By Brittany Rowland

As far as features go to a stick vacuum, the SV1106 from Shark focuses on the most important ones. It is quiet, lightweight, bagless, cordless. The 2 different speed settings work great for either hardwoods or carpets. Since it is cordless, there is the hassle of recharging the battery. The battery will reach a full charge in about 4 hours and should last long enough for a decent cleaning job. The suction is quite powerful too. To keep the vacuum efficient, the dust filter is washable and it is easy to see when the dust cup needs to be emptied. It’s also convenient being able to switch from cleaning hardwoods to carpets with the press of a button. The swivel maneuvering also really helps when you need to get around large pieces of furniture. We wish the vacuum had a crevice tool for even more cleaning options. This Shark stick vac is available for around $100.00.

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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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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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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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

Related Top 10 Lists

Top 10 Vacuum Cleaners

The best vacuum cleaners are durable but lightweight enough to swivel around and under furniture. They should get up dirt close to walls, on stairs, and in tight spaces. See the vacuum cleaner comparison and ratings below with a link to the full review of each…. [more]

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]

Top 10 Mini Vacuum Cleaners

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 Vacuum Cleaners

The best vacuum cleaners are durable but lightweight enough to swivel around and under furniture. They should get up dirt close to walls, on stairs, and in tight spaces. See the vacuum cleaner comparison and ratings below with a link to the full review of each…. [more]

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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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]

A common problem with conventional cordless vacuum cleaners is that their batteries eventually wear out, forcing you to replace the battery or replace the vacuum. Neither is a fun solution. Many cordless vacuums rely on a Ni-Cad battery system that is continuously pumped full of juice when it’s plugged into the wall. Even when the battery is fully charged, more power keeps seeping in, heating and damaging the battery cells. Not only does this process waste energy, but it gradually shortens the run time of your vacuum per charge.

Dirt Devil developed a new charging technology called Accucharge that is supposed to save considerable energy and preserve the vacuum cleaner’s battery life. With Accucharge, the smart charger constantly monitors the battery’s power level. Once the battery is fully powered, the charger slows down its energy input to a trickle—just enough energy to keep the battery full of juice. The benefits are great. Not only are Accucharge Dirt Devils Energy Star compliant, but they take less time to charge and maintain their vacuuming power longer per charge.

With this kind of smart technology, we may have a solution to the common hassles of using a cordless vacuum. Finally we can get the performance of a corded vacuum without worrying about wasting energy or wearing out a battery.

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

Related Top 10 Lists

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 … [more]

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Top 10 Mini Vacuum Cleaners

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 … [more]

By Brittany Rowland

For a lightweight stick vacuum, the Bissell 3106B handles hardwoods and small carpet areas quite well, sucking up dirt, crumbs, and pet hair. The 16-foot power cord is long enough to let you reach most areas of the room. The vacuum also converts into a handheld version that lets you clean sofa cushions, stairs, and window sills. There’s a crevice tool included; we just wish it fit onboard somewhere. And while the vacuum is compact, it could use a ring in the handle to hook to the wall so it stands upright. As it is, it tends to slide to one side. Despite some tiny flaws, we were satisfied with how well it spot vacuums and how quickly you can pull it out and do your work. The vacuum costs $24.99.

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

An inexpensive vacuum cleaner at just $24.96, this lightweight Eureka model is ideal for small homes or apartments. The cord is short at just 15 feet, and the vacuum head is narrow, but the suction is still more than adequate to pull up a great deal of hair and dust. The dust canister is easy to empty with little fuss. The handiest feature is that the vacuum quickly transforms into a handheld form, making it easy to clean upholstery, drapes, and even countertops. The vacuum weighs next to nothing, so it’s incredibly easy to carry upstairs and tuck away in a closet when you’re done.

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

Vacuuming the house becomes easier when you don’t have to worry about a cord. This cordless, bagless Hoover stick vacuum runs on an efficient lithium ion battery, which doesn’t fade but maintains its full power. Recharging the battery doesn’t take long, either; you can extend the battery’s life by not storing it on its charger all the time. The vacuum head has a wide mouth and a low profile, making it easy to reach under furniture. Its edge bristles allow you to get closer to walls, and the one-touch brushroll button lets you transition from carpet to hardwood seamlessly. For $134.54, this Hoover stick vacuum adds convenience and ease to your cleaning tasks.

