Floor Care Buying Guide

Upright vacuum cleaners are powerful and easy to use, which is why they're so popular with consumers. There are no batteries to charge or smart programming to set up, simply plug in the vacuum and go! Upright vacuums are most useful for large areas as their wide brushroll allows you to cover more ground in less time. And because they have a tall upright design, you won't have to bend over or stoop while vacuuming.

Many people prefer upright vacuums because they work well on almost any type of flooring, from thick carpeting to sleek hardwoods. They have powerful suction and advanced performance features like swivel steering, self-cleaning brushrolls, and large capacity dirt storage. Most models boast an impressive filtration system with anti-allergen seals and HEPA filters. To make cleaning even easier, upright vacuums come with a variety of attachments, including crevice tools, pet brushes, and extension wands.

Upright vacuums are available in various weights, but in general, they tend to be heavier than other types of vacuums. Some people may find them difficult to lift or carry, which can make them less than ideal for multi-level homes. Due to their body design, uprights perform at a higher noise level and can be hard to maneuver under furniture.

Benefits:

• Powerful and efficient
• Wide cleaning path
• Handles large spaces
• Best for carpets
• Large capacity dirt storage
• Bagged and bagless models

Lightweight and fully mobile, canister vacuum cleaners are ideal for cleaning upholstery, drapes, and hard-to-reach spaces like stairs and under furniture. They typically have more powerful suction than upright vacuums, which makes them an excellent choice for cleaning tile and bare floors. Canister vacuums also perform at a lower noise level, which many people appreciate.

These versatile vacuums have a body that remains stationary, while you use a long hose and cleaning head to vacuum. This unique design makes the canister much lighter, and allows the user to move more freely while vacuuming. Most canister vacuums have wheels or a rotating ball on the body of the vacuum to aid movement while traveling between rooms. They also offer great features like retractable cords, advanced filtration systems, dusting brushes and extension wands. Canister vacuums are available in both bagged and bagless models.

The design of canister vacuums offers an impressive amount of physical freedom while cleaning, but some people find that bending over and moving the vacuum body can be tiring or cumbersome. The separate parts of the vacuum can also make it awkward to store. Canister vacuums usually require some assembly out of the box.

Benefits:

• Versatile
• Lightweight
• Easy to maneuver
• Powerful suction
• Quiet operation
• Great for cleaning stairs

With their slender low-profile design, stick vacuums offer a lightweight maneuverability that's perfect for quick pick-ups and daily cleaning tasks. These portable vacuums are also easy to carry, making them a great choice for people who have trouble lifting or maneuvering heavier, more traditional types of vacuums. And when not in use, the stick vacuum's compact design allows for it to be conveniently stored in confined spaces.

Stick vacuums are an affordable alternative to standard vacuum cleaners. Even when plugged in, stick vacuums use much less energy than standard upright vacuums. Most sticks run on rechargeable batteries and instead of using bags, these eco-friendly vacuums have removable dirt containers that can be emptied when they reach capacity. And when it comes to features, stick vacuums offer many conveniences, like charging stations, adjustable and collapsible handles, floor and carpet nozzles, and attachments that allow it to function like a handheld vacuum.

These compact vacuums have many great qualities, but they are not always as powerful as most upright vacuums. In fact, many people use stick vacuums for spot cleaning and quick pick ups, and then use a traditional upright vacuum for heavier, more thorough cleaning. Stick vacuums also have smaller dirt storage capacity and cordless models have limited run time.

Benefits:

• Portable
• Easy to use
• Lightweight, compact, and easy to store
• Energy-saving and eco-friendly
• Cordless, rechargeable options
• Quiet operation

Many people appreciate the ease and convenience of a robotic vacuum, which offers a simple hands-free approach to cleaning your home. These independent machines can be pre-programmed to clean various spaces in your home, either on a timed schedule or only when needed—simply program it, place it on the floor, and walk away! So whether you're at work or asleep in your bedroom, your robotic vacuum can be quietly working to keep the excess dirt and dust in your home to a minimum.

