Does your vacuum cleaner struggle to deep clean your plush carpets? You’re not alone! Thick, luxurious carpets feel amazing underfoot, but they can be a real challenge for many vacuum cleaners. They trap dirt, dust, and pet hair deep within their fibers, making them tough to get truly clean. This often means you’re spending more time vacuuming, pushing harder, and still not getting the results you want. It can be frustrating when your floors look less than sparkling, even after a good effort.
Choosing the right vacuum for these cozy carpets can feel like a daunting task. There are so many different types and features advertised, it’s hard to know where to start. You want a vacuum that’s powerful enough to tackle that deep-down grit without damaging your beautiful carpet. You need one that’s easy to maneuver and won’t clog up after just a few passes.
But don’t worry! By the end of this post, you’ll understand exactly what makes a vacuum great for thick carpets. We’ll break down the key features to look for, so you can finally say goodbye to frustrating vacuuming sessions and hello to cleaner, fresher floors. Let’s dive in and find the perfect partner for your plush paradise!
Our Top 5 Vacuum For Thick Carpet Recommendations at a Glance
Image | Product | Rating | Links |
---|---|---|---|
![]() |
Shark Upright Vacuum | 9.3/10 | Check Price |
![]() |
Bissell CleanView Swivel Vacuum with Triple Action Brush Roll | 8.5/10 | Check Price |
![]() |
Bissell CleanView Compact Upright Vacuum | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
![]() |
Bissell CleanView Compact Turbo Upright Vacuum with Quick Release Wand | 9.1/10 | Check Price |
![]() |
Oreck Commercial XL Vacuum Cleaner | 9.1/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Vacuum For Thick Carpet Detailed Reviews
1. Shark Upright Vacuum
Rating: 8.8/10
Tired of dust bunnies and pet hair taking over your home? The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe NV360 is here to help! This blue upright vacuum cleaner is designed to make cleaning easier and more effective, whether you have carpets or hard floors.
What We Like:
- It has powerful suction that cleans carpets and bare floors really well.
- The Lift-Away feature lets you detach a part of the vacuum to clean under furniture or even on your couch and stairs.
- It comes with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology and a HEPA filter. This means it traps dust and allergens inside, so they don’t get back into the air you breathe.
- This vacuum is great for pet owners! It comes with special tools that pick up pet hair easily.
- Swivel steering makes it easy to move the vacuum around furniture and into corners.
- You can turn the brushroll off. This is helpful for switching from deep carpet cleaning to gently cleaning bare floors.
- The dust cup is large, holding 0.9 quarts. This means you can clean for longer without stopping to empty it. It’s also easy to empty in seconds.
- It includes an upholstery tool and a crevice tool.
What Could Be Improved:
- The filters need to be rinsed and air-dried for 24 hours. This means you can’t vacuum if the filters are dirty and need cleaning.
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe NV360 is a versatile and powerful vacuum that tackles dirt and allergens. It’s a solid choice for keeping your home clean.
2. Bissell CleanView Swivel Vacuum with Triple Action Brush Roll
Rating: 8.9/10
Meet the new 2024 Bissell CleanView Swivel Vacuum, designed to make cleaning easier, especially for pet owners. This vacuum is packed with features to tackle dirt and pet hair effectively. Plus, every purchase helps save pets through the Bissell Pet Foundation.
What We Like:
- The Active Extension Wand makes cleaning hard-to-reach spots a breeze.
- Swivel Steering lets you easily move around furniture and into corners.
- The Triple Action Brush Roll is great for lifting stubborn dirt and pet hair from carpets and floors.
- Scatter-Free Technology keeps messes contained on hard floors.
- Purchasing this vacuum supports the Bissell Pet Foundation and its mission to help save homeless pets.
- The Multi-Cyclonic Suction System provides strong, consistent cleaning power.
- The Easy-Empty Dirt Tank makes cleanup quick and simple.
What Could Be Improved:
- The cord length could be longer for larger rooms.
- While good for pet hair, a specialized pet tool for upholstery would be a nice addition.
This Bissell CleanView Swivel vacuum is a solid choice for keeping your home clean and supporting a great cause. It offers effective cleaning power and smart maneuverability for everyday messes.
3. Bissell CleanView Compact Upright Vacuum
Rating: 9.4/10
Tired of lugging around a heavy vacuum or struggling with tiny messes in your small space? The Bissell CleanView Compact Upright Vacuum, model 3508, is here to save the day! This little powerhouse is designed for dorm rooms and apartments, offering serious cleaning without the bulk. Its lightweight design makes it a breeze to move from room to room, and the powerful suction tackles dirt and debris with ease.
