If you think about it, there’s not actually any particular vacuum cleaner that’s designed exclusively for use in apartments. What’s important is that it gets the job done – i.e. pick up every speck of dust and crumb of food you drop onto your floors. Additionally, space is another important factor since apartments aren’t equipped with the same storage rooms as homes.
The ultimate goals in finding a vacuum cleaner to use in your apartment are: 1) it gets the job done, and 2) it’s easy to store. Thankfully, finding the right vacuum cleaner that fulfills these two requirements isn’t that difficult, provided you know what to look for. In this article, we’ll show you how to find the best vacuum cleaner for your apartment. But first, take a look at our editors’ favorites.
Stick Vacuum | Recommended
Last update on 2023-05-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Our Recommended Vacuum Cleaners for Apartments for 2021
Best Stick Vacuum Cleaners
2) Shark APEX DuoClean
Many stick vacs were tested to find out which of them would be a great fit for cleaning apartments, and not many were able to clean as consistently as the Shark APEX DuoClean. It comes with a soft roller instead of a stiff-bristle brush that draws in dirt, debris, and hair without tangling. The brush works extremely well on all surfaces – from low- to high-pile carpeting, as well as hard surfaces. Plus, the brushes soft texture allows for scratch-free cleaning that will help you get your deposit back when the time comes. The APEX DuoClean comes with a 30-foot power cord and can switch from stick to handheld mode. A handy crevice tool helps make cleaning in between cushioning a lot easier.
- DUOCLEAN TECHNOLOGY: a dual-brushroll system designed to deep-clean carpets and...
- SELF-CLEANING BRUSHROLL: powerful pet hair pickup and no more hair wrap.
Last update on 2023-06-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1) Dyson V11 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
If a vacuum cleaner comes from Dyson, then there’s really no point in doubting its performance. The V11 is a cordless stick vac that comes with a moderate 3,600-mAh battery. On a full charge, this stick vac can run for up to 60 minutes continuously and around 35 minutes on auto-mode. Speaking of which, the V11 uses multiple sensors to detect what sort of surface it’s cleaning. On carpeting, the V11 will crank its suction to the highest setting to dislodge and suction embedded crumbs, while on smooth surfaces, it’ll take it down a notch for longer cleaning.
- Dyson's most intelligent, powerful cordless vacuum. Twice the suction of any cordless...
- Dyson technology helps create a cleaner, healthier home - Our vacuums and purifiers...
Last update on 2023-06-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Robot Vacuum Cleaners
2) APOSEN A550 Robot Vacuum Cleaner
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1) iRobot Roomba i7+ Robot Vacuum
When it comes to robotic vacuum cleaners, we can’t forget to mention at least one Roomba. The new i7+ is one of the most technologically advanced robot vacs you can find in this day and age. Like any Roomba, the i7+’s navigation and cleaning performance is not in doubt, but the main selling point is its awesome self-cleaning base. When the robot’s onboard dustbin is filled up, the charging dock’s built-in vacuum vacuums the contents of the dustbin clean. The base can hold onto up to 60 days’ worth of dust, effectively reducing the frequency of replacing the base’s AllergenLock bags. The i7+ doesn’t have a mopping feature, but it does pair with the Braava jet m6 for sequence cleaning (i7+ sweeps then the jet m6 mops).
- CLEANS UP AFTER YOU, AND ITSELF - Forget about vacuuming for months at a time with...
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE AND POWERFUL PICK-UP - Pulls in stubborn and messes with a...
Last update on 2023-06-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Canister Vacuum Cleaners
2) Bissell Zing 2156A
Moving onto canister vacuum cleaners, the largest type of vacuum available. The Bissell Zing is actually one of the most compact canisters out there. This is a bagless vacuum cleaner, meaning you won’t have to spend extra money on additional vacuum bags. The dust cup can hold onto a massive 2 liters of floor gunk before it needs emptying out – a simple process of holding onto the detachable cup above the trash bin before pressing the latch release button. This comes with an automatic power cord rewinding system that makes cleaning up and storing the Zing a breeze. The Zing comes with three cleaning tools: a crevice tool, a dusting brush, and a classic multi-surface floor tool.
- Dirt cup capacity 2 liters; Cyclonic action and powerful suction provide thorough...
- Easily go from cleaning carpets to hard floors with the flip of a switch. Power...
Last update on 2023-06-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1) Miele Classic C1 Limited Edition
In appearance, the Miele Classic C1 looks a lot like what you’d a imagine a canister vacuum to look like. But looks isn’t everything; it’s what’s underneath the hood that counts. The first thing worth mentioning is the ultra-powerful vortex motor that delivers enhanced suction power compared to previous Miele models. With the 6-pressure option dial, users can decide how much or how little power to deliver, and in turn, how much noise the unit will produce while activated. Apart from the standard multi-surface floor cleaner, the Classic C1 features a dusting brush, an upholstery tool, and a crevice tool; all which stay attached to the handy VarioClip for quick and easy access.
