Vacuum styles

Vacuums come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Generally though, they can all be categorized under four main types. Here is an outline of those four, along with their pros and cons and some recommendations as to which type of carpet they are most suited for.

Upright vacuums

Upright vacuums are manufactured with different makes and designs, and the wide choices for these designs makes them probably the most popular and common type of vacuum cleaner that one would see in many homes.

Aside from the wide array of designs, upright vacuums are also one of the most powerful types of vacuum available, making them ideal for cleaning both carpets and bare floors and even at the back of woven rugs to shake out soil from the fibers. However, because of their power, you should make sure to use them only on recommended carpets. For instance, silk rugs and carpets, whether genuine or faux, cannot withstand the power of an upright vacuum, and will end up bruised and broken.

Stick vacuum

Stick vacuum, although less common than uprights, is another type of vacuum used by many households. These are pretty light compared to other types of vacuum, which is why a lot of housewives prefer them over others. However, the lightweight stick vacuum comes with compromises, one of which is the weaker suction power. As such, they can only be used on softer rugs and carpets, like silk, flat woven and tufted rugs. Stick vacuums should get the job done without damaging your soft carpets.

Canister vacuum

Canister vacuums are not so popular because majority of them are quite a tad more expensive than the other types of vacuum cleaners, yet they make for one of the best all-around-vacuums available in the market. Although they have this canister attached, they are not as heavy as uprights, but they are more powerful than sticks. Because of this somewhat “average” state, canister vacuums can be used on most types of carpeting and rugs.

Handheld vacuums

Handheld vacuums are great choices for people who own small rugs and carpets, and not for those who have their whole living room and kitchen carpeted. Handheld vacuums are relatively small and battery operated, which makes them great form quick cleaning. However, they are not as powerful as the other three mentioned above, and can only be used on soft carpets.