Living in a small apartment poses some unique challenges when it comes to keeping your home clean. With limited space, you need a vacuum that is compact and maneuverable, yet still powerful enough to thoroughly clean carpets, bare floors, and small spaces. When choosing the best vacuum cleaner for a small apartment, there are a few key factors to consider:
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Size and Dimensions
One of the most important features of a good small apartment vacuum is a small, compact size. Look for handheld or stick vacuums that are easy to store in a closet or small space when not in use. Canister vacuums are also a good choice as they have a smaller overall footprint than upright vacuums.
Consider the dimensions – a vacuum that is shorter than about 45 inches high will fit under more furniture and be easier to carry and store. Look for vacuums with a wand and attachments that allow you to reach corners, ceilings, upholstery and stairs. Models with collapsible handles are great for tight storage spaces.
Weight
Handheld and stick vacuums typically weigh less than 5 pounds, while full-sized uprights and canisters are usually over 15 pounds. A lighter vacuum will be much easier to carry up and down stairs and move from room to room. This makes a big difference when storage space means the vacuum needs to be moved frequently.
Suction Power
Don’t assume that a smaller vacuum means less suction power. Handheld and stick vacuums can provide just as much (if not more) suction power per square inch as a full-sized model. Look for a vacuum with at least 10 Amps of power for deep cleaning ability. Cyclonic technology and powerful brushrolls also improve suction.
Cord Length
A longer cord gives you a wider cleaning radius without having to change outlets frequently. Look for a cord of at least 20 feet so you can access all areas of each room. A retractable cord is also convenient for quick and easy storage.
Filtration
Good filtration is important for capturing dust and allergens. Look for vacuums with HEPA filtration to trap 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns, great for allergy sufferers. Washable filters will also save you money on replacement filters.
Noise Level
Small living spaces amplify noise, so look for quieter vacuums if sound is an issue. Canister vacuums and those with noise reduction technology create less noise while operating. Stick vacuums are also quieter overall than full-sized upright vacuums.
Attachments
To reach every nook and cranny in a small home, look for a vacuum with a variety of attachments. A crevice tool, dusting brush, upholstery nozzle and extension wand are useful for cleaning corners, furniture, curtains and more.
Top Small Apartment Vacuum Recommendations
Based on the criteria listed above, here are my top vacuum cleaner recommendations for small apartments:
1. Dyson V8 Absolute Cordless Stick Vacuum
The Dyson V8 Absolute is a lightweight, versatile cordless stick vacuum. Weighing just 5.75 pounds, it’s easy to carry up and down stairs and store in small closets. Despite its small size, it delivers up to 115AW of suction power for deep cleaning.
With a 40 minute run time per charge, quick charging, and the ability to convert to a handheld, the V8 Absolute is ideal for quick cleanups in tight spaces. It comes with a soft roller cleaner head for hard floors and a motorized cleaner head for carpets. The HEPA filtration captures allergens small as 0.3 microns.
Key Features:
– Cordless – up to 40 mins runtime
– Weighs only 5.75 lbs
– 115AW max suction power
– HEPA filtration
– Soft roller and motorized heads
– Converts to handheld
– Up to 40 mins runtime
– Includes crevice tool, mini motorized tool, docking station
2. Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Corded Stick Vacuum
This ultra-light stick vacuum from Shark weighs under 8 pounds, making it one of the lightest corded stick vacuums you can buy. The slim profile allows you to clean under furniture easily.
Despite its small size, it delivers powerful suction for deep cleaning thanks to the DuoClean Technology brushes. It has LED headlights to see dirt and pet hair under furniture. The long 30 foot power cord allows you to clean multiple rooms without unplugging.
Attachments include a crevice tool, dusting brush and upholstery tool. There is also onboard tool storage for convenience.
Key Features:
– Under 8 pounds
– DuoClean Technology brushes
– Powerful LED headlights
– 30 foot power cord
– Crevice tool, dusting brush, upholstery tool
– Onboard tool storage
3. Miele Compact C1 Pure Suction Canister Vacuum
This Miele canister vacuum is perfect for small homes. Weighing just 12.5 pounds, it’s lightweight while still packing a punch with 1200-watt Vortex Motor for excellent cleaning performance.
It has a six-stage variable speed motor and suction control to customize power levels. The HEPA filters provide excellent filtration for cleaner indoor air.
A 21-foot cleaning radius means less time unplugging and re-plugging as you move through your apartment. The telescopic wand extends your reach to clean curtains and ceilings. This Miele vacuum comes with a dusting brush, crevice nozzle and upholstery tool.
