Looking for the proper method on how to choose a vacuum cleaner? This guide is perfect for anybody looking to invest in their cleaning tools, especially if they’re trying to vacuum a pool or lawn. Many factors determine which type of vacuum cleaner would be best for your lifestyle, personal needs, floor types, and more. We’ll go over the different types of vacuums, what you need to consider before you buy a vacuum, how to find the best vacuum cleaner, and more below.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Your lifestyle and personal needs will always be the most significant factors in figuring out what type and style of vacuum cleaner are right for you.
- There are several different types of vacuum cleaners, including upright, canister, corded and uncorded, handheld, and robotic.
- Narrowing down the line-up of available vacuums requires thought into outside factors such as the ability to attach cleaning tools or use HEPA filters.
Choosing The Best Vacuum For Your Home
There are no wrong answers to the questions directing you on how to choose a vacuum cleaner. Each consideration should be gone over thoughtfully to determine its weight in your purchasing process. A variety of factors go into this, all of which we’ll explore below.
Insider Tip
Quite a variety of cleaning attachments exist for all different types of vacuums.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Vacuum
You should be actively thinking about a few considerations before making the final buying decision. Type of vacuum cleaner, whether you need attachment options, whether to buy a bagged or bagless model, how to clean a bagless vacuum, and a few others should all make your list. Making the right purchase is crucial to getting your perfect match.
What Type of Vacuum Cleaner You Need
There are several different types of vacuum cleaners out there. We’ll go over this in more depth in the next section. Sometimes a combination of a couple of vacuums works best. For example, you might like to have both an upright vacuum for weekly cleaning and a cordless for on-the-go cleaning. You might also prefer a bagged vacuum, in which case you have to know the best way to change a vacuum bag.
Considerations for Your Lifestyle
There are a few different things you should ask yourself when choosing a vacuum cleaner. Lifestyle gives away most of the answers you need. Just sit down and start with these questions below:
- How often do you clean?
- Do you have any pets?
- What floor types are in your house?
- Is there high pollution where you live?
- Do you suffer from allergies or asthma?
Do You Need Cleaning Tools or Accessories?
Quite a variety of cleaning attachments exist for all different types of vacuums. Some of them, like a flexible crevice tool, help you get into awkward spaces. Others, like HEPA filters, can significantly improve your quality of air and even symptoms for people with asthma or allergies.
What Floor Types Do You Have?
Most homes come with multiple types of flooring. Carpet will have far different requirements for care than hardwood floors. You’ll also want to consider how thick your carpeting is so you can choose a vacuum suitable for even ground-in dirt.
Types of Vacuum Cleaners
The next set of things to consider is the vacuums themselves. Understanding each of the different types of vacuum out there gives you the power to decide what fits your lifestyle best. Let’s explore your options so you can get a better handle on what you need.
Insider Tip
Understanding each of the different types of vacuum out there gives you the power to decide what fits your lifestyle best.
Upright Vacuums
An upright vacuum is what you would typically think of when thinking of the classic vacuum silhouette. This timeless option has all-in-one floor cleaning power. While upright models offer a lot of suction power, they aren’t great for mobility.
Canister Vacuums
These vacuums keep their motor and housing unit separate from the handle and head. They offer better maneuverability than upright models but have better power than stick vacuums. Think of canister models as the compromise between upright models and stuck models.
Corded or Uncorded Stick Vacuums
Stick vacuums offer the best mobility of the larger models. They are usually what you would imagine a college student to have in their dorm room. Being to reach every tight space imaginable almost makes up for their severe lack of power. The corded versions may have better suction power because they do not rely on battery supply. Of course, for convenience, the uncorded model reigns supreme.
Handheld Vacuums
You’ll never use a handheld model for deep cleaning. They do have their place in the pecking order, however. Your couches could always use a spot clean, and some come fixed with an upholstery brush to make it that much easier. Handheld vacuum cleaners are fantastic for messes in the car, as well.
Robotic Vacuums
Lastly, we have the “smartest” of the vacuums available today. Robotic vacuum cleaners work in a variety of ways. For the most part, they explore your house at designated times of the day, cleaning as they go. Advanced models may come with perks like Bluetooth, which makes rescuing them so much easier when they’re stuck.
Warning
While upright models offer a lot of suction power, they aren’t great for mobility.
F.A.Q.
How much does a high-quality vacuum cleaner cost?
There is an extensive range of high-end vacuum cleaners. On the upper end, you could be spending $1,000 or more. Toward the other future, you’re probably looking at around $400 at least.
Are robot vacuum cleaners worth buying?
Your budget will largely determine the answer. Higher-end robotic vacuums are convenient and come with extras like Bluetooth and smart tech features. They can’t offer deep a heavy-duty cleaning job like a hand-operated vacuum can, however. You may find their track record less than spotless.
What works better for homes with pets- a multi-floor mid-range vacuum or a pet-specific vacuum?
Answers will vary from brand to brand and even between their models. The general rule of thumb is that if you have a massive problem with pet dander, go with a pet-specific vacuum. They’re made to clean up the mess pets leave behind and are specifically designed to not break down under the pressure pet hair can bring.
Why buy a cordless vacuum?
Convenience plays a significant role in the choice to opt for a cordless model. The lack of a power cord means being highly transportable and far easier to get into tough to reach places. However, cordless models can’t provide deep cleaning, so they’re best to use for daily clean-up.
STAT: Wool is the most commonly used fiber in wall-to-wall carpeting. However, in the United States, it comprises less than 1% of its wall-to-wall carpeting. (source)
