The Advantages of Bristle Vacuum Rollers over Rubber Vacuum Rollers

Bristle Vacuum Rollers

• The bristle roller in your vacuum is turned by a rubber belt inside the unit. As you run the vacuum over the floor, the turning bristle roller runs over the top of your carpeting. The rotating bristles scoop up dirt and debris, propelling them up and off the floor so they are caught in the sucking airflow and pulled into either the bag or the canister of the vacuum. The bristles on the roller are stiff, arranged in curving rows that wrap around the length of the roller.

Pet Hair

• Bristle vacuum rollers have advantages over rubber rollers when it comes to cleaning up pet hair. Fur and hair don’t just lie on top of the carpet; they get caught in the carpet fibers, sticking to the floor. The bristles work the fur and hair out of the carpet, pulling it free from the fibers and then sweeping it back to be sucked up. The roller height can be adjusted to work on low, tightly woven carpets or loose, high-pile shag. The bristle roller can also be used on sturdy upholstered furniture, such as dining room chair cushions.

Other Debris

• When it comes to cleaning other debris, bristle vacuum rollers can be more effective as well. The sweeping action of the bristles knocks loose other material on the floor, bouncing it loose and making it easier for your vacuum to suck it up. The movement of the roller over the carpet helps propel the vacuum forward, so it is easier to push the heavy cleaning appliance around your home.

Considerations

• Although bristles offer many advantages, they do have a few drawbacks. Their stiffness means they can scratch delicate floors, such as those made out of wood. They can pick and pull at loosely woven or fragile upholstery, so they can’t be used on all furniture. Long hairs and threads can get caught in the bristles and wrap around the roller. If enough of them get caught, they can reduce the effectiveness of the bristle roller. You can remove the tangled threads by hand.