This GREEN Life

Consumer Reports (CR) rated 65 vacuums.  They measured not only how much fur was removed from the floor and fabrics, but also how much hair was still left on the rotating brush and never made it into the canister or bag. The “emissions test” measured how much dust and small particles were put back into the air during vacuuming. Dust, fine pet hair and dander can all contribute to indoor air pollution.

The vacuums were grouped into two categories: canisters and uprights. Canisters scored best on carpeting but uprights seemed to be the best all around at sucking up pet hair. I am really concerned with mobility and attachments. If you’re like me CR suggests that you stick with a canister vacuum. The hose and powerheads make many canisters really easy to use.

Uprights - Best on carpets, easy to use, generally less expensive

 The best uprights for most tasks were the $300 Kenmore Progressive with Direct Drive 35922, the $250 Hoover Windtunnel 2 U8311- 900 and the $150 Eureka Boss Smart Vac Ultra 4870.

If you’re looking to spend less money the $60 Hoover Tempo Widepath U5140-900 and the $100 Hoover EmPower U5262-910 are good buys. They are much cheaper and lightweight but you will sacrifice some performance.  If you have bare floors go with the $50 Bissel PowerForce 6579-2.

Canister Vacs – Best on bare floors, drapes, stairs and upholstery

 Of the 65 vacuums CR rated, only one canister model — the $500 Electrolux Oxygen Ultra EL7020A – scored “excellent” at cleaning up carpets. The $350 Kenmore Progressive 25614, $300 Kenmore Progressive 25512, the $180 Hoover Windtunnel Bag-less S3765-040 all scored well among canister models.

Bag-less vacuums are a great way to go if you want to save money and the environment. However, static electricity makes fine pet hair stick to plastic containers making them difficult to empty.

My Reccomendation -  The Eureka Boss Smart Vac Ultra 4870 model. It had the highest rating for cleaning carpet and bare floors. It also got the highest rating for sucking up cat hair. It was one of only three vacuums that scored highest in all three categories, and  best of all it’s the least expensive at $150.

Make sure to recycle your old vacuume. If it still works give it to someone through an organization such as Freecycle or find a donation site near you through Earth 911.  What vacuum do you use? What have you found to really pick up Fido and feline Hair?