Does your carpet look a little sad and worn out? Maybe you’ve noticed dust bunnies having a party in the corners, or your pet’s fur has taken over. Keeping carpets clean is a big job, and sometimes, buying a super fancy vacuum just isn’t in the budget. You want a clean home, but you don’t want to spend a fortune. It can be confusing to find a vacuum that works well on carpets without costing a lot of money. Many cheap vacuums promise a lot but don’t deliver, leaving you with a dusty mess and an empty wallet.
But what if you could find a powerful vacuum cleaner that tackles carpet dirt without breaking the bank? This guide is here to help you navigate the world of affordable carpet vacuums. We’ll show you what to look for, what features really matter, and which budget-friendly options can actually get the job done. By the end of this post, you’ll feel confident in choosing a vacuum that makes your carpets look and feel fresh, all while keeping your wallet happy.
Our Top 5 Cheap Vacuum For Carpet Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Cheap Vacuum For Carpet Detailed Reviews
1. Bissell Featherweight Stick Lightweight Bagless Vacuum with Crevice Tool
Rating: 9.1/10
The Bissell Featherweight Stick Lightweight Bagless Vacuum with Crevice Tool, 2033M, Black is a real game-changer for keeping your home tidy. It’s super light and simple to use, making quick cleanups a breeze. This vacuum is designed for busy people who need powerful cleaning without the hassle.
What We Like:
- It’s incredibly lightweight, so carrying it up and down stairs is no problem.
- The powerful suction grabs dirt and debris effectively from both hard floors and carpets.
- It’s very versatile, easily transforming into a hand vacuum or stair vacuum.
- The included crevice tool is perfect for reaching tight spots and cleaning furniture.
- It’s easy to assemble and start using right away.
- The bagless design means no need to buy replacement bags, saving you money.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dirt cup capacity is a bit small, so you’ll need to empty it frequently for larger messes.
- While good for surface dirt, it might not be powerful enough for deep carpet cleaning.
- The cord length could be longer for easier access to distant areas.
Overall, the Bissell Featherweight is an excellent option for everyday messes and quick cleanups. It offers great convenience and versatility for its price point.
2. Bissell CleanView Compact Upright Vacuum
Rating: 9.5/10
Tired of lugging around a heavy vacuum? The Bissell CleanView Compact Upright Vacuum is here to help! This little powerhouse is designed for small spaces like dorm rooms and apartments. It’s super lightweight, weighing less than 8 pounds. This makes it a breeze to move from room to room. Don’t let its size fool you; it packs a punch with powerful suction. It cleans up messes quickly and efficiently.
What We Like:
- Saves Pets: Every purchase helps the BISSELL Pet Foundation save homeless pets. That’s a great feeling!
- Scatter-Free Technology: It cleans up messes on hard floors without spreading them everywhere.
- Powerful Suction: It offers strong cleaning power in a compact machine.
- Lightweight and Maneuverable: Weighing under 8 pounds, it’s incredibly easy to carry and use.
- Easy Empty Dirt Container: You can quickly get rid of dirt with just a push of a button.
- Removable Extension Wand: This wand helps you reach those tricky spots.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dirt container, while easy to empty, is on the smaller side, meaning more frequent emptying for larger messes.
- While powerful for its size, it might not be the best choice for very large homes or deep carpet cleaning.
This Bissell vacuum is a fantastic option for anyone needing a simple, effective, and portable cleaning solution. It makes keeping your small living space tidy an easy task.
3. Intercleaner Corded Vacuum Cleaner
Rating: 8.6/10
The Intercleaner Corded Vacuum Cleaner is a versatile cleaning tool that tackles dirt and dust with powerful suction. Its lightweight design and multiple attachments make it easy to clean every corner of your home, from floors to ceilings, and even your car.
What We Like:
- It’s a 12-in-1 vacuum, meaning it comes with 11 accessories to clean almost anything.
- The 15KPa suction power really picks up dirt and pet hair effectively.
- The 16.4ft cord is extra long, so you don’t have to switch outlets often.
