Finding the Best Vacuum Cleaner for Carpets: Types and Recommendations

Finding the Best Vacuum Cleaner for Carpets: Types and Recommendations

Choosing the best vacuum cleaner for carpets can be overwhelming with so many types available on the market. Different carpet materials require different types of vacuums, and each type performs uniquely on various carpets.

It sounds complicated, but don’t worry—we’ll break it down for you. In this post, we'll cover the main types of vacuum cleaners and guide you on selecting the ideal one based on your carpet type. Plus, we’ll share some top insider picks to help you make an informed decision.

Vacuum Cleaner Types for Cleaning Carpets

Vacuum cleaners have evolved rapidly over the years. What was once a market dominated by cumbersome corded models is now led by 100% cordless, wire-free options.

Given the dominance of cordless vacuum cleaners, we will focus exclusively on cord-free types in this guide.

1. Cordless Stick/Handheld Vacuums

Battery-operated stick vacuum cleaners are a type of upright vac that is much more lightweight, flexible, and versatile than traditional upright models. These stick vacuums can be converted into handheld types by attaching different accessories, allowing you to clean small crevices or reach high areas.

For example, the Vactidy V9, a stick cordless vacuum cleaner, is suitable for both hardwood floors and carpets. It comes with different brush types for cleaning various surfaces, so you can use it as either a stick or a handheld dust sweeper.

These vacuum cleaners are incredibly convenient for cleaning spills in cars, homes, and other areas where large vacuums cannot reach. Their upright design, large floor brush, soft bristles, and long suction nozzle make them perfect for almost every surface, from carpets and rugs to hardwood floors and ceilings. They also come with a dustbin that is easy to empty, eliminating the need for filtered bags.

2. Upright Vacuum Cleaners

Upright vacuum cleaners, available in both corded and cordless types, are larger and heavier than stick vacuums. They are ideal for cleaning wide areas such as floors and carpets.

Equipped with brush rollers, these vacuums can loosen dirt, hair, and dust from floor or carpet surfaces and then suck them up with their powerful suction. Due to their size, upright vacuum cleaners are best suited for floor and carpet cleaning. However, ceiling cleaning can be challenging as you need to lift the vacuum to reach high areas.

3. Wet and Dry Vacuums

If you need a vacuum cleaner for wet carpets, wet and dry vacuum cleaners are the way to go. These vacuums can clean both dry and wet hardwood floors and rugs by incorporating water tanks (clean and used water tanks) into a stick vacuum design.

When cleaning dry floors or carpets, wet & dry vacuums function like stick vacuums, sucking up dust, hair, and debris. For wet cleaning tasks like spilled coffee, milk, or wet carpets, these vacuums make a significant difference. However, compared to vacuums designed solely for dry surfaces, wet & dry vacuums can be more challenging to clean and maintain, requiring you to empty and clean the water tanks and dustbin regularly.

4. Canister Vacuum Cleaners

Canister vacuum cleaners are corded and suitable for cleaning hard floors, small carpeted areas, and stairs. The motor and dirt receptacle are separate, connected by a suction hose. The motor (main unit with brush rollers or soft brush) sucks up dirt and transmits it to the dirt receptacle through the hose.

Due to their separate motor and dirt collector, as well as their corded design, cleaning with canister vacuums can be cumbersome and messy.

5. Robot Vacuum Cleaners

Robot vacuums are the most convenient and smart type available, capable of cleaning your home automatically. After downloading the app and mapping the cleaning route, the robot vacuum will clean on its own and return to the charging station when done.

However, they have limitations. Robot vacuums cannot clean every corner due to their round shape and may struggle with obstacles, sticking to their preset route. Additionally, they require a stable WiFi connection for smart mapping, which can be an issue if your home network is unreliable.

Choose the Best Vacuum Based on Carpet Types

Different carpet materials or categories require different types of vacuums. Common vacuums with hardwood floor brushes may not be suitable for every carpet, especially fragile plush carpets.

To help you quickly identify the best vacuum cleaners for your carpets, let's categorize carpets into two main types: shaggy carpets (longer than 3 cm) and undercoat carpets.

