Vacuums are an important addition to any cleaning regimen. But, if you have carpet in your home, you will need to purchase the correct vacuum for the job. There are so many different vacuums on the market that it may seem like an impossible decision. How will you be able to find the perfect vacuum for your home and life? Never fear, our buyer’s guide and list of the best vacuums for carpet will aid your decision.
Contents
- What is a vacuum
- Different types of vacuums
- What is carpet?
- Different types of carpet
- Things to keep in mind when purchasing a vacuum cleaner
- What is the best vacuum for carpet?
- Features to look for when buying a vacuum for carpet
- Top Twelve Best Vacuums for Carpets 2020—Comparison table
- Top 12 Best Vacuums Cleaners for Carpets 2020:
- #1 Soniclean Soft Carpet Upright Vacuum Cleaner
- #2 Dyson Ball Multi Floor Origin High Performance HEPA Filter Upright Vacuum
- #3 Shark Navigator Deluxe Upright Corded Bagless Vacuum
- #4 Black + Decker CDASV102 Airswivel Ultra Light Weight Upright Vacuum
- #5 Dyson V6 Animal Cordfree Vacuum
- #6 Pyle PureClean Automatic Robot Vacuum Cleaner
- #7 Shark Rotator Professional Vacuum
- #8 Bissell Zing Canister Vacuum 2156A
- #9 Hikeren Cordless Vacuum
- #10 Roborock S5 Robotic Vacuum and Mop Cleaner
- #11 Dodocool 2 in 1 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
- #12 Dodocool 2 in 1 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
- How to clean your vacuum for carpet
- Types of carpet and how to choose a vacuum for each type
- How to clean your vacuum for carpet
- How to use your vacuum cleaner for carpet
- Tips and tricks for getting the most cleaning power out of your vacuum.
- Vacuum vs. carpet cleaner
- FAQs
- Final Words
What is a vacuum
Before discussing what to look for in a vacuum for carpet, and our picks for the top models, we need to go over some definitions. First of all, the vacuum. A vacuum is a machine that sucks up dust, dirt, and other small particles from your flooring. You can purchase a vacuum for carpet and hardwood, or even a vacuum for carpet and pet hair specifically.
The vacuum has been around since the 1860s; however, those models were all manually operated—electricity was not common in homes at this time. The first models of vacuum were the manual carpet sweeper. Then in the late 19th century powered vacuum cleaners were introduced. The historic domestic vacuum cleaners that you sometimes see pictures of were first introduced in 1906. The vacuum cleaner began to be found in every American home after World War II.
Different types of vacuums
Nowadays there are many different types of vacuum cleaners. Some of the most common vacuum cleaners for carpet are upright, canister, handheld, robotic, or cyclonic.
Upright
Upright vacuum cleaners are the most common type of vacuum in the United States and England. They stand upright with the cleaning head on the bottom. Today they can either have bags or be bagless. Almost always these types of vacuums have a power cord.
Canister
Canister vacuums, on the other hand, have the motor and dust collector in a canister while the suction head is attached to a long hose. These are nice because they allow for the use of many different types of cleaning heads to be put on and they are more flexible as the hose can fit until furniture better than the upright vacuums.
Handheld
Handheld vacuums are usually cordless, they instead use a charging station. This means they have a harder time vacuuming for long periods of time. But, they are generally lighter and more agile, which allows them to be a great vacuum cleaner for carpet.
Robotic
Robotic vacuum cleaners are getting even more popular. These small circular vacuums driven themselves. They can often be programmed to run at specific times and will return themselves to their docking stations.
Cyclonic
Cyclonic vacuums do not have a specific form. Instead, they use the cyclonic separation principle that was brought to the portable vacuum cleaner by Dyson. These vacuums do not use filtration bags, but instead, the air and dust are sucked into a vortex that separates the undesirable particles out.
What is carpet?
Before buying a vacuum for carpet, you should know what carpet is and how it effects cleaning. Carpet is the soft material that is put in many rooms in a home. You can get carpet in the form of a room covering or a rug. Carpet provides warmth, comfort, and style to the different rooms of your home. Plus, carpet tends to reduce the noise level in your house because it catches some of the sound waves. Physically, carpet is made when loops of material—traditionally wool—are connected to a backing. The loops of fabric are called pile, and the height, thickness, and wind on the pile determine the different types of carpet that you must choose from.
