Choosing a vacuum cleaner for an apartment isn't always easy. Aside from the normal considerations, such as suction power and included attachments, you also need to find a vacuum that's suitable for smaller spaces.

In this article, we'll discuss how to choose a vacuum cleaner for an apartment, including the top factors to consider. We'll also talk about how to get the most for your money.

 

 

Size of the Vacuum

The size of a vacuum cleaner is a vital consideration when buying for an apartment.

Bigger vacuums require more storage space, so make sure you measure the height and width of the cupboard you're going to store it. If you're tight on space, you could look for a vacuum with a folding wand (such as the Shark Flexology range.)

It's also worth considering the size of the floorhead. If your apartment has small rooms, then a wide floorhead will be difficult to steer around furniture and tight spaces.

 

Flooring Type

What type of flooring do you have in your apartment? While many vacuum cleaners are advertised as being suitable for all surfaces, some are more effective on carpets or hard floors.

If you have mainly hard floors, then look for a model with a hard floor attachment and plenty of suction power. You should also look for a model without a brush bar - or a bar that can be switched off - if you have delicate hardwood floors.

On the other hand, carpets require a brush bar to agitate carpet fibres and remove more dirt.

 

Noise Output

For those living in apartments, noise is always a factor. Most vacuums have a noise output of approximately 80 decibels on their main suction setting, although this may increase when in “Maximum” power mode.

If you plan on vacuuming in the evening or early morning, then it might be worth looking for a model with a quiet mode, such as the Miele C3.

 

Cleaning Radius and Cord Length

For large homes, a long cord and wide cleaning radius is beneficial. This isn't such an important consideration in an apartment, but it's still something to consider.

The wider the cleaning radius, the less often you'll need to change plug sockets during a cleaning session. This makes cleaning much more efficient and less frustrating.

 

Bagged or Bagless

According to Spotless Vacuum, while bagless vacuums save money on new bags, they allow dust and other allergens to escape into the air when you empty them. It's important to empty a bagless vacuum into an outdoor bin to prevent this.

However, this might not be convenient in an apartment — especially if you don't have a balcony and live on a high floor. For this reason, it's often best to buy a bagged vacuum for an apartment. These keep dust and dirt contained even when being emptied.

Unfortunately, if you want a cordless vacuum then you'll probably need to buy a bagless vacuum. There are a few bagged cordless vacuums on the market, like the Halo Capsule, but most have a bagless design. If you want a bagged model, it's probably best to get an upright or canister vacuum cleaner.

Similarly, look for a model with a large dust capacity. The bigger the dirt container or bag, the less frequently you'll need to empty the machine. Bagged vacuums often have bigger capacities than their bagless counterparts.

 

Filtration System

Anyone buying a new vacuum cleaner needs to consider the filtration system, regardless of the type of home you live in. Without a good filter, fine dust and other particles can escape into the air and lower your apartments air quality.

This is especially important if you have an allergy. If you've ever noticed that your allergies get worse after vacuuming, then poor filtration is probably to blame.

The best option is to buy a vacuum with a HEPA filter. These are much more effective at filtering out fine dust, so that they don't end up pumped back into the air. Also look for a model with an allergy seal — particularly when buying a bagless vacuum cleaner.