Designed for maximum efficiency, robotic vacuums have small, compact housing that helps them reach into tight corners and glide underneath furniture. They can easily detect different types of dirt and debris, and use both back-and-forth and circular motions to ensure that floors get a thorough cleaning. Although small in size, robotic vacuums are still capable of covering large spaces, as well as handling numerous types of flooring. Most models utilize smartphone apps, voice control, or remote controls so you can effortlessly adjust settings from almost anywhere. Best of all, these clever vacuums are loaded with advanced features you'll love, including sensor navigation, automatic dirt disposal, and self-charging docking stations. Robot vacuums also have recharge/resume capabilities, so when the battery is running low, the vacuum will automatically return to its base to recharge, and then resume cleaning where it left off.

Of course, robotic vacuums have some challenges as well. These smart machines are quite a bit pricier than most standard vacuums. They can get stuck on small items left on the floor, or when trying to transition between different types of flooring. If they run out of power while cleaning, you may find them stranded in some random part of the house. And because they have smaller storage bins, you'll have to empty them more frequently.

Benefits:

• Self-operating
• Low-maintenance
• Efficient operation
• Works on various flooring
• Small, compact, and easy to store
• Smart features

Carpet cleaners, sometimes referred to as deep cleaners, are designed to remove deeply embedded dirt and stains from carpeting. They are also effective in eliminating allergens, pollutants, and harmful bacteria that can settle into carpets, which create an unhealthy environment in your home. Carpet cleaners work by mixing water and cleaning solution as it is pumped onto the carpet, essentially shampooing the floor. This powerful method of deep cleaning will dramatically improve the appearance of carpets, while also leaving it smelling fresh and clean.

Many people may not realize that dirty carpets can negatively affect the health and well-being of everyone in the home. That's why it's recommended to deep-clean carpets every 12 to 16 months, and possibly more often if you have pets, children, or a high-traffic household. Luckily today's carpet cleaners are much improved—they're lighter, easy to carry, and have powerful brush rolls that help loosen and lift dirt from carpet. They also have convenient features like spot treatment, quick dry modes, and special stair and upholstery tools to help you clean more easily.

There are many benefits to owning a carpet cleaner, but that doesn't mean that they're the best choice for every household. Deep cleaning a carpet requires a little extra time and effort. You need to ensure the correct balance of water and cleaning solution. And if you use too much water, your carpet may not dry properly, which could result in the development of mold and mildew.

Benefits:

• Deep cleans
• Removes dirt, pollutants, and bacteria
• Extends the life of the carpet
• Easily treat spills and stains
• Eliminates high cost of professional cleaning

Steam cleaners are a safe and eco-friendly way to sanitize and deodorize floors and other household items, while also removing dirt, grime, mold, and allergens. In fact, a good quality steam cleaner is capable of killing up to 99% of harmful bacteria and viruses, including E. coli and salmonella. Best of all, they require no chemicals or cleaning solutions, as they use heated water to create an intense steam vapor that is pressurized through the cleaner head.

These versatile machines can be used to deep clean a multitude of items in and around your home, including upholstery, curtains, flooring, bathrooms, appliances, and even car interiors. Steam cleaners can rid your home of unpleasant odors, sterilize countertops, and clean things to like-new condition. Incredibly efficient, steam cleaners heat up quickly and have convenient features like adjustable steam control, safety locks, and multiple nozzle attachments to handle a variety of surfaces.

Although steam cleaners offer an amazing deep clean, they aren't for everyone. These machines can reach very high temperatures which can be dangerous if not handled appropriately. You'll need to educate yourself on how to use the steamer safely and correctly. There are some floors and surfaces that do not respond well to steam cleaning, and there can be long drying times for certain items, like thick fabrics and rugs.

Benefits:

• Safe and chemical-free
• Eco-friendly
• Deep cleans and sanitizes
• Kills germs, bacteria and viruses
• Versatile and multi-functional
• Easy to use