuum/

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/vacuum-cleaners.htm

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Picking Up The Best Rated Vacuum

Getting your cleaning needs sorted takes more than just the usual. You might have been disappointed a few times before especially when the cleaning turned out to be a strenuous process. 

Looking to get the enviable cleaning experience? That I’ll tip you on and let you explore the limitless options that could be offered. Understanding your cleaning needs will be the first step towards making that experience a reality. That in mind, it is then time to explore what the market has to offer.

Customer reviews

Recently I made a quick dash to the malls and watched as customers streamed forth one after the other with a vacuum in hand. I couldn’t help but get nosy when I noticed a pattern. Everyone seemed to know what they wanted when they got inside the mall and some could actually leave if their choice was not available.

Bottom line, I did speak to a few of them and got their perspective into hand. It is interesting that they make the decision of what vacuum cleaner to buy, while at home. Most of them have been taught by experience; being in between a variety of them before settling to one. Others have looked up the internet and trusted word from others.

What to look for

While every customer has their cleaning needs, this isn’t any different from you. What you may be looking for may not be exactly what I’m looking for. Basically though, while shopping for a vacuum cleaner, you’ll be directed mostly by customers who’ve had a better experience and identify closely with your needs.

Identify the type of vacuum you need; owing to your cleaning needs. This could be tied to your cleaning surface or the ergonomics of your premise. This then will lead you to the ratings of the particular brands in that category. Most often than not, ratings will hold some pretty weight. 

Vacuum ratings in terms of category

Assuming you are acquitted with the category you need, one of the categories here will be able to get you sorted just perfectly. What sells a brand is its quality and pricing. The common brands you’ll spot in the various categories are worth your trust; you can be sure that their reputation precedes them.

1. Canister vacuum cleaners:

When it comes to canisters, the options are limitless. Most top-models combine an impressive mark of deep cleaning with strong hose airflow which works with other tools of the vacuums to ensure upholstery and drapes get some proper cleaning. 

Noise could be another consideration to give for this type as you make your survey. If your floor produces an echo sound, the highly rated ones should be able to deal with that.

A few of these top models should help you know what to get if a canister is what you are after. The following are some of the high rated brands that have provided solid performance over time: Miele vacuums, Electrolux vacuums, Aerus vacuums, Hoover vacuums, Sebo vacuums, etc.

2. Upright vacuum cleaners:

While this type offers the same effect as the canister when it comes to the hose airflow, customers interested in it pay more attention to the ease in handling it. 

For top models, the push and pull force is very manageable and allows for minimal effort to be applied during the process. Noise rating is another consideration; top models would register very low sounds. 

The following therefore are the highly rated brands whose quality and performance has stood the test of time: Miele vacuums, LG vacuums, Hoover vacuums, Shark vacuums, Panasonic vacuums, Kenmore vacuums, Riccar vacuums, etc.

3. Handheld vacuums:

This type is widely used for carpet cleaning and cleaning the interiors of vehicles. They are also considered the small vacuums because they are lighter than the canisters and upright types and are held by hand during the cleaning process.

Their variety in the market may not be as wide as the canisters and uprights but they also spot top models in the market which have shown strong cleaning performance in almost all categories. These are: Dirt devil series, Shark series, Black & Decker series, Moneual Rydis UV-C series, etc.

Making the purchase

Going through that list, you won’t miss to spot the category that suits you. Assuming you have and are almost positive that that’s the category you are after, the models listed on that category should offer the direction you need to take.

A general outstretch of what the market has rated as best, can be trimmed up to that list I have laid down for you. Don't forget to visit websites that offer similar information on how to pick out the best vacuum for your money. All said I’m sure your cleaning needs are about to get sorted, as you walk over to the mall to get yourself the best rated vacuum.

