Buy the right vacuum for you

Vacuuming is already a chore, so when the cleaner leaves behind debris, it’s frustrating.

The problem might not be the vacuum cleaner, but what you’re asking it to do. For better results, manufacturers and dealers say buyers need to keep just a few factors in mind.

First consider the home’s floor type. Wood and tile floor care is different than wall-to-wall carpeting, which is different still from fine area rugs, said Mark Davis, who sells multiple brands.

“A lot of people get distracted by various features/ benefits without considering if those features/benefits solve their particular cleaning problems,” said Rob Green, senior design engineer at Dyson.

Julien Levesque, senior marketing manager at Shark, said shoppers need to consider two main points: what’s being cleaned and home type. A homeowner who wants deep cleanings needs a different cleaner than a city dweller living in a condo who spot cleans daily.

Davis and Robert Singer, a Chicago vacuum dealer, said the easiest material to clean is wall-to-wall carpeting, as most upright vacuums are designed for these floors.

Homeowners with area rugs and hardwood should seek machines that can handle both surfaces, the sources said, and use the right setting for the right floor type to avoid damage.

Although upright machines are most popular, Singer and Davis recommend canister types because they’re lighter and have options for different tools. They especially recommend them for wood floors.