How Vacuum Cleaners Work

Vacuum cleaners are over 100 years old, and have employed simple technology to get homes and businesses clean with that distinctive sound that everyone loves, but pets hate. While the standard design of a vacuum is based on the simplistic technology of suction, which is achieved every time you drink out of a straw, the actual mechanics of how vacuum cleaners work is a bit different.

What is inside the vacuum cleaner?

Your vacuum cleaner contains a few basic parts that make it work. The first part to come in contact with your dust is the intake port, which is made up of a lot of different accessories, and this is where the dust comes in. The other port is the exhaust port, where clean air comes out. Everything inside is run by an electric motor that powers the fan, and all the air is blown through a porous bag. Dust and air enters the porous bag, but only air leaves the bag. Finally, it is all located in housing that keeps it looking great, while it cleans.

What types of vacuum cleaners are there?

Vacuum cleaners most typically come in the canister or upright variety; these systems are set up primarily as described here. Other types include wet/dry vacuum cleaners, where the fan powers the suction separately from the intake port to prevent any damage to the electrical components when liquids are suctioned up. Alternatively, cyclone vacuums rely on centrifugal force to suck up air.

Vacuum cleaners have come a long way, originally powered by hand pumping, true man power. Now, not only are they electrically powered, but there are even robotic vacuum cleaners on the market that let you take the day off, and do the vacuuming all by themselves. And while the technology has come a long way, the physics behind it are very simple!