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3 Tips to Finding The Best Car Vacuum Cleaner

I never thought I would be the person to buy a portable vacuum cleaner. When I was little, the dust buster was just that “toy” my mother kept plugged into the wall in the hallway that I could use to scare off the cats for my amusement. It would take years (along with two dogs, a child and husband who can’t keep his fast food trash in the bag to save his life) for me to realize how important one is. 

As with everything else in life, there has been some trial and error in my car vacuum purchase past (like the time I bought the one that needed to be plugged into an electric socket. For a car.) Yet with positive thinking, I have turned most of those now comical events into a foolproof strategy guide that anyone can put into place when considering buying one of these little miracle machines. 

And without further delay, below are the three things I always consider when on the hunt for a new car vacuum: 

1. Price-Is it the cheapest one available? Then I skip right over it. Typically, the cheapest one also does the cheapest work. $15 sounds great at first, but I would much rather pay a few dollars more and know that it will last me a while than getting the bottom dollar vacuum and having to replace it every few months. So when online shopping and you feel the need to list your options “from lowest price”, just go head and skip the first couple of listings. They’re guaranteed to be a waste of time. 

2. Brand-Now this one might seem a bit snooty, but hear me out. When it comes to little things, like kid’s shoes and my socks, brand doesn’t quite hold any meaning for me. Those are things I do not expect to really last a long time and expect to have to replenish somewhat frequently. A bigger investment, however, makes me wonder where my money is going. 

The Black and Decker PAV1200W is a car vacuum that I have no problems purchasing. I am familiar with the brand (thanks to my husband and his series of tools) and know that they make good quality products based not only on personal use but reviews online as well. Brand names typically have a reputation that they are trying to protect, and will therefore most likely make a better product. Unfortunately for Wal Mart, I have never heard of KoBlenz (or the one that doesn’t even have a brand name, it just says, “Car Mini Vacuum Cleaner”) and am not willing to take the chance that it might work. 

3. Function-Sometimes just having the basics works. I remember the days when all I needed was an “on/off” button and can’t wait when in 20 years it will be like that again. As for now, I need something that’ll get golden retriever hair off a seat, and what I hope is grape juice off the floor mats. 

On the flip side though, I don’t need a vacuum that has too much stuff. The MetroVac Vac N’ Blo Bag Car Vac Pro Series comes with what seems like more pieces than the Lego Death Star. I know myself and my family well enough to know that maybe two of those attachments will survive and the rest will be scattered throughout the car and my house, sometimes disguised as a “sword” and other times posing as “dog’s chew toy”. So, look for something that has multiple functions, but only if you need most of those functions. Otherwise you’re just wasting your money. 

So keep these three things in mind the next time you are on the lookout for a car vacuum. You should be able to make a solid purchase with the above tips, and finally, please learn from my mistake and make sure the darn thing doesn’t require being plugged into the wall to work!

References:

http://bhvguide.com/best-handheld-vacuum-to-buy/

http://www.walmart.com/c/kp/car-vacuums

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/1/1/34214-metro-vac-n-blo-full-size-car-vac-pro-series.html

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How To Choose Good Vacuum Cleaners For Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors are among the most popular type of flooring. It has been used for many decades and still continues to be well loved by many people. Reasons that make this flooring well liked include its durability, elegance, as well as trendy. Unlike concrete, ceramic, tile, or bare floor, hardwood floors require the use of the proper vacuum in order to maintain its appeal. Factors to consider are as follows:

1. Type of Vacuum

Vacuum cleaners come as Canister or Upright. Canister cleaners are much lighter than Upright cleaners are. The cleaners also come with rubber wheels. This makes it easy to move or carry it around. You will also find a cleaner weighing between 10 and 15 pounds most suitable.

2. Age of the Floor

Before going out to purchase a cleaner, you may need to take into account the age of the floor. Older flooring will have suffered improper use, damage, and wear and tear. It is therefore beneficial to consider a more powerful cleaner that can easily cut through the floor’s imperfections.

