A vacuum that vacuums itself

With technology leaping forward at breakneck speed, it was bound to happen: a vacuum that essentially cleans itself, or at least its own filters. The Twin Clean from Electrolux Home Care Products North America, Bloomington, Ill., is the first and only canister vacuum to feature two HEPA filters that can be cleaned on-board, making it virtually maintenance free while providing the steady, strong suction needed for a thorough job. An indicator light on the canister flashes red when the filter needs cleaning, eliminating unnecessary guesswork. To begin the vacuum's self-cleaning process, simply flip the carriage holding both the clean and dirty filters, and then turn the dirty filter 360[degrees].

Twin Clean also makes it easy to gauge when the vacuum's dust cup requires emptying, as it is made of translucent plastic tinted with a cayenne hue--and the design is such that the dirt falls directly out of the bottom of the cup and into the garbage with just one hand and no mess. There also are easily accessible fingertip controls located on the soft-grip telescopic wand, allowing for the selection of two speeds as well as the adjusting of the power brush, good for carpet and hard floor surfaces. In addition, a one-step wand release facilitates instant transition from on-floor to above-floor cleaning. There is a deluxe stretch hose and a 21-foot cord that give the vacuum a 35-foot reach and a 14-inch wide path; built-in crevice and brush accessories; and an automatic cord rewind for quick and neat storage.

To learn more about the Twin Clean ($499.99) and other floor care products from Electrolux, visit www.electroluxusa.com.

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COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning