Everyone wants clean, plush carpet and slick hardwood floors. However, vacuuming can be a cumbersome, time-consuming task when it involves tugging around a bulky vacuum, untangling the power cord, and switching outlets multiple times. Luckily, there are new vacuum cleaners that make the task less of a hassle and leave your floors extra clean with some effective and convenient features.

Long power cord

Depending on how large your rooms are, you’ll probably appreciate a long power cord that doesn’t force you to move constantly from outlet to outlet. Of course, you don’t want the cord to get in the way of the vacuum head; some models have a clip that keeps the cord out from underfoot. The Hoover UH70120 even features a foot pedal that automatically retracts the power cord, saving you the trouble of winding it up.

HEPA filter

Sealed HEPA filters in vacuum cleaners are especially beneficial if you or a family member suffer from allergies. The filter is capable of trapping the most common allergens, pollens, and dust mites. Everyone will breathe better without those allergens resting in carpets and furniture upholstery. Look for filters that you can wash off periodically instead of replacing it.

Accessories

Most vacuum cleaners come with an assortment of attachments that provide versatile cleaning functions.

• Extendable wands let you reach ceiling corners to suck up cobwebs and clean all the surfaces of your staircase.
• A power nozzle is most effective for cleaning pile carpets and rugs.
• Dust brushes are useful for cleaning up dust and hair from hard and soft surfaces.
• Crevice tools let you reach every small nook and cranny, such as between the sofa cushions, where you’ll typically find all sorts of food, dirt, and unidentifiable particles.

Adjustable height

When you can adjust the vacuum cleaner height for different types of carpet, it will be easier to push back and forth and you’ll get the most dirt up. A low setting is sufficient for low-pile carpet, while thicker, plusher carpet requires a high setting.

Accessible controls

You’ll find that it’s easier to turn the vacuum cleaner on and off or adjust the settings when the controls are located on the handle instead of at the base.

Edge cleaner

A vacuum head that has a wide opening can reach dirt right up against the wall and in tight corners.

Full-container indicator

A bagged vacuum cleaner should include a full-container indicator so you know when the bag needs to be replaced. You should change out the bag when it’s filled about three-quarters full to get the most thorough suction.

Self-propelled

Although this feature typically makes the vacuum cleaner bulkier and heavier to carry, it helps you push it back and forth with the transmission and drive system.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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As you search for the perfect vacuum cleaner, you should know that whether it has a bag or a dust canister has little effect on its suction performance. The choice just depends on your personal preference. There are advantages and disadvantages to both style vacuum cleaners.

Bagged vacuum cleaners

Pros:

• Contains dirt and dust so you don’t have to see or touch it.
• Tend to hold more dirt.
• Release less dust into the air when you change them.

Cons:

• You have to constantly buy replacement bags, which can be costly.
• Hard to fish out sucked up items like toys or earrings.

Bagless vacuum cleaners

Pros:

• You can see how much dirt, dust, and hair your vacuum has pulled up, which may give you satisfaction.
• You can see for yourself when it’s time to empty out the canister.
• You save money not having to buy replacement bags.

Cons:

• It can be messy cleaning out the dirt canister.
• It’s often best to empty the canister outside because it exposes you to dust and allergens.
• The filters occasionally must be cleaned or replaced; replacement filters are more expensive than bags.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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A stick vacuum is ideal for spot cleaning hardwoods, rugs, and thin carpets. You should not expect the performance of a full-size vacuum, however. We chose our top 10 stick vacuums based on the following qualities: Good suction, Handles hardwoods and carpets, Wheels don’t scratch hardwoods, Dirt cups transparent and easy to empty with minimal mess…. [more]

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Mini hand-held vacuum cleaners are a convenient tool for cleaning up crumbs, stains, and pet hair quickly without lugging out the full-size vacuum. We chose 10 mini vacuums on the basis of the following traits: Lightweight and easy to maneuver, Easy to clean out the bag/dust container and filters, Powerful suction and thorough cleaning… [more]

Vacuuming the house can be a tedious chore, but there are practices that will improve the efficiency of your vacuum cleaner and maybe cut down the number of times you have to pull out the device.