Key Features:
– 1200 watt Vortex Motor
– Only 12.5 lbs
– Telescopic wand
– 21 foot cleaning radius
– 6 stage variable speed motor
– HEPA filters
– Dusting brush, crevice tool, upholstery tool
4. Shark ION Robot® Vacuum RV720
Let a robot vacuum simplify small space cleaning! This WiFi-connected Shark ION can be controlled via app or voice control to schedule and customize cleanings from anywhere.
It has a bagless self-emptying base that holds up to 30 days of dirt and debris, avoiding the need to constantly empty the robot. It has powerful suction and side brushes to deep clean carpets and hard floors.
Smart sensor navigation maps your home to efficiently clean in neat rows. The ultra-thin design fits under sofas and beds easily. It runs up to 120 minutes per charge.
Key Features:
– Self-emptying base
– WiFi connected and app/voice control
– 120 minute runtime
– Smart sensor navigation
– Ultra-thin design
– Powerful suction
5. BISSELL AeroSlim Lithium Ion Cordless Vacuum
This BISSELL cordless vacuum is super lightweight at just 4 pounds! It’s designed with a low profile to fit under furniture and navigate tight spaces.
It has powerful suction for quick cleanups thanks to the lithium-ion battery. The dirt tank empties from the bottom with the touch of a button for mess-free emptying.
There are two power modes including a max suction mode for deeper cleaning. The washable filter helps maintain suction power. It comes with a crevice tool and dusting brush.
Key Features:
– 4 lbs lightweight design
– Low profile access
– Lithium-ion battery
– Easy empty dirt tank
– Washable filter
– Two suction modes
Key Considerations When Comparing Vacuums
When you start comparing vacuum models, keep the following factors in mind:
Cordless vs. Corded
Cordless vacuums provide greater freedom and maneuverability for cleaning in tight spaces and stairs. Corded models have unlimited runtime and don’t require charging.
Bagged vs. Bagless
Bagless vacuums allow you to see dirt fill up and empty messes with the touch of a button. Bagged models keep dust contained, minimizing exposure to allergens when changing bags.
Suction Power
Look for higher amps, watts, airflow and sealed suction for optimal cleaning performance on carpets and floors. Canister vacuums tend to have stronger suction than stick vacs.
Filtration System
HEPA level filtration prevents dust and allergens escaping back into the air. Look for complete sealed systems.
Attachments & Accessories
Look for brushes, crevice tools, upholstery nozzles and extension wands to make cleaning furniture, curtains, ceilings and tight spaces easier.
Weight and Maneuverability
Lightweight stick vacs and hand vacs are ideal for using on stairs, under furniture and carrying room to room. Handle comfort matters too.
Noise Levels
Look for vacuums with noise-reduction technology and quiet brushrolls if noise is an issue for small space cleaning.
Runtime
Cordless vacuums typically offer 15-60 minutes per charge. Robotic vacuums can clean for 60-90+ minutes before auto-recharging.
Warranty
Look for at least a 1-year limited warranty. Higher priced vacuums often come with 5-10 year coverage.
Top Features to Look For
Here are some useful features to look for when shopping for a small apartment vacuum:
Lightweight Design
Stick vacuums, handhelds and slim canister vacuums range from 5-15 pounds for easy carrying and storage.
Removable/Washable Filters
Washable filters help maintain strong suction and reduce replacement filter costs.
Brushroll On/Off Switch
Lets you easily switch off the brushroll for safe cleaning of hard floors.
Swivel Steering
Allows you to maneuver around furniture tightly for easier cleaning.
Headlights
LED headlights help see dirt and debris under furniture or in dark corners.
Multi-Surface Brushes
Look for brushes optimized for both carpet and bare floor cleaning.
Above Floor Cleaning Tools
A telescopic wand, dusting brush and upholstery tool make cleaning ceilings, fans and furniture easier.
Automatic Cord Rewind
Retractable cords quick and easy storage – no wrestling cords.
Bagless Design
Makes monitoring dirt fill levels and emptying waste simple and mess-free.
Conclusion
There are many excellent vacuum options available that are well-suited for small apartment living. Focus on key factors like a space-saving design, powerful suction and advanced features that make cleaning in tight spaces effortless.
Stick vacuums provide outstanding versatility and mobility for apartment cleaning. Handhelds are great for quick cleanups in super tight spaces. For a hands-free experience, robot vacuums are ideal. With so many innovative products on the market, you can find your perfect small apartment vacuum match!