VACUUM TYPES Use for hard surfaces or smaller, carpeted areas, like your car or stairs. A suction hose picks up dirt, and its lightweight structure and retractable cord make this vacuum convenient and ideal for easy storage. Canister Vacuum The most versatile type of vacuum. Deep cleaners are effective on nearly any surface, which makes them great for indoor or outdoor use. Deep Cleaner Perfect for large, carpeted areas of the house. Uprights use a motor-driven beater brush that loosens and removes dirt through suction. Most come with onboard attachments, which make cleaning hard-to-reach areas a breeze. Some capture dust and debris in bags, while others are bagless. Some uprights even feature height adjustments, allowing you to clean thick pile carpet or hardwood floors with the flick of a switch. Upright Vacuum Handheld vacuums can clean areas your upright is too large for. Portable and cordless, which make them ideal for cleaning small areas, like the car. Perfect for cleaning up after children and pets. Handheld Vacuum Commonly used for quick cleanup areas, such as kitchen and bathroom floors. Most stick vacuums have a dirt cup, as opposed to bags, to collect debris. Sweeper/Stick Vacuum

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What To Look For:

Now that you know which type of vacuum you need, here's a list of features that are important to look at before you begin to compare brands.

Motor — The more suction power your vacuum has can greatly reduce the time and effort you put into vacuuming your home. Most vacuums are powered by amps, watts or volts. The greater the suction power, the cleaner your floors will become.

Filtration — Some filtration systems can remove up to 100% of dust mites from floors and furniture, which can help in reducing allergic reactions caused by dust.

Brush System — The heart of a deep cleaner. Each model features one or several rotating brushes that scrub the water and soap onto the carpet. Brush-cleaning technology tends to be brand-specific. In fact, one brand will typically umbrella several different models with the same technology. For example, a bevy of Bissell® cleaners uses Power Brush™.

Built-in Heater — Many deep cleaners today offer "heat" switches that, when activated, automatically warm the water. This, in turn, creates more efficient cleaning.

Tank Capacity — The bigger the tank, the longer your deep cleaner runs without needing a refill of water. Like the models themselves, capacities vary, but the standard is around one gallon.

Cleaning Path — The width of the cleaning path is important because vacuums with larger cleaning paths tend to catch more dust and dirt faster.

Onboard Tools — Crevice tool, upholstery brush, deluxe hoses ... these little goodies can make big differences in cleaning! Almost all vacuums and deep cleaners include one or more tools to reach corners, stairs and other small places.

Bag Type — While many models still use bags, newer models are coming out with a bagless option. The bagless models are easier on your wallet (no need to purchase bags) and easier to empty (simply remove the dust cup).

Belt Type — It's important to know the belt type of the model you choose because as time goes on, the belt will eventually need replacing, and you'll need to know exactly what belt type to look for.

Height — Height settings are what make certain types of vacuums so versatile. The more height settings that are available, the more surfaces your vacuum can clean. Go from a throw rug to bare floors in the flick of a switch!

Headlight — Vacuums with a headlight allow you to see any objects obstructing the cleaning path. The headlight especially comes in handy while vacuuming hidden or dark areas, like under the bed or in the closet.

Cord Length — Vacuums with a longer cord length are able to clean more areas of the house and are easier to nagivate in far-reaching areas like the stairs.

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Size Them Up!

Canister Brand Chart

Deep Cleaner Brand Chart

Upright Brand Chart

Handheld Vac Brand Chart

Sweeper/Stick Vac Brand Chart

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Vac FAQs

You've got questions; we've got answers! Refer to our list below of general, technical and maintenance topics.

How often should I vacuum?
As often as you consider necessary. It's not uncommon to vacuum heavy traffic areas, like entryways and doorways, daily. Remember to go over these areas slowly to ensure maximum vacuuming efficiency. Quite simply, the more dirt and debris kept off your carpet, the better it'll look.

How many times do I need to go over a certain spot before it's clean?
There's no magic number. Some vacuum manufacturers like Bissell® recommend going over heavy traffic areas and stubborn spots about seven times. For other areas, try vacuuming over certain spots around three to four times.

Which type of vacuum is better, bagged or bagless?
Neither. It's your personal preference, as both styles have the potential to clean equally well. Bagged vacuums are a traditional choice and keep dirt tucked inside. However, more and more vacuum models today are featuring bagless designs. They make a convenient alternative because they eliminate the hassle of buying and replacing bags.

What are "amps?" Do more amps mean better cleaning ability?
Amps are one type of measurement of the electrical current used by a vacuum's motor. Other main types of measurement include watts and volts. Though a higher electrical current can increase suction power and performance, more amps do not necessarily mean enhanced cleaning. A vacuum cleaner's performance largely depends on airflow and number of brushes/brush features.

The dirt is not going into the bag. How do I fix this?
This can be the result of a few things. First, if your vacuum has a detachable hose, check to make sure it's firmly connected. Second, make sure the hose is emptying the dirt directly into the bag. Third, check for a clog or obstruction in the hose. If these areas pass your inspection, consult the owner's manual.

When should I change the bag?
It's recommended that you change your vacuum bag an average of once per month. Remember to check it regularly, especially if your home is large and/or you have children, pets or heavy traffic.

When should I replace the belt?
Every six to 12 months. This will prevent excess motor strain, keeping your vacuum running efficiently. Check the belt regularly and look for any indications of wear or tear that can result from normal use over time. Refer to your owner's manual for detailed instructions on how to replace the belt.

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