Sewing&Vacuum

Myths about Bagless Vaccums

Consumer Choices

Bagless vacuums over the past few years have become a growing trend in floor care. Walking into any large retailer today, one will find rows of bagless vacuums, in bright colors, at low prices, and with promises of convenience. Vacuums with bags are meanwhile becoming harder to find. With so many bagless choices and a lack of knowledgeable sales assistance, it’s easy to conclude that a bagless vacuum must be the way to go. While bagless vacuums have their benefits, they also come with their own challenges and requirements. Before you buy your next vacuum, read on to learn the truth about bagless vacuums.

Bagless Myths

Bagless Vacuums Are Hassle Free
While it’s true that with a bagless vacuum you don’t need to buy vacuum bags, there are other hassles and costs associated with bagless vacuums that are often overlooked. There’s no way around it— with a bagless vacuum, you eventually must come into close contact with the dirt you have vacuumed up. When the dirt is emptied, there’s the initial cloud of dust that will need a second vacuuming. Remaining dirt in the container and filter also will need additional cleaning.

Bagless Vacuums Save Money
Maintenance costs arise with bagless vacuums. Without a vacuum bag to capture the fine particles of dust picked up, bagless vacuums depend on filters to protect the motor and to prevent irritants from being recirculated back into your home. These filters are essential to maintaining the performance of the vacuum and must be changed regularly. To prevent very costly motor repairs, you must continually invest in replacement filters (up to four times a year), which can cost up to $85 each.

This Vacuum Really Must be Cleaning— Look at All the Dirt in the Container!
Seeing all of the dirt that you’ve pulled from the carpet creates a feeling of accomplishment. But unlike vacuum bags which are typically changed every month or two, dirt receptacles must be emptied and cleaned after each use for best performance. So when you use a bagless vacuum, you have two chores, first vacuuming your home and then cleaning the dirt container.

Bagless Truths

• Most top rated vacuums today use bags.
• With little consumer support (replaceable parts, knowledgeable sales force, convenient repair options) from manufacturers, many bagless vacuums become disposable after the first sign of malfunction.
• Experts recommend wearing a mask when emptying and cleaning the container outside to avoid inhalation of loose dirt.
• Filters must be cleaned regularly or replaced, which can be a messy, difficult, and expensive task.
• Without proper maintenance (thoroughly cleaning and emptying container and cleaning filters after each use) bagless vacuums quickly malfunction and require extensive repair or replacement.
• The “clear effect” of seeing the dirt will only be maintained if the container is regularly scrubbed.
• As a container fills in a bagless vacuum, suction weakens, compared with a bag that maintains its suction throughout its use.
• The average life span of a bagless vacuum is less than a bag vacuum.
• Bagless vacuums are more prone to leaking and clogging.
• When faced with repairs, many bagless vacuum owners report they will return to a bag vacuum on their next purchase.