Many vacuum cleaner options in the market, how can one determine the best choice for area rugs, but and why vacuum your rugs ?
Top Picks For Best Vacuume Cleaner for Area Rugs in 2024
If you’re after the best vacuume cleaner for rugs that strikes the perfect harmony between effective dirt removal and fabric care, then our guide is your go-to resource. We bring you straight to the point with top choices for 2024 that will keep your rugs in pristine condition. Expect insightful breakdowns, not sales pitches, on what makes these vacuums the best for your home.
The Benefits Of Vacuuming Area Rugs
By the nature of their materials and structure, area rugs, such as oriental rugs, can hold several times their weight in dry soil. Timely and routine vacuuming is essential to maintain the beauty and durability of your floor coverings. Vacuuming removes soils before they have a chance to work their way to the base of your rugs and carpets beyond the reach of your vacuum.
Here’s a quick snapshot of the best rug vacuums we’ll be diving into:
Best Overall: Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra
Best Value: Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum
Best for Quick Cleanups: Black+Decker Handheld Vacuum
Best Robot Vacuum: iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum
Best for Large Areas: Bissell Cleanview Rewind Upright Vacuum (2256 model)
We’ll now delve into the specifics of each vacuum and highlight their unique features one important point one size does not fit all.
Best Overall - Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra
Price: $500
Specifications:
Suction Power: 290 air watts
Dust Canister Capacity: 1.7 liters
Weight: 17 pounds
Pros:
High capacity and high suction
Exceptional maneuverability
Comes with useful attachments
Works great on all floor surfaces
Cons:
Pricey
A little heavy
Loud
When it comes to rug cleaning, the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra excels. This upright vacuum offers:
Amazing performance on rugs
Effortless maneuverability with its ball technology
Deep rug cleaning with specialized nylon bristles
Versatility with various cleaning modes for different floor types
Easy maneuvering and reaching into corners with its slim and short profile
Although it’s a bit on the heavy side, the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra ensures a thorough cleaning.
One of the standout features of the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra is its exceptional suction power, rated at 290 air watts. This strong suction, combined with its deep, whole-house cleaning design, ensures thorough pick-up of pet hair across various rug types. Furthermore, it comes with an upholstery tool, which is useful for cleaning furniture and other delicate surfaces. So, if you have pets at home, this vacuum could be your best bet.
Rating:
Performance: 9.5/10
Design: 8.5/10
Value for Money: 8/10
Overall: 9/10
290 air watts, Dust Canister Capacity: 1.7 liters, Weight: 17 pounds.
The excellent performance of the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra can be attributed to its impressive specifications. Some of its key features include:
High suction power of 290 air watts, which lifts both fine and large debris from rugs for thorough cleaning
Not a cordless model, but offers strong suction power
Ideal choice for homes with pets or high-traffic areas
The dust canister capacity of 1.7 liters is slightly smaller than the average canister vacuum, but it’s still ample for most cleaning tasks. This capacity enables the vacuum to accommodate a decent amount of dirt and debris, reducing the frequency of emptying and enhancing the cleaning efficiency.
At 17 pounds, the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra is a bit heavy compared to some other models. However, this weight doesn’t significantly impact its performance or maneuverability. Thanks to its ball technology and slim design, it’s easy to maneuver and reach tight corners, making it a reliable choice for comprehensive rug cleaning.
To sum up, the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra emerges as the best overall rug vacuum for 2024, thanks to its potent suction power, adequate dust canister capacity, and reasonable weight.
Best Value Vacuume - Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum
Price: $179.99
Specifications:
Vacuum Type: Upright/Canister
Bagless: Yes Yes, the anti-allergy filter included is a HEPA filter, providing effective allergen removal.
Pros:
Excellent maneuverability
Strong suction power
Effective for removing dirt and dust from rugs
Cons:
Not a cordless stick vacuum
For those seeking great value, the Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum is an exceptional choice. While it may not belong to the cordless stick vacuum category, it doesn’t fall short in delivering superb performance. Its excellent maneuverability and strong suction power make it highly effective in removing dirt and dust from rugs.
One of the unique features of the Shark NV360 is its Lift-Away technology. This feature allows for a seamless transition from an upright to a lift-away vacuum, making it versatile for cleaning diverse surfaces, including:
hard-to-reach areas
stairs
upholstery
ceilings
It integrates both mop and vacuum functions, providing a thorough cleaning experience that is hard to beat at its price point.
Rating:
Performance: 8/10
Design: 7.5/10
Value for Money: 9/10
Overall: 8.5/10
Upright/Caniste Bagless: Yes, Anti-Allergy Filter (HEPA): Yes.
We’ll now examine the Shark NV360’s specifications in more detail. It’s an upright/canister vacuum, meaning it offers the benefits of both types. Upright vacuums are known for their thorough carpet cleaning and easy storage, while canister vacuums are appreciated for their quiet operation, portability, and strong suction power for cleaning bare floors.
