d/or plastic and are comparatively light. Some are of durable steel which are probably heavier. You'll need to test the weight and decide which you prefer.

Bag or bagless? Among the choices might be a cloth bag that you empty and put back, or a thick paper bag you can dispose o

Want a Great New Vacuum Cleaner? You need a vacuum cleaner, no question about it - the old model you've fought with over the years has finally expired. Or maybe you're new to this homemaker thing and have only recently recognized your need. Then again, maybe you just want something that will keep your home clean. If it will also make the job easier, so much the better.

Whatever the case, you are looking at vacuum cleaners and planning to buy. Instead of running out and picking up the first new machine you encounter, you might save yourself time, energy, and perhaps some expense by investing an hour or so, thoughtfully considering the project and making notes.

What type of vacuum cleaner do you want, an upright or canister? Upright is great for rugs, but getting to the edges of a wall to wall carpet, or negotiating under and around heavy furniture might be a problem. Canister types handle a variety of cleaning jobs including rugs, carpets, bare flooring and other requirements.

Weight is another issue to consider. Will you be lugging your cleaner up and down steps? Some vacuum cleaners are made of aluminum and/or plastic and are comparatively light. Some are of durable steel which are probably heavier. You'll need to test the weight and decide which you prefer.

Bag or bagless? Among the choices might be a cloth bag that you empty and put back, or a thick paper bag you can dispose of

at will keep your home clean. If it will also make the job easier, so much the better.

Whatever the case, you are looking at vacuum cleaners and planning to buy. Instead of running out and picking up the first new machine you encounter, you might save yourself time, energy, and perhaps some expense by investing an hour or so, thoughtfully considering the project and making notes.

What type of vacuum cleaner do you want, an upright or canister? Upright is great for rugs, but getting to the edges of a wall to wall carpet, or negotiating under and around heavy furniture might be a problem. Canister types handle a variety of cleaning jobs including rugs, carpets, bare flooring and other requirements.

Weight is another issue to consider. Will you be lugging your cleaner up and down steps? Some vacuum cleaners are made of aluminum and/or plastic and are comparatively light. Some are of durable steel which are probably heavier. You'll need to test the weight and decide which you prefer.

Bag or bagless? Among the choices might be a cloth bag that you empty and put back, or a thick paper bag you can dispose o

erhaps some expense by investing an hour or so, thoughtfully considering the project and making notes.

What type of vacuum cleaner do you want, an upright or canister? Upright is great for rugs, but getting to the edges of a wall to wall carpet, or negotiating under and around heavy furniture might be a problem. Canister types handle a variety of cleaning jobs including rugs, carpets, bare flooring and other requirements.

Weight is another issue to consider. Will you be lugging your cleaner up and down steps? Some vacuum cleaners are made of aluminum and/or plastic and are comparatively light. Some are of durable steel which are probably heavier. You'll need to test the weight and decide which you prefer.

Bag or bagless? Among the choices might be a cloth bag that you empty and put back, or a thick paper bag you can dispose o

avy furniture might be a problem. Canister types handle a variety of cleaning jobs including rugs, carpets, bare flooring and other requirements.

Weight is another issue to consider. Will you be lugging your cleaner up and down steps? Some vacuum cleaners are made of aluminum and/or plastic and are comparatively light. Some are of durable steel which are probably heavier. You'll need to test the weight and decide which you prefer.

Bag or bagless? Among the choices might be a cloth bag that you empty and put back, or a thick paper bag you can dispose o

d/or plastic and are comparatively light. Some are of durable steel which are probably heavier. You'll need to test the weight and decide which you prefer.

Bag or bagless? Among the choices might be a cloth bag that you empty and put back, or a thick paper bag you can dispose of when it gets full. In vacuum cleaners that are bagless, there is a chamber that collects the dust and dirt which can be emptied. Be aware that some of these are inclined to put more dust back into the air than the bag types do.

Pay attention to filters - particularly if you are allergic to allergens and dust mites. The popular HEPA filter (High Efficiency Particular Air) reduces dust mites and allergens in your home. The best filters are contained in the after motor section and sealed into the machine.

Gadgets and attachments for vacuum cleaners abound. Some are indispensable; others are optional and might delight the gadget-lover in you, but resist being "sold" something you won't need. Just be sure the vacuum cleaner you are considering is complete with what you judge to be all the essentials. A tool or gadget caddy should be a part of the package.

How about noise? If this is something that bothers you or other family members (maybe the neighbors!) be sure to turn on the model you are considering and compare the noise it generates with that of other vacuum cleaners. Don't forget cord length. For your c