Vacuuming’s no chore anymore.

One gram of dust contains more than a million bacteria, thousands of fungal spores and hundreds of pollen grains as well as live house dust mites. Magnified pictures of these prehistoric-looking creatures are incentive enough to pull out the vacuum on a regular basis.
Research shows that about 70 to 90 percent of what we vacuum up is gray-brown dust, five to 25 percent is carpet or smaller fibers, about five percent is hair and the rest contains a mix of the most dangerous substances for allergy sufferers.
Modern technology has been applied to the humble vacuum cleaner, giving it capabilities that Harriet Nelson never imagined, and some models have been souped up so that even Ozzie would want to take them for a spin. Most contemporary vacuums have HEPA filters (High Efficiency Particulate Air), first designed to filter out radioactive dust particle contaminants in bomb shelters, that are used to remove household dust, mites and allergens, improving the air quality of your home. However, many vacuums that boast of HEPA filtration, in fact leak dust out of poorly sealed or designed casings. Seek out reviews for the type of vacuum your home needs wood floors, carpeting, special surface or allergy considerations – at Web sites like www.consumersearch.com.

Miele Capricorn
The best-selling of the “What’s your sign” series that includes Pisces and Aquarius and other constellations, the Capricorn is the product of 107 years of German engineering for purposeful design. Miele is the gold standard for vacuums, and its line is consistently rated highest by reviewers and industry experts.
Light, stylish and easy to operate, Miele vacuums also retain 99.9 percent of all lung damaging particles 0.3 microns and larger, with virtually no leakage from the casing, which is durable ABS plastic. The Capricorn has a seven-year motor warranty.
Watch the video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5NLlCWNF6U
Price: $1,199
Sonoma Vacuums
18987 Hwy. 12 (Vineyard Shopping Center)
707.996.7946

iRobot Roomba Vacuum
An industrious little vacuum that can think for itself, the Roomba decides how dirty the floor is and adjusts its efforts accordingly. Sensors detect dirt and the infrared technology also keeps it from falling down stairs. The Virtual Walls feature prevents it from leaving a room before it is completely clean or following you to work.
Roomba cleans up to four rooms on one charge and can be programmed for up to seven cleaning times per week, One reviewer commented that, “It is not just a cleaner; it becomes more of a companion, over a period of time.” Comes with changeable faceplate, in case you get tired of that same perky smile.
One-year warranty.
View it in action: www.irobot.com/sp.cfm?pageid=127
Price: From $119 to $499
www.irobot.com

NASCAR TrackVac
Give Dad the keys and go shopping – the floor will be spotless when you return. The Vesture NASCAR TrackVac Robotic Floor Vacuum is an official NASCAR-licensed product that looks like a toy, but is a credible cleaning machine, suitable for most surfaces and short pile carpets. Cleans automatically using five pre-set patterns.
Includes NASCAR related interactive audio on start-up and power-down, race mode for fun with the vacuum off, remote control, two “tire stack” obstacles, a User’s Manual and one-year limited warranty.
View it in action: www.vesture.com/trackvac.html
Price: $249
www.vesture.com

Dyson DC17 Animal
The highest rated and the best selling upright vacuum on Amazon.com, the Animal is a lightweight model that works on most floors and carpets. The vacuum has a 16-foot quick-draw telescope reach for stairs and high places and also is rated most powerful for picking up dog and cat hair. Certified asthma-friendly, the Animal has a lifetime HEPA filter and a bagless cleaning process.
A carpet care kit is included with Zorb powder to absorb dirt from carpets and a Dyzolve spray to remove spills and marks.
Five-year warranty.
Price: $539
www.amazon.com