Vacuum cleaner suggestion?

Question

I've been using vacuum cleaner hand-me-downs and I keep breaking them.  I need a vacuum cleaner that will suck up all kinds of gunk including small drywall debris and drywall dust from carpet.  Should I go cheapo because it will probably break anyway, commercial vacuum or shop vac or something else?  Thanks.

Marcia Maynard · Answer

We use a shop vac for construction/maintenance uses and a regular vacuum cleaner for carpets and general cleaning. Commercial grade of either will be more durable than consumer models. Think about what you are vacuuming and what power and suction you need for the job.

Vacuum cleaners that do not have a disposable bag are a poor choice. You need to be able to effectively collect and dispose of debris. Opening a unit and dumping out debris makes no sense, as particles become airborne.

Another tip, don't use a shop vac for cleaning out fireplace ash... there are special vacs to that. We learned that lesson the hard way. :-)

Account Closed · Answer

Assuming by "hand-me-downs" you're talking about residential vacuums, then yes, they're likely to keep breaking as they are not designed for construction clean-up.  You'll fare much better with a shop vac.

Word to the wise... keep the filtration system clean... better performance, less re-circulation of particulates and the equipment will last longer.

Jason Blondin · Answer

I hate shopping there...but my vote is for a sears craftsman shop vac.  Buy the biggest/strongest HP one you can find.  If your shoppping savvy on sears, there are typically sales that lower the prices on these often.  I buy aftermarket filters on ebay.  And the generic dust filter bags at home depot are a must!

Gail K. · Answer

My dad was a janitor and my mother helped with the cleaning of the three apartment buildings he managed (in exchange for a rent free basement apartment this was expected to be a "family run" operation where both the husband and wife were on call 24/7 to handle emergencies).  Mom was a cleaning fanatic and swore by her Electrolux canister vacuums.  I've got two of them (purchased through ebay) vintage ones; probably made in the 40's or early 50's.  Easy to still get bags for them.  Those vacuums would suck up anything.

Gail

Jeff Gates · Answer

All the motors come from China and the brushes are cheap, so the motor looses power fast. I choose the old one with an American motor. Oreck

Stone Teran · Answer

Thanks for the suggestions.  Shop Vac it is!

Vacuum cleaner suggestion?

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