Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, October 8, 1995 TAG: 9510100018
SECTION: HOMES PAGE: D1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JAMES DULLEY
DATELINE: CUT YOUR UTILITY BILL LENGTH: Medium
A: New micro-filtration allergy vacuum cleaners do help. I have allergies to dust, mold and cat dander and I notice an improvement when I vacuum with one in my own home. Micro-filtration vacuum cleaners also clean deeper than ordinary vacuums, particularly in deep pile carpets and furniture.
The air in today's typical efficient house has become literally a chemical and dust soup. After running a typical vacuum cleaner, rooms often have 10 times more airborne dust and allergens than before vacuuming.
Micro-filtration allergy vacuums have extra powerful motors and special suction designs for deep cleaning. Although the powerful motors use somewhat more electricity, you'll need to vacuum less often. More dust is picked up and the micro-filtration and seals keep it from leaking through.
True micro-filtration allergy vacuum cleaners have more than just a better bag. The best ones have up to 14-layer allergy bags, multistage, high-efficiency (HEPA) carbon filters and extra airtight seals to eliminate leaks. Especially with a carbon filter, the dusty "just vacuumed" smell is eliminated.
To compare deep-cleaning power of various vacuum cleaners, check the suction (water lift in inches) and the volume of air flow (cubic feet per minute - cfm). Advertised "peak horsepower" ratings are often just marketing hype.
The most powerful allergy vacuums have a suction above 80 inches and an air flow of more than 100 cfm. Many allergy-safe vacuum cleaners use a canister design with a power nozzle (beater bar and brush) for carpeting. There are also several micro-filtration uprights and a wet/dry model.
Several designs of micro-filtration are effective. One design uses double 14-layer cellulose filter bags, a charcoal filter and a final antimicrobial (kills germs, molds, etc.) or HEPA (used in hospital operating rooms) filter. The air blowing out of these vacuums is super clean.
The internal design affects the motion of the air inside and its cleaning effectiveness. A rapidly spinning (cyclonic) flow of dirty air inside the vacuum helps to separate the dirt particles from the air stream.
Cyclonic flow also forces the dirt and allergen particles to hit the filter bag pores at an angle. This makes it more effective at trapping them inside. Several models have as many as 3,500 tiny air holes in the inner metal canister to utilize the entire bag surface for micro-filtering.
For a buyer's guide of nine micro-filtration allergy vacuum cleaner (canister and upright) manufacturers, cleaning power (water lift and air flow), types of filters, prices and a common allergen size chart, write to James Dulley, The Roanoke Times, 6906 Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, Ohio 45244. Ask for Update Bulletin No. 820 showing Please include $2 and a business-size self-addressed stamped envelope
Q: I have old heat control permanent window film on my windows and I want to remove it. What is the easiest way ?
A: There are two methods. First, using a single-edge razor blade or window scraper, scrape the film loose from the top edge. Spray the exposed area with a solution of half ammonia and half water. Slowly work your way diagonally across peeling it off from top to bottom.
If this doesn't work, spray the film with the ammonia solution. Cover the window with plastic and let it stay wet for 10 to 12 hours. After this sweating of the film, the first removal method should be effective.
James Dulley has written a new 328-page book, $en$ible Home, compiling 81 of his most popular columns and Update Bulletins. Included are 600 manufacturers of super-efficient products, 400 manufacturers of money-saving household and healthy environmental products, 32 low-cost do-it-yourself projects and super-efficient house construction methods. To order, write to James Dulley, New Book, 6906 Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, Ohio 45244. The cost is $15.95, including postage and handling.
by CNB