Friday, July 30, 2010

Miele Earth Vacuum and sustainability



Get your Miele Vacuums and Supplies at VacShack.com

In Oklahoma City, buy from the only Miele Diamond Dealer in OKC, A Cleaner Place

Press Release
No. 007/2010
The largest family-owned and operated appliance company on the planet celebrates the Earth
Miele’s Earth vacuum cleaner symbolizes a firm commitment to sustainability
Princeton, NJ – March, 2010 – Princeton, NJ – March, 2010 – Miele, the world’s largest family-owned appliance company offers an eco-friendly canister vacuum cleaner just in time for Earth Day, and it’s appropriately named ‘Earth’. This canister vacuum boasts some of the most energy-saving advancements the industry has to offer. Featuring an AutoEco™ setting that automatically detects flooring (carpet, smooth floors) the Earth vacuum adjusts power for optimal cleaning performance and energy efficiency. “Homeowners tend to think that the highest power setting is best for cleaning all surfaces,” says Nadine Gast, Senior Product Manager for Miele. “This is absolutely a myth. The high setting should be used only on smooth floors. Upholstery, drapes and carpets require specific settings for optimal cleaning and using AutoEco™ will not only save tremendously in energy consumption, but also will provide better performance and long term care for home furnishings,” adds Gast.
Other ‘green’ features of the Miele Earth vacuum include: construction to an industry admired self-imposed 20 year life design model; the use of virgin polymers that are marked for easy recycling; cadmium and lead-free coatings; water-based paints; plus, low energy consumption. Miele vacuums are proven cleaner for indoor air as all fine dust and allergens are trapped in its unique Sealed System™ featuring a certified HEPA filter and unique filtering dustbag. (See miele.com for details on our latest filtration studies.) Miele’s revolutionary Filter-Bag™ consist of multi-ply, random-spun filter material and protective netting to reinforce the outer layer in order to ensure that dust and debris safely stays in the bag. Inside a Filter-Bag™, air guides distribute dust evenly throughout the bag, achieving a 25% longer life cycle without any loss in performance. A downstream HEPA filter then captures even the tiniest of particles – retaining lung damaging particles inside the vacuum.
Miele is internationally recognized as a leader in engineering appliances that are environmentally friendly. “We are committed to protecting this planet and take our role in energy consumption very seriously,” says Gast. “All of our appliances meet or even far exceed strict environmental requirements and the Earth vacuum is no exception.”

About Miele

There are only a few brands in the world that have sustained their vision, traditions and high-quality standard for more than a century. Fewer still that can claim consistent family ownership and international brand name integrity. And only one that is recognized for creating the world’s most innovative appliances. Founded in Germany in 1899 with a single promise of Immer Besser, a phrase meaning Forever Better, Miele has dynamically grown to become the world’s largest family-owned and operated appliance company with over 16,000 employees, 12 production facilities, representation in nearly 100 countries and annual turnover of €2.77bn, approximately USD$3.67bn [2008/09].

As a premium appliance brand represented on all continents, Miele is steadfastly committed to the highest quality, performance and environmental standards. The company’s innovative heritage, state-of-the-art design and engineering aesthetic have inspired comparison to other powerhouse German brands synonymous with innovation: Mercedes-Benz and BMW.

Miele’s range of exceptional consumer appliances includes: vacuum cleaners; washing machines; tumble dryers; rotary irons; dishwashers; built-in convection, speed and steam ovens; cooktops; ventilation hoods; refrigeration; wine storage and coffee systems. Additionally, Miele Professional [the commercial product division] offers dishwashers, washing machines, tumble dryers and rotary irons for commercial use as well as washer-disinfectors for medical, dental and laboratory applications.

For more information, consumers and design professionals are invited to call 800.843.7231, log on at mieleusa.com or visit one of Miele’s modern product showrooms in Beverly Hills, CA; Boca Raton, FL; Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX; Princeton, NJ; New York, NY; Wellesley, MA; San Francisco, CA; Scottsdale, AZ and Seattle, WA.

www.mieleusa.com

www.miele-sustainability.com

More about Filtration

A Cleaner Place

Filtration & Vacuum Cleaners

Bagged Vacuums

A bagged vacuum cleaner whether an upright or canister, is a vacuum cleaner that the primary filtration is a paper, cloth or synthetic bag located either on the inside or outside of the vacuum cleaner. This bag acts as the first level of filtration catching large particles and allowing the cleaner air with only smaller particles to pass through the pores of the bag.