Different types of carpet
There is not just one type of carpet that you must choose from. Instead, today, carpet can be made from almost any material and can have almost any height and thickness of the pile. Essentially, you are choosing certified technicians and the pile and material when you pick out a carpet. Historically carpets were made from wool and you will still find this material often today. However, wool is quite expensive, so other materials are now used to make carpet. These include nylon, polyester, polypropylene (olefin), and triexta. The polyester materials are much cheaper to purchase and easier to clean than their wool counterparts. There are a lot of different cuts of pile, but in general, they come in three lengths: thin, medium, and high. The smaller the pile the easier the carpet will be to clean. However, as high pile carpet is becoming more popular, there are now different options of vacuum cleaners for high pile carpet. We cover those in a separate article.
Things to keep in mind when purchasing a vacuum cleaner
In order to get the most out of your vacuum cleaner for carpet, you have to pick the one that will work best for your lifestyle. This means that there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a vacuum for carpet.
Type of carpet
The first thing that you need to know is the type of carpet that you will be vacuuming. The best way to figure this out is to know the material and pile type of your carpets. If you have a wool shag carpet, you will need to pick a different vacuum type than if you have synthetic, low pile rugs only.
How much carpet
How much carpet you will be vacuuming will also determine the vacuum you purchase. If you have wood flooring as well as carpet in your home, you will want to purchase a vacuum for carpet and hardwood. However, some homes are completely carpeted. If this is your home, you will want a vacuuming that can handle all that cleaning. Most likely in this scenario, you will want a lightweight vacuum for carpet.
The location of the carpet
Where your carpet is will further help you narrow down your vacuum cleaner choices. Carpet on stairs and under a lot of furniture will need a vacuum that is maneuverable enough to reach those places. For example, a robotic vacuum for carpet would not be the right fit in a home that has a lot of carpeted stairs. However, an upright vacuum may not work as well in a house where much of your carpet goes beneath furniture.
Pets
Finally, having pets will gear you towards certain types of vacuums. Especially with larger dogs, you will likely want to purchase a vacuum cleaner for carpet and pet hair. The motor and suction head on these vacuums need to be strong enough to pick up the pet hair and any extra dirt while not ruining your carpet. Often vacuums designed for homes with pets will include a special attachment that helps with cleanup.
What is the best vacuum for carpet?
You’re reading this article because you want to learn about the best vacuums for carpet. Obviously, this is a huge category. We cannot tell you what vacuum for carpet and pets to purchase, or even which one will definitely work for you and your home. But, what we can say definitively is that great vacuums for thick carpet have a few features in common.
- Good vacuums form dense carpet will be powerful enough to pull all of the dirt and debris from the carpet. These products may even come with variable power, which will allow you to clean a variety of surfaces.
- The top products will be vacuums for carpet and hardwood. This means that you will likely find a beater bar that can be turned off, which allows you to clean hard floors as well as carpet.
- If you have pets, you will want to purchase a vacuum for pet hair and hardwood floors and carpet. These products have specific tools designed to remove pet hair and messes.
- The different types of carpet have different vacuum requirements as we’ve touched on earlier in this article. Thus, a good vacuum for deep cleaning carpet may vary depending on whether you have high, medium, or low pile carpet. Check here http://www.greenapplecleaningmd.com/. Know the type of carpet you have, and then begin to look for your next vacuum for carpet.
In addition to the four characteristics of great vacuums for carpet and tile mentioned in this section, you will also want to decide on certain features when you begin comparing products. By looking at all the items mentioned in this section and the next, you will be able to find the best vacuum for carpet for you and your home without any trouble.
Features to look for when buying a vacuum for carpet
The factors above may help you narrow down the design of the vacuum for carpet that you need. However, you will also need to know your wants and needs in the following categories when making your final design on the brand and model of vacuum.