1. Vacuum areas with heaviest foot traffic most frequently.

To keep your carpets looking fresh and plush, you should get in the habit of vacuuming at least once or twice a week. The most heavily trafficked areas should get your most attention, with about seven back-and-forth strokes. The remote areas of the house only need about three to four strokes to be adequately cleaned. Some vacuum models have a dirt sensor that lets you know when a section of carpet is thoroughly cleaned.

2. Change the bag when it’s no more than three-quarters full.

Many bagged vacuum cleaners have a full-bag indicator. Regardless, you should check the bag before each use and change it when it reaches the specified height, or about three-quarters of the way full. Vacuuming up pet hair, for instance, will require you to change the bag more frequently.

3. Adjust the vacuum height for different carpets.

To get the most thorough suction power and to make the vacuum cleaner easy to push, adjust the height for different pile carpets. The higher the pile of the carpet, the higher the setting you should use.

4. Clean or replace the filter as recommended by the manufacturer.

You need to check the condition of the filter about every six months. Some filters you can simply wash clean; others need to be replaced, particularly if they’re torn or extremely dirty. It can be expensive replacing the filter, but it’s what keeps your vacuum cleaner running effectively.

5. Turn off the agitator brush to clean delicate rugs.

Your beautiful Oriental rug needs special care to retain its quality. With an upright vacuum cleaner, turn off the agitator brush or tip the head of the vacuum up to avoid catching the fringe in the brush. If you have a canister vacuum cleaner, use the bare-floor setting and the upholstery attachment for the gentlest treatment.

6. Give the vacuum cleaner a quick inspection before taking it in for repairs.

If your vacuum cleaner isn’t picking up as much dirt as it used to, there’s usually a simple solution that you can perform yourself without taking the machine in for costly repairs. With a screwdriver you can easily check the belt to see if it’s broken or worn down. Check to see if the bag or canister is full or if a hose is clogged. Sometimes new carpet causes vacuuming difficulties because the great amount of fibers can clog the air flow.

7. Dust before vacuuming.

Save yourself the trouble of cleaning the same area twice. Dust tables, bookcases, blinds, and windowsills first, so any dust that falls to the ground can be vacuumed up next.

8. Clean the brush attachments regularly.

Not only do brushes with snarled hair caught in its bristles look unattractive, they can grow worn and stiff and leave marks in your carpet. Change the brushes as needed.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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Top 10 Stick Vacuum Cleaners

A stick vacuum is ideal for spot cleaning hardwoods, rugs, and thin carpets. You should not expect the performance of a full-size vacuum, however. We chose our top 10 stick vacuums based on the following qualities: Good suction, Handles hardwoods and carpets, Wheels don’t scratch hardwoods, Dirt cups transparent and easy to empty with minimal mess…. [more]

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Your car goes everywhere you go. It also picks up an incredible amount of dirt, inside and out. You track in debris on your shoes, and crumbs build up in the seat crevices whenever you snack on the go. Add kids or pets to the mix, and you’ll be amazed at the amount of junk, hair, and food you have to vacuum up.

There are both corded, wall-mounted car vacuums and hand-held vacs that can make your car feel fresh and clean again. The trick is to know how best to use the vacuum attachments to reach all those small, tight crevices.

• Start by removing the floor mats, setting them outside the car, and vacuuming the seats and floors, including the areas between the seats and underneath the pedals. Use an extended nozzle or a crevice tool to reach the narrow spaces between the seats and the console.
• Attach the soft brush to vacuum the dashboard and console. Be careful working around the knobs and vents. Also use the soft brush attachment for the seats; if you have leather seats, take care not to scratch them with the bristles.
• Use a special cleaner or a mixture of laundry detergent and warm water to clean stains out of upholstery. Spray the stained areas and rub it in vigorously with a cloth. Dry the upholstery thoroughly afterward with a dry, clean cloth. Never use paper towels on leather because they can scratch the material.
• Make your dashboard and console shiny again by wiping it clean with a moist cloth and using a bit of polish. Never spray the polish directly on any electronic parts; instead, use a brush or cloth.
• Vacuum the floor mats before placing them back in the car.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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By Brittany Rowland

