Talk:Manual vacuum cleaner

Usability

Has anybody ever used one of these? This article could do with some major expansion from somebody who has actually used one before, or an expert. And also some sources/articles mentioning them or containing info about them would be great, I couldn't really find anything of note after a quick search. C 1 (talk) 07:06, 10 July 2009 (UTC)

Yes. The article says:

" The models capable of operation by a single person were less efficient, but none were truly labor-saving devices or delivered the cleaning efficiency they promised."

and I think I have to disagree. While I've seen some that I can't imagine how they could really be workable, the one pictured works perfectly well on carpet, as long as one operates it energetically :) Tabby (talk) 02:47, 27 February 2011 (UTC)

Me too - I've got a non-electric vacuum cleaner made by The Labor Saving Device Company that was very effective until the bag perished. Somewhat like the one pictured, but with a more elegant handle. Three of four pushes to charge it would give enough power to vacuum a surprising amount of carpet. Unfortunately, my example would count as OR being a primary source. As to the rocking chair one, there may be an example in the V & A in London, or was it The Science Museum? One or t'other. (Haven't been there for quite some time, and don't go to London now except on business - which isn't usually in that part of town.) I've definitely heard of it. It suffered from only being able to do one room - and being so expensive that only those able to afford a maid anyway could afford one. Maids don't usually break down, can do more than one room, and are easier (and cheaper) to replace if they do break down. Ah, the good old days... Peridon (talk) 22:42, 24 February 2012 (UTC)

I've added a brief bit on the operation of the friction motor type. Perhaps someone can find a ref - the model of mine is the 'Gem de luxe'. Peridon (talk) 22:53, 24 February 2012 (UTC)