Size and Weight
When you are purchasing a vacuum for carpet, you will want to find a vacuum that is lightweight. This is especially important when buying a vacuum for high pile carpet. But, the lighter the vacuum, the easier it will clean the carpet of any height because the lighter vacuums do not press down the piles. Plus, you want to buy a vacuum that you can use comfortably.
Size is another factor that you should keep in mind when buying vacuums for carpet. Not only do larger vacuums tend to be heavier, but you need to find a vacuum for carpet that will fit everywhere in your home that needs to be clean. If a vacuum is too large, it may not clean everywhere, which kind of defeats the purpose of having the vacuum in the first place.
Bag or bagless
You can choose to buy a bagged or bagless vacuum cleaner; however, bagless vacuums tend to be more common today. But, bagless containers need emptying, which can aggravate asthma or allergies. Plus, their filters need to be regularly cleaned or replaced. If either of these things is not appealing to you, you should go for a bagged vacuum cleaner. Just know that there will be fewer available options on those models.
Maneuverability
By far the most maneuverable vacuum cleaner types are robotic vacuum cleaners. These machines are much smaller than other types of vacuums and can easily fit under most furniture and around tight corners. However, like cordless vacuums, robotic vacuums have to be charged regularly, and can occasionally run out of power in the middle of a job.
Another type of vacuum cleaner for carpet that is quite maneuverable are the ones that will lay flat. This allows you to push the vacuums under any piece of furniture so that no part of your carpet remains dirty.
Cord length and cordless vacuums
Cordless vacuum cleaners for carpet are much easier to use, but they do not have the ability to clean for as long a time as their corded counterparts. With a corded vacuum cleaner, you can use the machine for as long as you need, you just have to have an outlet nearby. Cordless vacuums remove the need for the outlet, but they do require charging and may run out of power in the middle of a room.
If you choose a vacuum for carpet model that does have a cord, you will want to know how long that cord is. The longer the cord, the better. One drawback with a long chord will be that you have more material to fiddle with as you vacuum. But, you will not have to plug the vacuum into a lot of different outlets.
Noise Level
Some vacuums are quieter than others. If this is a consideration for you, then we recommend trying the vacuum in person before buying it. This way you will know exactly how loud the vacuum is when running. The loudness of the machine will not affect its efficacy, but it could affect your enjoyment of the vacuuming process.
Extras
Today most vacuums come with accessories, but the type and number of these depend on the manufacturer and type of vacuum. When you are buying a vacuum for carpet, you will want to find a model with at least a dusting brush or other small vacuuming tool. These work especially well for cleaning high pile carpet.
Some vacuums also come with accessories for cleaning up pet hair and messes. If you have messy pets, you should look for a vacuum with these tools. Essentially, the type of accessories that you need will depend on the type of carpet you have and other conditions in your home. We recommend making a list before you start to glance at as you scan through different vacuums for carpet.
Top Twelve Best Vacuums for Carpets 2020—Comparison table
| Image | Product | Features | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Editor's ChoiceEditor's Choice Soniclean Soft Carpet Upright Vacuum Cleaner |
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
 | Rank: #2Rank: #2 Dyson Ball Multi Floor Origin High Performance HEPA Filter Upright Vacuum |
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
 | Rank: #3Rank: #3 Shark Navigator Deluxe Upright Corded Bagless Vacuum |
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
 | Rank: #4Rank: #4 Black " Decker CDASV102 Airswivel Ultra Light Weight Upright Vacuum |
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
 | Rank: #5Rank: #5 Dyson V6 Animal Cordfree Vacuum |
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
 | Rank: #6Rank: #6 Pyle PureClean Automatic Robot Vacuum Cleaner |
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
 | Rank: #7Rank: #7 Shark Rotator Professional Vacuum |
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
 | Rank: #8Rank: #8 Bissell Zing Canister Vacuum 2156A |
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
 | Rank: #9Rank: #9 Hikeren Cordless Vacuum |
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
 | Rank: #10Rank: #10 Roborock S5 Robotic Vacuum and Mop Cleaner |
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
 | Rank: #11Rank: #11 Dodocool 2 in 1 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner |
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
 | Rank: #12Rank: #12 Eureka PowerSpeed Bagless Upright Vacuum |
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
Top 12 Best Vacuums Cleaners for Carpets 2020:
#1 Soniclean Soft Carpet Upright Vacuum Cleaner
If you want one of the most efficient and affordable upright vacua for carpet, then you should check out Soniclean’s Soft Carpet Upright Vacuum Cleaner. This vacuum has an adjustable vent system, which means that no matter the pile height on your carpet, the vacuum will work correctly. The large front wheels on the Soft Carpet Vacuum Cleaner also help it work well on carpet, as they do not sink into the thick material.
