August 09, 2024
How to Choose a Vacuum Cleaner
A quality vacuum cleaner is a staple in any household. We rely on this device daily for sucking up crumbs, spills, pet hair, and other troublesome debris. You have countless options to choose from when purchasing a vacuum cleaner — where do you start? To simplify the process, we created this handy guide to selecting the best vacuum cleaner based on your space, cleaning needs, and lifestyle.
Considerations When Choosing a Vacuum Cleaner
Several factors go into the decision-making process for your vacuum cleaner:
- Pets: If you have pets that shed frequently, keep your furry friends in mind when browsing vacuums. You might opt for a model with high-strength high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration to trap pet hair, dust, and other allergens.
- Flooring: Consider the type of flooring in your home, such as hardwood, tile, or carpet. Some vacuum cleaners are better suited for certain floors than others. For instance, an upright vacuum is ideal for carpets because it can easily lift up dirt, hair, and other debris that become embedded in the fibers.
- Motor power: A vacuum cleaner’s motor power is typically measured in watts. Choose a model with
higher wattage for heavy-duty vacuuming applications. Canister vacuums are often an effective choice since they can accommodate large, powerful motors that generate high, efficient airflow. This enables strong suction for picking up pet hair, dirt, and other debris from carpets and hard floors alike. - Noise level: A vacuum’s noise level — expressed in decibels (dB) — is another key consideration, especially if you’re in a noise-sensitive environment like an apartment complex. Even if noise isn’t a concern where you live, excess sound can impact comfort. Upright models get the job done, but they tend to be noisier than other types like canister and robotic vacuums.
- Construction: When purchasing a vacuum cleaner, prioritize durability and performance over appearance. Vacuum materials can range from quality stainless steel to brittle plastic. Choose a model that’s built to last and can provide years of reliable performance. Vacuum cleaners usually only last around eight to 12 years, but selecting and maintaining a well-built model can reduce the chances of a premature replacement.
Different Types of Vacuum Cleaners
Several types of vacuums exist, each with a unique set of pros and cons. Let’s break down some of the different types.
1. HEPA Filter Vacuum
A HEPA filter is designed to capture at least 99.97% of dust, bacteria, mold, pollen, and any airborne particles 0.3 microns in size. Here are some benefits of vacuum cleaners equipped with HEPA filters:
- Enhanced air quality: HEPA filters can improve indoor air quality by trapping small particles and
allergens. They can also prevent particles from releasing back into the air. - Reduced allergens: By removing potentially harmful airborne particles, HEPA filters can create a healthier indoor environment for you and other occupants. This makes them especially beneficial for people with allergies, asthma, or breathing difficulties.
- Improved cleaning performance: Because HEPA filter vacuums are often more effective at trapping
particles than regular vacuums, they can boost your home’s overall cleanliness and comfort.
Keep in mind that a HEPA filter can drive up the price of a vacuum cleaner. Additionally, these filters must be
regularly maintained and replaced to remain functional and reliable.
regularly maintained and replaced to remain functional and reliable.
2. Robotic Vacuum
Easily the most convenient type, robotic vacuums are small, cordless, self-moving devices that are perfect for
everyday spot cleaning. Their main advantages include:
everyday spot cleaning. Their main advantages include:
- Seamless cleaning: Robot vacuums are ideal for tidying up in between large-scale cleaning sessions
that call for full-sized, more powerful vacuum cleaners. - Value-added features: Many models can map your home and avoid obstacles and drop-offs, such as a
flight of stairs. They can also return to their charging docks automatically and resume cleaning after recharging.
Some robotic vacuums can even handle mopping. Many include rotating or agitator brushes. Programmable models allow
you to create cleaning schedules and block off certain areas of your home. - Compact package: These vacuums are small enough to clean hard-to-reach spots, such as under beds
and couches.
Remember that a robotic vacuum can’t replace a full-sized vacuum cleaner. It can also be on the expensive side, with some models costing over $1,000.
3. Canister Vacuum
A canister vacuum is a corded, full-sized vacuum equipped with a separate wheeled canister that houses the dust bag or
dirt bin, motor, and filter. It contains a wand with a cleaning nozzle that attaches to the canister via a hose.
dirt bin, motor, and filter. It contains a wand with a cleaning nozzle that attaches to the canister via a hose.