Mini hand-held vacuum cleaners are a convenient tool for cleaning up crumbs, stains, and pet hair quickly without lugging out the full-size vacuum. We chose 10 mini vacuums on the basis of the following traits:

1. Lightweight and easy to maneuver
2. Easy to clean out the bag/dust container and filters
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4. Relatively quiet operation
5. Long power cord or a long battery life
6. Onboard attachments like a crevice tool and brush

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Buying a Mini Hand-Held Vacuum: Cordless vs. Corded

A hand-held vacuum cleaner is a convenient alternative to lugging out a heavy full-size vacuum when you have just a few spots to clean. Hand vacs also come in lightweight, easily portable models, allowing you to use them in the car, and on stairs, windowsills, and upholstery. You’ll see both corded and cordless hand-held vacuums; each kind cleans well but also has specific advantages and disadvantages.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Featured Stick Vacuums Articles

Features That Make Vacuuming Easier and More Effective

Everyone wants clean, plush carpet and slick hardwood floors. However, vacuuming can be a cumbersome, time-consuming task when it involves tugging around a bulky vacuum, untangling the power cord, and switching outlets multiple times. Luckily, there are new vacuum cleaners that make the task less of a hassle… [more]

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Vacuuming the house can be a tedious chore, but there are practices that will improve the efficiency of your vacuum cleaner and maybe cut down the number of times you have to pull out the device. 1. Vacuum areas with heaviest foot traffic most frequently. To … [more]

Tips for Vacuuming a Car

Your car goes everywhere you go. It also picks up an incredible amount of dirt, inside and out. You track in debris on your shoes, and crumbs build up in the seat crevices whenever you snack on the go. Add kids or pets to the mix, and … [more]

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A stick vacuum is ideal for spot cleaning hardwoods, rugs, and thin carpets. You should not expect the performance of a full-size vacuum, however. We chose our top 10 stick vacuums based on the following qualities … [more]

Top 10 Vacuum Cleaners

As we selected the top 10 vacuum cleaners, we looked for models that possess certain features that enhance the suction performance, including 1. Adjustable height for carpets of varying thickness, 2. A brushroll that turns on and off easily for transitioning from carpet to hardwoods, 3. Filters that don’t clog, are easily washed, and trap microscopic allergens… [more]

By Brittany Rowland

If you’re looking for an inexpensive handheld vacuum that nevertheless delivers great performance, then you’ll be pleased with the Fuller Brush Mini Maid Hand Vac, which is available for $29.95. This handheld vac, which has a rich burgundy color and convenient tools, can reach difficult-to-clean areas such as high shelves and tiny crevices in your car. The 600-watt motor is powerful enough to suck up messes, and its 15-foot cord gives you plenty of mobility. We were also happy to find that the dust cup comes out easily for emptying and cleaning. Overall, this handheld vacuum from Fuller is worth the price.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Prices

By Brittany Rowland

A powerful hand-held cordless vacuum, this 15.6-volt Black & Decker model features a long nozzle that lets you reach more areas without having to stretch or bend over. We liked how quick and easy it was to dump out the dirt cup without much mess, and the transparent container shows you at a glance when it’s full. On a single charge the vacuum lasts long enough to handle small areas like your car or couch cushions. With a wide mouth, it also cleans up dry messes on hardwoods quite well. It’s convenient having onboard tools, and you’ll also feel better knowing the vacuum is Energy Star compliant. The vacuum costs $44.99.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Prices

By Brittany Rowland

Computer vents, keyboards, and printers have lots of crevices that like to collect dirt and dust bunnies. The Metro Vacuum MDV-1BA is specially designed to suction out all these impediments that clog up your office equipment. The small, lightweight device has surprisingly powerful suction with 4.5 amps. The attachments include an air pin-pointer and crevice tool that reach all the little nooks and crannies. More eco-friendly than canned air, this computer vacuum/blower works quickly and efficiently. It does heat up quickly, but not more so than most regular vacuums. It’s priced at $59.99.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Prices

