Today’s vacuums would blow our grandmothers’ minds: sleek, efficient, and high tech. They’re built for serious cleaning. There are also more options than ever, and it can be a little overwhelming. So how do we find the machine that’s right for us? We should all look for a few basics in a vacuum:
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Solid suction and airflow
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Ease of use and excellent design
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Durability
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Good filtration to keep dirt from getting back into the room
Beyond these must-haves, the right vacuum depends on how and where you’ll be using it.
What Should I Look For In A Vacuum?
Dyson transformed the industry in the 1980s with the first bagless vacuums. In recent years, bagless upright vacuums have dominated the U.S. market, with several companies offering high-quality products at affordable prices. But the bagless upright option is not the only choice. Canister vacuums are gaining in popularity thanks to excellent suction and easy-to-use design.
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Many of us are familiar with upright vacuums, where the motor and the suction head are part of the same unit. They tend to have a wide cleaning path with hoses and attachments for hard to reach spots.
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Canister vacuums have a cleaning nozzle on a wand attached to the body (the canister) with a hose. They’re excellent at reaching corners and less accessible places and offer brushes and tools for different surfaces. They work well on stairs and are easy to carry.
Are Bag Or Bagless Vacuums Better?
High-quality bagless vacuums offer the same cleaning power as bag vacuums and don’t require replacement bags. You simply dump out the dirt when the vacuum is full. However, experts say bag vacuums tend to last longer since they do a better job keeping debris from clogging the machinery. Bags also make it easy to remove dirt and debris for people with allergies or asthma.
What Type of Vacuum Is Best for My Flooring?
The primary consideration when buying a vacuum is what type of flooring you have.
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For thick carpets and rugs, an upright vacuum works well. Look for rotating brushes on the head to pull dirt from thicker carpets. There are now special vacuums designed with today’s extra-plush carpets. For example, Mohawk recommends the Soniclean Soft Carpet vacuum for its premium soft carpets.
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With hardwood, luxury vinyl, and laminate, you want to avoid spreading dirt around and avoid damaging the floor. Experts often recommend canister vacuums for hardwood since they have excellent suction and are less likely to scatter dirt and debris as they work. You can also use an upright vacuum on hardwood, but make sure it has extra-soft bristles to avoid scratching the floor. And make sure to turn off the brush roller when running it on hardwood. If hard debris, small stones, etc, get caught and are circulated as the brush rotates, it can damage and scratch your floors.
How Much Should I Be Ready to Spend on a Vacuum?
Vacuums are one of those purchases where you get what you pay for. Be ready to spend between $150 and $500 for the quality, durability, and filtration you need. Remember: a high-quality vacuum can last ten years or more, so it’s an investment. Cheaper vacuums tend to have issues with belts and filters and require more frequent maintenance and replacement.
What About Robotic Vacuums?
In our experience, robotic vacuums are an excellent way to supplement your handheld vacuum. Most people can’t get away with just a robovac since they don’t clean carpeting as deeply as standard vacuums. However, they’re great for keeping up with pet hair regularly. They’re also effective at keeping hardwood floors dirt and dust-free.
Protecting Your Flooring With The Right Vacuum
Today’s homeowners are investing in high-quality flooring, from hardwood to carpet. Savvy consumers know it’s worth paying a little more for flooring that will last. So it makes sense to find a vacuum that will protect that investment. We want a machine that cleans well but won’t scratch our hard flooring or damage carpet fibers. Flooring manufacturers often provide care recommendations, and your flooring professional can help you choose a vacuum. At Loudoun Valley Floors, assisting clients in selecting, protecting, and caring for their floors is part of the job. And if we’re honest, today’s vacuums are so cool and efficient, they might even be fun to use.
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