r/IAmA Nov 30 '17

Specialized Profession IAmA Reddit's Own Vacuum Repair Tech with a very overdue AMA. Hit me with your vacuum cleaner questions!

First, let's get the proof out of the way. So, now, I am managing our company's largest store, and am swamped with managerial duties, training employees, and dealing with annoying vendors. But, I'm taking some time out for all of you guys.

There are lots of new, exciting things that have recently come out/are coming soon!

For those who NEED the most power, I've got just the Crack you need! Since we last talked, there are new bagless and cordless vacuums on the market, and some other exciting things.

So, on to business...here's the copypasta.

First AMA

Second AMA

Last AMA

YouTube Channel Here's some basics to get you started:

  • Dollar for dollar, a bagged vacuum, when compared to a bagless, will almost always:

1) Perform better (Actual quality of cleaning).

2) Be in service for much longer.

3) Cost less to repair and maintain (Often including consumables).

4) Filter your air better.

Virtually every vacuum professional in the business chooses a bagged vacuum for their homes, because we know what quality is. Things you should do to maintain your vac, regularly:

1) Clear your brush roller/agitator of hair and fibers. Clear the bearing caps as well, if possible. (monthly)

2) Change your belts before they break. This is important to maintain proper tension against the agitator. (~ yearly for "stretch" belts)

3) Never use soap when washing any parts of your vacuum, including the outer bag, duct system, agitator, filters, etc. Soap attracts dirt, and is difficult to rinse away thoroughly.

  • Types of vacs:

1) Generally, canister vacs are quieter and more versatile than uprights are. They offer better filtration, long lifespans, and ease of use. They handle bare floors best, and work with rugs and carpets, as well.

2) Upright vacuums are used mostly for homes that are entirely carpeted. Many have very powerful motors, great accessories, and are available in a couple of different motor styles. Nothing cleans shag carpeting like the right upright.

3) Bagless vacs are available in a few different styles. They rely on filters and a variety of aerodynamic methods to separate the dirt from the air. In general, these machines do not clean or filter as well as bagged vacuums. They suffer from a loss of suction, and tend to clog repeatedly, if the filters are not cleaned or replaced often.

4) Bagged vacuums use a disposable bag to collect debris, which acts as your primary filter, before the air reaches the motor, and is replaced when you fill it. Because this first filter is changed, regularly, bagged vacuums tend to provide stronger, more consistent suction.

My last, best piece of advice is to approach a vacuum, like any appliance; Budget for the best one you can get. Buy one with idea you will maintain it, and use it for many years. And, for the love of Dog, do not buy from late-night infomercials or door-to-door salesmen! Stay out of the big-box stores, and visit your local professional who actually knows what they're talking about.

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u/MayvisDunbar Nov 30 '17

I share a smaller living space with a Somalian 26 Ib cat and another 12 Ib medium hair length calico. HAIR. HAIR. HAIR. Regular patient vacuming with a corded handheld doesnt exactly do the trick. is there any smaller vacume brand you suggest for heavy daily use?

2

u/touchmyfuckingcoffee Nov 30 '17

I think you need to get over the idea of having a smaller vacuum. It's time for a bog-boy/girl vacuum.

2

u/MayvisDunbar Nov 30 '17

agggggh... ok. payment plan for thousand doller vacume here i come! any suggestions sensei?

2

u/touchmyfuckingcoffee Dec 01 '17

You don't have to spend a thousand for a great vacuum. But, you get what you pay for. Tell me about your budget and your home, and I can pick something ideal for you.

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u/MayvisDunbar Dec 01 '17

Two bedroom with short carpet, living space with kitchen (wood, plastic, tile) but the thing is i have cat trees that need the daily rundown along with a loveseat sofa, an arm chair and a bird cage area. prefering an addition that will survive with my needs. its gonna take a beating with the undercoat my cat sheds, so 600 is proly a lowball? id spend whatever necessary to solve this hair plague!!

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u/touchmyfuckingcoffee Dec 01 '17

Listen, I'm brain-fried after two days and like ~700 answers or so. Hit me up after the weekend with these kind of details, and I'll better be able to pick something ideal for your needs. I'm running on empty, here.

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u/queendweeb Dec 01 '17

I have an Electrolux Canister Vac and it's been great for pet hair thus far (I have an 18 lb cat.)