How Do Bagged and Bagless Vacuum Cleaners Differ?

Whilst bagless vacuum cleaners have become very popular of late, vacuum cleaners that use vacuum bags still have many advantages and can be just as effective.  Here is a guide to the differences and benefits between the two different types of vacuum cleaners.

Vacuum Cleaners Using Bags

Vacuum cleaners work by using air suction to pick up debris which is then deposited into the vacuum bag.  Vacuum bags filter out the dirt and dust from the air path so that the motor doesn’t get damaged.  A big advantage with using bagged vacuum cleaners is that the air has less distance to travel and so does not put as much strain on the motor of a vacuum cleaner as perhaps a bagless model.

Vacuum bags should be changed regularly to ensure the performance of the vacuum cleaner.  They should be changed before they are completely full and this is usually indicated by a light that turns on located somewhere on the vacuum cleaner.  Changing vacuum bags are easy and can generally done without too much mess; the dirt and dust is sealed within the bag, which is simply removed, sealed and thrown away.

It is extremely frustrating to have to change a vacuum cleaner bag mid-way through cleaning only to find you have no spare vacuum cleaner bags to hand!  It is therefore a good idea to keep spare vacuum cleaner bags at home.  This is one of the main reasons that people favour bagless models of vacuum cleaners.

It is best to use vacuum cleaner bags that are recommended by the manufacturer of your vacuum cleaner. Vacuum bags are not expensive to replace and are readily available. Consult a reputable dealer for more information.

Bagless Vacuum Cleaners

Bagless vacuum cleaners work by using a filtering system of some sort rather than vacuum bags.  There is usually a line in the container which indicates when the vacuum cleaner should be emptied.  As the air has to travel further within the machine, a strain is placed on the motor and so these machines often get hotter than bagged vacuum cleaners.

Whilst emptying the container is fairly easy, the process can be quite messy, with dust flying everywhere.

Bagless vacuum cleaners need to be looked after more closely than vacuum cleaners which use vacuum cleaner bags.  The filters need to be regularly inspected and washed and dried where necessary.

One benefit of using bagless vacuum cleaners is that if you vacuum something up by mistake, it can easily be retrieved from the container.

As shown, there are various different things to consider when choosing between bagged and bagless vacuum cleaners.  Seek more advice from a reputable dealer.

A Guide to Making Your Vacuum Cleaner Last Longer

Vacuum cleaners are expensive to buy and so you want them to last a long time.  There are several things you can do to look after your vacuum cleaner, to make it more efficient and to last for longer.

Different models need different levels of care according to the manufacturers.  You should therefore read the user manual carefully for help and tips.  A specialist dealer in vacuum cleaners can also give you specific advice about your machine.  Here are some general tips:

1)    Regularly empty the container on your vacuum cleaner or replace your vacuum cleaner bags.  Bagged vacuum cleaners will need changing whenever vacuum bags are full and a light usually indicates when this is required.  Bagless models will need to be emptied well in advance of the debris in the container reaching the “full” line. 

2)   Regularly check and remove hair, fibres and string etc. from the brush roll on the bottom of vacuum cleaners.  This will help to keep the wheels turning efficiently and enabling your vacuum cleaner to pick up dust and dirt more effectively. 

3)   Be sure to clean out clogged areas of your vacuum cleaner unit as and when it is needed.  Areas that become blocked can lead to vacuum cleaners not working properly and losing power or efficiency.

4)   Regularly check the filters.  These need to be kept clean in order to keep your vacuum cleaner doing its job properly.  If a filter is blocked or full of dirt, it will not be able to pick up any more debris!  If a filter is regularly becoming blocked or if it is damaged, you will need to have it replaced.  Contact a specialist dealer who can help with this.

5)   Regularly check your vacuum cleaner accessories.  All the extensions and various attachments should be kept clean and not damaged.  Inspect the vacuum cleaner belt and make sure that these are not wearing thin or becoming old and worn out.  Belts and other vacuum cleaner accessories can also easily be replaced.

6)   Check that you have sufficient vacuum spares to hand such as vacuum cleaner bags and perhaps a new vacuum cleaner belt in case your vacuum cleaner suddenly breaks down or needs a new part. 

7)   Check your vacuum cleaner cord has no fraying wires.

By regularly checking and maintaining your vacuum cleaner, you can help prevent break downs and make it last for longer.  Contact a specialist dealer for more specific advice about makes and models along with general advice about vacuum cleaner bags, vacuum spares and vacuum cleaner accessories.

Understanding the Different Vacuum Cleaner Bags

Changing a vacuum bag regularly on a vacuum cleaner is essential because it affects the power and efficiency of your vacuum cleaner.  Most bagged vacuum cleaners come with a feature, usually a light that indicates when your vacuum’s dust bag needs changing.  It’s best to change the bag before the vacuum cleaner is completely full as it increases air flow without forcing the vacuum cleaner to work too hard.

Different Models and Different Brands Require Different Vacuum Bags

The type of vacuum cleaner that you own will affect the type of vacuum bags that you will need.  Is your vacuum upright or a canister for example?  Where possible, you should use genuine branded bags for your particular model as this will enhance performance and not cause any problems that you may experience with a cheaper unbranded version.  Using bags which aren’t recommended by your manufacturer, may void your warranty which could prove costly should you need maintenance or servicing.  Your local vacuum cleaner supplier can help with more advice about this.

How Dust is Collected by Different Types of Vacuum Cleaners

            Upright Vacuum Cleaners

A brushroll dislodges the dirt and dust from the floor and then suction fans draws dirty air into the vacuum bag.  Dirt and dust are trapped within the vacuum cleaner bag.  Clean air then passes through the twin surfaces of the bag which acts as a filter.

Canister and Cylinder Vacuums

Dirt and dust are drawn up via the head through the cleaning hose.  Unlike upright cleaners, dirty air enters the dust bag first.  Dirt is deposited into the dust bag.

 Hand-Held Vacuums

These are typically straight suction machines where whatever is vacuumed goes directly into the machine.  Clean air passes through the bag leaving the dirt on the inside.  As these models are smaller the bags need to be changed more frequently. 

Understanding the Letters on Vacuum Cleaner Bags

Vacuum bags have letters printed on them ranging from A to Z.  These show the type of replacement you need to fit your particular model.

Types C, D an E – These are for bags designed specifically for upright vacuum cleaners.

Types F, J and K – These letters show that they are for vacuum bags that are for cylinder and canister vacuum cleaners.

Types G – This letter is specifically for vacuum cleaner bags that are designed for hand-held vacuum cleaners.

Types U – This indicates that vacuum bags can be used for hand-held or canister and cylinder models.

It is important to change your vacuum cleaner bags frequently to keep your vacuum cleaner working properly, but it is important to understand that you a using the right vacuum bag for your particular brand and model.  Contact your local vacuum cleaner supplier for more advice with choosing vacuum cleaner bags.