Shopping for a Vacuum Cleaner? Know What You're Buying! Internet Site and Rating Syste...( a href http:...),Health

The Housekeeping Channel releases the first in a series of residential vacuum cleaner reviews conducted in collaboration with The Carpet and Rug Institute.

Boise, Idaho (Vocus) March 3, 2009 -- Before spending hundreds of dollars on one of the many high performance vacuum cleaners that proliferate the market, savvy shoppers turn to the Internet to research their choices.

In an effort to provide consumers the information they need to make wise purchasing decisions, The Housekeeping Channel (HC) is rolling out the first in a series of vacuum cleaner reviews produced in collaboration with The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI).

"This step is part of our effort to continually improve our reviews and content," says Allen Rathey, president and founder of The Housekeeping Channel, "and part of CRI's effort to help consumers clean and maintain their carpets better."

Its first participant, the Oreck XL Platinum Upright, was found to be a top performer with a score of 9.4.

It earned a Gold designation in CRI's Seal of Approval program, which is based on scientific laboratory testing for soil removal, indoor air quality impact, and carpet wear. Housekeeping Channel field testers gave the vacuum cleaner high marks based on usability factors important to the home consumer.

"The reviews combine the CRI Gold, Silver or Bronze Seal of Approval rating criteria with our assessment for an overall score," explains Rathey.

According to the review, the Oreck XL Platinum Upright is a good choice for consumers who are looking for an American-made lightweight vacuum cleaner wit
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