A canister vacuum cleaner is a vacuum cleaner that has a motor and a bag which are housed in a canister (or storage container). This canister is mounted on wheels and connected to the vacuum head by a flexible hose. Unlike upright vacuum cleaners, which are useful for cleaning large carpeted areas, canister vacuums are helpful to people who have a mixture of carpet types, upholstery and rugs.
As a result of the fact that the motor and bag are housed in a canister mounted on wheels, canister vacuum cleaners are more maneuverable and lightweight in comparison to upright vacuum cleaners. Because canister vacuums are lightweight, they are ideal for cleaning tile and wood floors.
Apart of what makes a canister vacuum so easily manipulated is its long hose which attaches to the vacuum head. These hoses allow the canister vacuum to aid in cleaning hard-to-reach areas such as corners and stairs. Canister vacuums also make it much easier to clean over-the-head locations such as bookcases and ceilings. Some canister vacuums also come with the ability to adjust the suction strength. This is helpful when vacuuming delicate items like rugs, drapery or blinds. This prevents these items from being pulled into the agitator or hose and possibly damaged.
The power head that is attached to the hose on the canister vacuum are lighter and more powerful in comparison to upright vacuum cleaners. Canister vacuums are easy to push through carpeting because it is not necessary to push the whole unit. The canister vacuum is also very useful for low places such as underneath tables, beds and furniture.
Canister vacuum cleaners are also equipped with a multitude of tools which makes them very versatile. Three tools that are usually included with a canister vacuum cleaner are a crevice tool, an upholstery tool, and a dusting tool. The crevice tool would help when cleaning tight spaces and mechanical instruments like those found on computers and inside of cars. The upholstery tool would assist with cleaning furniture and car seats. When cleaning wooden furniture and bathrooms the dusting tools would be beneficial.
Allergy and asthma sufferers can benefit from a canister vacuum as well. Canister vacuums are generally sealed very well so that dust and allergens do not escape into the air after an area has been cleaned. There are also canister vacuums available with certified HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters. HEPA certified means that the filter can remove at least 99.97% of airborne particles 0.3 micrometers in diameter.
With their maneuverability, versatility and allergen-removing qualities, canister vacuums really are the all-purpose cleaners!