3. Mode of Operation

Vacuum cleaners come as wet or dry type. The dry type uses no water and is fit for sucking dust, dirt and other debris. The wet type sprays liquid or water on the surface as it cleans. It offers a cleaner finish than the dry type. However, too much wet cleaning may make the varnish wear out faster as well as making the floor warp or rot in case water remains in-between the crevices or edges.

4. Multi-purpose

A good cleaner will be able to mop and sweep the floor. This minimizes the cost of having to purchase two cleaners. In addition, the vacuum may also be used to clean other types of floor.

5. User-friendliness

The right type of vacuums for hardwood flooring should be easy to use. A good machine will be lightweight, ergonomically designed, as well as easy to operate. When identifying the right equipment, you ought to consider the outcome. Some cleaners leave tiny fibres of the brush .This is a healthy hazard especially to young kids and pets.

6. Suction power

A good cleaner needs to provide reliable suction. A high suction machine will adequately take care of tiny as well as large debris. However, too much suction may also make the cleaner suck other items. A vacuum with weak suction will require more time and energy to carry out the operation.

7. No Beater Bar

A beater bar helps in sucking dirt, hair, dust, and debris. Although this device improves cleaning, it may scratch the hardwood floors. A cleaner that has a detachable beater bar is suitable. This bar may either be turned off or replaced when being used on hardwood floor.

By using the right vacuum cleaner, you are guaranteed of maintaining and restoring the floor’s elegance. Furthermore, you are also assured of the hardwood lasting for a long time to come. Therefore, you may need to consider replacing or purchasing a more ideal vacuum cleaner. A good way to get started is by visiting VacuumCompanion.com. Doing so will not only give you optimal satisfaction, but will greatly improve the homes or offices ambiance.

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Tips For Fixing A Wood Floor Scratch

If you have used hardwood floors for your home, then scratches are inevitable, no matter how careful you are.

Majority of wood floor scratching are caused by pushing heavy appliances over the hardwood floor or using the wrong type of vacuum cleaner. Scratches can also be made by pet's toenails, small pieces of stones and dirt that people randomly track into the house. 

Here are instructions on refinishing your floor so as to get the beauty and longest life out of your hardwood floor.

Steps

1. Precisely check the scratched areas of the floor and determine the depth of the scratch.

Scratches damage the surface layer of the floor only. Sometimes they are only in the floor finish. If for any case it goes into the wood, this should only in the surface level or just below.

Damage to a wood floor which is larger than a scratch is a gouge. A gouge may require removing as well as replacing the worn out board or by hiring a professional to make any possible repairs.

2. Use some warm water or a rag dampened with mineral spirits to clean the scratched areas. Give the area some time to dry fully before you try to fix the scratch.

3. Conceal the scratch until time to refinish the floor reaches. There are several ways of making hardwood floor scratches relatively less noticeable.

Locate any regular permanent marker which matches the color of your floor. A variety of colors are accessible at craft stores

Purchase stains markers, available in many hardware stores. It should have a color close to that of your floor color, and apply it to the scratch on your floor using the manufacturer's guides and instructions.

Dip a piece of cotton into a little amount of the stain that you used to finish the floor originally. Dab the stains on the scratch with care.

Rub the scratched area with a clean, dry cloth in a relative circular motion, to blend stain into the floor.

4. Contact your hardwood floors manufacturer or, the retailer whom you purchased the flooring and order a touch up kit if the scratches are visible after you fix them.

5. Fix large scratched areas or deeper scratches of your floor.

Rough the scratched areas of the floor using a steel wool or relative fine grade sandpaper. Use a circular motion or follow the wood grains and cover extra inches on the sides of the scratch. Use a clean cloth or wool dampened with mineral spirits and clean up the particles and saw dust. Give it sometime to dry.

6. Using a fine paintbrush, paint some part of the original floor stains onto the prepared surface. Apply it lightly, and then use a dry cloth to work into the scratches using a relative circular motion. Repeat the painting on the stain and rubbing it off until when the spot matches the original floor and make sure the repaired area is not visible.