Another noteworthy feature of the Shark NV360 is its bagless system. It operates by utilizing cyclonic technology to generate a vortex that separates dirt from the air, gathering it in a removable dust container. This system enhances suction power and eliminates the need to buy replacement bags, making it more cost-effective and convenient in the long run.
The Shark NV360 also comes with an Anti-Allergy Filter, also known as a HEPA filter. This feature benefits allergy sufferers by efficiently removing dust, dust mites, and other allergens, with up to 99.97% efficiency. This helps to improve indoor air quality, reducing the chances of respiratory issues.
To conclude, with its upright/canister design, bagless system, and HEPA filter, the Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum provides great value for its cost.
Best for Quick Cleanups - Black+Decker Handheld Vacuum
PRICE: Some of the vacuums on our top five list are rather expensive but any vacuuming is better than none at all. One can find vacuums in the hundred dollar range but these are often disposable and for a little more in the two- hundred a durable long lasting vacuum
Price: $89
Specifications:
Suction Power: Powerful
Battery Life: 18 minutes
Dustbin Capacity: 2.8 cups
Pros:
Powerful suction for effective cleaning
Excellent for quick cleanups
Affordable price
Cons:
Not suitable for large-scale cleaning tasks; best used with a crevice tool for smaller, hard-to-reach areas
For rapid cleanups, the Black+Decker Handheld Vacuum is an ideal pick. This handheld vacuum is praised for its powerful suction that effectively removes pet fur and other debris from rugs. It’s perfect for those spontaneous cleaning sessions or for maintaining cleanliness between deep cleaning days.
The lightweight and cordless design of this cordless vacuum make it highly convenient for quick cleaning tasks. Its 2X suction power ensures efficient cleaning, and the dusting brush it comes with is useful for cleaning delicate surfaces. And let’s not forget, it offers all these benefits at a very affordable price.
Rating:
Performance: 8/10
Design: 9/10
Value for Money: 9/10
Overall: 8.7/10
Powerful, Battery Life: 18 minutes, Dustbin Capacity: 2.8 cups, Warranty: 3 years.
Let’s now investigate the Black+Decker Handheld Vacuum’s specifications more closely. Primarily, it boasts a powerful suction that makes it highly effective for quick cleanups. This powerful suction, combined with its cordless design, ensures efficient and convenient cleaning, especially for small and quick tasks.
The battery life of the Black+Decker Handheld Vacuum is 18 minutes. While this may not seem long compared to larger vacuums, it’s ample for quick cleanups. Plus, the convenience of being cordless means you can easily carry it around without worrying about power outlets.
When it comes to dustbin capacity, the Black+Decker Handheld Vacuum outshines many other handheld vacuums. With a dustbin capacity of 2.8 cups, it can handle a significant amount of debris before needing to be emptied. This enhances its convenience factor and reduces interruptions during cleaning.
Lastly, the Black+Decker Handheld Vacuum offers the following features:
Cordless design for easy maneuverability
Lightweight and compact for convenient storage
Strong suction power for effective cleaning
Easy-to-empty dustbin for hassle-free maintenance
Three-year warranty for added peace of mind
This best vacuum is a reliable and efficient option for keeping your home clean, making it one of the best vacuums available.
Best Robot Vacuum - iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum
Price: $274.99
Specifications:
Dimensions: 13.4 by 13.4 by 3.5 inches
Battery Life (Tested): 120 minutes
Phone Control: Yes
Pros:
Effective for regular cleaning tasks
Affordable
Convenient app and voice control
Cons:
Not as effective as some other robot vacuums
For those favoring automated, hands-free cleaning, the iRobot Roomba 694 is a favored choice. This robot vacuum delivers solid cleaning performance and comes with app control and voice control capabilities, all at an affordable price. While it may not be as effective as some other robot vacuums, it’s a suitable option for regular cleaning tasks and small spaces.
One of the standout features of the iRobot Roomba 694 is its phone control functionality. This feature allows you to:
Control the vacuum remotely using your smartphone
Set cleaning schedules
Select cleaning modes
Track the cleaning process
All from your phone. This adds to the convenience and flexibility provided by this vacuum.
Rating:
Performance: 7/10
Design: 8/10
Value for Money: 8/10
Overall: 7.7/10
13.4 by 13.4 by 3.5 inches, Battery Life (Tested): 120 minutes, Phone Control: Yes.
Now, let’s investigate the iRobot Roomba 694’s specifications in more detail. Its compact dimensions of 13.4 by 13.4 by 3.5 inches enable it to navigate around furniture and get under low spaces, ensuring a thorough cleaning. Despite its small size, this robot vacuum is powerful enough to get the job done.
The battery life of the iRobot Roomba 694 is 120 minutes, similar to that of other robot vacuums. This prolonged battery life enables it to cover more surface area and complete more cleaning tasks in a single session, thereby enhancing its overall performance.
The phone control feature of the iRobot Roomba 694 is a major plus point. This feature allows you to operate and program the vacuum from your smartphone, providing a hands-free and convenient way to manage the cleaning process, especially when you’re away from home.
In summary, the iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum, with its compact dimensions, long battery life, and phone control feature, is a great option for those seeking an affordable and efficient robot vacuum.