In the past ten years most vacuum manufacturers improved their filtration and added an additional (secondary or final) filter to the bagged type vacuum cleaners. This filter is many times called a HEPA (High Efficiency Particle Arrest) filter.

For a HEPA filter in a vacuum cleaner to be effective, the vacuum cleaner must be designed so that all the air drawn into the machine is expelled through the filter, with none of the air or particles leaking past or around it. This is often referred to as "Sealed HEPA" or sometimes the vaguer "True HEPA". Vacuum cleaners simply labeled HEPA have a HEPA filter, but not all air necessarily passes through it. Finally, vacuum cleaner filters marketed as "HEPA-like" will typically use a filter of a similar construction to HEPA, but without the filtering efficiency causing poor airflow or less than desirable filtration. Because of the extra density of a HEPA filter, HEPA vacuum cleaners require motors with higher airflow and suction combined to provide adequate cleaning power.

Bagless Vacuums

Bagless type vacuum cleaners whether they are canisters or upright vacuum cleaners, usually have a HEPA or HEPA type filter attached to their exhaust also. Unlike the bagged type vacuums, bagless machines do not always have a primary filter as their first defense of capturing the large particles in the air that is being sucked into the vacuum. Some are designed with pre-filters made of washable foam and most also use centrifugal force to attempt to separate the particles from the air and then finally force the air through a HEPA or HEPA type filter to expel only cleaned air.

Cyclonic Assembly DiagramSince most readers are familiar with the Dyson brand of vacuum cleaners we will use one of their cyclonic units as an example of how bagless vacuums work. Keep in mind all bagless vacuum cleaners do work similarly the same. Dyson uses the term cyclone technology, but it is still simply centrifugal force that separates the large particles of debris from the air.

This type of filtration is the equivalent to a low quality filter or vacuum dust bag. Many (Not All) manufacturers also include a motor filter after the cyclonic assembly to catch somewhat finer particles prior to the air passing through the motor. Once the air has been cleaned of the large particles it still needs to pass through a HEPA filter to finish cleaning the air before it is expelled from the vacuum. All of these filters and even the centrifugal forces use energy and restrict airflow lowering your vacuum cleaner's efficiency.

Note about all information above: Vacuum cleaners in and of themselves, do not loose suction, That is a myth. Dirt clogging passageways and dirty filters are the cause of loss of suction. The suction from the motor is relatively the same in a new motor or a 10 year old one. Electric motors do not get “Tired” like gas powered engines.

What does all this mean to you?

When choosing a vacuum cleaner, filtration type and quality is an important part of the process. We find that allergy sufferers tend to pay closer attention to the filtration quality of the vacuum and less attention to the overall design and efficiency of the unit. If design and efficiency is over looked allergy sufferers might find themselves purchasing a vacuum that has a great filter but does not have the sealed aspect of the HEPA filter or a machine that does not have enough power to push the air through the filter thus lowering the overall cleaning effectiveness.

In addition, many people purchase a less expensive vacuum based on what the outer box claims being tricked by the simple term “HEPA” rather than doing research to be sure that vacuum is properly designed by a creditable company with the correct balance of filtration efficiency, cleaning effectiveness and ease of use.

Since the introduction of HEPA filters to the vacuum cleaner industry, most manufacturers have been forced to boost the power consumption of the motor in the vacuums to the maximum allowed by UL (United Laboratories) for household appliances just to accommodate the back pressure or resistance caused by HEPA filters. This has caused a great increase of energy consumption in mainstream box store vacuum cleaners and in doing so has caused more noise, shorter average life spans, and more heat generated by these electricity-hogging vacuums.

