5 best vacuums for cleaning the carpets in your home
Cleaning carpets with a vacuum requires the right attachments and suction, experts say.
Miele is a favorite among experts not only for its canister design and suction abilities but also for leaving carpets fresh after each use. “With a canister vacuum, you can pick up the tool and drag it in the direction of the carpet so you don’t have any streaks or uneven marks,” Malcolm Berman, owner and founder of Green Clean NYC, says. “You can pick up the tool at the end of your stroke, pull it back, and groom the carpet all in one direction so it looks pristine when you’re done.” For extra assistance when removing hair and lint on carpets, a turbo brush is included. It’s important to note that this brush works best on low to medium-pile carpets, according to Miele. Other highlights include adjustable height, 1200-watt suction power, soft parquet brush, crevice and upholstery tool attachments.
Type: Canister | Run time: Corded | Dustbin capacity: 4.8 qt. | Weight: 13 lbs
This canister vacuum by Kenmore is a good budget option if Miele is out of your price range. It can lift dust and dirt efficiently thanks to its dual motor with “effective brush rotation and powerful suction,” according to the brand. The built-in HEPA filter tackles and traps any allergens while cleaning. The 24-foot cord automatically rewinds and covers adequate floor space so you don’t have to constantly unplug your vacuum. It can adjust to four heights and includes three attachment heads — a dusting brush, a crevice tool and a bare floor tool.
Type: Canister | Run time: Corded | Dustbin capacity: 9.07 kg. | Weight: 22.6 lbs
Dyson is a beloved brand when it comes to vacuuming. This specific model has a “high-torque” attachment head that changes suction power depending on the floor type, using “stiff nylon bristles” and “anti-static carbon fiber filaments” to get deeply ingrained dirt and dust, according to Dyson. There’s an LCD screen on the top of the dustbin that shows run time, power mode and performance stats. “If you have an area rug or a low pile, a lot of times you can get away with a cordless,” says Jill Koch, a cleaning expert.
Type: Cordless | Run time: 60 minutes | Dustbin capacity: 0.2 gal | Weight: 6.68 lbs
Vacuuming on the go is made easy with a robot vacuum. “It can be any robot vacuum — it does an amazing job and picks up an entire third cup full of dust and debris,” says Berman. “I find them effective and convenient.” This model by Roborock allows you to control, schedule and adjust suction power remotely through its app. It uses 3D mapping so you can see and plan its exact route while also preventing the vacuum from entering specific areas. Once it hits the carpet, suction power increases for a thorough deep clean, according to the brand. It has a 180-minute run time that can handle up to 3230 square feet and you can use voice commands right from your couch to tell the vacuum which area to clean. A “floating rubber brush” scans the ground at all times to snatch pet hair, dust and other debris effectively, according to Roborock.
Type: Robot | Run time: 180 minutes | Dustbin capacity: 4.70 mL | Weight: 7 lbs
Koch loves upright vacuums—specifically models from Shark. This one combines two brush rolls that grip onto dirt, debris, dust and hair embedded in carpets, according to the brand. The brush roll self-cleans, which means hair won’t get stuck in between cleanings. The vacuum has a built-in “odor neutralizer” for combating bad smells when cleaning up distinct messes, while the dustbin is washable.
Type: Upright | Run time: Corded | Dustbin capacity: 1.48 qt. | Weight: 16.71 lbs
There are many types of vacuums to help clean carpets efficiently. We distinguished each type that we recommend to narrow down which option is best for you.
Certain aspects make select vacuums a better option than others for carpets. The cleaning experts we spoke to gave us some tips on things to look out for.
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Nicolette Accardi is a freelance writer whose beats include tech, home appliances and smart home devices. For this article, Accardi spoke to two experts in the home cleaning space about how to shop for the best vacuums for carpets. She compiled their recommendations, along with top-rated vacuums that include similar specifications.
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