Soniclean’s vacuum for carpet is also the only one on this list that uses sonic vibrations to loosen the dirt and dust that hides deep within your carpet. The motor has a direct air Paramagnetic design, which also increases the suction capacity, and ensures that no matter what surface it is cleaning this vacuum will work extremely well.
#2 Dyson Ball Multi Floor Origin High Performance HEPA Filter Upright Vacuum
Dyson is a huge name in the vacuum industry for a reason. The Dyson Ball Multi Floor Origin illustrates why. This is Dyson’s first upright vacuum model. It is a classic, but it still holds up. The older nature of the vacuum also makes it more affordable than many of Dyson’s products.
The Dyson Ball Multi Floor Origin comes with a combination tool and stair tool. This makes it different than the famous Ball Animal. Same technology, but different tools. At 17.4 lbs., the Ball Multi Floor Origin is a little heavy. It comes with a five-year manufacturer’s warranty, though. It also has a washable HEPA filter and is certified asthma and allergy-friendly. Overall, this is a great vacuum for carpet.
A third upright vacuum for carpet on our list, Shark Navigator’s Deluxe Upright Corded Bagless Vacuum is lightweight but still has powerful suction. These features ensure that it will adequately clean your carpet in addition to keeping it in the best shape possible. Shark Navigator’s vacuum is not just great for carpet, but it has a brush roll shutoff that allows the vacuum to be used on flat flooring as well.
The Shark Navigator Deluxe is a bagless vacuum cleaner, which means that you will have to empty the container. However, that container is quite large. The vacuum also comes with an upholstery tool, dusting brush, and crevice tool for the long extension tube. Therefore, Shark Navigator gives you everything you need for a super clean carpet.
#4 Black + Decker CDASV102 Airswivel Ultra Light Weight Upright Vacuum
Black + Decker is a huge name in the home appliance industry, so it makes sense that they would also make a great vacuum for carpet. Their CDASV102 Airswivel Ultra Light Weight Upright Vacuum uses swivel steering to allow it to maneuver into the most hard-to-reach places.
This upright vacuum cleaner is pet-friendly and includes a pet tool to help you to clean up after your pets. The Airswivel vacuum is bagless, but the dust container holds up to two liters, which means you will not be emptying it that often. For carpet, you have the upholstery tool and the lightweight nature of the vacuum, which will clean all types of carpets easily.
#5 Dyson V6 Animal Cordfree Vacuum
The Dyson V6 Animal Cord-free Vacuum is the first vacuum for carpet on our list that is not upright. Instead it is a cord-free, handheld vacuum. Dyson has included their patented V6 motor and direct-drive cleaner head. Plus, the vacuum does not have a cord, which means it can be taken directly to a spot in your home that needs cleaning without you having to find a nearby plug. The disadvantage of the V6 Animal Cord-free Vacuum is that it will need to be recharged regularly.
This is a perfect vacuum for carpet since it is extremely lightweight—only 5 lbs.—and has adjustable suction. Finally, the Dyson V6 Animal easily converts into a handheld vacuum, which allows you to clean furniture as well as hard floors and carpets.
#6 Pyle PureClean Automatic Robot Vacuum Cleaner
No list of the top vacuums for carpets would be complete without a robotic vacuum. Today we will look at Pyle’s PureClean Automatic Robot Vacuum Cleaner. This robotic vacuum is perfect for hard floors as well as thing and medium-pile carpets. It will not work as well on high pile carpets, but unless you have a shag rug, you should be able to use this vacuum.
Not only is the PureClean Automatic Robot Vacuum good for carpets, but it is highly functional as well. It has a mini-profile, which means that it can fit under more furniture. It comes with a remote that allows you to program your own cleaning cycle. Plus, it has a recharging dock that it will return to automatically when it needs more juice. If you have been thinking about trying a robot vacuum, then you should start with Pyle’s PureClean.
