Chore day now is just a breeze

As busy as we are these days, it seems almost impossible to keep on top of the housework. Even on ordinary days, we're still trying to pack in more things than time will allow. Throw in a couple of holidays and forget about it--we'll never catch up. So, we look for ways to maximize our efforts whenever we can, and that's where the Ergorapido from Electrolux, Bloomington, Ill., comes in. This cordless stick vacuum enables us to clean our carpets and floors quickly and efficiently without the hassle of setting up a full-size machine.

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Advanced cyclonic technology rotates the air and debris that move into the dust cup, thereby preventing filter clogs and helping to maintain a powerful suction. The low-profile, 180[degrees] swivel head offers great maneuverability under furniture and in tight corners, and the removable hand vac lets us reach areas above the ground, including furniture, car seats, and trunks.

Weighing just 5.6 pounds, the Ergorapido boasts a sleek, diamond sand-colored design, and tucks neatly in a corner--always at the ready. It drops easily onto its charging base which conveniently houses the accessories and stores the excess wires out of the way. The front-open dust cup can be emptied with the suction hose of an upright vacuum or removed and dumped in the trash. The two filters can be rinsed clean periodically. In fact, it's so easy to use, if we see unexpected company pulling into the driveway, we can give the living room the once-over before our guests even reach the front door. Now that's convenience!

Although the Ergorapido is great for quick cleanups, when we're ready for some deep cleaning, we pull out our Eureka Capture+ from Electrolux Home Care Products North America. Known as the "complete clean machine," this upright vacuum sports an extra-wide 15" cleaning path so we can cover more area in less time, and its on-board attachments let us tackle hard-to-reach and awkward spots with ease.

The Capture+ includes a telescopic self-cleaning high-tech duster that can reach up to three feet to attract dust like a magnet from surfaces such as ceiling fans, blinds, and crown molding. A flip of a switch sets the duster in motion inside its holster, building an electrostatic charge that instantly grabs hold of dust and dirt. When the duster is placed back into the holster, the dirt is suctioned directly into the machine, completely containing the particles.

By using the Power Paw with Riser Visor attachment, stairs and upholstery no longer are a challenge. The flip-top hood allows the brush to clean either vertically or horizontally without forcing us to contort our wrists into uncomfortable positions. Additionally, the dual-powered Edge Kleeners let us get within millimeters of the baseboards, and the soft, rubber liner of the looped handle provides a cushioned grip.

Additionally, its unique HEPA filtration system is sealed completely and captures 99.97% of dust, allergens, and small particles for improved indoor air quality.

For more information on the Ergorapido ($99.99), visit www.electroluxusa.com; for the Capture+ ($169.00), www.eureka.com.

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COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning