The Ultimate Vacuum Cleaner Quiz

Estimated Completion Time
2 min
The Ultimate Vacuum Cleaner Quiz
Image: iStockphoto.com/parema

About This Quiz

Home vacuum cleaners have been in use since the mid 1800s, when they were powered by hand-operated bellows. Modern vacuums are efficient dust and dirt cleaners. Knowing how vacuums work can help you keep a cleaner home and make a good decision when purchasing a new vacuum. Take this quiz to see how sweeping your vacuum knowledge is.
How does a fresh vacuum cleaner bag increase the vacuum's cleaning capability?
more room for dirt
increased air flow
less weight inside the vacuum
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The cleaning capability of a vacuum is increased when there is clear airflow. A fresh bag increases the air flow to the vacuum.

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What size vacuum attachment is the most efficient?
narrow
wide
no difference
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Narrow attachments pick up heavier dirt particles, because they create greater suction.

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Before electric vacuums were introduced, how were vacuums powered?
hand-operated bellows
hand-operated cranks
pedal powered
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The first vacuum cleaners were introduced around the mid 1800s and were powered by hand-operated bellows.

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When was the electric vacuum cleaner first offered for sale?
late 1800s
early 1900s
mid 1900s
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The electric vacuum cleaner was an immediate success when offered to consumers during the early 1900s. Due to the high cost of the vacuum, it was considered to be a luxury purchase.

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Where does a centralized home vacuum system house the motor?
hall closet
attic
basement or outside
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The centralized home vacuum system houses the motor in the basement or outside the home.

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The dirt canister of a central vacuum home system should be emptied how often?
after every use
once a year
several times a year
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The dirt canister of a central vacuum home system should be emptied several times a year.

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Which is the best vacuum for heavy-duty cleaning?
upright canister
wet/dry model
dust-buster model
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

For heavy-duty cleaning the wet/dry vacuum model is recommended.

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The steam-cleaner vacuum is what type of vacuum?
regular upright
wet/dry type
cyclone model
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The steam-cleaner vacuum is a wet/dry type of vacuum. In addition to sucking up dirt, the steam cleaner also soaps and scrubs the carpet.

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The "cyclone vacuum" is known for having no bag or filter. Who is the inventor of the Cyclone?
Bill Gates
Tom Westinghouse
James Dyson
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

James Dyson invented the Cyclone during the 1980s.

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When dirt is caught in the centrifugal force of a cyclone style vacuum, in what direction does the dirt move?
upward
downward
spiral
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A centrifugal force moves air and dirt in a spiral path.

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The newest vacuum innovation is the _____________ system.
cyclone
wet/dry
robotic
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The robotic system is the latest innovation in vacuuming, coming on the market at the beginning of the decade..

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What is an advantage of the cyclone system of vacuuming?
no bag
less costly
better for the environment
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The cyclone system has no bag to replace.

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How do robotic systems know where to go?
attached camera
sensors and navigation program
radar
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Robotic systems, which operate without a person pushing it, are guided by sensors and a navigation program.

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How does a central home vacuum system clean the whole house?
A giant hose is attached to the vacuum.
There are pipes in the walls with outlets in various parts of the house.
A central system cannot reach all areas of a home.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Pipes are interconnected in the walls with ports in most rooms. A hose is attached to a room outlet when you want to vacuum that area.

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The most popular type of vacuum is the __________________model.
upright and canister
wet/dry
central home
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Upright and canister vacuums are the most popular largely due to affordability.

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What type of bag does a wet/dry vacuum use to operate efficiently?
cloth filter bags
paper filter bags
bucket collection
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A wet/dry vacuum needs a special collection system, since wet or cloth filter bags would be soaked with liquid. The wet/dry vacuum uses a bucket instead of filter bags.

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Why does a vacuum cleaner have different attachments?
Different attachments do different jobs around the home.
The attachments determine the cost of the vacuum.
The attachments are just for looks and serve no real purpose.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Different attachments are better suited for different cleaning jobs. The size and shape of the attachment opening determines the job suitability.

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Does the power of the vacuum's fan make any difference to the vacuum's performance?
Fan power makes no difference.
Fan power creates stronger suction.
Greater fan power simply uses more energy.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Stronger fans create a stronger suction, which results in a more effective vacuum.

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What is the purpose of the roller found under some vacuum intake ports?
for better cleaning
to catch pet hair
to catch large items before they clog the vacuum
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Most vacuums have a roller, with brushes, attached to the intake port. The purpose of the roller is to kick the dust and dirt up into the air stream and increase the effectiveness of the vacuum.

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When should you change the vacuum filter bag of most vacuums?
when full to bursting
when the vacuum won't turn on
before the bag is totally full
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Changing the filter before it is full improves the suction and picks up more dirt.

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You Got:
/20
iStockphoto.com/parema