Dyson DC31 Handheld Vacuum Has The World's Fastest Motor6/25/09 8:00pm James Dyson claims his 2.2lb DC31 handheld vacuum has the world's fastest motor "by a long stretch." Thanks to a new switched reluctance motor, it's capable of achieving 104,000 revolutions per minute. To put that into perspective, the Dyson motor is "ten times as fast as a commercial aircraft, five times as fast as a Formula 1 engine and more than twice as fast as the most powerful industrial milling machines."Yeah, careful—you could probably suck the family dog into this thing from across the room. Because this technology is scalable, it's looking more and more likely that Dyson could build that super electric engine he has been talking about lately. The DC31 will retail in two versions, the standard DC31 and the DC31 "Animal" for around $220 and $270 respectively starting next month in the UK. [Dyson and Telegraph via CrunchGear]The DC 31 is the latest in a long-line of vacuums produced by the British inventor, but is the first ever domestic appliance to incorporate a so-called digital switched reluctance motor, which Sir James claims is the "fastest motor in the world, by a long stretch."

The machine could be the first of many products to feature the motor, from food blenders or even electric cars, Sir James has suggested. vacuum cleaner sales san antonioAt 104,000 revolutions per minute, the motor turns ten times as fast as a commercial aircraft, five times as fast as a Formula 1 engine and more than twice as fast as the most powerful industrial milling machines. best vacuum cleaner switzerlandThe only thing quicker is a dentist's drill, but that is technically a turbine, not a motor. upholstery wet vacuum cleanerIt's completely different technology. We are the only company in the world producing a switched reluctance motor. "What's odd is that we have used it in such a prosaic product."

The DC 31 vacuum, which weighs 2.2lb, runs on a rechargeable battery and is designed for cleaning the inside of cars, or sweeping up the mess from tables after mealtimes. Sir James believes, however, that its engine will end up being used in a far wider range of products than just vacuums. It has already been used in his ultra-powerful hand drying machines, which are in use in hotel and airport lavatories. However, they could end up in other domestic appliances such as food blenders, hair dryers or even electric cars. "I wouldn't rule it out, at all. This is very scalable technology. We are in the business of making efficient electric motors and that is what desperately what cars need," said Sir James, who admitted he had a team of 50 motor engineers working at the Wiltshire headquarters of Dyson, many with automotive backgrounds. The digital motor is half the weight and size of a normal motor of the same power. The £129 hand-held vacuum cleaner will go on sale next month. Shake 'em, wash 'em, swat 'em with a broom.

Give them the toughest cleaning they can take. They’re your front line against tracked-in dirt—so keep them clean enough to function at peak efficiency. Clean carpets and upholstery Fabrics that have absorbed a winter’s worth of dirt, body oil, and germs will need a deep cleaning to get them ready for another year of wear—and for that close inspection by your relaxing guests. When you’re shampooing carpets or cleaning upholstery with a rented carpet cleaner, practice first in an unobtrusive area to make sure you have the knack of the machine and that the treatment won’t discolor fabrics or cause dyes to run. Move furniture just slightly—not out of the room or against the wall, as the old rules dictated—and place the legs of each piece back on top of small wax paper squares after shampooing. The wax paper will protect your carpet and keep the furniture legs from getting wet as the carpet dries. Open the windows to speed the drying process, which can take a day or more.

If you’re not the furniture-shifting and machine-renting type, use a professional carpet and upholstery cleaner. To protect the floors in your kitchen from another year of wear and tear, wax or apply a sealer following label directions. The simplest method: Use a combination wash-and-wax floor cleaner. No-wax floors don’t need a polishing treatment, but an occasional makeover will keep them looking fresher and add a protective buffer that could help them last longer. Use a floor cleaner that cleans, shines, or both. If you have wood floors, move furniture and rugs aside, then apply a wood cleaner and either liquid or paste polish to clean and add a new wax coating. Wash walls, cabinets, baseboards, and woodwork The walls may not look as if they need a bath—dust and soot fall to the floor, right? Most of it does, but just enough clings to vertical surfaces to warrant a seasonal or pre-holiday bath. Use a sponge and hand dishwashing detergent, washing the surface in sections.

A sponge mop makes it easier to reach higher spots. Use two buckets: one for dishwashing detergent solution and another for wringing your sponge. Dry the walls and woodwork with a clean cloth. Clean your light fixtures A few minutes with a stepladder, all-purpose cleaner, a sponge, and a polish cloth will give new light to your life. If your home has skylights or tall ceilings, consider investing in a stepladder and extended-reach dust-and-dirt-removal tools, all of which are available at your local hardware store and at home supply stores. You should clean the refrigerator’s condenser coil, usually found behind the toe grille, with a long-handled bottle brush and a vacuum cleaner with an attachment hose to remove dust and lint. Built-up dust can shut down the unit by causing it to overheat. To remove dust from coils attached to the hard-to-reach back side of the fridge, carefully pull the refrigerator out several feet (newer models roll on casters) and vacuum thoroughly;