Ever feel like your dorm room or apartment is a magnet for dust bunnies and stray snack crumbs? As a college student, keeping your living space clean can feel like a never-ending battle, especially when you’re juggling classes, homework, and a social life. Finding a vacuum that’s powerful enough to tackle messes but also small, light, and budget-friendly for student life can be a real challenge.
You want a clean space to relax and study, but the thought of lugging a heavy vacuum or spending your hard-earned cash on something that doesn’t work well is discouraging. Many vacuums are bulky, noisy, or just plain expensive, making them impractical for dorm rooms or small apartments. It’s frustrating when you just want a quick clean-up and end up wrestling with a giant machine.
But what if you could find a vacuum that makes cleaning easy and affordable? This blog post will guide you through the best vacuum options specifically for college students. We’ll break down what to look for, what to avoid, and highlight some fantastic choices that fit your needs and your wallet. Get ready to discover a vacuum that will make your student living space feel fresh and tidy without the hassle.
Our Top 5 Vacuum For College Students Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Vacuum For College Students Detailed Reviews
1. Bissell 20334 Featherweight Stick Vacuum Lightweight Bagless Vacuum
Rating: 8.8/10
Tired of lugging around a heavy vacuum? The Bissell 20334 Featherweight Stick Vacuum in purple is your answer. This vacuum is super light and small, making cleaning quick and easy. It’s perfect for everyday messes on different surfaces.
What We Like:
- It’s incredibly lightweight, so you won’t get tired while cleaning.
- You can easily switch it from a stick vacuum to a hand vacuum.
- It works well on hard floors and even on carpets and rugs.
- The removable floor nozzle makes cleaning stairs and furniture a breeze.
- It comes with a crevice tool to reach tight spots.
- It’s compact, so it’s easy to store away when you’re done.
- The 0.67-liter dirt cup is simple to empty.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 15-foot power cord might feel a little short for larger rooms.
- While good for light carpets, it might not have the deep cleaning power of larger vacuums.
This Bissell Featherweight vacuum is a fantastic option for quick cleanups and keeping your home tidy. It offers great convenience for everyday cleaning tasks.
2. CANDY Corded Stick Vacuum Cleaner
Rating: 9.4/10
Tired of bulky vacuums that are hard to maneuver? The CANDY Corded Stick Vacuum Cleaner is here to make your cleaning routine a breeze! This powerful yet lightweight vacuum tackles dirt and dust on all your hard floors and even stairs with its smart 3-in-1 design. Cleaning your home has never been so simple and efficient.
What We Like:
- Powerful Suction: It easily picks up dirt and dust, leaving your floors spotless and your home feeling fresh.
- Versatile 3-in-1 Design: This vacuum can be used in different ways, making it perfect for floors, stairs, and even tight corners.
- One-Click Dust Disposal: Emptying the dust cup is super easy. Just one click and it’s done, no mess!
- Lightweight and Easy to Use: Weighing under 3.7 pounds, you can move it around and clean for longer without getting tired.
- Large Dust Cup: The 0.8-liter capacity means you won’t have to empty it as often, saving you time.
- Extra HEPA Filter Included: Get an extra filter to keep your air clean and your vacuum running smoothly.
What Could Be Improved:
- Corded Design: Being corded means you’re limited by the outlet’s reach, which might be inconvenient for very large spaces.
- Not Ideal for Deep Carpets: While great for hard floors, it might not have the power needed for thick, plush carpets.
This CANDY vacuum cleaner is a fantastic option for anyone looking for an easy-to-use and effective cleaning tool for their hard floor surfaces. It simplifies chores and helps maintain a clean living space.
3. Dirt Devil Simpli Stik Plus 3-in-1 Vacuum Cleaner
Rating: 8.9/10
The Dirt Devil Simpli Stik Plus 3-in-1 Vacuum Cleaner is a lightweight and bagless cleaning solution designed for ease of use in small living spaces. This versatile vacuum tackles messes quickly and transforms into a hand vac for cleaning various surfaces. Its rinsable filter makes maintenance simple, and its compact design is ideal for dorms, apartments, and homes where space is limited.
