What is a vacuum cleaner?
1. Core Working Principle: Creating an Airflow Difference
A simple analogy: It mimics the human "sucking noodles" motion, but with a motor generating a strong airflow.
Key Operations: ▶ Inhalation - The motor rotates, creating a low-pressure area. Air, carrying dust, rushes into the suction nozzle; ▶ Separation - The dust-air mixture swirls within the dust bin, causing heavy particles to fall into the dust collection box; ▶ Filtration - Fine dust is trapped by the filter, and clean air is discharged from the rear.
2. Functions of Core Components
Nozzle: Opening close to the ground (wide opening for floors, flat head for gaps);
Motor: The "heart" of the machine; higher speeds increase suction (commonly copper motors > aluminum motors);
Filter: The "cage" for dust (sponge filters large particles, HEPA filters trap pollen/mites);
Dust collection bins: Available in "bag-type" (contact-free) and "bagless" (washable and reusable).
3. Comparison of Mainstream Household Models
Type | Best For | Strengths | Limitations | Maintenance Quirks |
Corded Canister | Large homes (>150m²) | ► Uninterrupted power | Bulky; struggles on stairs | Bag replacements cost $ |
Deep carpet cleaning | ► Superior dust separation | Hose drags behind | Clogs if vacuuming ash | |
Renovation cleanup | ► Large debris capacity | |||
Cordless Stick | Pet owners | ► Instant hair pickup | Short runtime on max power | Battery degrades in 2-3 years |
Quick daily cleans | ► Converts to handheld for sofas/cars | Small dustbin fills fast | Brushroll tangles daily | |
Apartments | ► Vertical storage saves space | |||
Robot Vacuum | Busy professionals | ► Automated scheduling | Gets stuck on dark rugs | Requires frequent bin emptying |
Hardwood/tile homes | ► Cleans under furniture | Can't do stairs | Hair wraps around wheels | |
Maintenance between deep cleans | ► Newer models self-empty | |||
Steam Mop Combo | Families with infants | ► Sanitizes floors with heat | Heavy when water tank full | Mineral buildup in steam chamber |
Sticky kitchen messes | ► Removes dried spills | Corded-only operation | Pads require hand-washing | |
Allergy sufferers | ► No chemical cleaners needed | |||
Upright (Bagged) | Allergy sufferers | ► Sealed HEPA system | Difficult to clean under furniture | Bags cost more than bagless |
Wall-to-wall carpet homes | ► Direct-drive brush deep cleans | Heavy to push | Belt snaps if jammed |
4. Not a universal tool - Uses to avoid
Risk of water absorption: Unless marked "wet/dry," standard models will burn out the motor when absorbing liquids;
Sharp objects: Glass shards and thumbtacks can cut the filter or jam the brush head;
Flammable objects: Flour and gasoline volatiles can ignite when exposed to sparks from the motor;
Small and valuable items: Earrings and USB flash drives are difficult to retrieve and can damage internal components.
5. Evolutionary Essence: Replacing the Shortcomings of Cleaning Tools
VS Broom: Solve the dust problem caused by hair, but not as quiet as a broom;
VS Mop: Dry vacuuming is faster, but cannot remove stubborn stains;
VS Rag: Effective at cleaning crevices and cracks, but cannot disinfect with wet mopping.