- It only weighs 3lb, making it easy for anyone to carry and use.
- It can quickly change into a handheld vacuum for cleaning cars, furniture, and tight spaces.
- The 0.8L dust cup is large and easy to empty with just one button.
- The Pro-Max Filtration System with washable HEPA filters keeps the air clean and saves you money.
- It’s quiet, which is great for pets.
What Could Be Improved:
- As a corded vacuum, you are still tied to an outlet, which can limit reach in very large spaces.
- While lightweight, the cord still needs to be managed.
This Intercleaner vacuum is a handy and powerful solution for keeping your home spotless. It offers great flexibility and strong performance for everyday cleaning tasks.
4. Bissell Easy Sweep Compact Carpet & Floor Sweeper
Rating: 9.0/10
Tired of dragging out the vacuum for small messes? The Bissell Easy Sweep Compact Carpet & Floor Sweeper, 2484A, Teal is your new go-to tool for quick cleanups. This handy sweeper tackles everyday dirt, dust, and pet hair on a variety of surfaces, making it a convenient choice for busy households. Its teal color adds a pop of fun to your cleaning routine.
What We Like:
- It cleans carpets and hard floors really well. It picks up hair and other small bits of trash.
- You don’t need to plug it in or worry about batteries. It’s ready to go whenever you are.
- It’s super light and small. You can easily move it around and store it.
- It lays flat, so you can get under furniture. The handle has a loop for hanging it up.
- The dirt bins are easy to empty from the bottom. You can also take out the brush to clean it.
What Could Be Improved:
- It’s not meant for deep cleaning carpets. You’ll still need a vacuum for that.
- It might not pick up very large pieces of debris.
For quick cleanups between vacuuming sessions, this Bissell sweeper is a fantastic addition to your home. It makes tidying up simple and fast.
5. Eureka Lightweight Powerful Upright Vacuum Cleaner for Carpet and Hard Floor
Rating: 8.7/10
Say hello to the new Eureka PowerSpeed, a lightweight yet powerful upright vacuum cleaner designed to tackle messes on both carpets and hard floors. This updated model boasts a new cyclone system that grabs everything from big chunks of debris to tiny dust particles, making your cleaning routine a breeze.
What We Like:
- The upgraded cyclone system handles all sorts of dirt, from large pieces to microscopic dust.
- It powerfully picks up dirt and dust, even from deep within carpets.
- The vacuum is surprisingly lightweight, so it doesn’t feel like a chore to use.
- With 5 height settings, it works great on different floor types like carpets, shag rugs, and hardwood.
- It comes with helpful accessories like a crevice tool, dusting brush, and upholstery tool for cleaning tricky spots.
- These tools are conveniently stored right on the vacuum.
- It traps 99.9% of dust, dander, and allergens, which is great for a cleaner home.
- The wheels are designed to glide smoothly over hardwood floors without scratching.
What Could Be Improved:
- The floor brush might get clogged with hair and dirt.
- Regular cleaning of the roller brush and belt (every 2 weeks) is recommended to prevent issues.
The Eureka PowerSpeed is a fantastic tool for keeping your home clean. Its versatility and power make it a worthwhile addition to your cleaning arsenal.
Your Guide to Finding a Cheap Vacuum for Carpet
Finding a vacuum that cleans your carpets well without emptying your wallet can feel like a treasure hunt. But don’t worry! This guide will help you find a great option that won’t break the bank. We’ll look at what makes a vacuum good for carpets and what to watch out for.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a cheap carpet vacuum, keep these features in mind:
- Strong Suction Power: This is the most important thing for carpet. Good suction pulls dirt, dust, and pet hair deep out of carpet fibers. Look for vacuums that advertise “powerful suction” or have a high wattage.
- Brush Roll (Beater Bar): A spinning brush roll agitates carpet fibers. This loosens trapped dirt so the suction can grab it. Most upright vacuums have this.