What We Like:
- Saves Pets: Every purchase helps the BISSELL Pet Foundation save homeless pets. That’s a big win!
- Scatter-Free Technology: It cleans hard floors without kicking up a mess. Your floors stay cleaner.
- Powerful Suction: Don’t let its size fool you. This vacuum packs a punch with strong suction.
- Lightweight and Maneuverable: Weighing under 8 pounds, it’s super easy to carry and steer.
- Easy Empty Dirt Container: Getting rid of the dirt is simple. Just push a button!
- Removable Extension Wand: This wand helps you reach tricky spots like ceilings or under furniture.
What Could Be Improved:
- Corded Design: While powerful, it does require a power outlet and you have to manage the cord.
- Bagless Capacity: For larger homes or very dirty areas, you might need to empty the dirt container more often.
Overall, the Bissell CleanView Compact is a fantastic option for anyone needing a convenient and effective vacuum for smaller living spaces. It delivers on its promise of powerful cleaning in a compact package.
4. Bissell CleanView Compact Turbo Upright Vacuum with Quick Release Wand
Rating: 8.6/10
Tired of lugging around a heavy vacuum? The Bissell CleanView Compact Turbo Upright Vacuum, model 3437F, is here to make your cleaning life easier! This vacuum packs a punch with full-size power but fits into a compact design, making it ideal for smaller living spaces like apartments and dorm rooms.
What We Like:
- It’s super lightweight at only 10 pounds, so you can easily move it around.
- You get strong suction power for effective cleaning.
- The scatter-free technology keeps messes contained on hard floors.
- The quick-release extension wand lets you clean everywhere, from floors to high spots.
- Every purchase helps save pets through the BISSELL Pet Foundation.
What Could Be Improved:
- While powerful, the compact size might mean a smaller dustbin capacity.
- For very large homes, you might need to empty it more frequently.
This Bissell vacuum is a fantastic option for anyone needing powerful cleaning without the bulk. It’s a smart choice for keeping your home tidy.
5. Oreck Commercial XL Vacuum Cleaner
Rating: 8.5/10
Meet the Oreck Commercial XL Vacuum Cleaner, a powerhouse designed for serious cleaning. This bagged upright vac tackles both carpets and hard floors with ease, making it a versatile choice for any space. Its lightweight design and automatic height adjustment simplify your cleaning routine.
What We Like:
- COMMERCIAL CLEANING POWER: This vacuum boasts strong suction that pulls out dirt you can’t even see, making tough messes disappear.
- LIGHTWEIGHT EFFICIENCY: Weighing only 9 pounds, it’s a breeze to carry around your home or up the stairs.
- POWERFUL AGITATION: The high-speed brush roll and side edge brushes dig deep into carpets to lift stubborn debris.
- EFFICIENT MAINTENANCE: Features like automatic height adjustment, a cord guard, and wall bumpers make cleaning smooth and protect your belongings.
- CLEAN MADE EASY: Oreck’s legacy, starting in hotels, means they know how to make cleaning simpler and more effective.
What Could Be Improved:
- Bagged design requires regular replacement, adding an ongoing cost.
- While powerful, some users might prefer a wider cleaning path for larger areas.
For a reliable and powerful cleaning experience, the Oreck Commercial XL Vacuum Cleaner is a solid pick. It brings commercial-grade performance to your home, simplifying the task of keeping your floors spotless.
Your Ultimate Guide to Picking the Best Vacuum for Thick Carpet
Thick carpets can look plush and inviting, but they can also be a nightmare to clean. Regular vacuums often struggle to dig deep into the pile, leaving dirt and debris behind. That’s where a specialized vacuum for thick carpet comes in. This guide will help you find the perfect machine to keep your cozy carpets looking their best.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a vacuum for thick carpet, keep these important features in mind:
- Strong Suction Power: This is the most crucial feature. You need a vacuum with powerful suction to pull dirt from deep within the carpet fibers. Look for vacuums with high wattage or a good number of Air Watts (AW) for strong performance.
- Adjustable Height Settings: Thick carpets come in different pile heights. A vacuum with multiple height adjustments allows you to customize the brush roll height. This ensures the brush roll is at the right level to agitate the carpet fibers without being too low and getting stuck.
- Effective Brush Roll: A good brush roll has stiff bristles that can agitate the carpet and loosen embedded dirt. Some vacuums have brush rolls specifically designed for deep cleaning, often with a combination of bristle types.
