How to Choose the Best Vacuum Cleaner
Vacuuming is one of those necessary chores that we all have to deal with, but it doesn’t have to be a drag. Choosing the right vacuum cleaner can make all the difference in keeping your home clean and tidy. But with so many options out there, it can be tough to know where to start. That’s where we come in! Today, we’re going to be your guide on how to choose the best vacuum cleaner for your needs. Whether you’re a pet owner, have allergies, or are simply in need of a deep clean, we’ve got you covered. So, grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let’s get started!
Factors to Consider when Choosing a Vacuum Cleaner
When it comes to choosing the right vacuum cleaner, there are a few key factors that you should consider. Let’s take a closer look at each one.
A. Type of Floors
The type of flooring you have in your home is a crucial factor when it comes to choosing a vacuum cleaner. Different vacuums are designed to work best on specific floor types, so it’s important to consider your needs.
Hardwood: If you have hardwood floors, you’ll want to look for a vacuum that won’t scratch or damage them. Canister vacuums or stick vacuums with a soft brush roll are a good option for this type of flooring.
Carpet: If you have carpets, you’ll want to look for a vacuum that has strong suction and an adjustable brush roll to help lift dirt and debris from the fibers. Upright vacuums are a popular choice for carpeted homes.
Multi-surface: If you have a mix of flooring types in your home, you’ll want a vacuum that can handle them all. A multi-surface vacuum is a good option in this case. These vacuums often have adjustable settings so you can switch between floor types with ease.
B. Allergies and Sensitivities
If you or someone in your home has allergies or sensitivities, you’ll want to look for a vacuum with a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter. These filters trap allergens like dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores, keeping them from re-circulating in the air.
C. Pet Ownership
If you have pets, you’ll want to look for a vacuum with strong suction and a motorized brush roll to help remove pet hair from your carpets and upholstery. Consider a vacuum with a tangle-free brush roll to make cleaning up pet hair a breeze.
D. Cleaning Needs
Consider how often you’ll be using your vacuum and for what purposes. Will you be using it for a quick clean-up or for a deep clean of your entire home? If you have a larger home or multiple levels, you’ll want to look for a vacuum with a large dustbin and a long power cord to make cleaning easier.
E. Budget
Last but not least, you’ll want to consider your budget when choosing a vacuum cleaner. Prices can range from under $50 to over $500, so it’s important to determine what you’re willing to spend before making a purchase.
Different Types of Vacuum Cleaners
There are several different types of vacuum cleaners to choose from, each with their own set of benefits and drawbacks. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular options.
A. Upright Vacuums
Upright vacuums are a classic choice for many homeowners. These vacuums are easy to maneuver, making them great for cleaning large spaces and multi-level homes. Upright vacuums often come with a variety of attachments and adjustable settings, making them a versatile choice for homes with different floor types.
B. Canister Vacuums
Canister vacuums are another popular option. These vacuums are more compact and lighter than upright vacuums, making them easier to store and easier to carry up and down stairs. Canister vacuums are also a good option for homes with a mix of floor types, as they often come with a variety of attachments and adjustable settings.
C. Stick Vacuums
Stick vacuums are a newer type of vacuum that have become increasingly popular in recent years. These vacuums are slim and lightweight, making them easy to maneuver and store. Stick vacuums are best for quick clean-ups and small spaces, and are often less powerful than other types of vacuums.
D. Robot Vacuums
Robot vacuums are a newer type of vacuum that are designed to clean your home automatically. These vacuums are great for busy people who don’t have time to clean, as they can be programmed to clean while you’re away. Robot vacuums are best for homes with hard floors, as they can have trouble navigating carpets and other types of flooring.
E. Handheld Vacuums
Handheld vacuums are a great option for quick clean-ups and spot cleaning. These vacuums are small and portable, making them easy to use and store. Handheld vacuums are great for homes with pets, as they can be used to clean up pet hair from furniture and upholstery.