Summary:

Vacuum cleaners are a major appliance in your home. They offer great results when they are designed and manufactured correctly. They do require the same amount of thought to purchase as does any other major appliance in your home. Don’t sell them short and please do your homework, finally; by all means ask questions when making a purchase.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

ALLERGY ALERT



Shop for Miele Vacuums in Oklahoma City at OKC's only Miele Diamond Dealer. www.acleanerplace.com 12409 N Rockwell Ave, OKC, OK 73142
Buy online at www.vacshack.com



ALLERGY ALERT:
New study debunks myth that all HEPA vacuums contain 99.99% of particle emissions
Miele’s AirClean™ Filter-bag™ plus Sealed System™ prove 622x better at retaining harmful fine particles than other leading HEPA vacuums

Princeton, NJ – June 2010 – Alarming news for allergy and asthma sufferers is revealed in a recent study commissioned by Miele, the leading German manufacturer of advanced filtration vacuum cleaners and household appliances. The scientific study offers new evidence that not all HEPA vacuums retain 99.99% of harmful fine particles that may trigger attacks. On average, the study proves other HEPA-filtered vacuums spew 2-14 million lung damaging particles per minute into the air, effectively polluting the indoor air quality for hours after the vacuum is turned off. “For over a decade experts have been advising asthma and allergy sufferers to use vacuums equipped with a HEPA filter,” says Nadine Gast, Senior Product Manager for Miele. “However we now have credible evidence that not all HEPA vacuums are engineered to trap and retain particles to the same, safe standard.” By contrast, the study demonstrates that Miele vacuums capture and retain 99.99% of harmful irritants and lung damaging particulates (LDPs) on average 622x better than other HEPA-filtered brands, including the leading bagless vacuum cleaner brand, proving Miele is a serious cleaning tool for maintaining an allergy-friendly environment.

“Clearly Miele’s engineering team has a firm grasp on this issue,” continues Gast. “Since introducing our first HEPA vacuum cleaner in the 1990s, we’ve taken a system approach to filtration, consciously engineering vacuum cleaners that safeguard indoor air quality. It’s the sum of several critical parts that ensure the Miele vacuum system is tightly sealed and that virtually all the dirty air passes through key filtration points before exhausting into the room. And yes, one of the most critical elements is our unique filtering dustbag.” Miele’s filtration system employs a nine-layer, electrostatically charged AirClean™ Filter-bag™ that works in conjunction their unique Sealed System™ and certified HEPA filter to capture and hold on to 99.99% of lung damaging particles.


Experts Offer Caution When Vacuuming
According to the Allergy and Asthma Foundation, 50 million Americans have asthma or allergies and prevalence overall has been increasing since the early 1980s. Allergy is the 5th leading chronic disease in the U.S. among all ages, and the 3rd most common chronic disease among children under 18 years old. The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), among many other expert sources, recommend cleaning with a HEPA vacuum and since dangerous fine particles can trigger attacks, they further recommend allergy sufferers wear a N95 filter mask as particulates can remain in the home’s air for hours. “Asthma and allergy sufferers will need to consider their HEPA vacuum purchase more intensely as the scientific evidence shows not all HEPA vacuums safeguard the air,” states Gast. “It is critical that buyers understand that the craftsmanship of the vacuum is most important to ensure the dirty air doesn’t leak out unfiltered… and that’s exactly what other vacuums are doing!”

The Study
Miele commissioned Interbasic Resources (IBR), a nationally recognized research laboratory, to conduct an American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) emissions efficiency test comparing their vacuum against four leading HEPA-filtered brands including Dyson®, SEBO®, Riccar® and Simplicity®.

Two significant tests were performed. The first series measured vacuum cleaner emissions from each brand new vacuum while running without any ASTM test material introduced upstream into the system. The objective of this test was to determine the volume of carbon dust particles emitted from each vacuum cleaner’s motor/fan. Results reveal that the poorest performing unit discharged over 13 million particles (0.3-0.5 microns in size) per minute. The average emissions of the four HEPA-filtered brands tested was over 3.7 million particles released per minute. Miele proved to be most efficient, emitting 638 times fewer carbon dust particles than the average vacuum cleaner tested.

