With so many vacuum cleaner options available, we break down which options are best for you
You’re only as good as your equipment, so make sure you’ve got the right tool for the task at hand. Read on for our expert recommendations.
Help. How can I clean up after my DIY projects?
If tackling the aftermath of a craft or DIY project takes you longer than the project itself, it’s time to upgrade your equipment. Our cleaning experts recommend the Shark MessMaster, $299. This portable yet ultra-powerful wet and dry vacuum system will suction up any mess you point it at – indoors or outdoors. From sawdust to potting mix, it handles the big workshop, garage and studio jobs with ease, and it’s also super helpful to have on hand for dealing to everyday pet messes, kid chaos, kitchen catastrophes and cleaning the car. And the best bit? It’s not available in New Zealand until October, so you’ve got the perfect excuse to put off those troublesome DIY projects for a few weeks more.
The Shark MessMaster, $299, is your indoor/outdoor wet and dry cleaning friend in the house, garage, workshop or potting shed.
My home has both hard floors and carpets. What is a vacuum that does both?
Get yourself a Shark HydroVac™ Pro XL Cordless 3-In-1 Cleaner, $499.99. This dream machine delivers not only powerful suction, but also hydro mopping, so it’s ideal for wet and dry cleaning of hard floors, as well as spot cleaning carpets, rugs and even upholstery.
Which vacuum cleaner is best for pets?
You need the Shark Stratos Cordless Pet Pro Vacuum with Clean Sense IQ, $849.99. This cordless stick vacuum is a great all-rounder for everyday jobs such as crumbs and dried mud, but it also comes with a special Motorised Pet Tool attachment that keeps the brush-roll free from tangled hair. The HEPA filter and Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology offer extra reassurance for homes with pets or allergies, capturing and trapping 99.9 percent of dust and allergens so they’re not released back into the air you breathe.
What’s the best tool for cleaning my car?
Life gets a whole lot easier when you have a Shark Wandvac Handheld Vacuum, $249.99 (right), in the house. You’ll find yourself waving this cordless handheld vacuum cleaner around the place like a magic wand, rediscovering new uses for its impressive suction. It’s perfect for quick clean-ups and hard-to-reach spaces, including the sofa cushions and down the side of the car seat.
Pull back
Are you vacuuming wrong? Did you know the actual sucking action happens on the pull stroke when you’re vacuuming? The push stroke is mostly just a repositioning stroke, so take your time when pulling the vacuum head towards you through the carpet to allow it to do its work.
How to get the most from your vacuum cleaner
Clean the filters regularly
Your vacuum’s filter removes dust and allergens from the air it sucks in, so it needs cleaning regularly or it can become blocked, which can result in poor suction over time. Remove the filters, tap off any loose dirt, rinse under the tap and allow to dry completely for 24 hours before re-inserting.
Empty the dust cup
Empty the dust cup every time you vacuum, or as soon as it’s filled up to the maximum fill line. Simply press the release button to remove the cup from the vacuum, hold the cup over a bin and press the latch to empty the contents. Shark’s Anti-Odour Technology goes a long way to guard against bad odours inside your vacuum, but every now and then it’s a good idea to wipe out the cup with a dry microfibre cloth to remove stubborn dust and dander. Or buy a wet and dry vacuum like the Shark MessMaster, $299 (available from October), which washes itself after use – you just suction through a cup of water to flush the tank.
Check for blockages
If you notice a drop in suction, look for blockages in the handle or hose or where the floorhead connects to the pipe.
Remove hair from your brush-rolls
Hair can get tangled around your vacuum head brush-rolls and block the air flow, so unless you have a Shark Stratos Cordless Pet Pro Vacuum With Clean Sense IQ, $849.99, which cleans itself, you may need to cut it away every now and then.
The Shark Stratos Cordless Pet Pro Vacuum with Clean Sense IQ, $849.99, has a special motorised pet tool for easy pet fur and hair pickup.
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