Get out the gloves and dust out those cobwebs...Spring is here!

The concept of spring cleaning is a paradox for many women. Most of us secretly love the idea of getting into every nook and cranny, washing, dusting, wiping and, of course, vacuuming. There is something about a sparkling clean house which is very attractive. Then there is reality.

I don’t know any woman who is either running a business or managing and working in a department and a household who has the time, or the energy to put into the task. However, help is at hand and the array of new technologies and styles that manufacturers of the most important cleaning tool, the vacuum (try living without one) are including in their latest ranges, makes it almost possible.

Some floorcare companies do care about women
Unlike many businesses which often take a “unisex” approach to product manufacturing, the executives managing floorcare companies appear to have a far deeper understanding that this remains a chore for women (who still do the majority of the housework) and therefore, have developed new methods to lighten the load.

This is being reflected in the number of vacuum cleaners that Australians are buying. Over the past 12 months 13.6% more vacuum cleaners were sold compared to the previous 12-month period. Within this period, the demand for handheld and handstick varieties for speedy spot cleaning also increased dramatically and 117% more electric sweepers were sold by June 2008 than the previous year.

Meanwhile, we can all expect significantly more action from floorcare manufacturers with emerging 'green' products as consumers and governments demand greater environmental responsibility.

Who should be in your list?
If you are considering purchasing a new vacuum for your spring cleaning project or just want to add to your collection, consider this lineup below:

Hoover resurfaces with versatility
Remember Hoover? Although not as sexy as some of the more contemporary brands, (Hoover is 100 years old this year), the company is revitalizing its activities in Australia. Along with its traditional upright and barrel models, it has recently added the Hoover Jovis. This is a rechargeable handheld range available in two models, Wet & Dry for dust and liquid pick up and Dry for dust only. This range will cost from $89 - $129.00.

Handvac speeds up cleaning
Australia’s iconic household brand Breville also has a strong performer for women who want a hand vacuum. The company promotes its BHV7 as a “robust and powerful” six volt Wet & Dry unit with features including a large capacity dust or liquid bowl, a complete tool set and LED charge and low battery lights.

Versatile in style- the Electrolux Ergorapido 2 in 1.

It’s good to be green
Electrolux Ergorapido 2 in 1 gets top marks for meeting our speed cleaning needs as well as addressing the environment. The Ergorapido has two-in-one versatility working as a mini upright and handheld tool and costs $199.

Electrolux marketing manager Bianca Speller told www.connectedwomen.net.au that the company has a strategy of developing products that address real consumer needs such as the Rapido hand held. “This is designed to alleviate pressure on consumer wrists as well as the Ultra Silencer Green, the world's first vacuum made from recycled plastic,” she said.

This 'green' option uses 33% less energy than an average 2000 watt vacuum cleaner and is among the world's quietest available. Electrolux also claims that the recycling process saves 90% of energy compared to producing the same pieces from virgin plastic. Some 56% of the paper packaging materials are recycled and 90% of the total vacuum cleaner can be recycled.

The Ultra Silencer Green also emits only 71 decibels compared to an average vacuum cleaner's 78 decibels and includes an s-bagT 'Long Performance' dust bag ensuring the air it emits is cleaner than the surrounding air. This costs $399.

Clean like you mean it with the Nilfisk Action Plus Pet Pack.

Love the pet, not the hair
Danish company Nilfisk has a brand pedigree as prestigious as the country’s Royal Family and is best known for its premium and innovative floorcare products. The company’s new Action Plus range is one of its best sellers according to sales and marketing manager Kim Hiland. "As Australia has one of the highest incidences of pet ownership in the world with 63% of households owning a pet, it's no surprise that the Nilfisk Action Plus Pet Pack has been so well received," she said.

The Action Plus and Action Plus Pet Pack models were launched earlier this year and the Cat & Dog M.A.X 'Pet Specialist' remains popular across Australia. With a red finish, this model includes a three-piece telescopic wand as well as an active charcoal filter to prevent odors from exiting the vacuum cleaner. A turbo floor head and handheld turbo brush attachment are designed to tackle stubborn pet hairs. Cost is $239.

Whisper quiet and won’t break the bank
Samsung has recently beefed up its vacuum cleaner offering for the Australian consumer and has used its global technology to offer a local model that lowers noise and is cost effective.
Samsung’s Murgovski told www.connectedwomen.net.au that its strongest performing model so far in 2008 has been the SC9190 featuring Samsung's Twin Chamber technology. "This model has been popular with customers because it offers a well-featured bagless vacuum with long lasting strong power and a whisper quiet design at a pricepoint of only $399,” she said.

Gap in the market for smaller vacs
Dyson is Australia’s most popular vacuum cleaning brand and the company has been pioneering high innovation with cutting edge technology for decades. In August, Dyson launched its compact category which it claimed is the most recent significant development in its range.

The company has described the DC25 as a new lightweight upright vacuum cleaner with true ball capacity while the compact DC24 offers a performance solution to fill the gap between the full size vacuums and current stick cleaners. The cost is $849 for the DC25 and $649 for the DC24.