The next test measured complete emissions efficiency – evaluating each unit’s overall capture and retention rate while ingesting ASTM specified material that mocks typical household dirt, dust and allergens. The results prove again that the Miele vacuum, with its Sealed System™ engineering, equipped with a unique AirClean™ Filter-bag™ and certified HEPA filter, had significantly lower rates of particle emissions than the competitors, which were on average 622x higher. “In fact, the particle emissions from Miele’s vacuum was next to nothing,” says Gast. The test was replicated three separate times according to the strictest scientific protocols. “Our advanced AirClean™ vacuum filtration system is the best protection we can offer families to safeguard their homes from vacuum cleaner dust,” concludes Gast. Copies of the complete study can be found on www.mieleusa.com.

About Miele Vacuum Cleaners
Miele is the world’s largest family owned and operated appliance company, founded in 1899, and a leading maker of quality vacuums – legendary for their powerful performance, advanced filtration and brilliant design details that set the standard for floor care and cleaning.

Miele’s long heritage of vacuum firsts dates back 83 years to the use of Bakelite as a sound dampener in 1927, the advent of convenient integrated tools and stunning fashion colors in the 1960s to the world’s first HEPA-certified vacuums in the 1990s. Throughout the century, these award-winning advances have established Miele as the “must-have” status vacuum – hailed as “so smart it could start its own Mensa chapter” and “it’s like the BMW of vacuum cleaners.”

Beyond the frequent accolades, design awards and sleek good looks, Miele continues to focus on making vacuuming easier through patented new technologies like the S7 SwivelNeck™ as well as longer cords, automatic flooring sensors, powerful Vortex Motor Systems™ and silence settings. Miele’s passion for quality and innovation has resulted in a vacuum that excels not only in cleaning performance, but also in the area of filtration. According to recent independent tests, there’s no other vacuum on the planet that removes dust, dirt and allergens as efficiently as a Miele canister or upright. Miele’s unique combination of AirClean™ Filter-bag™, HEPA filter and Sealed System™ design is 99.99% effective in capturing lung-damaging particles. The key to this design is its hygienic self-closing AirClean™ Filter-bag™ whose revolutionary multi-ply filtering material helps homeowners dispose of the captured particles without coming in contact with them.
For more information about Miele, please visit www.mieleusa.com or call 800-843-7231

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Best Fruit Trees for Oklahoma

Since my husband has moved to Oklahoma he has wanted to get rid of some of the trees in the backyard. I know a couple have been damaged by storms, but get rid of trees that are providing perfectly good shade?? I have always been stubborn about getting rid of big items (like kitchen counter tops, tile on a floor or trees that have been growing for years) just because I didn't "like" them. Always seemed so wasteful to me. But I know hanging onto damaged trees can cause more trouble in the future and after hearing someone talk recently about changing his yard into more edible and less decorative, I came up with a plan I think I can live with.

I have agreed to have the damaged trees taken out with these stipulations. The first is that we use as much of the wood as we can; in yard projects, as fire wood, ground down for mulch and leaves in the compost pile. The second is that we replace them with fruit or nut trees. I think I have decided on fruit, so I did some research and discovered these are the best fruit trees for Oklahoma.

I am sure there is a similar site if you are not in Oklahoma. I am excited now about the new venture, just have to find out the best place to get the trees and the best time to plant. Oh, and save enough money to have the old ones taken out! Stay tuned for my tree progress.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Seal of Approval / Green Label Vacuum - Certified Vacuums from The Carpet & Rug Institute

We have several vacuums that are on the

Seal of Approval / Green Label Vacuum - Certified Vacuums

In store at A Cleaner Place, 12409 N Rockwell Ave., Oklahoma City, OK we have:

Riccar Brilliance

Tandem Air System Air Hepa Bags

Riccar Radiance
Tandem Air System Hepa Bags

Riccar RSL5
With type F synthetic inner bag; cloth outer bag

Online at www.vacshack.com we have:

Sanitaire S670D
Type ST Inner Bag/Cloth Outer Bag Filter

Sanitaire S677D
Type ST Inner Bag/Cloth Outer Bag Filter

Sanitaire SC883A
Type ST synthetic disposal dust bag with Arm & Hammer® odor control

Sanitaire SC888J
Type ST synthetic disposal dust bag with Arm & Hammer® odor control

Biokleen's Bac-Out Bathroom Cleaner - America's Healthiest Buy


The editors of Health Magazine chose a panel of highly respected professionals and experts in home and health to vigorously test and judge products for the home. Biokleen's Bac-Out Bathroom Cleaner made the list as Healthiest Buy for the Bathroom.