Replace any damaged board, refinish the whole floor. Call in a professional to settle the problem in case the damage is very high or when you are not satisfied with your repair results.

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How To Make Good Homemade Smoothies

Smoothie enthusiasts are becoming more and more common due to the great taste of this increasingly popular drink. As with anything else, people are always asking, “What are the best smoothie recipes?” Well, of course, the answer is going to change greatly depending on whom you ask. While some people love the fruit based smoothies, others may prefer a vanilla or even peanut butter flavored smoothie. The most important thing when looking for the best smoothie is ensuring you use the right amount of each ingredient and that only the top quality ingredients are used.

Someone could claim to have the best smoothie recipes around, but if they take their recipe and use poor quality ingredients, the result won’t be impressive. This is especially true when making any fruit flavored smoothie because fresh fruit is best when used right away. If you try adding fruit to a recipe after the fruit has begun to turn, the taste can be changed dramatically from a smoothie in whom the fruit was at its peak of freshness. The same can be said of any other type of ingredient as well. Finding the perfect ingredients and knowing exactly when to use them is part of becoming a smoothie master. Another thing you may not consider when attempting to find the best smoothie recipes is the type of blender being used. Many people have cheap blenders at home that don’t do an adequate job at combining the ingredients in the smoothie and that can throw off the taste. A high quality blender with several speed options is key to making the perfect smoothie. Smoothie experts will tell you that the speed at which you blend will also change based on the type of smoothie being made. A fruit based smoothie will often need a slower blending speed than a peanut butter or nut flavored one. This is, of course, because the harder or thicker the ingredient is the more blending it is likely to require. There are dozens of types of blenders on the market today and some of them are even designed specifically for smoothies. Making sure that you have the best blender for smoothies currently within your budget will ensure that you get the perfect consistency for your homemade smoothie. Finding the one that works best within your budget may take some research, but it’s worth it! While there are indeed many tips and tricks to master when learning to make the best smoothies, it is perhaps most important to remember that the only thing that matters to most people is the taste. Everyone’s taste buds are a little different, so what you a may consider the best smoothie recipe in the world, someone else may find less than stellar. For this reason, it is advised that you work on finding the best recipes for each type of smoothie. This can even be broken down further based on different types of fruits, since some people only like pineapples while others may prefer blueberries. Variety is, after all, the spice of life – so don’t forget to have many great smoothie options for yourself and any guests who may be enjoying your best smoothie recipes with you. How to Make the Best Smoothies Follow these simple recipes for the best smoothies: Perfect Creamy Strawberry Banana Smoothie Ingredients:

1 banana

2 tsp vanilla extract

2 scoops of ice cream (vanilla)

8 oz of plain yogurt

1 tbsp chocolate syrup

Half cup of skim milk

8 strawberries

1 tbsp white sugar

Directions: Just blend all of the ingredients together! Start with the larger ingredients – the strawberries, banana and ice cream. Then, add in the sugar, chocolate, vanilla and yogurt. Blend until the mixture is creamy, pour into a tall glass and enjoy your perfect smoothie! Fun variations: Try adding chocolate chips to add a more chocolate flavor, or use more milk if you’d like to reduce the creaminess. Instead of ice cream, you could also use frozen yogurt or flavored yogurt. Just have fun with it! Banana, Kiwi Strawberry Smoothie Here is another delicious fruit smoothie recipe you’re sure to like. It’s one of the best smoothie recipes out there! Ingredients:

1 cup of strawberry yogurt

1 kiwi

8 strawberries

1 banana

¼ cup of apple juice

Directions: Just blend all the ingredients together at the same time until you have a nice, creamy smoothie. It couldn’t be simpler! For a sweeter flavor, try using more strawberries. Or, to add some more tartness, add an extra kiwi to the mix.