#7 Shark Rotator Professional Vacuum
The Shark Rotator Professional Vacuum is a great vacuum for deep cleaning carpet. This product is a slim upright vacuum cleaner. It has an anti-allergy seal and HEPA filter. So, you know that it will clean your carpet and the air in your home equally well. Plus, the dirt collection bin is extra-large, so you will not have to empty it as often.
On carpets the Shark Rotator Professional Vacuum excels. It has a number of accessories that allow you to clean anywhere. Additionally, it is only 15.5 lbs., so it will not sink into the carpet and cause damage. Finally, the Shark Rotator has lift-away technology, so it will also because a handheld vacuum with the push of a button. For convenience, you can’t beat the Shark Rotator Professional Vacuum.
#8 Bissell Zing Canister Vacuum 2156A
You don’t just have to use an upright vacuum on your carpeted floors. Canister vacuums will work equally as well as upright. And, in fact, canisters are often much lighter, which is a plus in vacuums for carpet and stairs. The Bissell Zing Canister Vacuum 2156A fits the bill in that respect perfectly.
It is a highly affordable canister vacuum. Plus, it comes with powerful suction and a large dirt collection bin. The electrical cord is fifteen feet long, which makes the 2156A also a good vacuum for dorm carpet.
#9 Hikeren Cordless Vacuum
Hikeren’s Cordless Vacuum has a small profile, but it still has a lot of suction power. It proves that great things do come in small packages sometimes. The Hikeren Cordless Vacuum can be used on any type of carpet and will work extremely well with pet hair.
Another great feature of the Hikeren Cordless Vacuum is that it is a 2-in-1 product. It transforms from a stick to a handheld vacuum with the push of a button. And, The double filtration method ensures that every piece of dirt and dust is cleaned from your carpet.
#10 Roborock S5 Robotic Vacuum and Mop Cleaner
Robot vacuums for carpet are not hard to find. But, Robotrock S5 Robotic Vacuum and Mop Cleaner are unique. This robotic vacuum works with Alexa and many different floor types. It has 150 minutes of constant cleaning time on the battery, which is perfect for cleaning a large area.
The feature that really sets the Roborock S5 apart is the fact that it is a mop as well as a vacuum. This allows it to act as a steam vacuum for carpet, which ensures both your hard floors and your carpets get super clean.
#11 Dodocool 2 in 1 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Another great, affordable vacuum for carpet is the Dodocool 2 in 1 cordless vacuum for carpet. It will work on all floor types and transforms into a handheld vacuum as well. Plus, in the stick vacuum form, it has an extension handle pole, which allows you to clean in hard to reach places like ceiling corners.
You need powerful suction for vacuuming carpet, and the Dodocool 2 in 1 Cordless Vacuum delivers on that front as well. It has a 15KPA motor, HEPA filtration, and a washable and removable dirt collection bin. It doesn’t get much better than this vacuum for carpet.
#12 Dodocool 2 in 1 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
The final product on our list today is the Eureka PowerSpeed Bagless Upright Vacuum. This vacuum for carpet has five height adjustments. So, it can clean any pile length or type of carpet you could have in your home. Plus, multiple accessories are included right on the upright vacuum itself.
The vacuum itself is lightweight for an upright. This also allows it to clean multiple surfaces well. For convenience and efficiency, you have to choose the Eureka PowerSpeed.
How to clean your vacuum for carpet
The exact procedure for cleaning your vacuum for carpet will depend on the type of vacuum cleaner you purchase. Even so, there are a few basic steps that most vacuum cleaner owners must follow.
- Always unplug your vacuum before cleaning it. You don’t want to have it turn on accidentally with your hands inside.
- Either remove and empty the bagless canister or replace the bag on your vacuum. Bagless vacuums usually provide a line as reference for when to empty out the container.
- If your vacuum has a filter you will need to clean or replace it. Check your specific model of vacuum for more information about this step.
- Clean the beater brush on the suction head. Hair and carpet fibers can occasionally get caught in the bar. These will need to be cleaned out or they could inhibit the functioning of the vacuum.