Consider Your Home’s Needs
When choosing a vacuum cleaner, it’s important to consider your home’s unique needs. Do you have pets that shed a lot? Is your home filled with plush carpeting or hard flooring? Do you have a lot of stairs or furniture that needs a thorough clean? These are just a few of the questions you should ask yourself when selecting a vacuum cleaner.
A. Homes with Pets
If you have pets, you’ll want to look for a vacuum cleaner with strong suction and a HEPA filter. The HEPA filter will help remove pet hair, dander and other allergens from your home, making it a more comfortable and healthier place to live. Upright vacuums and canister vacuums are great options for homes with pets, as they often come with strong suction and HEPA filters. For example, the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional and the Dyson Cyclone V10 are both excellent choices for homes with pets.
B. Homes with Hard Flooring
If your home is filled with hard flooring, such as hardwood, tile, or laminate, you’ll want to look for a vacuum cleaner with adjustable settings. The ability to adjust the suction power will allow you to clean your hard flooring without damaging it. Canister vacuums and stick vacuums are great options for homes with hard flooring, as they often come with adjustable suction power and a variety of attachments for cleaning different types of surfaces. For example, the Bissell Hard Floor Expert Canister Vacuum and the Shark Rocket Corded Hand Vac are both great options for homes with hard flooring.
C. Homes with Stairs
If your home has a lot of stairs, you’ll want to look for a vacuum cleaner that is lightweight and easy to maneuver. A canister vacuum is a great option for homes with stairs, as it is lighter and more compact than an upright vacuum. Stick vacuums are also a good option for homes with stairs, as they are slim and lightweight. For example, the Eureka Mighty Mite Canister Vacuum and the Dirt Devil Scorpion Quick Flip Corded Bagless Stick Vacuum are both excellent options for homes with stairs.
D. Homes with Furniture
If you have a lot of furniture in your home, you’ll want to look for a vacuum cleaner with attachments that can clean tight spaces and upholstery. A canister vacuum with a crevice tool and upholstery brush is a great option for homes with furniture, as it can clean around and under furniture with ease. For example, the Kenmore Elite Canister Vacuum and the Bissell PowerEdge Pet Hardwood Floor Corded Vacuum are both excellent options for homes with furniture.
Features to Look for in a Vacuum Cleaner
With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to know what features to look for in a vacuum cleaner. Here are some key features to consider:
A. Suction Power
One of the most important things to look for in a vacuum cleaner is suction power. This is what makes the vacuum work, and it’s what will help remove dirt, debris, and pet hair from your floors. A vacuum cleaner with strong suction power will ensure a thorough clean each time you use it.
B. Filtration System
Another important feature to look for is a filtration system. If you or anyone in your home has allergies, you’ll want to look for a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. HEPA filters can trap particles as small as 0.3 microns, which is why they are so effective at removing allergens from your home.
C. Tools and Attachments
Tools and attachments can make a big difference in the effectiveness of your vacuum cleaner. Look for vacuums with crevice tools, upholstery brushes, and dusting brushes, as these will help you get into tight spaces and clean delicate surfaces with ease.
D. Weight and Maneuverability
Another key feature to consider is weight and maneuverability. You’ll want a vacuum cleaner that is lightweight and easy to move around your home. This will make cleaning less of a chore and more of a breeze.
E. Corded vs Cordless
Finally, you’ll want to decide whether you want a corded or cordless vacuum cleaner. Corded vacuums typically have stronger suction power and don’t need to be recharged, but they are limited by the length of the cord. Cordless vacuums are convenient and easy to maneuver, but their battery life may be shorter and they may not have as much suction power.
With these key features in mind, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect vacuum cleaner for your home! Some popular vacuum brands that are known for their high-quality products include Dyson, Shark, Bissell, and iRobot. Whether you’re in the market for a corded or cordless vacuum, be sure to read reviews and compare different models to find the one that’s right for you.