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Beginner's Guide to Choosing a Good Sewing Machine Cabinet For The Home

Knowing how to choose the best sewing machine for beginners is sometimes not enough. It's equally important to know how to choose the right sewing machine cabinet too. You should consider these factors when making your decision: the purpose, features required, your budget, prices and the vendor.

Purpose

For relatively large scale sewing such as entrepreneurial purposes, you will require one that is spacious. This will provide you with ample space to store your sewing baskets and other tools.

On the other hand if you intent to use it on a small scale, a less spacious cabinet will be more appropriate. This avoids overcrowding your living area or place of work.

Features

Some of the important features to consider include:

Durability - depending on the length of time you intend to use it, you have a wide variety to choose from. These include; lightweight plastic ones, all-wooden and the more durable metal ones.

Knee space and nature of edges - contoured edges and a knee space that place you directly in front of the needle are more comfortable. The amount of knee space will depend on you height. You may request to test it at the store to see if it fits you before making any decision.

Shape - your work station will dictate the shape of the cabinet to acquire. Various shapes such as rectangular, square, u-shaped and angular are available to match your room.

Option of adding wheels - where mobility is needed, choose one with the option of adding wheels to operate more smoothly.

Stability - a stable cabinet allows you to work better with minimal distractions.

Security- in case you work in a room utilized for other purposes, you will need to settle for one with doors that can be closed to conceal the sewing machine and your work. Key features and lock systems can be installed too.

Fashion - if you are a fashion conscious person, vintage and fashionable cabinets that are stylish to fit the decor of your home or work place are available. However, they are more expensive.

Budget

The amount of investment you are willing to incur is important. If you are operating on a slim budget, a less sophisticated or a second hand one is more appropriate since it can be traded in for another property or sold cheaply. High ended ones with more features and designs are relatively expensive.

Price

Consider those within your range depending on your budgetary allocation. Prices will vary based on various factors such as style, durability, size and age.

Vendor

You can get one from a number of different place like local stores, friends, and even from reputable online vendors. Consider the reputation of the vendor before making purchase decision. Reputation can be gauged by consulting other customers on the reliability of the vendor's products.

Getting one from a known friend is a good idea as it offers some guarantee of service.

Finally it is important to make a list of the features you require, your price range and intended purpose of the cabinet. Presenting such a list at a store saves time and ensures you get exactly what you want.

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Simple Ways to Keep Hardwood Floors Shining

Do you want to keep the luster of your hardwood floor but don't know how? Fear not because keeping your hardwood floors shining is easier than you think. There are actually home solutions and remedies that you can easily follow. If you don't have time to prepare a homemade solution, you can always buy one from a store.

Keeping your Hardwood Shining with Simple Home Remedies Most of the time, simple home remedies still offer the best solution in many situations. The same goes with making your hardwood retain its luster for longer periods of time. Homemade solutions are safe, less expensive, and more effective than commercially produced products. Try to follow these simple home solutions and see your floor shine with brilliance. First, clean your wood floor using damped rag (not dripping) to remove the dirt and wipe it with a dry rag to make sure the floor is completely water-free. Mix one cup each of white vinegar and olive oil in a bucket then moisten (just enough for application) a piece of cloth with the solution. Apply onto the three-foot square area of the floor then buff it to remove the excess oil. Repeat the same procedure (three-foot square at a time) until you cover your entire floor. For laminated wood floors, you can combine in a bucket two cups water, two cups white vinegar, one-fourth cup dish-washing soap (scent free and colorless), and one cup lemon juice. Get a sponge and dip it into the mixture and apply the dipped sponge onto the laminated hardwood floor. Rinse the sponge after it dries out. Before you make another application, use a dry cloth to wipe off excess solution or polish and let it dry for twelve to twenty four hours before polishing. Advantages and Disadvantages of Store Bought Solutions The main advantage of commercial solution is ease of preparation because you don't need to mix, or combine anything to create the perfect concoction for a practically sparkling hardwood floor. All you need to do is open the container and apply according to the direction stated on the package. It saves time, and if you are someone who has little time to spare, it is all worth it. The disadvantages are: most prepared solutions are more expensive than homemade polish; the solutions are sometimes less effective than the homemade ones; and they might leave residue that can ruin your floor in the long run. Why Shiny Floors Look Attractive Gold definitely sparkles, so does silver, and other gems. Beaming smiles with flashy pearly whites are always delightful to see so why not a shiny floor? Yes, we are creatures that can be easily enticed by shiny objects so don't be so surprised why you, some friends, and relatives get all caught up in how shiny everything is. Moreover, shiny floors always look so clean and perfect to set foot. Make your hardwood floor shine with brilliance and let it mesmerize, and hypnotize your visitors to speak nothing but good things about your home.