Types of carpet and how to choose a vacuum for each type
There are a number of different types of carpet for you to choose from. You can visit our Definitive Guide to Carpet for more information. But, for the purposes of vacuums for carpet and hardwood, you should keep the carpet material in mind as you shop. There are five main types of carpets: wool, nylon, polyester, olefin, and triexta.
Wool
Wool is the most traditional carpet material. It is an all-natural fiber and is both durable and luxurious in feel. However, wool carpet tends to be quite expensive and can be harder to vacuum. Because normal vacuums for carpet and stairs can damage wool fibers, you will want to purchase a special product for this type of carpet. In general, your best bet will be to find a vacuum for a wool carpet that has a gentle brush roll.
Nylon
Nylon is strong, durable, comfortable, and affordable carpet fiber. Its many advantages help explain why it is such a popular choice with homeowners. Nylon carpet is one of the most common types of carpeting you will find in stores. And, therefore, most vacuums for carpet will work on this type of fiber without any problems. Any vacuums for thick carpet will work for nylon.
Polyester
Polyester carpeting is another popular synthetic carpet material. It resists stains, is easy to clean, and resists moisture. All-in-all polyester is a great carpet material choice, you can even find eco-friendly options. It is another carpet material that can be cleaned by almost any vacuum for carpet type.
Olefin
Olefin is not as soft as nylon but is still a popular newer wool substitute. It is also extremely affordable and stain-resistant. It is not likely that you will need to vacuum carpet with baking soda in order to clean olefin carpet. Any vacuum for Berber carpet will work perfectly on olefin.
Triexta
The final most popular synthetic carpet material is Triexta. This carpet material has extremely strong fibers, which means it is stain-resistant and easy to clean with a vacuum for carpet. In order to clean deep inside the thick Triexta fibers, you will want to ensure that you purchase a vacuum for dense carpet that is powerful enough and has a brush roll, that can suck all of the dirt and debris out.
One more consideration: the height of the pile. Pile refers to the height of the material that makes up the carpet. High pile carpet has long strands of material—think shag carpets. The low pile carpet is quite thin. And, obviously, medium pile carpet will fall somewhere in between. If you have low and medium-pile carpet in your home, you will not have to worry. Most vacuums for dense carpet are designed with this pile length in mind. However, vacuums for thick, high pile carpet can be harder to find.
How to clean your vacuum for carpet
Vacuum for carpet is used to clean, but they will need to be cleaned themselves. Most vacuums for carpet and hardwood come with either cleanable or replaceable filters that will need to be attended to every once and a while. Additionally, you will need to clean the dirt collection bin and brush roll regularly in order to keep your vacuum for dense carpet working correctly.
Here is how to clean the filter, brush roll, and dirt collection bin on your vacuum for both carpet and hardwood floors.
Filter
- Always make sure to read your owner’s manual before removing the filter of your vacuum for wool carpet. The manual will tell you whether you can clean or need to replace the filter. Plus, it will outline the proper procedure for the removal of the filter.
- If the filter can be cleaned, you will need to remove it and clean it in warm water.
- Always make sure that the filter is completely dry before replacing it in the vacuum for carpet and laminate.
Brush roll
- The brush roll on your vacuum for carpet and tile may be prone to get tangled with hair and other long fibers. Therefore, it will need to be cleaned on a regular basis.
- When you clean the brush roll, always have a pair of high-quality, small scissors on hand.
- Tip the vacuum over and begin removing the hair from the brush roll. If the hair gets too tangled, snip it carefully with the scissors.
Dirt collection bin
- The dirt collection bin will occasionally need to be washed as well. You should remove it and wash it with warm water and gentle soap.
- Your owner’s manual will explain how to properly remove the dirt collection bin.
- If you have a bagged vacuum for carpet, the procedure for removing and cleaning the dirt collection bin may be quite different. So, definitely consult the manufacturer before you attempt cleaning the dirt collection bin in this instance.
