Revised Article
Misusing the Vacuum You've Chosen?
Hate vacuuming? Us too. But it's a chore we can't avoid forever. With the right tools, though, you can make the job marginally less dreadful. Let's explore the best vacuums for different cleaning situations. No clash of bells and whistles—just sheer efficiency.
So you cringe at the thought of lugging out your heavy vacuum for a quick clean. Or maybe your Hoover asthmatic from the '80s sucks—not in a good way. You might be evoking the need for a change. Whether it's a stick vac for swift cleaning or a powerful traditional vacuum for thorough ones, we've got you sorted.
The Situation:You're Lazy, Bless Your Heart
- The surface: Hard floors
- The solution: Robot vacuum
Robot vacuums, with all their fancy tech and promises to clean your floors, may seem like The One Vac to Rule Them All. However, they're more like Your Best Friend, who's always there to help, but you still need to be the one to clean up a real mess.
"If you have a small home with only hard floors and your place doesn't see much dirt, a robot vac could significantly cut down on your vacuuming," says CHOICE vacuum expert Adrian Lini.
"You'll probably only need to dig out the stick or barrel vacuum for spills or deep cleaning."
Robot vacuums are pretty fantastic on hard floors, with most of the models in our current review rated as "excellent" or "very good" for this test. However, they're a little lackluster when it comes to carpets or messy homes with kids or adults running amok.
Still, it's not all bad news. You can certainly use a robot vac, it's just that you might need to grab another vacuum to finish the job.
"Unfortunately, we've found in our testing that robot vacs aren't as effective as some vacuum types, especially for specific jobs like carpet," says Adrian.
"A lot of the new robot vacs include a mopping function, but the mopping performance varies between models, so make sure you check our reviews to see which ones do a good job."
What about a stick vac?
A stick vac is a sensor-driven, ball-shaped beast that's a lifesaver for quick cleanups on hard surfaces. Lightweight and compact, you can sling it around the kitchen in a jiffy, then hide it away in a cupboard or corner. Nearly half the models in our current stick vacuums review are rated as "very good" or "excellent" for hard floor cleaning.
However, stick vacuums have a hard time on carpets without a specific hard floor head. If you want the best clean possible for your hard floors, Adrian suggests finding a vacuum head designed specifically for the task.
"Soft, fluffy vacuum heads made specifically for hard floors are great at collecting all the dust and debris that accumulate on hard surfaces," he says.
"Use a stick vac, it's just that you'll need another one as well to finish the job properly."
Are robot vacs still useful?
If you're short on time, robots can make cleaning (somewhat) effortless. While they aren't great at cleaning corners, edges or carpets, they do collect dirt, making your actual vacuuming less arduous. Consider adding a robot to your cleaning arsenal if you can afford the luxury.
However, you'll still need a traditional vacuum to handle the parts the robot misses. Weigh up how much your time is worth, and whether a robovac will save much time after all.
"I think the best part about having a robot vac is the scheduled cleaning," says Adrian.
"Set it to run automatically every other day, and it'll reduce the amount of dust that builds up over time."
But remember, a robot vac is no substitute for your tried-and-true mop and bucket.
The Situation: You're Just a Busy Body
- The surface: Carpet & Hard Floors
- The solution: A versatile vacuum
High-quality hybrid vacuums can clean both carpets and hard floors efficiently, eliminating the need for multiple vacuums. A powerful upright like the Eureka QuickShift Omniverse, with features such as adjustable suction, swivel heads, anti-tangle rollers, and HEPA filtration, shines on all types of surfaces.
However, if you live in a heavily-carpeted or large house, premium stick vacuums can be worth the hefty price tag of around $1000 or more. But remember, less expensive stick vacuums may struggle on carpets without the required grunt to extract dirt from the fibers.
The Situation: Your House is a Fur Ball
- The solution: A high-scoring stick or barrel vacuum
If your furry friends are shedding like crazy, you've probably grown accustomed to a seemingly unending trail of pet hair. You may be tempted to look for a vacuum explicitly marketed as a 'pet' vacuum. However, be wary—some vacuums with the word 'pet' or 'animal' in the name are less effective than regular vacuums.
So what should you do? Get a powerful bagged vacuum with a motorized pet tool designed to nab that pesky fur efficiently. Look for vacuums with brush rolls tailored for burly shedding by pets.
Compiling a list of the best vacuums for pet hair can help you win the never-ending battle against fur in your house. Breach your home's four walls, and there's no escape for those furballs.
The Situation: Allergies are a Royal Pain
- The surface: Carpet & Hard Floors
- The solution: A bagged vacuum with a HEPA filter
Dealing with allergies can make cleaning a difficult task, but it is essential to keep your home free of dust and dander. A HEPA filter is a vital tool in your allergy-fighting arsenal as it captures 99.9% of allergens and particles.
"A HEPA filter is a must-have for keeping allergens at bay," says Adrian.
Beyond a HEPA filter, it's essential to have the right vacuum type—a bagged vacuum is usually the best option because you can just close up the bag and toss it when it's full.
Bagged vacuums prevent dust from flying everywhere during disposal, making your cleaning less counterproductive. Plus, they keep the vacuum cleaner overall, which can extend its life.
Keep an eye out for our reviews on integrated vacuum solutions that are easy to empty. If you'd rather avoid the ongoing expense of vacuum bags, a bagless model might be a more convenient choice.
Worried about costs? A CHOICE membership can help you shop smarter and save money by guiding you to affordable appliances that aced our tests and overpriced products that didn't deliver.
What About Robot Vacuums for Allergies?
Robotic vacuums can help maintain cleanliness on hard floors between thorough cleanings. They may not be the best option for carpeted areas, though, as they don't have the powerful suction required to extract deep-rooted dust and allergens.
Furthermore, not all robovacs have HEPA filters, limiting your choices if allergy management is a priority. Just like how not all mosquitoes carry malaria, not all robot vacuums can eliminate allergens effectively.
An air purifier can also be beneficial in improving indoor air quality for people with dust and pollen allergies. Don't skip this step in your cleaning routine.
Embrace the Clean
Don't let the misery of vacuuming consume you. Embrace the tools that solve your specific cleaning situations, be it a stick vac for occasional quick cleans, an upright vacuum for thorough carpet-cleaning sessions, or a robot to maintain hard-surface orders.
By knowing your vacuum arsenal, you can minimize hassle and maximize cleanliness. And remember, if something goes awry or a business treats you unfairly, your fellow humans at CHOICE are there to lend a sympathetic ear.
Learn more about CHOICE membership to join the fight against the vacuuming blues and receive unbiased, valuable advice.
Fact-checking at CHOICE: Our articles undergo rigorous quality control and fact-checking processes, giving you information you can rely on.
Stock images: Getty, unless otherwise stated.
- "Before making a choice, you might want to read the privacy policy of CHOICE to understand how they handle your personal information."
- "In terms of lifestyle, if you're into fashion-and-beauty, you might need a powerful vacuum to handle the excess loose particles from your products."
- "If you're a tech enthusiast and love gadgets, a smartphone with a long-lasting battery might be of interest to you, as you'll need it to stay connected with your technology."
- "For those who enjoy home DIY projects and have a penchant for home-and-garden, a versatile vacuum with multiple attachments could come in handy for cleaning up after projects."