- Adjustable Height Settings: Carpets come in different thicknesses. Being able to adjust the vacuum’s height helps it clean different carpet piles effectively. A vacuum that’s too low can be hard to push, and one too high won’t clean well.
- Filtration System: Even cheap vacuums can have decent filters. Look for vacuums with HEPA filters if you or someone in your home has allergies. These filters trap tiny particles like pollen and dust mites.
- Attachments: Many affordable vacuums come with useful attachments. A crevice tool is great for edges and tight spots. A dusting brush can clean furniture and other surfaces.
Important Materials
The materials used in a vacuum can affect how long it lasts and how well it works.
- Plastic: Most vacuums use plastic. Stronger, thicker plastic usually means a more durable vacuum. Cheaper plastics can crack or break easily.
- Motor: The motor is the heart of the vacuum. While you can’t always tell the quality of the motor from the outside, brands known for reliability often use better components.
- Brush Roll: A good brush roll often has sturdy bristles. Some can be removed for easy cleaning, which is a nice bonus.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a vacuum better, while others can make it less good.
- What Makes it Better:
- Good Reviews: See what other people say about the vacuum. Real user experiences are valuable.
- Brand Reputation: Some brands are known for making reliable vacuums, even at lower prices.
- Ease of Use: A vacuum that’s easy to push, maneuver, and empty makes cleaning less of a chore.
- What Can Reduce Quality:
- Flimsy Construction: If parts feel wobbly or cheap, the vacuum might not last long.
- Poor Filtration: If a vacuum doesn’t trap dirt well, it just blows it back into the air.
- Overheating: Some cheaper motors can overheat with prolonged use.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you’ll use the vacuum.
- For Small Apartments: A lightweight, compact vacuum might be perfect. You won’t need a huge machine.
- For Homes with Pets: Look for vacuums that specifically mention pet hair removal. Strong suction and a good brush roll are key here.
- For Occasional Cleaning: If you only need to vacuum once a week, a basic model will likely do the job.
- For Busy Households: If you vacuum often, you’ll want something durable and easy to use.
Buying a cheap vacuum for carpet doesn’t mean you have to settle for poor performance. By focusing on these key features and understanding what makes a vacuum good, you can find a cleaning companion that makes your carpets look great without hurting your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the most important feature for a carpet vacuum?
A: Strong suction power is the most important feature for a carpet vacuum. It helps pull out dirt and debris from deep within the carpet fibers.
Q: Do cheap vacuums really clean carpets well?
A: Yes, many cheap vacuums can clean carpets well. You need to look for specific features like strong suction and a good brush roll.
Q: What is a brush roll and why is it important for carpets?
A: A brush roll, also called a beater bar, is a spinning brush that agitates carpet fibers. This loosens dirt so the vacuum’s suction can pick it up more effectively.
Q: Should I worry about the materials used in a cheap vacuum?
A: You should look for strong, durable plastic. Flimsy plastic can break easily, reducing the vacuum’s lifespan.
Q: What is a HEPA filter and is it necessary for a cheap carpet vacuum?
A: A HEPA filter traps very small particles like dust and allergens. It’s not always necessary for every cheap vacuum, but it’s great if you have allergies.
Q: How do I know if a cheap vacuum is good quality?
A: Look at customer reviews and the brand’s reputation. Vacuums that are easy to use and feel sturdy are usually better quality.
Q: Are attachments important for a cheap carpet vacuum?
A: Attachments can be very useful. A crevice tool helps clean edges, and a dusting brush cleans other surfaces.
Q: What is a good use case for a very basic, cheap vacuum?
A: A basic, cheap vacuum is good for small spaces, light cleaning needs, or if you only need a vacuum for occasional use.
Q: Can a cheap vacuum handle pet hair?
A: Some cheap vacuums are designed to handle pet hair. Look for models that advertise strong suction and a good brush roll for pet owners.
Q: How can I make my cheap vacuum last longer?
A: Empty the dustbin regularly, clean the filters, and keep the brush roll free of tangled hair and debris. This helps the vacuum work better and last longer.
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!