Living in an apartment means you’re probably dealing with limited space. But that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice a clean home! Finding the perfect vacuum for your apartment can feel like a treasure hunt, with so many choices out there. You want something that works well on different floors, is easy to store, and doesn’t break the bank.
The struggle is real when you’re trying to figure out which vacuum will tackle dust bunnies and pet hair without taking up your entire closet. You might be wondering if you need a stick vacuum, a robot vacuum, or something else entirely. It’s tough to know what will fit your lifestyle and your living space best.
But don’t worry! This post is here to help you cut through the confusion. We’ll explore the best vacuums designed specifically for apartment living. You’ll learn what features to look for, discover top-rated models, and get tips on how to choose the one that makes cleaning your cozy space a breeze. Get ready to say goodbye to dirt and hello to a spotless apartment!
Our Top 5 Vacuums For Apartments Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Vacuums For Apartments Detailed Reviews
1. Bissell CleanView Compact Upright Vacuum
Rating: 9.4/10
Tired of bulky vacuums taking up precious space in your small home? The Bissell CleanView Compact Upright Vacuum, model 3508, is here to help! This little powerhouse is designed for tight living spaces like dorm rooms and apartments. It’s super light, weighing less than 8 pounds, so carrying it up and down stairs or from room to room is a breeze. Plus, it packs a serious punch with its strong suction, making quick work of everyday messes.
What We Like:
- Saves Pets: Every purchase helps the BISSELL Pet Foundation save homeless pets.
- Scatter-Free Cleaning: Its scatter-free technology keeps your hard floors cleaner with less mess flying around.
- Powerful Suction: You get strong cleaning power in a compact machine.
- Lightweight Design: Weighing under 8 pounds, it’s super easy to move and maneuver.
- Easy Emptying: The dirt container empties with just the push of a button.
- Removable Extension Wand: This wand helps you reach tricky spots, like cobwebs or under furniture.
What Could Be Improved:
- Corded Operation: It’s corded, so you need to stay close to an outlet.
- Bagless Capacity: The dirt container might need frequent emptying in larger homes or with heavy messes.
If you need a simple, effective vacuum for your small space, this Bissell vacuum is a fantastic option. It makes cleaning easier and helps a good cause too!
2. Bissell Featherweight Stick Lightweight Bagless Vacuum with Crevice Tool
Rating: 8.8/10
Meet the Bissell Featherweight Stick Lightweight Bagless Vacuum with Crevice Tool, 2033, One Size Fits All, Blue. This vacuum makes cleaning quick and easy. It’s a great tool for keeping your home tidy.
What We Like:
- It’s super lightweight and easy to carry around.
- You can use it on hard floors and even low-pile carpets.
- It’s really versatile, working as a stick vacuum, a hand vacuum, and even a stair vacuum.
- The powerful suction picks up dirt and messes fast.
- It comes with a crevice tool to get into tight spots and a floor nozzle for stairs.
- It’s very convenient for everyday cleanups.
What Could Be Improved:
- The power cord is only 15 feet long, which might not reach every corner of a large room.
- The dirt cup is small (0.67 liter), so you might need to empty it often for bigger messes.
- While it works on low-pile carpets, it might not be the best for deep cleaning thicker carpets.
For quick cleanups and easy maneuvering, this Bissell vacuum is a solid choice. It’s a handy helper for everyday messes.
3. Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Lightweight Compact Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner
Rating: 9.4/10
Meet the Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Lightweight Compact Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner, NEU10AE4, in a cheerful green. This vacuum makes cleaning your home a breeze!
What We Like:
- It’s super light, weighing only 7.7 pounds. This makes it easy to carry around your house.
- The quick-release handle lets you clean more than just floors. You can attach the crevice tool or dusting brush to reach upholstery, windows, and other tricky spots.
- It works great on both hard floors and carpets. The powerful suction picks up dirt and hair with ease.
- Its 10.5-inch cleaning path helps you clean large areas quickly.
- This vacuum is compact, so you can store it almost anywhere.
- It comes with one washable filter. Just rinse it and let it dry; no need to buy new filters!