- Bagged vs. Bagless: Bagged vacuums trap allergens and fine dust in a disposable bag, which can be good for allergy sufferers. Bagless vacuums use a canister that you empty, which is more convenient and cost-effective over time.
- Filtration System: A good HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter is essential. It traps tiny particles like dust mites, pollen, and pet dander, improving your home’s air quality.
- Maneuverability: Thick carpets can make vacuums heavy and hard to push. Look for vacuums with swivel steering or a lightweight design to make cleaning easier.
- Attachments: Crevice tools, upholstery brushes, and dusting brushes are handy for cleaning stairs, furniture, and tight spaces.
Important Materials
The materials used in a vacuum can affect its durability and performance:
- Brush Roll Materials: Look for brush rolls made with durable nylon or mixed-bristle materials. These are effective at agitating carpet fibers.
- Hose and Wand Materials: Sturdy plastic or metal hoses and wands resist kinks and cracks, ensuring consistent airflow.
- Filter Materials: HEPA filters are typically made of a fine mesh that captures microscopic particles.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several factors can impact a vacuum’s quality for thick carpets:
- Suction Control: The ability to adjust suction can be a lifesaver. Lowering suction can prevent the vacuum from sticking too much to very plush carpets, making it easier to push.
- Motor Durability: A powerful and well-built motor will last longer and maintain its suction power over time.
- Build Quality: Vacuums made with robust plastics and well-assembled parts tend to be more durable and perform better. Cheaply made vacuums can break easily.
- Weight: A heavier vacuum might have more power, but it can be difficult to maneuver on thick carpets. Finding a balance is key.
- Cord Length: A longer power cord means you can clean larger areas without constantly unplugging and replugging.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using the right vacuum for thick carpet makes a big difference in how you clean:
- Ease of Use: A vacuum that’s easy to push and steer will make your cleaning sessions less of a chore. Swivel steering is a game-changer for navigating around furniture.
- Cleaning Effectiveness: The primary goal is a cleaner carpet. A good vacuum will remove visible dirt and dust you didn’t even know was there.
- Pet Owners: If you have pets, look for vacuums with strong suction and specialized pet hair attachments. These can tackle stubborn pet hair embedded in thick carpets.
- Allergy Sufferers: Vacuums with excellent filtration systems, especially HEPA filters, will significantly improve indoor air quality by trapping allergens.
- Large Homes: For larger homes with extensive thick carpeting, consider upright vacuums or powerful canister vacuums with good reach and capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Vacuuming Thick Carpet
Q: What makes a vacuum good for thick carpet?
A: A vacuum that is good for thick carpet has strong suction power, adjustable height settings, and an effective brush roll. These features help it dig deep into the carpet fibers to remove dirt.
Q: Do I need a special vacuum for plush carpets?
A: Yes, a vacuum designed for thick or plush carpets is highly recommended. Regular vacuums may not have the power or the right brush action to clean them effectively.
Q: What is the most important feature for cleaning thick carpets?
A: The most important feature is strong suction power. This allows the vacuum to pull dirt and debris from deep within the carpet pile.
Q: How do adjustable height settings help?
A: Adjustable height settings let you raise or lower the vacuum’s brush roll. This ensures the brush roll is at the perfect height to agitate the carpet without getting stuck.
Q: Is a HEPA filter important for thick carpets?
A: Yes, a HEPA filter is important. It traps fine particles like dust and allergens, which can get kicked up from thick carpets during vacuuming, improving air quality.
Q: Bagged or bagless vacuum for thick carpet?
A: Both can work. Bagged vacuums trap allergens well. Bagless vacuums are convenient as you don’t need to buy bags. Choose what suits your needs best.
Q: How can I make vacuuming thick carpet easier?
A: Look for vacuums with swivel steering and a lighter weight. These features make the vacuum easier to push and maneuver around furniture.
Q: Will a vacuum with a beater bar work on thick carpet?
A: Yes, a beater bar, also known as a brush roll, is essential. It agitates the carpet fibers to loosen dirt, but it needs to be paired with strong suction.
Q: Can I use a handheld vacuum for thick carpet?
A: Handheld vacuums are usually not powerful enough for deep cleaning thick carpets. They are better for spot cleaning or small areas.
Q: How often should I vacuum my thick carpet?
A: For thick carpets, it’s best to vacuum at least once or twice a week. This helps prevent dirt from becoming deeply embedded and makes cleaning easier.
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!