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Have Pets at Home? 5 Features Any Good Pet Hair Vacuum Should Have

If you love your pet and your family then you should do everything in your power to make them harmoniously co-exist in the same household.

Perhaps you have been told time and again to get rid of your pet because of the hair invasion and all (except you) find it bothersome and annoying (not to mention possible health hazard that it might bring). You don't need to worry anymore and soon your family will come to realize the value of your pet, all you need is a good pet hair vacuum to take your troubles away.

Features of a Good Pet Hair Vacuum If you are at lost regarding the features of a good pet vacuum to pick then let this concise list guide you in your search for the good (if not the best) pet vacuum in the market today. 1. Make sure that the suction power of the pet hair vacuum is strong enough to suck all pet hair that is very soft, light, and fine textured.

It is very difficult to remove pet hair that clings to a fabric that's why you should get something with extraordinary and steady suction with least turbulence to keep the needed air pressure and yield maximum performance. 2. The vacuum attachments also play an important part in making the whole endeavor a success.

See that the pet vacuum will be able to provide brushing action and it should be able to reach hard to penetrate areas (especially the areas where hair might pile up). The tools come in different shapes and sizes - just see to it that they will be able to do the job that you want them to do. 3. Ease and comfort should come first before style.

You might be a stylish person but when it comes to pet hair vacuum ease of handling the tough machine should be your priority. The design should be able to make you do the work in lesser time. 4. The filtration system of your pet vacuum is very important if you really want to make your pet (and you) look good in the eyes of your family.

Don't give them a chance to complain regarding the minute "things" that might have tagged along with your pet. 5. Do not overlook the length of the cord - it should be long enough to finish the entire room in one go (or two).

Most of the time, changing sockets just to cover an area can make you lose precious time and it can be annoying but not if your cord is lengthy. An auto cord rewind is good too. Other Considerations If you have limited budget then spend some time and look for something that can fit within your budget. You will still be able to buy something cheaper without sacrificing your standards. Choosing something below par is not a good decision to take because it will not be able to serve the purpose really well. Don't Hesitate and Buy The pet hair vacuum is something worth it especially if you have a pet and you should not hesitate and own one now. The good vacuum will surely eliminate all unfavorable things that come with having a pet and will let you live in a fresh and hair free surrounding for years to come.

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Pet Vacuum vs. Regular Vacuum: Which One Are You Using?

I love animals, but they are fur factories. Lovable fur factories, of course! However, cleaning their hair off furniture and carpet can tax my patience, not to mention my vacuum.

Pet dander may also be more than my vacuum cleaner can handle. And don't forget the crumbs, urine and feces that furry friends leave behind!

When it comes down to it, keeping my house clean with a pet is a big job! But is purchasing a pet vacuum really worth the extra cost? Will a pet vacuum do anything for me that my old standard model won't? I did some looking around, here's what I found out. It's the Design, Not the Label Pet vacuums need features that standard vacuums don't always have. Unfortunately, some manufacturers just slap a "pet vacuum" label on a standard model, mark up the price and hope you won't know the difference. So, before I shell out extra money for a pet-specific model, I am looking for these features:

An upright model with rotating brushes: These tend to do a better job at picking up pet hair. However, some canister models also have turbo brushes that will do the job.