- The included crevice tool and dusting brush snap right onto the vacuum, so they are always ready when you need them.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 700.0 watt motor might not be as powerful as some larger, heavier vacuums for very deep carpet cleaning.
- While it’s great for general cleaning, it may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive models.
This Eureka vacuum is a fantastic choice for quick cleanups and keeping your home tidy. It’s a practical and affordable tool for everyday cleaning tasks.
4. Bissell CleanView Compact Turbo Upright Vacuum with Quick Release Wand
Rating: 8.9/10
The Bissell CleanView Compact Turbo Upright Vacuum (model 3437F) is a fantastic cleaning tool for smaller living spaces like apartments and dorm rooms. It packs a lot of cleaning power into a small package, making it easy to tackle everyday messes without feeling like you’re wrestling a giant machine. Plus, every purchase helps save pets through the BISSELL Pet Foundation!
What We Like:
- It’s super lightweight, weighing only 10 lbs, which makes it a breeze to carry around and maneuver.
- You get full-size vacuum power in a compact design, so it really gets the job done.
- The scatter-free technology is a lifesaver for hard floors, keeping dirt and debris from flying everywhere.
- The quick-release extension wand is a handy feature that lets you clean hard-to-reach spots and even above the floor easily.
- Knowing that your purchase helps homeless pets is a wonderful bonus.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has full-size power, it might not be the best choice for very large homes or deep carpet cleaning.
- The dustbin capacity is likely smaller than larger vacuums, so you might need to empty it more often in bigger cleaning jobs.
This Bissell vacuum is a smart and effective choice for anyone needing a powerful yet compact cleaning solution. It makes keeping your space tidy much simpler.
5. Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Corded Bagless Vacuum for Carpet and Hard Floor Cleaning with Swivel Steering (HV301)
Rating: 9.4/10
Tired of wrestling with heavy vacuums? The Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Corded Bagless Vacuum (HV301) is here to make your cleaning life easier. This gray and orange stick vacuum is super light, weighing less than 9 pounds. It’s great for cleaning carpets and hard floors. You can even turn it into a handheld vacuum for cleaning stairs, furniture, and ceilings. It’s designed for easy use and powerful cleaning.
What We Like:
- It’s ultra-lightweight, making it easy to carry and use.
- It cleans both carpets and hard floors really well.
- The swivel steering lets you move around furniture easily.
- You can switch between cleaning surfaces with simple fingertip controls.
- It converts to a handheld vacuum for cleaning from floor to ceiling.
- Storage is easy with a hook on the wand to hang the hand vacuum.
- The dust cup is simple to empty, so you can get back to cleaning quickly.
- It comes with useful tools like an upholstery tool, an anti-allergen dust brush, and a crevice tool.
- It comes with a 5-year limited warranty for peace of mind.
- It never loses suction or power.
What Could Be Improved:
- Being corded means you are limited by the length of the cord.
- While lightweight, some users might prefer a cordless option for ultimate freedom.
This Shark Rocket vacuum is a fantastic option for anyone wanting a powerful yet easy-to-handle cleaning tool. It tackles dirt on all your floors and makes cleaning less of a chore.
Your Apartment Vacuum: A Smart Shopper’s Guide
Living in an apartment means you need a vacuum that’s tough on dirt but gentle on space. Finding the right one can make cleaning feel less like a chore and more like a breeze. This guide will help you pick a vacuum that fits your apartment life perfectly.
1. Key Features to Look For
Compact and Lightweight Design
Apartments often have tight corners and limited storage. A vacuum that’s easy to carry and maneuver is a big plus. Look for models that weigh under 10 pounds. Many vacuums designed for apartments are stick vacuums or compact canister vacuums. These are simple to store in a closet or even behind a door.
Strong Suction Power
Don’t let the small size fool you. Even compact vacuums need good suction to pick up dust, pet hair, and crumbs. Check reviews that talk about how well the vacuum handles different floor types, like hardwood and carpets.
Versatility and Attachments
You might have different cleaning needs. Some vacuums come with attachments for cleaning furniture, stairs, or even your car. A crevice tool is great for tight spots. A brush roll can help lift dirt from carpets. A good vacuum can switch between floor types easily.