- Sbd 285-3 rug and floor combination floor brush
- Sbb parquet-3 hard floor brush. Miele Made variable speed Vortex motor
Last update on 2023-06-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Apartment Vacuum Cleaner Buying Guide
Finding a vacuum cleaner isn’t all that difficult. The only difficulty is distinguishing the good from the endless pile of the bad. In this section, we’ll provide you with a quick rundown of the various features and specs for sticks, robots, and canisters.
Stick
Stick vacs are extremely versatile, lightweight, and easy to control. They typically don’t come with suction hoses and cleaning attachments, though you can clean vertical surfaces simply by lifting the unit upward.
Corded vs. Cordless
Deciding whether to get a corded or cordless model depends on your personal preference. Corded stick vacs plug directly into a wall outlet and can run for as you need it to. Cordless models typically require 5 hours to recharge after running for between 30 and 50 minutes, but you can reach almost any surface – both high and low – with a cordless model.
Weight
Stick vacs typically don’t offer the same convenience as canisters by coming with long suction hoses for reaching high spaces, so the weight of the unit needs to be taken into account. All stick vacs are naturally lightweight (between 5 and 15 pounds), but if you’d like clean vertical and higher-up surfaces, try and find a lighter model.
Convertible Handheld Unit
Some of the handier stick models, like the two mentioned above, can convert from long stick models to stubby handheld units for easy spot-cleaning. This is where different cleaning attachments come into play. To reach deep between furniture cushions, switch to handheld mode and use a crevice tool.
Robotic
Robotic vacuum cleaners have come a long way from committing robot suicide by falling off ledges to creating digital maps that mark the location of obstacles, drops, and other landmarks.
Mapping Technology
Each company uses its own proprietary mapping system to detect obstacles and create digital layouts of your home. The newer models of robots like the i7+ and S6 come with the latest mapping tech that their companies have to offer. Older generations may not an accessible map and selective room cleaning.
Suction Pressure
Modern robot models have a suction pressure range of between 1,500 and 2,000 Pascals. Needless to say, the higher the Pascal rating, the better the robot will be at cleaning medium-pile carpeting. Robots, however, don’t have the capacity to clean shaggy rugs and carpeting.
Mopping Feature
To get your floors as clean as robot-ly possible, try and find a model that uses mopping pads. A few drips of water from the tank will allow the pad to pick up most, if not all, of the specks of dust left over or flung around by the side and main brushes.
Canister
Canisters are larger than the rest, though recent developments in vacuum technology have brought their size down from chonky messes to sleek, compact models you’d be proud to own.
Size
Canisters are undoubtedly bulkier than other types of vacuums, but they’re still easy enough to fit inside of a storage closet when not in use. The size of the canister obviously affects its weight, so if you need to carry the vacuum up and down staircases, you might want to opt for a lighter model.
Hose Length
Take a close look at how long the hose is. For the most part, a longer hose is better since it allows users to reach high and far spaces. The only issue may be finding enough space in your closet to store both the canister vac and the hose.
Cleaning Attachments
Canister vacuum cleaners rely on cleaning attachments unlike sticks and robots that have fixed vacuum heads/inlets. The most basic cleaning tools are a multi-surface vacuum head, an upholstery brush, and a crevice tool. You might also want to check out triangle vacuum heads for corners and staircases.
FAQs
1. Which type of vacuum cleaner should I get?
There is no “ideal” type of vacuum cleaner out there since each of them has their own set of ups and downs. The important thing is that you’re comfortable using it. As for robots, the more convenience-adding features there are, the more enjoyable it’ll be to own and use one.
2. How much noise do canister vacuums produce?
The good thing about canister vacuum cleaners is that the motor is housed within the canister which works as a muffling system to keep noise levels down. In general, canisters produce anywhere from 50 to 80 decibels, though they can go higher if they deliver more suction pressure.
3. Do robot vacuum cleaners work well on carpets?
Low- to medium-pile carpeting, no problem at all. Shaggy carpeting and rugs are another beast that robots, at least for now, are unable to handle. Generally speaking, any rating above 1,800 Pascals should be sufficient for most wall-to-wall apartment carpets.
Conclusion
As we mentioned in the beginning of this article, there’s not actually any specific vacuum cleaner type and/or model that’s marketed exclusively for use in apartments. Of course, this doesn’t mean you can’t find one that fits your needs exactly. After reading this guide, you should have a clear understanding of what you need to be on the lookout for when shopping for the best vacuum for your apartment. We’ve also included some of the best sticks, robots, and canisters that would definitely help keep your apartment floors as spotless as the day you moved in.
Stick Vacuum | Recommended
Last update on 2023-05-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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Previously In Our Recommended List
Roborock S6 Robot Vacuum, Robotic Vacuum Cleaner and Mop
Xiami’s Roborocks are another line of highly popular robotic vacuum cleaners. The S6, one of the latest models to hit the market, gives the i7+ a run for its money in terms of convenience, mapping, navigation, and cleaning performance, though it does lack the self-emptying base we’ve grown accustomed to with the i7+. The best thing is that the S6 can mop your floors clean. If you’d like to give your floors a quick wipe down, attach the mopping pad and fill the tank with water. Gravity will draw water to the wipe to give your tiled floors a glossy look after its vacuuming cycle.