Enough power: A vacuum rated at less than 200 air watts may not have enough suction.

Good design: The suction tube should be in the middle of the head, which helps prevent hair from wrapping around brushes.

A filtration system: This will keep dander and dust from flying around after vacuuming. A HEPA filtration system is a good feature. For extra protection, you need a UV sanitation system. These kill germs, microbes and viruses instantly!

Special attachments: Does the vacuum have extra brushes and nozzles for getting hair out of hard-to-reach places? Are the attachment hoses long enough to do the job?

Maintenance Is Essential A sturdy, well-made vacuum will make maintenance easier. You're going to need it! Even with the best models, fur will get wound around rotating brushes. You'll need to regularly remove them and snip off tangled hair. You should do this every time you vacuum, but cleaning the brushes every three to five sessions will work, too. Keep the debris compartment and filter clean as well, and your vacuum will keep running like a fine car. Always read the owner's manual to make sure you have all the maintenance bases covered. So, Is a Pet Vacuum Worth It? It might be if it has the right features and enough power. Some standard models may do the trick, while some "pet models" will only lighten your wallet -- they won't clean your house well. As with many things in life, the key is to buy quality! Price tags and labels don't tell you the whole story. Be prepared to get to know your vacuum. Take the time to learn all the bells and whistles. And before you shop, check out pet owners' user reviews on sites such as Amazon. If anyone can tell you if a vacuum will clean your home and keep that fur factory under control, they can!

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Are Vacuum Cleaners For Pets Actually Necessary?

If you are someone who owns a pet then you know that your pet's hair can cause problems in your home. Perhaps you are someone who recently decided to own a pet and has yet to discover the many things that go with owning one. If you want to know if it is really necessary to also own a vacuum cleaner for pets- read on and find out the answer.

Hair There and Everywhere (Plus Some Extras)

Your pet captures your heart and its hair or feather practically invades your home. It also overruns your breathing space as it floats aimlessly in the air and unsuspectingly finds itself to your nose and mouth and the possibility of inhaling it is huge which can turn into a problem later. It can also infest your furniture, clothing, dinner table, carpet, and almost anything in your house. If you have pets, there are other things that lurk around your house aside from the pet hair or feather. Your pet also shed dead skin cells, very minute hair pieces, dried urine and saliva, and other unimaginable particles that will surely horrify you if you see them under a microscope. So to answer whether you need a pet vacuum - yes, you need to use it to make sure that your surrounding is free from pet hair and other things that your lovable pet brought along. The hair and the other horrendous things can be hazardous to your health, your furniture, and your wardrobe. Why a Pet Vacuum? Pet vacuum is a must have in every home with pets. It is a specialized vacuum cleaner that targets the harmful particles in the air within your home and makes the entire surrounding fresh once more to keep you and your family away from health risks. It is very effective in sucking all the pet hair set to conquer your entire home. A pet vacuum has excellent suction power that ordinary vacuum lacks. Some also comes with air filtration feature that can remove allergens in the air making your home a safe haven not only for your pets but your entire household as well. Important Reminders You can actually minimize the pet hair (it is impossible to completely eliminate the lurking hair unless you have a naked mole rat as a pet) within your home by paying close attention to your pet's diet. Avoid frequent diet change because it can affect the health of your pet's coat. Regular brushing of your pet's hair helps eliminate loose hairs and prevent the hair from attaching itself to your furniture, clothes, and even under your nose. Regular vacuuming is a must to prevent the pet hair and other unwanted particles from occupying your home. Vacuuming can also keep your place and wardrobe neat and tidy. You will never have to worry about unsightly hair clinging on your dress or shirt as you walk or accidentally inhaling particles that might pose serious health risk. Having a pet at home brings a lot of advantages and to make sure that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, you must keep it a point to vacuum regularly and rely only on a vacuum cleaner for pets to the job without fail.