How does Roomba work?
As it moves Roomba’s rotating edge brush picks up dirt and debris from corners and along walls, sending it into the main cleaning path. Two counter rotating brushes then pick up all in its path. A high efficiency squeegee vacuum collects all fine dirt and debris leaving the floors completely clean. A filter, traps dirt and prevents fine particles escaping

How does Roomba know where to go?
Because it uses specially designed cleaning behaviours to decide. Roomba will switch between spiralling to cover open floors spaces and wall following to clean edges and criss crossing the room. All the while it will use its non-marking bumper to feel for furniture and obstacles and move around them. This bag less vacuum cleaner has a stair avoidance detector and a non-marking wall bumper. An infrared wall unit can contain Roomba in a given area if required.

How does Roomba know to avoid stairs or vast drops in floor level?
When travelling, Roomba emits an infrared signal and checks to see if it bounces back. If the signal does not bounce back Roomba quickly recognises that it is approaching a drop and safely turns away.

Will Roomba clean as well as I do?
Roomba is a robot, so it uses a different cleaning method than you would. Its compact size enables it to reach under furniture and other hard-to-reach places. Plus Because Roomba works at the press of a button; you can use it more frequently to help you maintain a cleaner home—all week long.

Can it pick up pet hair? Will it startle my pet?
Roomba is great for keeping up pet hair; its counter-rotating brushes actually pull the hair out of rugs and off your hard floor. Everyone’s pet is different, but most tend to react with curiousity at first, then soon after get used to it. Say goodbye to pet-hair tumbleweeds!

What is a virtual wall and how does it work?
It is an imaginary barrier created by an infrared sensor that the Roomba will not cross over. Place the Virtual wall unit in a doorway, for example. An infrared receiver located on the front of the Roomba bumper will sense the virtual wall signal and Roomba will turn away, keeping it in the area you want Roomba to clean.

Domotec was established in 1993. Their mission is to provide innovative and life style enhancing products to consumers. Domotec products include a range of steam cleaners, the Roomba robotic vaccum, steam generator irons and many other products all sharing Domotec’s vision of making great products affordable.

If you or your children suffer from allergies or asthma, then the type of vacuum cleaner you own can make a vast difference in your quality of life. A good vacuum cleaner helps control dust mites, pet dander, and other allergens by sucking them up and trapping them for disposal, making your indoor air cleaner and more breathable. Choosing a good vacuum can be a daunting prospect, so Allergymatters have put together a quick ratings guide to make your choice simpler.

It is important to take the following into consideration:

Power
The motor power, measured in watts determines the horsepower of the vacuum. The higher the wattage, the more powerful the machine.

Weight and Comfort
Before purchasing a HEPA vacuum cleaner, look at the product specification of it and find out its weight. The last thing you want is a vacuum cleaner that is too heavy (especially if you have lots of stairs to contend with) and means you are unable to use it.

Tools and Accessories
To enable a thoroughly clean home you need a small army of cleaning attachments to assist your HEPA vacuum cleaner. Most vacuums come with standard attachments, which are extremely helpful when cleaning. If however you require other tools for more specialised cleaning jobs, the manufacturer's will usually supply additional attachments at an extra cost. It is therefore worth considering what cleaning jobs you intend to do and what tools you will need to carry out those jobs.

Our ‘Tools’ symbol explained:

Basic range

Good range

Comprehensive range

Dust Capacity
It is important to consider the capacity of the dust collecting chamber or bag on your vacuum. The larger the capacity the less often you will need to empty or replace it.

Power Settings
Many vacuums come with different power settings to control the strength of the vacuum suction when cleaning. This is very useful, particularly if you are using your vacuum for a variety of tasks. For example, you would probably use a stronger suction on deep pile carpets to ensure thorough deep cleaning between the pile, but you would not necessarily need to use the strong suction for dusting objects like skirting boards. A vacuum with this feature allows you to have more control whilst cleaning.

Filters
If you suffer with allergies, such as asthma, hayfever and eczema, it is really important that you choose a vacuum that comes with an allergy filter. We recommend that you choose a vacuum that comes with a HEPA or HEPA type filter which can capture 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns in size and can prevent the spread of bacteria making it the sensible choice all around. You may also need to consider whether the filter is washable or whether it needs replacing. If the filter is replaceable take into account the cost to replace it and how often you would need to change it.

Cable Range
There is nothing worse than the constant starting and stopping of cleaning, because your vacuum cable is not long enough to reach the other side of the room! When choosing your vacuum, make sure the cable range is long enough to clean the areas, including those hard to reach places that you need to do.

Noise
People often think that their vacuum cleaner is not working if it is not making a noise! Knowing this a manufacturer intentionally made their vacuum cleaners noisier to assure people that were doing their job. If your vacuum cleaner is quiet then do not fret – this is a good thing! It doesn't mean that the vacuum cleaner isn't performing correctly, it just means it is a great package overall! A quieter vacuum reflects a better quality of motor.

Style: Canister v Upright

Upright vacuums – stand on their own and are a favourite to buy if you have thick and plentiful carpet to clean. Some come with or without handy attachments that clean those hard to reach places. They are best for removing pet hair and for those who want a larger vacuum bag. Advantages of HEPA upright vacuums area it’s strength and power on carpeted areas and their simplicity of vacuuming upright.

Canister vacuums - are smaller than the upright vacuums but still are extremely powerful. Their compact designed case rolls along the floor and follows behind you whilst you vacuum carpet, furniture or upholstery. HEPA canister vacuums can move around easily hardwood floors without making wheel marks. A helpful long hose is attached to canister vacuum cleaners so you can clean thoroughly in those hard to get areas. HEPA canister vacuums come with many handy vacuum tools that provide easy and efficient cleaning of most surfaces. An advantage of Hepa canister vacuums is their ability to reach in and around furniture making sure you don’t miss a spot