Datavac Pro Cleaning System – $79.99 Retail Price: $89.99 You Save: $10.00

By Brittany Rowland

For getting out tough carpet stains, you’ll be happy with the Bissell 5207A, a portable deep cleaner with 3 amps of power. This cleaner has two water tanks on the sides which pop out easily for emptying and refilling, along with onboard tools such as a stain brush, hose, and tool for reaching hard-to-reach places. We were pleased with the cleaner’s compact, portable design, which allows you to move it easily and fit it on small spaces (such as steps). We also couldn’t complain about its cleaning performance. Even set-in stains came out thanks to this Bissell cleaner. It’s available for $89.97.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Prices

By Brittany Rowland

For a compact, affordable wet/dry vac, the Vacmaster VP205 is a powerful performer! Its 1.75 HP motor gives it enough power to suck up wet and dry debris, making it ideal for cleaning up cars, patios, garages, and kitchens. Its design is pretty convenient, with a handle on top for easy transporting and a cord wrap. The vacuum is very lightweight at 5.2 pounds, but its 8-foot cord gives you enough mobility to move around. We only wish the vacuum didn’t have the tendency to fall over when you pull it, due to its lack of wheels. Still, the tools are useful, and the Vacmaster VP205 is a great bargain at $29.74.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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By Brittany Rowland

A handy, convenient performer, the Black & Decker CWV9610 will make cleaning up wet and dry messes a breeze. Handheld and cordless, this wet/dry vacuum weighs only three and a half pounds, making it extremely lightweight and portable; plus, it can reach hard-to-reach areas that would be hampered by a cord. We were satisfied with its ability to squeegee up liquid spills. Its motor runs well with 9.6 volts. Additionally, it is designed with ease of use in mind: the dust bowl comes out easily for cleaning, as does the washable filter. This vacuum is available for $29.99.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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By Brittany Rowland

A convenient tool for any pet owner, the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser effectively removes long and short pet hair from hardwoods, carpets, upholstery, and cars. Featuring a rounded, ergonomic handle, the device is incredibly lightweight. The long 16-foot cord lets you cover an entire room without worrying about charging up the vacuum or having to switch outlets. There are 2 interchangeable nozzles: a hard one for vacuuming dry messes and cleaning cars, and a flexible rubber one that works on stairs and furniture. Much more effective and efficient than a lint roller, this vacuum is reasonably priced at $28.54.

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By Brittany Rowland

A powerful hand-held vacuum that’s also energy efficient, this Dirt Devil model has 15.6 volts of power. It’s effective at cleaning deep into carpets and upholstery and also makes a handy tool for cleaning the car. We especially liked the flip-down crevice tool for the ease it provides in reaching narrow spaces. Lightweight and easily portable, this Dirt Devil recharges quickly and saves energy by drawing in additional energy at a trickle only as needed. Cleanup is fairly easy with minimal mess; simply open the dirt cup to dump it out. With a long-lasting battery, this Dirt Devil vacuum is a bargain at $44.97.

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By Brittany Rowland

Black & Decker updated their previous hand-held vacuum, giving it more suction power, cup capacity, and quieter performance. This whistle-shaped pivoting vacuum reaches all the awkward places you need to clean. The built-in brush in the nozzle makes it effective at cleaning upholstery of pet hair and dust. All the tools are onboard, meaning you won’t have to worry about losing them. The battery lasts long enough that you can clean the average size house, and the vacuum features an LED indicator light to let you know it’s charging. Cleaning up is simple too; the new version lets you pull out the dirt cup and filter to rinse them out in the sink. This Black & Decker model is available for $51.54.

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By Brittany Rowland

A heavy-duty mini vacuum, the Eureka 71B cleans deep into carpets and upholstery, picking up dust particles and pet hair with ease. With a riser visor, you can use the vacuum horizontally or vertically, which makes it incredibly effective on stairs. The onboard crevice tool gets into tight nooks and crannies, so you can reach all the little spaces in your car where dust and dirt collect. We liked how neatly the cord wraps up and how the compact machine fits in a closet or drawer easily. It’s heavy enough at 5 pounds to tire your arm if you hold it up for a long time, but when cleaning flat surfaces it doesn’t really matter. The vacuum is fairly priced at $37.99

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Prices