What We Like:
- It is very lightweight, making it easy to carry and maneuver around your home.
- The 3-in-1 design lets you switch between a stick vacuum and a hand vacuum quickly.
- Cleaning up crumbs on furniture, counters, or shelves is a breeze with the hand vac mode.
- The reusable, rinsable filter saves you money and hassle since you don’t need to buy replacements often.
- It is perfectly sized for small spaces like dorm rooms and apartments.
- Dirt Devil helps you clean your home faster and more effectively.
What Could Be Improved:
- As a corded vacuum, you are limited by the length of the power cord.
- While great for light messes, it may not be powerful enough for deep cleaning or very large homes.
This Dirt Devil Simpli Stik Plus vacuum is a fantastic option for anyone needing a simple, effective way to keep their small space clean. It makes everyday cleaning tasks feel less like a chore.
4. Bissell® Featherweight™ PowerBrush Vacuum
Rating: 8.9/10
Tired of dragging out a heavy vacuum for quick cleanups? The Bissell® Featherweight™ PowerBrush Vacuum, 2773A is your new best friend. This little powerhouse is designed for fast and easy cleaning, tackling everyday messes with ease. Plus, every purchase helps save pets through the BISSELL Pet Foundation!
What We Like:
- It’s super light, weighing less than 4 pounds, so you can easily carry it anywhere.
- The motorized brush roll and strong suction work really well on carpets, hard floors, stairs, and even furniture.
- It’s a 3-in-1 vacuum: use it as a stick vac, remove the floor head for high spots, or detach the handle to make it a hand vac.
- A crevice tool is included to help you clean those tricky, hard-to-reach places.
- Your purchase helps homeless pets!
What Could Be Improved:
- For very deep cleaning or large areas, you might need something with more power.
- The dustbin is on the smaller side, so you’ll need to empty it frequently for bigger jobs.
The Bissell Featherweight PowerBrush Vacuum is a fantastic option for quick cleanups and everyday tasks. It makes cleaning simple and helps a great cause!
5. Kenmore DS1020 16V Cordless Stick Vacuum Lightweight 2-in-1 Handheld
Rating: 9.4/10
Tired of wrestling with heavy, corded vacuums? The Kenmore DS1020 16V Cordless Stick Vacuum is here to make your cleaning life easier. This versatile vacuum is designed for quick cleanups and tackling everyday messes. Its lightweight, 2-in-1 design means you can use it as a stick vacuum for floors or detach the handheld unit for furniture and tight spots. Plus, the bright LED headlight helps you see dirt and dust hiding in corners, making your cleaning more effective. With two power speeds, you can adjust the suction for different surfaces.
What We Like:
- It’s super lightweight, making it easy to carry and maneuver around your home.
- The 2-in-1 design gives you options for cleaning floors and above-floor areas.
- The LED headlight is a helpful feature for spotting dirt in dim lighting.
- It’s great for picking up pet hair from various surfaces.
- The two-speed power control lets you choose the right amount of suction.
What Could Be Improved:
- Battery life might be a concern for larger homes or extended cleaning sessions.
- The dustbin capacity might require frequent emptying.
- Suction power may not be as strong as some larger, corded vacuums for deep cleaning.
The Kenmore DS1020 offers convenience for everyday cleaning tasks. It’s a solid option for those seeking a lightweight and easy-to-use vacuum for quick touch-ups and general maintenance.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your Dorm Room Vacuum Companion
Finding the right vacuum for college life can make a big difference. Your dorm room or small apartment can get messy quickly. Dust bunnies can gather, and snack crumbs love to hide. A good vacuum keeps your space clean and comfy. This guide will help you pick the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a vacuum, keep these important features in mind:
- Size and Weight: College living means limited space. You need a vacuum that’s small enough to store easily. Lightweight vacuums are also easier to carry up and down stairs.
