Pray tell me, why do you like bagless vacuums?

[Janna]

After my Oreck (which I loved) finally died, I needed a new vacuum. A new Oreck wasn't in the budget, so I decided to get something "cheap" while I saved money for a better vacuum (interested in the Miele now).

So I got a Kenmore bagless with a HEPA filter (ds has dust/mold allergies). It was on closeout, very inexpensive. Has worked OK. Not a favorite by any means, but it's picking up dust etc.... I hate cleaning it! I don't see how bagless is better than bags? It seems when I empty the container more dust is being escaped into the air than not, kwim? It's very frustrating and gross, quite frankly.

My dh, because of where he works, was able to bring me a Bissell bagless vacuum to keep that was being replaced by a newer model or something. It's the same way - gross to clean the canister.

Growing up, my parents had a Kirby and it was big and heavy. We used to have to clean the bag by sticking our arms up into the bag and pulling all the dust out onto old newspapers. It was such a gross job, which I assume is why they came up with disposable bags. But I don't see how bagless vacuums are much different than the way I grew up doing it, kwim? What am I missing here that so many people love the bagless?

[Liz CA]

I thought it would be great not to have to hunt around for the specific bags and just shake/rinse out the container but I found that my bagless did not work as well as the Kenmore with a bag.
I went back to GE with a bag. If you can afford a Miele - you will likely not regret it. My aunt has one and loves it and several people here (on the old board at least) were in favor of Miele.

[KH_]

Are the bagless ones you're using the ones with the filter inside the canister (where the dirt goes)? Because I'd agree with you about those being really bad to clean out! My friend had one, and the filter was just nasty and there was no way to get all the dirt out when you emptied it.

I've got a Dyson, but the filter isn't inside the canister, so when you open the bottom to let the dirt out, most of it just falls right out (I take mine outside to my big garbage cans in the garage). I do tap the canister some to get the finer dust that collects inside, out, but unless I've got the garage open and it's windy, it's not that messy. Before the Dyson, I had an old metal Kirby, and removing the full bag and replacing it was so bad! Dust flying everywhere, and then when I'd turn it on the next time, there'd always be a big poof of dust that was left in the cloth outer bag.

[Michelle T]

They are so gross. I went through several, and all became quickly clogged up with dust and cat hair. I would have to stand over the trash, picking all the cat hair out of the filter by hand. Opening up the cannister to dump, dust would go all over me.

Disposable bag vacuum is the only way for me!
Michelle T

[Canada_Mom]

I personally don't like the bag less idea. Especially when the vacuum has the clear canister that you can see through while cleaning. Who wants to see what's coming out of the floor?? :eek: That's enough to make me not want to vacuum (not like I need another excuse).

We have a Kirby- 2000 model, I believe. It's AWESOME. Not big and heavy and clunky like the old ones. I loved it! Plus, it comes with shampooer- big bonus w/little ones.

I'm lucky though- after all these years of vacuuming, we finally have a house that is completely hardwood! YAY!

[KristineIN]

I do not have a bagless, after having a few, yes they are a mess. We researched and found that the Eureka Boss was rated better in Consumer Reports than the Dyson and it was half the cost. I have one and I love it. It's a little heavier than what I was used to, but it does an awesome job of cleaning up and doesn't lose suction.

Kristine

[Janna]

Yes! Amen! Uh-huh. Agreed. That's all I have to say about that. :D

[Karen in CO]

I empty it out before I vacuum every time. It picks up so much stuff. I can't imagine how often I would have to change the bag now that I have seen how much dirt and dog hair and dust collects in my carpet and I vacuum twice a week.

[j.griff]

Why do I love my bagless? Because:
Our old vacuum with a bag would lose suction very quickly, the pores in the bags would clog if say, flour or powder or whatever odd things the kids make messes with was vacuumed up with it. Then it was pretty much useless. I hated having to remember to buy the bags, and then having to store them (yes, something as simple as storing another item is enough to turn me off). Bags are expensive, I like that once you buy a bagless there is no other expense (unless you need service or a new belt). I have not had any problem emptying the dirt from our bagless, I have seen commercials where they make it look hard and messy- but the person emptying the cannister in those commercials is grimmacing while holding the cannister way above the trash can and is spastically shaking it all over the place. :-D I find those commercials amusing. (and I'm NOT saying that any of you are doing that, it's just the picture that came to mind ;-) ) Of course, the type of cannister may make the difference. Ours is a Dyson. I have occasionally needed to rinse it out, but it's not hard and it's not disgusting. At least, not IMO.
IME with bags, the bags are hard to remove without stirring up lots of dust (my bags always fill up quickly because of the cheap carpet in military housing).
I am glad that there are options, those who love bags can use bags, and those who don't don't have to. :-)

[JudoMom]

But I don't see how bagless vacuums are much different than the way I grew up doing it, kwim? What am I missing here that so many people love the bagless?

I don't love my vacuum by any means. I have serious vacuum envy any time the subject of vacuums come up. But I do like the fact it's bagless because dh always empties it :p!

[Janna]

I can understand those reasons. But like you, having to store something else (the bags) is enough of a turn-off, I would say that the dust flying in the air is enough of one for me. That made me smile about the visual you gave with the commercials. I can totally see it - trying to make them worse than they really are. I can guarantee you I am not waving the cannister 15 ft in the air above the garbage though, LOL.

I do see what you're saying and those are good reasons. Like you said, "I'm glad there are options, those who love bags can use bags, and those who don't don't have to."

Btw, I love your quote (the Chinese Proverb).

[j.griff]

I can guarantee you I am not waving the cannister 15 ft in the air above the garbage though, LOL.

LOL, I hope that HSing moms know how to empty cannisters. No, I assume that HSing moms know how to do that, and I seriously doubt that there are many people who would actually hold the cannister that far above the trash can. BUT, I do wonder if there are some germophobes who do it because they don't want to get too close to the trash/trash can/debris in the cannister. Hmmmmmm....
:-)

[KristineIN]

It's kind of like asking if you prefer pads or tampons! :D Although I use a whole other method, so I guess that's not a good comparison.
I just thought it was funny. :) :rolleyes: Humor me, I was up at 4a.m. because I couldn't breath (suffering a cold) and I don't want to nap or else I won't sleep tonight.
Kristine

[j.griff]

I use a Diva Cup and love it, LOL.

[nancypants]

Mostly because there are no bags. :D Seriously! :p

[LoriM]

I prefer my bagless vacuum because I hated having to stock bags. I buy a filter annually, and that's that.

[Tia in Wa]

I can never remember to buy the bags. Then when I do I loose them anyway. I empty my bagless outside in the dumpster, and sometimes bang the filter on the side if it is clogged with some strange child or dog caused mystery substance (noyhing yucky):)