Bagged vs. Bagless
Bagged vacuums trap dust in a bag, which you throw away. This can be good for people with allergies. Bagless vacuums use a bin that you empty. They are often more convenient and cost-effective because you don’t need to buy bags. Just make sure the bin is easy to empty and clean.
Corded vs. Cordless
Cordless vacuums offer freedom of movement. You can clean anywhere without worrying about finding an outlet. However, their battery life is a key factor. Corded vacuums usually offer consistent power, but you are limited by the cord length and need to switch outlets.
2. Important Materials
The materials used in a vacuum can affect its durability and performance. Look for vacuums with sturdy plastic bodies that can withstand bumps. Metal parts in the wand or brush head can add strength. High-quality filters, like HEPA filters, are important for trapping allergens and improving air quality.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Vacuum Better:
- Strong motor: A powerful motor means better suction.
- Good filtration system: This captures fine dust and allergens.
- Durable construction: Well-made parts last longer.
- Easy maintenance: Simple to empty bins and clean filters.
What Can Make a Vacuum Less Ideal:
- Weak suction: This leads to missed dirt.
- Poorly made attachments: They might break easily.
- Heavy weight: Makes it hard to move around.
- Short battery life (for cordless): Limits cleaning time.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Everyday Cleaning
For quick cleanups of spills and pet hair, a lightweight stick vacuum is perfect. You can grab it easily and tackle messes without a lot of fuss. These are great for daily touch-ups.
Deep Cleaning
When you need to really clean your carpets or get into corners, a vacuum with strong suction and the right attachments will be your best friend. Canister vacuums often offer more power and flexibility for deeper cleaning tasks.
Pet Owners
If you have pets, look for vacuums with special features for pet hair. These often include tangle-free brush rolls and strong suction to pick up fur from carpets and upholstery.
Allergy Sufferers
For those with allergies or asthma, a vacuum with a sealed system and a HEPA filter is crucial. These vacuums trap tiny particles, preventing them from being released back into the air.
Apartment Vacuum FAQs
Q: What is the best type of vacuum for a small apartment?
A: For most small apartments, a lightweight stick vacuum or a compact canister vacuum is ideal. They are easy to store and maneuver.
Q: Do I need a vacuum with a HEPA filter for my apartment?
A: It’s highly recommended if you have allergies, asthma, or pets, or if you just want cleaner air. HEPA filters capture very small particles like dust mites and pollen.
Q: How important is suction power for an apartment vacuum?
A: Suction power is very important. It ensures the vacuum effectively picks up dirt, dust, and debris from all floor types common in apartments.
Q: What’s the difference between bagged and bagless vacuums for apartment use?
A: Bagged vacuums use disposable bags that trap dirt, which can be better for allergies. Bagless vacuums have a reusable bin that you empty, offering convenience and cost savings.
Q: Should I choose a corded or cordless vacuum for my apartment?
A: Cordless vacuums offer more freedom and are great for quick cleanups. Corded vacuums provide consistent power but can be limited by cord length. Consider your cleaning habits and apartment layout.
Q: How much storage space do apartment vacuums typically need?
A: Most apartment vacuums are designed to be space-saving. Stick vacuums can often stand in a corner or be mounted on a wall, while canister vacuums are usually compact enough to fit in a closet.
Q: Are vacuums with rotating brush rolls better for apartment carpets?
A: Yes, rotating brush rolls, often called brush bars, are excellent for agitating carpet fibers to loosen and lift dirt and pet hair.
Q: Can I use an apartment vacuum on both hardwood floors and carpets?
A: Many apartment vacuums are designed for versatility. Look for models that have adjustable height settings or a way to turn the brush roll on or off to protect your hardwood floors.
Q: What are common attachments I should look for?
A: Essential attachments include a crevice tool for tight spaces, an upholstery tool for furniture, and a dusting brush for surfaces.
Q: How do I maintain my apartment vacuum to ensure it lasts?
A: Regularly empty the dustbin or replace the bag. Clean or replace filters as recommended by the manufacturer. Remove any tangled hair from the brush roll.
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!