In this article, the author discusses several myths about vacuum cleaners and offers tips on evaluating and purchasing this essential maintenance tool. These myths are: (1) Amps mean performance; (2) Everyone needs high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA): (3) Picking up a "bowling ball" shows cleaning power; (4) All vacuum bags are the same; (5) All vacuum belts are the same; (6) Cyclonic systems do not use filters and require less maintenance; (7) All vacuum cleaners have similar design features and are equally easy to use; and (8) Suction alone makes a vacuum work well.