Get all your BioKleen at www.vacshack.com

In Oklahoma City, shop for BioKleen at A Cleaner Place

Watch the clip from Good Morning America or read more from Health Magazine.


Saturday, July 3, 2010

KeepitLocalOK

Are you in Oklahoma and interested in keeping your money in Oklahoma? Then you may want to check out KeepitLocalOK.

Keep It Local OK is dedicated to promoting the locally owned and independent businesses that make Oklahoma great. In a nutshell, our goal is to make it as easy as possible for you to find, choose, and enjoy the incredible businesses found right here in our state! The benefits of shopping locally are undeniable. That is why we are introducing the Keep It Local OK Rewards Card-an exciting new way to support your favorite local establishments! You can buy your card at Keep It Local OK is dedicated to promoting the locally owned and independent businesses that make Oklahoma great. In a nutshell, our goal is to make it as easy as possible for you to find, choose, and enjoy the incredible businesses found right here in our state! The benefits of shopping locally are undeniable. That is why we are introducing the Keep It Local OK Rewards Card-an exciting new way to support your favorite local establishments! You can buy a card at A Cleaner Place, 12409 N Rockwell, Oklahoma City, 73142 or go to KeepitLocalOK, show it at a participating business and reap the rewards! It’s an EASY way to stimulate Oklahoma’s economy AND save a little hard earned cash at the same time!

Not in Oklahoma City but still want to shop locally? Check out ShopLocally.

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Miele Vacuums Sustainability Report

At A Cleaner Place, a vacshack.com company, we are very proud to have the designation of Miele Diamond Dealer. This means we have the best selection of Miele Vacuums and have a commitment to this company that sells Quality Products.


Quality German Appliances: Since 1899.

Immer Besser - Forever BetterMiele & Cie. was founded in 1899 by Carl Miele and Reinhard Zinkann. Since then it has always been a family-owned, family-run company now in its fourth generation. Since the founding days, Miele's been guided by a mantra, a vision, to be "Immer Besser".

Translated from German, these words mean "Always Better" or "Forever Better". We truly believe in spirit of these words and in keeping with the patriarchs' principle, Miele produces products that are of the highest standards in terms of quality materials and craftsmanship, durability and reliability.

Miele USA

Miele USAMiele entered the United States marketplace in 1984 with a clear and unwavering mission. That was to build the Miele brand as the preeminent, quality leader in household appliances one customer at a time. And that is exactly what we've been doing for 23 years.

With a national network of elite sales and service dealerships working closely with us, Miele offers a full product assortment of appliances for the kitchen, laundry room—even the broom closet! Take a closer look at us. We hope to earn your patronage.


A Cleaner Place selected Miele Vacuum Cleaners based upon their reliability, performance, sustainability, ecological/humanitarian practices, financial stability. Along with those wonderful attributes, Miele offers the best selection in models offering you only the features you need and want, from there benchmark canisters to the innovative new S7 Uprights, you can be assured that we have the right machine for your cleaning needs. To research and learn more about individual Miele Models click here.

'Green'... because it's the right thing to do.

Kids and WaterCaring for the environment reflects the Miele family's deep-felt vision of Immer Besser or Forever Better. Forever means doing everything we can today to protect and preserve the planet's finite resources for tomorrow. This guiding principle permeates every aspect of the Miele organization—creating demanding standards for global, and personal, responsibility.

Featuring production facilities that far exceed the most stringent environmental regulations, appliances that surpass Energy Star® guidelines by over 45%, products offering a life expectancy of twenty plus years, manufacturing technology that delivers 90% recyclable goods and corporate offices designed to maximize the conservation of light, water, energy and even paper—Miele cherishes our natural resources.

For information on our international environmental report, view our Sustainability Report (pdf). For further information, please visit miele-sustainability.com