What the Best Vacuum Cleaners Have in Common

I love to vacuum! There, I said it! I find the hum of the motor and the patterns left behind on the carpet very soothing. I’m sure I’m not the only one.

For some it may be washing dishes or folding laundry; but for me, vacuuming is the household task I don’t mind knocking off the chore list myself.

On the other hand, shopping for the best vacuum cleaner is not as much fun. Since there are so many to choose from, the search can quickly become overwhelming.

But I can help lead you in the right direction and make your decision a little easier with this checklist of features to consider when making your choice.

By “exceptional” I mean, “meets all my needs.”

1. Power is Everything

First and foremost, the suction power on your vacuum is the most important feature and should be top rate. Check out systems that offer variable suction control with power modes that can go from your plush carpeting to an area rug with ease. Some even make automatic adjustments based on types of carpet fibers, textures, and heights. Super powerful suction and airflow are necessary for a deeper clean and for particles embedded into high pile carpets. Strong suction is even more crucial when switching to the hose and using other attachments. So, make this your first priority when choosing your vacuum.

2. Versatility is Key

Vacuums are not just for carpets, and most homes have multiple types of surfaces. An exceptional vacuum cleaner will, of course, be multi-purpose. From hardwood to linoleum, and from tile to laminate, you want to be able to clean them all with one gadget. Who wants several different types of vacuum cleaners cluttering their closets? A dual-action vacuum is resourceful, and lets you turn on the brush roll for carpets and turn it off for wood floors with a click of a switch (to prevent scratches on your hardwood flooring). You’ll also want to look for soft wheels that will not damage hard surfaces. Having one vacuum that can handle all types of surfaces is convenient and will save you time and money.

3. Portability is Essential

More time at home inevitably means more messes. So, having a handy device ready at your side for life’s little accidents should be near the top of your checklist. The best vacuum cleaners today convert into hand-held or lift-away tools that are convenient for a quick clean-up. A must-have for me is a free-standing, lightweight model that can be easily carried up and down the stairs. A convertible, carriable appliance also makes it easy to refresh your car after a family outing that brings in sand from the beach, or dirt from the hiking trail. Don’t be fooled by its size. The right handheld vac can still pack a powerful punch.

4. Easy to Move

Maneuverability is another factor that is significant when deciding which vacuum you want to purchase. You want to be able to move effortlessly in more than one direction and never have to interrupt your flow. Swivel-head steering and flat-to-floor designs are extra features to consider because those small details make getting under sofas and beds — and into corners — a breeze. A long retractable cord is a plus and will help you go further without having to change outlets or ending up in a tangled mess.

5. The Right Accessories

The best vacuum cleaners will also include great attachments. Add-ons such as a crevice tool and an extension wand make picking up behind messy couch potatoes and reaching overhead dust bunnies simple. Dust brushes can help with stubborn dirt and stains. There are also attachments designed specifically to clean upholstery, ceiling fans, blinds, and mattresses, which are recommended twice per year. There’s even a pet grooming attachment that your fur baby will love. Just remember, you may have to buy some of these separately, so make sure the attachments are compatible with your model before purchasing. Lastly, these attachments should be easy to connect. The last thing you want is to waste time with clumsy pieces that are hard to put together.

6. Anti-Allergen Safeguard

If you or someone in your family is prone to allergies, the health benefits of using HEPA-equipped appliances are important. Sealed HEPA filtration systems catch dust, allergens, and odors and trap them inside the vacuum protecting your family against unwanted substances that can cause allergic reactions. HEPA filters can boost air quality and according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA.gov) a HEPA filter is capable of “capturing particulates with 99.97% efficiency.”

Just a side note: it is best to vacuum at least once a week for maximum anti-allergen protection.

7. Size Does Matter

Bigger is better when it comes to dust cup capacity. Having a large dust cup not only extends your cleaning time but by decreasing the frequency of emptying and cleaning your container, you lessen your family’s exposure to dust particles you’ve previously sucked up. Having to repeatedly clean and empty your vacuum’s canister is time-consuming and not to mention just plain gross! Continuous contact can trigger allergic reactions. Pollen, dust mites, pet hair and dander, and well…you don’t want to know what else is lurking inside. You can Google it if you have a strong stomach. The best vacuum cleaners have a dust cup that is easy to clean. A simple rinse and you’re done.

8. Don’t Break the Bank

Affordability is of course subjective, but I think it’s safe to say that no one wants to spend an arm and a leg on a vacuum. Having top-ranked cleaning equipment doesn’t have to cost you a king’s ransom. There are a lot of vacuums on the market with most of the necessary features that will fit your budget.

Vacuum cleaners with ridiculously high price points come with miscellaneous bells and whistles that you will probably never use. So, don’t feel like you must spend a lot to get the deep cleaning you desire. Also, when considering what to buy, remember to include expenses for maintenance. Filters will need to be replaced every three to six months so make sure to factor that into your costs.

9. Shhhh…

A soundless vacuum, unless you want a sweeper, has not yet been invented.  But there are some on the market that are quieter than others. With today’s technology, noisy, clunky machinery are a thing of the past. As I mentioned earlier, I can find my Zen in that rhythmic whirr, but you may not feel the same way. So, you’ll want to find a vacuum that does not frighten your pets and won’t disturb napping children.

So, What’s Our Top Choice for the Best Vacuum Cleaners?

As the owner of the best cleaning service in Howard County, Maryland, it goes without saying that I choose the best vacuum cleaners. People ask all the time for my recommendation.

So…my top choice for an exceptional vacuum cleaner is… (drumroll, please)… the Shark ® Rotator ® Powered Lift-Away ® with Self-Cleaning Brushroll Upright Vacuum.

I love this model for all the reasons listed above and because this vacuum is durable and can last for over ten years when maintained properly. I order the inexpensive replacement filters from Amazon to keep costs down.

This exceptional vacuum cleaner packs the power you need to remove dirt and debris in a compact, lightweight device that’s small enough to store away when not in use. Even If vacuuming is not really your jam, you’ll find the chore more pleasurable if you have one of the best vacuum cleaners — an efficient machine that makes your cleaning chores a lot easier.

Want Park Avenue Cleaning to Do the Vacuuming for You?

We’ll be happy to! The Park Avenue Cleaning service area includes all of Howard County: Catonsville, Columbia, Ellicott City, Fulton; Carroll County; and Baltimore City. Call us today!