Finding the Best Vacuum for Your Home

Whether you have kids and pets or simply want to keep a clean home, a reliable vacuum is crucial. Caroline Solomon, a home organizing expert in New York City, emphasizes that weekly vacuuming can significantly enhance your home’s cleanliness with minimal effort.

Types of Vacuums

Four experts from the home cleaning industry provided insights into various vacuum types and how to choose the right one. Our recommendations also include NBC Selected staff favorites for different living situations.

Upright Vacuums

Upright vacuums are beneficial for expansive areas as they are equipped with wheels, making them less cumbersome compared to canister models that require moving the bin around. These vacuums excel on both carpets and hard floors, particularly helpful for pet owners.

Canister Vacuums

Canister vacuums feature separate canisters for the motor and dirt collection, with a long hose suitable for various attachments. They offer strong suction power and work well on bare floors. They are lighter and easier to carry, making them ideal for homes with mixed flooring and stairs. However, they may be more challenging to store due to their bulkier design.

Stick Vacuums

Stick vacuums are light and slim, fitting well in homes with limited space. They are fantastic for quick cleanups, especially in households with children. Keep in mind, however, that they may offer less power than canister types.

Handheld Vacuums

These compact, portable options are perfect for spot cleaning and vacuuming cars. Despite being the least powerful, handheld vacuums serve as effective companions to more robust models.

Robot Vacuums

Robot vacuums offer the convenience of scheduled cleaning without manual intervention. While slower than other types, they target forgotten corners and clean larger areas beneath furniture, making them suitable for tech enthusiasts and busy individuals.

How to Choose a Vacuum

Consider these features when buying a new vacuum:

• Bagged vs. Bagless: Bagged models contain dust better, ideal for allergy sufferers, while bagless save time on purchasing bags.
• Size and Weight: Evaluate storage space and ease of movement, particularly if you have mobility challenges.
• Floor Settings: Different settings suit various carpets and flooring; adjusting them protects surfaces.
• Attachments: Select models with specific tools for tasks like pet hair removal and crevice cleaning.
• HEPA Filters: Vital for filtering airborne particles, improving air quality, and reducing allergens.

Cleaning regularly with a certified sealed HEPA vacuum dramatically improves air quality by reducing airborne allergens, dust, and harmful chemicals in your home.

Marilee Nelson highlights the importance of HEPA filters, which ensure that 99.7% of fine dust and airborne particles are trapped, crucial for enhancing indoor air quality.

To find the perfect vacuum, consult expert advice and consider your specific needs and home environment for the best results.