Some benefits of canister vacuums include:
- Easy maneuverability: Canister vacuums have small, maneuverable cleaning heads, allowing for seamless use. The vacuum’s wheeled design also makes it easy to move around.
- Access to tight, hard-to-reach spots: With long wands and flexible hoses, canister vacuums can seamlessly maneuver around obstacles and reach compact areas, such as under furniture, in corners, or on stairs. You can even use them to tackle upholstery and window treatments.
- Versatility: Canister vacuums work well on a variety of floor surfaces, from carpet to hardwood. They’re also quieter than other types of vacuums, making them suitable for apartments and condos with noise restrictions. Plus, many models come with numerous attachments, such as extra hoses and brushes.
While canister vacuums can handle carpets, they can be less effective for thick-pile carpeting than their upright
counterparts. Because you can’t rely on the weight of the machine to help you, you bear more of the hard work.
counterparts. Because you can’t rely on the weight of the machine to help you, you bear more of the hard work.
Because the canister is frequently behind you while cleaning, it may bump into furniture and walls as you move around,
which can cause scuffs and damage over time. Canister vacuums are also bulky and have long hoses, potentially making
storage a challenge.
which can cause scuffs and damage over time. Canister vacuums are also bulky and have long hoses, potentially making
storage a challenge.
4. Upright Vacuum
Unlike canister vacuums that integrate a two-part design, upright vacuums house the power nozzle, handle, and dirt
container in one unit. They stand upright and balance on the power nozzle. While more limited in range than cordless
models, upright vacuum cleaners still have considerable reach, thanks to their extendable hoses and long power cords.
container in one unit. They stand upright and balance on the power nozzle. While more limited in range than cordless
models, upright vacuum cleaners still have considerable reach, thanks to their extendable hoses and long power cords.
Upright vacuums come with various benefits:
- Impressive cleaning power: Upright vacuums have wide cleaning paths and rotating motorized brushes,
making them ideal for lifting stubborn dirt out of carpets. - Easy storage: Upright vacuums are more compact than canister models, and they occupy less floor
space since they store upright. - Attachments for more extensive cleaning capabilities: Many upright vacuums come with attachments
and extensions to clean tough-to-reach spots, such as window drapes, stairs, tight corners and crevices, and
underneath furniture.
However, upright vacuum cleaners are usually noisier than other types, and they can be difficult to maneuver on floors
and stairs.
and stairs.
5. Cordless Stick Vacuum
Stick vacuums are designed similarly to uprights, but they are cordless and more compact with narrower cleaning paths.
These lightweight, battery-powered vacuums are perfect for quick and light cleaning. Their advantages include:
These lightweight, battery-powered vacuums are perfect for quick and light cleaning. Their advantages include:
- Compact design: Stick vacuums are great for small homes, apartments, condos, and townhouses. If you
live in a smaller space and don’t want to lug around and store a heavy, full-sized unit, a stick vacuum may be what
you’re looking for. - Various features and attachments: Stick vacuum cleaners can accommodate a range of surfaces, from
hard floors and stairs to upholstery. Some models use suction to clean hard floors, while others include motorized
brushes for carpet cleaning. Some can even convert to a handheld unit for cleaning elevated areas. Additionally,
some include specialized attachments for dusting or cleaning crevices. Stick vacuums are typically cordless, but you
can find some corded models with unlimited run time. - Easy to move: Cordless stick vacuums are incredibly easy to maneuver. They can reduce strain on the
body, making them ideal for people with mobility issues.
Stick vacuums aren’t suitable as primary vacuums for large homes or heavy-duty cleaning applications. They lack the
power and capacity of full-sized units.
power and capacity of full-sized units.
Use a High-Quality Vacuum to Keep Your Home Looking Its Best
With the above tips, you can find the right vacuum cleaner for your space. A reliable vacuum is essential to
maintaining your home’s comfort and appearance. You can also achieve this goal by partnering with Maid Bright for
expert cleaning services.
maintaining your home’s comfort and appearance. You can also achieve this goal by partnering with Maid Bright for
expert cleaning services.
We offer a range of residential cleaning services throughout Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., including one-time and recurring cleaning sessions. From multistory homes to compact apartments, we handle it all.
Contact us today to book your home cleaning!
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