1. Shaggy Carpets

Shaggy carpets or plush carpets and rugs often include Flokati, wool, mixed texture, and leather shag carpets. For this type, use a vacuum sweeper with a soft brush instead of one with brush rollers.

Vacuum cleaners with brush rollers can tangle and damage the long fibers of shaggy carpets. The fibers may get ripped or tangled in the rollers.

Fortunately, most 2-in-1 or 3-in-1 vacuum cleaners come with multiple brushes, allowing you to switch brushes freely to clean different surfaces without causing damage.

2. Undercoat Carpets

Undercoat carpets include nylon and polyester carpets, short wool carpets, Triexta or Berber carpets, silk carpets, olefin or acrylic carpets, rhino or red carpets, Persian rugs, and other natural fiber carpets.

For these carpets, you can use a common floor brush (the big brush roller) as long as the fibers are shorter than 3 cm.

A big floor brush makes cleaning the entire carpet easy. If you prefer carpets that cover 70% of your floor, short-hair carpets are a better choice since they are quicker and easier to clean.

Insider Picks of Vacuums for Your Carpet Cleaning

Regardless of your carpet type, the following vacuum cleaners are highly recommended for achieving a complete and thorough clean.

Vactidy V9 Pro: Versatile and Powerful Vacuum for Carpets and Hardwood Floors/Under $120

The Vactidy V9 Pro is one of the most versatile and best vacuum cleaners for both carpet and hardwood floors. This powerful vacuum comes with three essential attachments: a common big floor brush with LED, a soft brush, and a long suction nozzle.

You can use the V9 Pro for thick and thin undercoat carpets with the LED floor brush, and attach the soft brush for cleaning shaggy, soft carpets, rugs, or sofas. Its advanced dust and hair extraction system efficiently removes hair, pet fur, and dander, making it an excellent choice for cat and dog owners with carpets.

A standout feature of the V9 Pro is its self-standing design, allowing you to stand it on the floor without worrying about it falling over. No need to drill holes in the wall to mount this vacuum. If you prefer a wall-mounted option, the V9 Pro also includes a bracket for easy wall installation.

As one of the strongest and best vacuum cleaners for carpets, the Vactidy V9 Pro boasts 30,000 Pa suction power. It effortlessly sucks up hair, dust, and pet dander from fluffy carpets, jute rugs, vinyl floors, laminate, frieze carpets, their edges, high-pile and low-pile carpets, stairs, and more. It works seamlessly on various brands' carpets, including iSense, Karastan, and Mohawk.

This versatile vacuum ensures your home remains clean and fresh, no matter the type of carpet or floor surface.

Hottest Discussion (Your Insights Will Be Featured)

If you’re still unsure about the best vacuum cleaner for your carpets, check out the FAQs below. Feel free to ask any questions in the comments, and we’ll add them to this list! ���

1. How to Clean Carpet with Just a Vacuum?

How to use a carpet vacuum cleaner?

A: Cleaning your carpet with a vacuum is simple. For a cordless vacuum, just attach the appropriate brush to the motor, press the power button, and walk the vacuum over the carpet. It’s that easy! If you have a robot vacuum, just open your smartphone app, launch the robot vac, and it will automatically clean your entire home, including floors and carpets.

2. What is a Good Vacuum Cleaner for Carpet?

What are the best vacuum cleaners for carpet?

What kind of vacuum cleaners for carpet?

Is there a vacuum that vacuums and cleans carpet?

A: For dry carpets, stick cordless vacuum cleaners and robot vacuums are excellent choices. For wet carpets, a wet and dry vacuum cleaner is ideal for washing your carpet and rug.

3. Do I Need a Vacuum if I Have a Carpet Cleaner?

Is a vacuum and carpet cleaner the same?

A: A vacuum cleaner is designed for removing dry debris, dust, carpet moths, and pet fur, while a carpet cleaner is used for washing stains. A wet and dry 2-in-1 vacuum cleaner can perform both functions, acting as both a vacuum and a carpet cleaner.

4. How Long Do You Have to Stay Off Carpet After Cleaning?

Can dogs or cats walk on carpet after cleaning?

A: Yes, your dogs and cats can walk on carpets after cleaning. Ideally, to avoid heavy traffic, keep children and pets off the carpet for at least 6 hours after cleaning.