Gilberto Diaz Castro Feb 18, 2009:

Since all possible correct and incorrect forms of translations were submitted, I am curious as to what did you find that was correct. Would you share with us so we learn something? Thanks.

Kimberlee Thorne (asker) Feb 13, 2009:

addendum It's obvious that Kathryn knows a lot more than most of us. Can you give me the name of one of these machines (not the commercial name, just the name of the machine). That may work in this context...

Kathryn Litherland Feb 13, 2009:

vacuuming non-carpetted floors I'm also from the US, and the claim that "vacuums are only used for carpeted floors" is completely contrary to my experience--which is that 'Muricans are so attached to their vacuum cleaners that they seek out complicated models or special-purpose vacuums to clean every surface known to mankind--even for situations where a plain old broom and dustpan would be more efficient.

There are vacuum cleaners especially designs for bare floors, such as this one:

"Vacuum, wash and dry your hard floors with one easy bagless vacuum cleaner. Only the Hoover FloorMate has patented SpinScrub brushes to get your floors hands-and-knees clean. Use Hoover hard floor cleaners on all types of hard surfaces including hardwood, tile, linoleum and concrete"
http://www.hoover.com/productcategory.aspx?use=44&ds=true

General purpose vacuums are usually equipped with attachments and features that also enable their use on bare floors (adjustable height, special attachments, or in the case of mine, a switch that allows you to turn off the roller brush as well).
"Parquet floor brush is included to thoroughly but gently clean wood and tile floors."
http://www.bestvacuum.com/miele-earth.html?s=froogle

And here are some instructions on cleaning tile floors:

http://www.ehow.com/how_2038169_clean-tile-floors.html
Ridding the Floor of Surface Dirt
Step1
Sweep the loose dirt into a pile and remove.
Step2
Use vacuum attachment along the bottom of the baseboard and flooring.
Step3
Move the surface cleaner of the vacuum to the lowest setting and vacuum the tile.

Kimberlee Thorne (asker) Feb 13, 2009:

clarification I'm from the US, and vacuums are only used for carpeted floors, not tiled ones. Therefore, I think we need to lean towards the action, not the physical item... Thank you for all your help!

Gilberto Diaz Castro Feb 13, 2009:

Alex, I disagree. Any vacuum can be used for any floor, just don't push it agains the surface. There are however tiles that are soft and can be damaged by a vacuum, in which case I see no reason to have them as floor covering.

Carlos Segura Feb 13, 2009:

? Rosa, I think I need to state that I never said that everybody vacuums their tile floors, I simply said that many do it. Many does not mean everybody, and it might not even be most people. Moreover, I never mentioned specifically central vacuum systems. And now that you make think of it, I could not tell you where in the world central vacuum is common; I have never seen such system in the flesh.

Anyway, we are in danger of going off at a tangent, let's leave aside for a moment the numbers who do and do not vacuum; the question was about "aspirar", and I support your proposal "to vacuum". Kind regards.

Alex Lago Feb 13, 2009:

I think part of the problem in understanding that tiled floors can be vaccumed stems from the fact that not all vacum cleaners are the same, there are general purpose ones that can vacum any type of floor and there are others which are specific to carpert

Rosa Paredes Feb 13, 2009:

vacuum Gilberto is absolutely right. However, and this is in answer to Carlos, that is not the case everywhere in the world. In Chile, for example, very few places have a central vacuum and most people sweep instead of vacuumig.

Gilberto Diaz Castro Feb 13, 2009:

Kimberlee :-O, what do you mean tile floors are not vacuumed? That is the reason the vacuum cleaner has an adjustable hight mechanism; to cover hard-wood/tile/different types of carpet.

Kimberlee Thorne (asker) Feb 13, 2009:

Tiles should not be vaccumed... Sorry folks, Michael is right. Vacuuming would ruin a tile floor. Another process must be used to clean a tile floor (ceramica)...

Carlos Segura Feb 13, 2009:

Tiled floors can be and are vacuumed by many, aren't they?