Explore the different types of vacuums to find the one that works for you.
Canister vacuum.
Canister vacuums work best on hard surfaces or smaller, carpeted areas like a car or the stairs. They come equipped with a suction hose and a retractable cord for easy maneuvering.That makes these vacuums best for furniture and multi-surface use.
Upright vacuum.
Upright vacuum cleaners are ideal for large, carpeted areas of the house. They use a motor-driven beater brush that loosens and removes dirt through suction. Most upright vacuums come with onboard attachments for versatile use. Some designs are bagless while others have bags to capture dust and debris. Features can include height adjustments for easy transition from dense carpet cleaning to hardwood floors with the flip of a switch. Upright vacuums tend to be best for hardwood floors and carpet.
Sweeper or stick vacuum.
Stick or sweeper vacuums are the middle ground between an upright and a handheld vacuum. Lightweight and battery powered, they offer the convenience of a handheld but feature the upright construction of a traditional vacuum, making them better for cleaning up spills on hardwood floors. They are most commonly used for quick cleanup areas, such as kitchen and bathroom floors. Most stick vacuums have a dirt cup, as opposed to bags, to collect debris.
Deep cleaner or carpet cleaner.
Deep cleaners or carpet cleaners use warm water for spot removal and carpet treatment. Also called carpet extractors or carpet shampooers, these devices spray the carpet with soapy water, then use vacuum technology to brush the fibers and suck up the water, dirt and stains from the carpeting. These speciality vacuums are not designed for everyday use and are not meant for hardwood floors.
Handheld vacuum.
Handheld vacuums can clean areas that are too large for your upright. Portable and cordless designs make them ideal for cleaning small areas. These are perfect for cleaning up after children and pets. Handheld vacuums are lightweight, quiet and easy to use. They are typically battery powered, making them portable and handy for cleaning up small spills.
Pet vacuum.
Pet hair vacuums are designed to collect pet hair and minimize pet odors in your home. What separates them from traditional vacuums is the ability to easily detach and clean the “beater brush” (the rotating brush under the vacuum that cleans the carpet) that commonly gets clogged when faced with large amounts of pet hair. Pet-friendly vacuums also commonly include upholstery cleaners to help collect pet hair on furniture.
Robotic vacuum.
Robotic vacuums represent the latest in vacuum technology. Simply set up the sensor boundaries, choose your settings and let your robotic vacuum clean the floors for you. Cordless and compact, these vacuums clean with precision while saving you time. While not as powerful or versatile as traditional vacuums, the constant cleaning action offers ease and convenience.