How to use your vacuum cleaner for carpet
Thankfully, using your vacuum cleaner for carpet is not much different than using any other type of vacuum. Once you have the vacuum for carpet and stains in your home, you will want to read the owner’s manual. This document will tell you everything you need to know about how to safely and efficiently use your robot vacuum for deep carpet. Below are a few other considerations to keep in mind as you vacuum your carpet.
- Depending on the height of the pile, you may need to adjust your vacuum with carpet height adjustments. For example, if you are vacuuming a room with a high pile carpet, you should use a height adjustment that raises the vacuum for carpet and tile quite a bit. Low pile carpet does not need as much height adjustment.
- If you are cleaning a large section of carpet, then using the typical beater bar or gentle brush roll is the best option. However, a smaller section of carpet may call for a specific attachment. Make sure to attach the one you need before you begin vacuuming.
- When you vacuum carpet, always vacuum in a single direction in overlapping lines. Then vacuum the room again in a perpendicular direction. This process ensures that all of the dirt and debris are removed from the carpet fibers.
- If you are going to use a vacuum with carpet washer, always vacuum first. Then either uses the carpet washer or the carpet cleaner second.
Tips and tricks for getting the most cleaning power out of your vacuum.
Everyone has their own beliefs about the best way to correctly vacuum carpet. However, in general here are some steps you can take to ensure that your carpet is as clean and good looking as possible.
- Make sure to use the crevice tool—if you choose a vacuum with this add-on. Running the crevice tool around the outside of your room will make sure that all hair and hard to reach dirt are picked up by the vacuum.
- Vacuum the room both horizontally and vertically. You will be vacuuming the carpet twice, but this pattern helps to guarantee all the dirt is sucked up and helps to lift and fluff your carpet.
- You can also choose to use a neutralizer or wash your carpet. This will help to take out any unwanted scents and to keep your carpet as clean as possible. You will want to put the neutralizer down before vacuuming and you will want to wash the carpet after you are finished vacuuming.
Vacuum vs. carpet cleaner
The choice between vacuum and carpet cleaner does not have to be either-or. In fact, both vacuums for carpet and carpet cleaners come with unique advantages. For most people, it may actually make sense to own both a vacuum and a carpet cleaner.
But, if you live in a small space, or are on a budget, you may be wondering about the difference between these two types of carpet cleaning devices.
Vacuums
- Vacuums use suction to remove the dirt and debris from your carpet. However, this machine does not clean stains or wet messes at all.
- Generally, people should use a vacuum on their carpet at least once per week—more if you have pets or children.
- Depending on the type of vacuum for carpet and hardwood you purchase, this product will likely be much more affordable than a carpet cleaner.
- There are way more vacuum options than carpet cleaner options.
Carpet cleaners
- Carpet cleaners are wonderful for wet messes and stains. But, these machines use water and soap to clean your carpet, and so will not remove any debris or dirt from the fibers.
- Carpet cleaners do not need to be used on a regular basis. In fact, they are really best for spot cleaning messes or a yearly carpet cleaning.
- You can find decently priced carpet cleaners, but these will not work as well as the high-end models.
In general, if you need to choose between vacuum for carpet or carpet cleaner, we’d recommend going with a vacuum for dorm carpet. However, if you have the budget and space for two machines, then a carpet cleaner can ensure your carpet stays clean and looking great.
FAQs
Still, have some questions about vacuums for carpets? Below we’ve answered all of the most common questions about these handy tools.
Can I use a vacuum cleaner for carpet?
If you have carpet, then you need a vacuum for carpet. Unlike hardwood floors and laminate that can be swept with a broom and mopped, a carpet needs a vacuum to get clean. In olden times people would have carpet rugs in their homes and would take them outside to beat clean. However, the invention of the vacuum allowed for whole room carpets and made keeping them clean easy.
No one wants to go back to the 19th century. If you have carpet in your home, do yourself a favor and purchase a vacuum cleaner for carpet and hardwood floors.
Can a vacuum ruin carpet?
Unfortunately, yes. If you purchase a vacuum that will not work for your type of carpet, it could ruin the carpet. This is really only an issue with certain types of carpet materials, like wool. If you have a synthetic carpet, most vacuums for carpet will work fine.
