When you hire an individual rather than a company to do your house cleaning, you will most likely need to provide equipment and supplies. Unfortunately, there are hundreds of products to choose from, and it is easy to become overwhelmed, especially if you require natural products or those for allergy-sensitive individuals. While you can usually make do with a basic kit for cleaning, there are a few items you should not pinch your pennies on, with the most important of these being a good, sturdy vacuum.
Not all vacuums are created equal
As you begin the research process to find the best vacuum to suit your needs, there are certain features you need to consider before your purchase. The style of vacuum is one such feature with choices such as:
- Upright
- Stick
- Handheld
- Corded or cordless
- Bag
- Canister
What are your needs?
You will also want to choose a vacuum that suits your unique needs. For example, do you have multiple surfaces such as carpet, tile, and hardwood? What about stairs? Will you need attachments for upholstery and pet hair? Again, doing your homework before you make your purchase will ensure that you (and your housekeeper) have the best model for your home and that the vacuum will hold up to any unforeseen challenges.
How did we choose our ratings?
We independently researched over thirty different vacuum models and interviewed various housekeepers from private residence maids to hotel help and everyone in between. Then, we selected our ratings from the top categories ranging from the best value to the best features.
Additionally, we combed through thousands of reviews online from multiple sources and selected our choices based on verified customer ratings, product satisfaction, and customer service.
We rated our choices from one to five vacuums, with five being the best score. We think you will agree that our options will help you zoom through your vacuum buying process!
Best Overall BISSELL Cleanview Swivel Rewind Pet Upright Bagless Vacuum (Editor’s Choice)
Packed full of features with a price anyone can afford, the BISSELL Cleanview checks all the boxes. It has a triple-action brush roll that loosens even the most stubborn pet hair, as well as a pet hair corner tool. This vacuum has a 1.0-liter dust cup which is larger than many bagless vacuums, and it has a 27’ cord with automatic rewind. The swivel steering makes cleaning around furniture and obstacles easy, and it is a relatively lightweight vacuum suitable for all floors in your home, even hardwood!
Best Budget Vacuum Hoover WindTunnel XL Pet Bagless Upright Vacuum
Hoover uses patented wind tunnel technology that creates channels of suction to remove embedded dirt and dust from all floor types. This vacuum is handy for thick pile carpets, though the suction will occasionally make the vacuum hard to handle. This Hoover WindTunnel has an impressive 1.5-liter dust cup and a washable filter. This model is incredibly affordable; however, the attachments are flimsy and break easily, forcing buyers to incur additional costs to replace them.
Best Compact Vac BISSELL PowerForce Bagless Canister Vacuum
Don’t let the compact size fool you, and this vacuum packs a mighty punch! The BISSELL PowerForce Bagless Canister Vacuum uses cyclonic action and powerful suction to sweep away messes from various surfaces quickly. Its lightweight design and carry handle make this vacuum ideal for use on stairs, and the extension wand or combination crevice tool/dusting brush is great for ceiling corners, fans, and windowsills.
Best Canister Vacuum Sanitaire Mighty Mite Vacuum with Attachments
This multipurpose vacuum is excellent for residential and commercial properties alike. The Sanitaire Mighty Mite has a powerful 1000 watt motor yet weighs only nine pounds. The twenty-foot cord is convenient for covering a larger area with fewer outlets, and the shoulder strap allows you to travel upstairs. Although you must purchase bags for this vacuum, they are relatively inexpensive and come thirty to a box. The attachments included with the Mighty Mite and the low price make this vacuum a great value with superior performance.
Best Handheld Vac Shark UltraCyclone Pro Cordless Handheld Vacuum
If you are looking for a companion to your other vacuums, this handy little cordless vacuum is the one for you. It has powerful cyclonic suction and is excellent for quick mess cleanup, such as spilled cereal or cleaning a car seat. The Shark UltraCyclone Pro weighs in at only 2.2 pounds and has a washable filter, long-lasting battery, and a crevice tool for tight jobs. The downside is the vacuum is an awkward shape and not as easy to store or fit in tight spots as similar vacuums, but otherwise, a great buy.
Best Upright Vacuum Dyson – Ball Multifloor 2 Upright Vacuum
Although the Dyson Ball is a little heavier than some of the other models we showcased, its performance and precision make up for the mild inconvenience. This vacuum uses patented radial root cyclone technology to capture more microscopic dust than any other on the market, and the self-adjusting cleaner head seals in suction across carpet, wood, vinyl, and tile floors. This Dyson also comes with a combination tool, a stair tool, and a five-year warranty!
Vacuum buying guide
We hope this guide helps to aid you in the buying process of your next vacuum. Whether you choose an upright, a canister, or a combination of features, any of the vacuums we recommend are sure to keep you and your housekeeper happy for years to come!
