What to Look For in a Carpet Vacuum Cleaner

Carpets are attractive and cozy, but they can also trap dirt, dander and other contaminants. Regular vacuuming can prevent grit particles from destroying carpet over time.

A carpet vacuum cleaner should be equipped with advanced features that are specifically designed to maintain and clean different kinds of carpet. They include powerful suction power as well as adjustable settings and a brush roll that can be detangled.

High Suction

The ideal carpet vacuum cleaner for your needs must have a high suction capacity to keep your floor clean and remove dirt and debris that may be pushed into the carpet. You should also choose a model that has strong attachments, and ideally an electric brush and a nozzle for targeted spots. This Miele model has the most powerful suction of any vacuum we've tested. It comes with the hose, wand and attachments stored inside to make it easy to access. This bagged canister vacuum also has excellent filtration for those who suffer from allergies.

It isn't easy to get the proper suction from your vacuum cleaner, especially if you have thicker carpet. If the power level is too high, fibers could get caught in the intake of the vacuum. It is essential to keep track of the power levels while cleaning carpets with a high pile. This could cause damage to the carpet cleaner vacuum for pets and decrease its life span. A manual height and suction adjustment setting can help you adjust your model to suit different flooring types.

Vacuuming regularly is key for keeping your carpets looking good however, it can also be a big chore. Based on the amount of foot traffic you've got in your home, it might be essential to vacuum areas with high foot traffic daily. Rooms with less foot traffic should be cleaned regularly or biweekly. A canister vacuum with a powerhead designed for your type of carpet can make this task a lot more manageable.

Robotic vacuum cleaners can also assist you in reducing time and effort, and we've come across a few which are great on both hard floors and carpets. SEBO Airbelt D4 premium for example is a great choice for low and medium pile rugs. It is equipped with an ET-1 powerhead that is ideal to remove pet hair and solid debris. It comes with a dry cleaning mode which does not require a cleaning solution. This reduces the time it takes to clean and the risk of damaging your carpet.

To help you find the right carpet vacuum cleaner, we spoke with experts who shared their recommendations on what to look for in models that work best robot vacuum for Thick carpet on different floor types. Nicolette Accardi who writes detailed guides for Better Homes & Gardens also used the knowledge we gained from our testing of vacuums as well as discussions with cleaning professionals.

Adjustable Settings

Vacuum manufacturers provide height adjustments to help owners get the best clean possible from their cleaner. Most vacuums come with several settings. The lowest setting is ideal for floors with no carpeting, while the top setting is designed to work with carpets that are thicker and larger carpets for areas.

It is a good idea when you are choosing a new vacuum cleaner, to test the different heights on a small area of carpet in your home to determine how well they perform. You can do this by setting the vacuum on its lowest setting, and when you push it across the carpet there should be little resistance, with no apparent suction loss.

The majority of vacuum cleaners have a lever or knob you can use to alter the height of the base of the vacuum. The higher you set the vacuum cleaner and the greater power it has to clean carpets. Many vacuum owners are unaware that the lower setting doesn't necessarily guarantee an easier or more thorough cleaning. In fact the vacuum set too low may cause damage to the longer or thicker carpets in your home.

A vacuum that is on the highest setting will be able to work with all types of carpets, so long as you are careful not to disturb the fibers too much. Also, you should be slow and make multiple passes when cleaning areas that are heavily soiled or frequented areas in your home. Cleaning your carpets on a regularly scheduled basis is a great way to improve the appearance of your home, and it can also help with the quality of your indoor air and lessen allergens in your home.

Regular vacuuming and deep cleaning of your carpet at least once every week is crucial to maintaining it. A high-quality carpet cleaner will help you keep your carpets in good condition for many years. The ideal model for your home will be determined by the type and thickness of carpet, the volume of traffic it gets, and the number of pets you have.

Tangle-Free Brushroll

If you are cleaning pet hair, or any other debris that has been absorbed into the carpet fibers, your machine should have a brush roll that is free of tangles. This kind of floorhead has a soft brush at the front and an internal comb that prevents hair from getting wrapped around bristles. This feature is especially crucial for vacuums that are specifically designed to get rid of pet hair and allergens.

Some models feature an additional brush on the floorhead that is designed to lift and loosen deep-seated dirt and debris out of the carpet. This is especially helpful when you have carpets with a high or medium pile which require additional agitation in order to release trapped particles from the carpet's fibers.

Most vacuums have multiple suction settings that allow you to adjust the amount of power that the vacuum generates. While lower settings are great for quick cleaning on hard surfaces, the higher-powered settings are better for carpets, according to Toogood. The higher-powered settings are designed to increase agitation, and also help break down larger particles like cat litter or pet dander.

Dyson Ball Animal 3 is the most upright vacuum cleaner for carpets. It comes with an untangled brushroll and three different surface settings, and an untangled brushroll. It's also more flexible than our previous top choice, Miele Classic C1, that feels less durable and requires frequent cleaning of several components including the brushroll.

Other important features include a hose that's long enough to reach under furniture, a turbo tool for dealing with heavy-duty debris and a crevice tool that's great for reaching between couch cushions and other tight spaces. The Dyson comes with an enormous dust bin and an LED light to highlight dark areas as you vacuum.

SEBO Felix Premium is another upright vacuum with a bag that's worth considering. It comes with a powerful motor and excellent cleaning capabilities, as well as a long warranty. It is also lighter and more maneuverable than the Dyson, but does not come with as many tools as other models.

Storage

The storage options for carpet cleaners can differ according to the size and shape of the machine. Typically, upright and canister vacuums are able to be placed in pantries or closets as well as handheld models that can be hidden in a drawer or under the sink. It might be easier to locate a specific area in a hallway, or laundry room to accommodate larger, portable and cordless vacuums.

It is important to consider the capacity of your carpet cleaner, particularly in the event that it will be used often to clean massive or heavy stain. You'll want a large dustbin that can accommodate all the dirt and debris. In the ideal scenario, you'll want the capability to empty the dustbin without difficulty. Some manufacturers offer easy-to-clean bins that self-empty and can be filled while inside the vacuum for added convenience.

If you'll be using a carpet cleaner frequently it is important to select one that is lightweight and easy to maneuver. Choose a model that has an ergonomic design with a comfortable grip. This will make it much easier to use. The SEBO X1 OMNI for example comes with an adjustable handle that can be positioned to the most comfortable place and folded up when not in use. It also has a large 1.75-gallon tank that is easy to carry, change and fill. A rotating flow indicator shows when the tank is near full.

Find models that can double as home decor if are looking to conceal your carpet cleaner in a subtle manner. Ottomans and benches for storage are ideal places to store the vacuum cleaner, since they can be designed with upholstery that matches the colors of your home and have open or hidden storage areas. These solutions are also ideal for those who live in smaller houses or apartments and cannot devote a whole room to vacuum storage. If you're planning to build a new kitchen or utility area make sure you have a space to store your carpet cleaner as part of your initial plans to ensure it stays in the place it's needed to be. It's crucial to find an area that is convenient for both you and your carpet cleaner.