Other factors that influence how safe the vacuum for carpet is on your carpet is the height of the pile. As mentioned above, if you have a high pile or shag carpet, then you need to purchase a vacuum for thick carpet. Berber carpet, too, needs a specific vacuum for Berber carpet.
Purchasing the correct vacuum for your type of carpet ensures that no harm comes to it.
Which vacuum setting should I use for carpet?
Again, this actually varies depending on the height of your carpet and whether you have a vacuum with carpet height adjustment. Vacuums with carpet height adjustments can be set to different heights depending on the pile of the carpet. Low pile and hard floors should use the lowest setting. Medium pile carpets will work best with a medium setting. And, high pile carpets should be used with the highest setting available.
You may also have variable power settings on your vacuum for deep cleaning carpet. If this is the case, then read your owner’s manual to learn which power setting to use when. Too high of power can damage certain types of carpet. So, if you are unable to find the answer in your owner’s manual, stay safe and go with a lower power setting, to begin with, and then increase it as you learn how your carpet reacts.
What vacuum attachment(s) should I use for carpet?
The most important attachment to use when cleaning carpet is the brush roll and/or beater bar. This part of the vacuum for carpet comes already attached to the product. However, there are a few other attachments for your vacuum for pet hair on carpet that you may want to consider.
Homes with pets may want to consider using a pet attachment. These are typically motorized tools that help pick pesky pet hair from furniture and carpet. Vacuums for pet hair on carpet will come with these specific tools.
Also, you may want to use a crevice attachment in the corners of your carpeted floor. The crevice tool fits into crevices and corners much easier than the traditional brush roll. Crevice tools are also essential for vacuuming stairs.
Which vacuum head should I use for carpet?
As we’ve already mentioned, if you have wool or high pile carpet, you definitely need a vacuum for dense carpet that comes with a gentle brush roll. Typically, gentle brush rolls are made of microfiber material. They sweep and clean your carpet, but do not have the hard bristles of a traditional beater bar. On delicate carpets, the gentle brush roll ensures that no fibers are snagged or damaged.
More durable and lower pile carpet can be cleaned with a normal beater bar. This type of carpet comes with much less vacuum for carpet requirements. However, if you have multiple types of carpet or flooring types in your home make sure to find a vacuum that will work everywhere.
What type of carpet is good for vacuums?
Any type of carpet is good for vacuums. Very unusual carpet materials like feathers or leather may not be able to be vacuumed. But, if you have a normal carpet that you can purchase in any home store, then a vacuum will work perfectly. In fact, as we mentioned above, if you have carpet in your home you need to purchase a vacuum. Otherwise, your carpet is in danger of getting ridiculously dirty or presenting major cleaning issues.
How durable are carpet squares for vacuum cleaners?
Carpet squares, or carpet tiles, are small blocks of carpeting that you can put together to create a unique wall to wall look. This type of carpet is perfect for a creative person that wants a totally unique carpet look. Or, depending on the carpet squares you use, you can also save money by using carpet squares.
When vacuuming carpet squares, you don’t really need to worry about their durability. Carpet squares can be vacuumed regularly without any damage. And, in fact, they made need to be vacuumed more than regular carpet. If you put the carpet squares in high traffic areas, the dirt and debris that gets tracked into them can get lodged in between the tiles. This calls for extra vacuuming to ensure that your carpet squares continue to look great. But, don’t worry, the extra vacuuming will not decrease the lifespan of the carpet tiles in any way.
Final Words
Carpets can be a great addition to any home. But, to get the most out of them you need to keep them clean. The best and most efficient way to clean your carpet is a vacuum. To pick the best vacuum for carpet you should follow our buyer’s guide and top six list. We will not steer you wrong and help you get the best clean for your carpet and your hard-earned money.
I am a stay-at-home mom who is passionate about keeping my floors clean. Cleaning floors has become my passion. With little ones at home, it is essential that my floors stay clean. This not only helps keep my home clean, but my family healthy.
My floor cleaning knowledge was hard-fought to obtain. Therefore, I am determined to make it much easier for other homemakers—and people who just want a clean-living space—to learn all about cleaning floors. Additionally, my experience as a product tester comes in handy when creating the product reviews for this site. You always know that you are getting my honest opinion when you read my reviews.