How to Choose the Right Vacuum Cleaner for Your Floor Type
September 11th, 2023
Finding the right vacuum cleaner for your floor type is easy with our handy guide.
The Right Vacuum for Bare Floors
Bare floors are more compatible with vacuums than you might think. You can pretty much use any type of vacuum, including:
Whether you have hardwood, tile, laminate, or vinyl, you can use these vacuums to help keep your floors dust and debris-free. However, the key is in the accessories and types of brushes used for each vacuum type. Avoid motorized brushes and rollers that can scratch hardwood and also scatter debris if not operated using the right vacuum setting. Bare floors need a vacuum that can disengage the motorized brush to make them safe and efficient. The other option is to look for a vacuum without a rotating roller brush or with a soft bristle attachment designed for bare floors.
If you want something that is affordable and compatible with all bare floors, the right vacuum is a floor sweeper. Many are cordless and ideal for quick clean-ups, especially in areas like the kitchen, where you don’t want to have to pull out a full-sized vacuum every day.
The Right Vacuum for Carpets
Carpets are very vacuum-friendly, allowing you to enjoy your preferred vacuum type. In the case of carpeting, the right vacuum has motorized brushes as they are designed to shake out and lift dirt stuck in the pile and backing. In fact, most vacuums have a setting that allows you to adjust your vacuum to suit the pile type and height. This allows the brushes to be just as effective at cleaning your low-pile carpet in the living room as it is at tackling the thick-pile carpet in your bedroom.
The higher your pile, the more powerful a vacuum you’ll need, so avoid robotics and sticks if your pile is high. They’re better for lighter, everyday vacuuming. If you have both carpeting and bare surfaces, consider getting a stick vacuum for everyday use and a heavier-duty canister or upright to manage the deeper carpeting or cleaning jobs. If you have pets, the right vacuum is a pet-friendly or a wet/dry model.
The Right Vacuum for Area Rugs
Again, most vacuums will work on area rugs. However, what you might find is that heavier suction can lead to frustration, especially when you run off the edges, and the suction pulls the entire edge or corner into the rollers. Thick, heavy rugs like shag can be troublesome if you are using the motorized roller brush. So, follow the same rule of thumb you would for your bare floors, and disengage the rollers for these tougher jobs.
If you have thinner rugs, a handheld vacuum works best. We would suggest avoiding robotic vacuums for your area rugs because, again, those edges can pose an issue on transitions. That said, new technology is making robots better at adapting to changing surfaces.
For really delicate rugs like antiques and silk, it might be best to go the shake-out route or have them professionally cleaned to avoid damage from the brushes and wheels. Tassels on any type of rug are enemy number one for any vacuum, so avoid the edges completely to prevent damage to your rug and your vacuum!
To find the right vacuum for your flooring, you want a vacuum shop you can trust. Vacuum Specialists offer over 50 years of vacuum experience. Click here for an easy online experience with a broad range of vacuums to tackle any floor type.
