Carpet flooring adds texture, warmth, and comfort to your space. It provides an extra layer of protection against noise in homes with shared walls and it gives a soft spring under your feet on a cold winter morning. One downside, however, is the collection of dirt, dust, and pet hair that can be caught in the underlayer.
In order to combat this pesky particle buildup, a homeowner
needs both a reliable vacuum cleaner and a manageable routine to keep allergens
at bay. A daily or even weekly vacuuming regimen can provide positive health
benefits and promote a strong body and calm mind. The first step in this
process is to select a vacuum cleaner that best suits your needs.
Every homeowner has different needs, and there’s not a
“one-size-fits-all” vacuum available for purchase. Start your search by
examining your space and setting a realistic cleaning routine. Do you have a
tricky floor plan with many small spaces? A traditional upright model probably
isn’t best. Do you have any pets that shed excessively, or is anyone in your
home affected by allergies or loud noises? This will affect the frequency of
your cleaning routine.
A vacuum cleaner of high quality will last over time, even
with frequent use. In combination with an achievable weekly cleaning routine,
your chosen appliance will give the assistance you need to maintain clean
floors and a healthy air quality in your home. Here are the top five aspects to
consider when choosing the best vacuum cleaner to fit your lifestyle.
Hard-To-Reach Areas
Some homeowners find a challenge in cleaning their homes because the layout offers small spaces that are difficult for a large, upright vacuum to cover. Any tight crevices or hard-to-reach spots are a problem for traditional stand-up models. Carpeted stairs, tiny closets, and bolted furniture with little space between the piece and the ground should also be taken into consideration.
If you need to clean a small area with many tiny spots in corners or crevices, go for a handheld option. These range in cost and features, but any model will allow you the flexibility of a small appliance with the power of a traditional vacuum. Some are cordless while others are bulkier to accommodate more suction power; others have a hose get hard-to-reach places, such as under car seats or behind bookshelves.
Time Constraints
In today’s busy world, it’s difficult to set aside the time to clean even once a week. If you don’t have the time to dedicate to vacuuming, or if you would rather channel energy into more enjoyable activities, pick up a robot vacuum.
These machines typically come with cutting edge technology features such as WiFi and phone connectivity, so you can control your vacuum anywhere, anytime. Set them to do their job while you’re at work; when you return home, your floors are clean and you can rest easy!
Pets
Pets often pose a prominent shedding risk. The amount of pet
hair alone can become atrociously out of hand if left unmaintained. In this
case, it’s best to find a vacuum that specializes in pet hair control.
When it comes to pets, the more heavy-duty vacuum power, the better. Not only do pets leave behind fur, dirt, and debris, but their play and everyday foot traffic buries dirt deep into carpet. While a lightweight vacuum model is fine for minor messes, a heavy-duty upright model is better for serious cases.
Allergies
Any person who has ever emptied the vacuum canister has
experienced the automatic sneeze attack as a result of the dust and debris remnants
flying back up. These particles scatter in the air and hover right under the
nose. For chronic allergy warriors, this is irksome and inconvenient.
To escape the feeling of being trapped in a dust cloud when emptying the vacuum, go for a bagged vacuum with lower emissions. While bagless vacuums are often less expensive in the long run by omitting the need to repurchase a bag each time, for some, they don’t stand up to the savings on allergy medication and recuperation time.
Committed to being bag-free? Another recommendation for those with allergies is any vacuum with a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter. HEPA filters specialize in catching and trapping pet hair, bad particles, and dirt, keeping them from escaping back into the air.
Noise Level
For homeowners who are sensitive to loud noises, a gadget-free quick sweeper is perfect for speedy cleanup of every day messes. Any spilled crumbs from the high chair, pet dandruff on the tile, or dirt from muddy shoes can be quickly picked up and pulled off the floor. This appliance does not rely on electric power and brings a cordless, affordable option to the market.
Try It On For Size
Similar to shopping for a vehicle, the best way to find the perfect vacuum is to take it for a test drive. After examining your space and determining your needs, you now have an idea of what type of vacuum cleaner will best suit your space. Narrow down the options to a few that meet your requirements, then try out a variety of models to determine the best fit for your home and your lifestyle.
Discover your new home today, and for more cleaning and living inspiration, follow us on social media!
Melanie Theriault is a writer, counselor, and lifelong learner. She holds a B.A. in Sociology from Southwestern University, where she discovered her passion for fostering human connection through storytelling.