Best for Large Areas - Bissell Cleanview Rewind Upright Vacuum (2256 model)
Price: Not provided Specifications: Not provided
Pros:
Efficient cleaning on rugs and other large surfaces with the roller brush
Triple Action Brush Roll
Scatter-Free Technology
Cons: Not provided
For cleaning vast areas, the Bissell Cleanview Rewind Upright Vacuum (2256 model) is a remarkable option. This vacuum is equipped with a Triple Action Brush Roll and Scatter-Free Technology, ensuring efficient cleaning on rugs and other large surfaces.
While the specific details about the dust canister capacity and weight of this vacuum are not provided, it’s designed with large areas in mind. Its features are designed to ensure efficient and thorough cleaning of large spaces, making it an ideal choice for homes with expansive carpeted or rug-covered areas.
Rating: Not provided
Choosing the best Rug Vacuum for your home
Having seen our top selections for rug vacuums, you might wonder how to select the one that fits your needs perfectly. Well, there are several factors to consider, including the type of carpet fibers in your home.
First, consider the suction power. It determines the vacuum’s ability to lift dirt and debris from surfaces. A vacuum with a more efficient motor ensures that all energy is directly used for vacuuming dust and dirt, minimizing energy waste.
Next, pay attention to the dustbin capacity. This factor determines how much dirt and debris the vacuum can hold, which in turn dictates how often you need to empty it. A larger dustbin capacity offers the advantage of less frequent emptying, thereby enhancing convenience.
Finally, the vacuum’s weight should also be considered. A heavier vacuum can effectively remove dirt and debris from the rug’s fibers, especially in high-traffic areas. Furthermore, a heavier vacuum may have more powerful suction, allowing for deeper cleaning of the rug. Also, don’t forget the additional features such as filters, cordless functionality, and attachments — these can significantly enhance a vacuum’s performance.
Summary
In conclusion, finding the right vacuum cleaner for rugs can significantly enhance your cleaning routine and extend the life of your rugs. The top choices for 2024, as covered in this blog post, offer various features and benefits to cater to different needs and budgets.
If you’re looking for the best overall vacuum, the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra is an excellent choice. It offers high suction power, exceptional maneuverability, and useful attachments for tackling pet hair on rugs. For those seeking good value for money, the Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum provides impressive performance at an affordable price.
For quick cleanups, the Black+Decker Handheld Vacuum is ideal with its powerful suction and 18-minute battery life. If you prefer a hands-free cleaning experience, the iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum is a great option, offering app control and voice control capabilities. Lastly, for large areas, the Bissell Cleanview Rewind Upright Vacuum (2256 model) provides efficient cleaning on rugs and other large surfaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of vacuum is best for rugs?
An upright vacuum is best for rugs because it is more powerful and can lift up embedded hair, dirt, and debris from carpet fibers. Try using an upright vacuum for effective rug cleaning.
Can you use a vacuum cleaner on a rug?
Yes, you can use a vacuum cleaner on a rug by adjusting the suction to a high setting to effectively clean the rug's fibers and avoiding the tassels to protect them.
What's the best vacuum for quick cleanups?
The Black+Decker Handheld Vacuum is a great choice for quick cleanups, providing powerful suction, cordless design, and a good dustbin capacity for efficient cleaning.
Tips for Vacuuming Area Rugs
Always test first and ensure the vacuum is causing damage to the rug or pulling the rug into the vacuum head.
Vacuum opposite the direction of the rug's pile lays flat the vacuum should lift and fluff the pile.
Remember to periodically rotate your rug end to end to ensure even wear, tear, and soiling.
Take smaller rugs outside and vacuum for the back with a roller bar/beater bar vacuum to vibrate deeply embedded soils from the foundation when possible.
Set up a vacuuming routine every week in high traffic areas, seasonal rotation of rugs and vacuuming form the back.
Don't neglect professional rug cleaning, especially for high-value or antique oriental rugs every 2-4 years.
Vacuum Cleaner History
1860: The first vacuum cleaner was invented by Daniel Hess of West Union, Iowa. He called it a carpet sweeper and not a vacuum cleaner. It had rotating brushes on the bottom and bellows to create suction.
1869: Ives W. McGaffey introduced the "Whirlwind," a manually-operated vacuum cleaner. It was the first patented vacuum cleaner and had to be cranked by hand.
1898: John S. Thurman developed a gasoline-powered vacuum cleaner. However, it was not portable and had to be brought to homes using a horse-drawn wagon.
1901: Hubert Cecil Booth, an Englishman, introduced a large, horse-drawn, petrol-driven vacuum cleaner. While not practical for everyone, it was used in some businesses.
Modern Vacuum Cleaner
1907: James Murray Spangler, a janitor from Ohio, combined an electric motor, a fan, a box, and a pillowcase to create a portable vacuum cleaner. He received a patent for his "Electric Suction Sweeper" in 1908. Spangler sold one of his machines to his cousin's husband, William H. Hoover, Yes, that Hoover who recognized its potential and bought the patent. This was the beginning of the famous Hoover Company.