Vacuum cleaners for the over 60s

Written by: The Yass Phoenix

Vacuum cleaners

Vacuum cleaners are an essential piece of kit for the home, as they make short work of suctioning up dust, animal fur, crumbs, and assorted nasties from our floors. Vacuum cleaners are not a new invention, in fact, the first vacuum cleaner that used the same principle as those that we use today was invented by Hubert Booth of England in 1901. But talk about cumbersome! The machine was pulled by a horse, and people called it “Puffing Billy”. It was so big it could not enter buildings and only its tubes were inserted through the windows.

The first portable vacuum cleaner that had a motor was a brainchild of James Murray Spangler in 1907. This machine had a rotating brush, electric fan, a box, and a bag for dust (for which James used one of his wife's pillowcases). He had no money to begin the production of his idea, and he sold the patent to William Henry Hoover in 1908. Hoover redesigned the vacuum cleaner by placing it in a steel box and designing attachments for the hose. He later added disposal filter bags and designed the first upright vacuum cleaner in 1926.

The vacuum cleaner was a luxury item at first, but after the Second World War middle classes could afford it, and it slowly became a part of many households. Today, we have many different types of vacuum cleaners. But as we get older, it seems that vacuums have gotten heavier or aren’t as manoeuvrable as they were in our youth. This problem can result in reluctance to use the apparatus and physical injury when we do. This is why it’s important to keep up with the latest developments in vacuum cleaners and upgrade accordingly.

These days there are robot vacuum cleaners that have a built-in gyroscope navigation systems and infrared sensors to avoid obstacles. Often designed with quiet, normal and strong suction options, owners can select from automatic, border, or fixed-point cleaning modes. When the vacuum cleaner has finished its job, it automatically returns to its self-charging base. This option means that there’s absolutely no need to push a vacuum cleaner around at all, but you may need assistance establishing settings, so ask your vacuum cleaner retailer for this help.

‘Stick’ vacuum cleaners have a motor positioned underneath their handles, along with a dirt collection box, then a long bendable pipe leads to a rotating head (amongst other head attachments). These vacuum cleaners should have their weights written on their boxes so you can judge which weight is right for you. They may be cordless (i.e., involving a battery that needs to be charged) or electric. You may find them difficult if you have any arthritis in your fingers or wrists.

Upright vacuums have dust collection boxes and motors attached to a suction pipe just on top of the rotating head. These vacuum cleaners come in a variety of brands and weights and may also be battery or electrically driven.

Barrel vacuum cleaners are usually electrically powered. They have a tendency of getting caught on furniture behind you when you are in the middle of a big cleaning job. This can be frustrating and lead to yanking and twisting, so take care if this is the sort of vacuum cleaner you decide upon.

Do your research about your next vacuum cleaner. Talk to friends about their vacuum cleaner choices and go on-line to look at reviews of cleaners you are interested in. Always try out vacuum cleaners in the shop and ask about warranties.

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