Vacuum Cleaners Discussions

But also in the edition is results of the latest lab test on a vacuum for germs.  Called the Germ Guardian 2-in-1 GGU300 bagless.  It's the latest germiphobe offering that uses the same design/function of the BISSELL lift-off allowing operations as a canister or upright.  Retails for $220. 

The product's web site claims vacuums pick up dirt, mold, germs and bacteria.  All of which cause odors. [brilliant so far?]  The company says using "nanosilver" technology in the vacuum's dirt cup fights bacteria and reduces odors.  [Sound like antimicrobial technology with a new twist].  Also touts the upright's ability to convert to a canister.  BISSELL did it first and still.  A popular feature and seller for BISSELL.

CR says the Germ Guardian fell down on picking up dirt.  Said it was sub-par at deep cleaning according to its close up review. Tool airflow wasn't much better.  CR also warns that nanosilver particles may inhibit bacterial growth but has concerns as a pesticide with effects on environment and human health.  CR recommends EPA should regulate nanosilver as a pesticide.

Bottom line CR puts the cabosh on the Germ Guardian for $220.  Recommends buying ionstead the top rated HOOVER WT U6485-900 for $230 and replacing the bag and/or dumping the bin more often to avoid concern about odors.

Carmine D.

Hi Carmine,

Thanks. I've been wanting to know more about the use of nanosilver for this purpose.  LG incorporated it in one of is bagless machines about two years ago but appears to have left off at some point.

A maker of food containers was also pushing the same idea for extending teh shelf life of vegetables, etc., on TV but I'd heard no alerts as to safety.

Venson

Hi Venson:

The concept and feature of killing micro-organisms that cause odors has been in the vacuum industry for awhile now.  ORECK started with its IntellaShield [TM] technology some years back.  It uses an anti-bacterial agent which is infused in the vacuum during the manufacturing process to prevent micro-organisms that cause odors from growing and reproducing.  It's built into places where bacteria, mold and mildrew accumulate, like the handle, roller brush and sole plate.  Supposedly it lasts the liftetime of the vacuum.  Other makers like BISSELL have followed ORECK's example.  Tho neither make a huge deal of itexecpt to mention in product literature.  The technology is also used more and more by food and retail chains for children's compartments in grocery carts.  Not sure if the fast food chains like my favorite McDonald's has caught on yet.  But I suspect it will.

Carmine D.

Carmine D.

http://www.walmart.com/cservice/writeReview.do Ratings and Reviews 4.5 out of 5 (6 Customer Ratings)       Product Specs from W*M site: Item Description The Germ Guardian is the healthy vacuum cleaner. Use this powerful 12-amp upright to clean your carpets, and then quickly convert it to a canister to tackle stairs and other hard to reach areas. Nano-silver particles are imbedded into the dirt cup to help fight the growth of odor-causing bacteria and mold. Instead of bags, a HEPA filter in the dirt cup helps capture 99.9% of dust and allergens. Germ Guardian 2-in-1 Upright and Canister Vacuum: 12-amps of suction power Upright converts to a canister for stairs and other hard to reach areas Low-profile design allows you to clean under furniture Nano-silver in the easy to empty dirt cup to help fight bacteria and mold HEPA filter in the dirt cup captures up to 99.9% of dust and allergens 15" wide nozzle with brush view window gives you a wide cleaning path Telescopic wand and a 4:1 stretch hose make cleaning hard to reach areas easy Onboard tools include hard floor cleaning nozzle, crevice tool, dusting brush and upholstery brush 32' cord Motor protection system Seven height adjustments Brush on/off switch for bare floor cleaning

We ordered a couple of those thru our supplier for a lady..one up/dwn stairs.....after 6mos she brought in for a service. Had that awful pet smell. not a deep cleaner and required multi passes to get up/deep clean sand and dirt....used in basement now for son to use and the other as back up. she liked her dc7 better.

she bought 2 white riccar vibes and loves them....loved the ease of bag changes and no pet odor...and no messy smelly dumping.

but most of her problems on the dc7 were from lack of maint and abuse from son.....filters/cyclones caked up bad.....

turtle

An update and aside for the interests of honesty and being well-informed.  CR retested and found the problem corrected.  But, CR reports said the handling of the 2010 GX460 "is still ponderous and ungainly, as is common with traditional body-on-frame SUV's."  The magazine suggested buyers looking for a 7 passenger SUV consider other models.

Carmine D.

Honestly, you are late in informing the world.  See my post on May 8.

Can you elaborate on the many deaths attributed to the Ford Explorer.  You know, the vehicle blamed for killing more people than Toyota.

So far neither my Ford Explorer nor germs have killed me.  Quess I'm doin pretty well all things considered.

Carmine D.