- Power and Suction: Even small vacuums need good suction. This helps them pick up dirt, dust, and crumbs effectively. Look for vacuums that offer strong suction for their size.
- Versatility: Can it clean more than just floors? Some vacuums come with attachments. These can help you clean upholstery, tight corners, or even your car.
- Ease of Use: A simple design makes cleaning less of a chore. Easy-to-empty dustbins and simple controls are a big plus.
- Cord Length: A longer cord means you can clean more without switching outlets. This is handy in dorm rooms or apartments with few plugs.
- Filtration System: Good filtration traps dust and allergens. This is important for keeping the air you breathe clean.
Important Materials
The materials used in a vacuum affect its durability and performance.
- Plastic: Most vacuums use plastic for their bodies and parts. Look for sturdy, high-quality plastic that won’t crack easily.
- Metal: Some parts, like wands or internal components, might be metal. Metal parts can make a vacuum more durable.
- Filters: Filters are often made of fabric or HEPA materials. HEPA filters are excellent at trapping tiny particles.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make a vacuum great or not so great.
Things That Improve Quality:
- Strong Motor: A powerful motor means better suction.
- Good Seals: Tight seals prevent dirt from leaking back into the air.
- Durable Construction: Well-built vacuums last longer.
- Effective Filtration: This keeps your air clean.
- Useful Attachments: These add to the vacuum’s cleaning power.
Things That Reduce Quality:
- Weak Suction: If it doesn’t pick up dirt well, it’s not useful.
- Cheap Plastic: This can break easily.
- Poorly Made Attachments: They might not fit or work well.
- Leaky Dustbins: This releases dust back into the room.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you’ll use your vacuum.
- Dorm Rooms: For small spaces, a compact stick vacuum or a powerful hand vacuum is often ideal. They are easy to store and quick to use for everyday messes.
- Small Apartments: If you have a bit more space, a small, lightweight upright vacuum might be a good choice. It can handle carpets and hard floors well.
- Pet Owners: If you have a pet, look for vacuums designed to pick up pet hair. They often have special brush rolls and strong suction.
- Allergy Sufferers: Vacuums with HEPA filters are best for you. They capture allergens like dust mites and pollen.
A good vacuum makes living in close quarters much cleaner and more pleasant. Choose wisely, and enjoy a dust-free space!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What type of vacuum is best for a dorm room?
A: Compact stick vacuums or powerful hand vacuums are usually best for dorm rooms. They are small, light, and easy to store.
Q: Do I need a vacuum with a bag or a bagless one?
A: Bagless vacuums are generally more convenient for college students. You just empty the dustbin. Bagged vacuums require buying replacement bags.
Q: How important is the filtration system?
A: It’s quite important, especially if you have allergies. A good filtration system, like HEPA, traps dust and allergens, keeping your air cleaner.
Q: Can I use a vacuum on both carpet and hard floors?
A: Many vacuums are designed for both. Look for models that specify they work on multiple floor types, or have adjustable settings.
Q: How much should I expect to spend on a good college vacuum?
A: You can find decent vacuums for college students in the $50-$150 range. Higher prices often mean more power and better features.
Q: What are the benefits of attachments?
A: Attachments help you clean in hard-to-reach places, like corners, furniture, and car interiors. They make the vacuum more versatile.
Q: How do I store a vacuum in a small dorm room?
A: Many stick vacuums come with wall mounts. You can also store them in a closet or under a bed if they are small enough.
Q: Is a lightweight vacuum really that important?
A: Yes, especially if you have to carry it up or down stairs, or move it around a lot. A lighter vacuum is much easier to manage.
Q: What if my dorm has high-pile carpets?
A: For high-pile carpets, you’ll want a vacuum with good suction and possibly a brush roll that can handle thicker carpets. Check product descriptions for carpet suitability.
Q: How often should I clean my vacuum?
A: You should empty the dustbin after every use. It’s also a good idea to clean or replace the filters regularly, as recommended by the manufacturer, to keep it working well.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!