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 cordless stick vacuum from Electrolux, the ErgoRapido converts into a handheld vacuum for cleaning upholstery and stairs. On a single charge, it can spot clean a small apartment or a couple rooms in a house. The wall-mounted charging station is a convenient device for storing the vacuum, crevice tool, and dusting brush. It takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes to fully charge the vacuum. An energy efficient model, it handles dust and hair on hardwoods and thin carpets quite well. As long as you don’t expect it to suck up large or wet messes, you’ll be satisfied with its performance. The ErgoRapido is available for $96.83.

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 quiet, lightweight stick vacuum ideal for spot cleaning hardwoods and rugs, the Hoover Flair vacuum cleaner has a swiveling head that reaches tight spaces under cabinets and furniture. The suction is quite powerful with the 7-amp motor. We liked seeing the amount of dust and hair in the transparent dirt cup; it lets you know when to empty it. It’s also convenient being able to switch from cleaning hardwoods to carpets with the press of a button. We wish the vacuum had a crevice tool for even more cleaning options. And while the cord allows you to keep it running as long as you want, the vacuum can heat up quickly if you try to vacuum whole rooms at a time. This Hoover vac is available for $46.99.

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

Ideal for spot vacuuming and cleaning tiles and hardwood floors, the Electrolux EL1062A is a powerful, slender machine with 12 volts of power. We were pleased with how quickly it can clean hard floors, removing pet hair and other debris. Its powerful suction makes it a great clean-up tool; just be aware that it can be difficult to move over carpet and rugs for that same reason. The charge lasts a good while—only remember that it’s built for spot vacuuming, not vacuuming big houses in one go. Other nice features are the tools that store on the charging station, and the vacuum’s ability to slide under and around furniture easily.

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

We were surprised by how much suction power this Eureka 96B stick vacuum has. The 9-volt motor makes short work of messes on hardwoods, tiles, and carpets. While you have to keep the vacuum plugged in to stay charged, it comes with a handy wall-mounted rack. The telescopic handle lets you push the 5.5-pound vacuum around floors and detaches when you want to clean stairs and cars. The head gets up close to walls and baseboards, and the revolving brush roll loosens dirt to be sucked up. We liked seeing a charge indicator light—a simple feature that some manufacturers forget for these cordless vacuums. The Eureka 96B costs $68.99.

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

The Hoover SH20030 has an incredibly slim profile and slick swiveling action, allowing you to reach under furniture easily. The wide vacuum head spot cleans messes quickly, and the bristles along the edges get right up to walls and under cabinets. We liked the way the transparent dirt cup empties with the touch of a button, minimizing the mess. The adjustable brush roll lets you move seamlessly from hardwoods to low pile carpet. Don’t worry about scratching your floors, either—the wheels are gentle on hardwoods. While it would have been nice to have a crevice tool or hand vac option, this Hoover stick vacuum, priced at $79.95, gets cleaning jobs done quickly.

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 stick vacuum that doubles as a handheld vac, this Eureka cordless model tackles hardwoods, tiles, and carpets with ease. While it takes a while to charge, the vacuum covers several rooms before running out of juice. The dust cup and filter are easy to clean, and you don’t have to worry about buying replacement bags. The motorized brush roll is ideal for reaching deep into carpets to pull out hair and allergens. For such a small vacuum, we were impressed with the powerful suction. As long as you’re using the vacuum for small areas, you should be satisfied with its performance. This Eureka stick vacuum is available for $37.80.

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

For homes with rugs, hardwoods, or tile, the Dirt Devil Versa Power stick vacuum picks up an astounding amount of dirt and hair. The 16-foot power cord is long enough to let you cover large rooms, and you won’t have to worry about keeping the vacuum charged. We were happy with how easily the handheld vac detaches from the base for cleaning window sills, bookcases, and upholstery. At just 1.9 pounds, this Dirt Devil is incredibly easy to lift and carry up and down stairs. Emptying out the dirt cup is easy (no replacement bags to buy); just be prepared to empty it frequently. This stick vacuum is available for $22.54.

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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