Everything You Need to Know About Choosing and Using a Vacuum Cleaner

A vacuum cleaner is a household essential for keeping floors clean, busting dust and picking up after messy family members. But with so many to choose from and a wide range of buzzy tech features, there is a lot to consider before you add-to-cart. Our home-tech expert guides you through all there is to know about choosing the best type of vacuum, and looking for specialty options such as pet hair models and robot cleaners. And, of course we want you to get the best price, so they share the latest deals from top brands. We also explain how to get the most from your vacuum with our use and care tips.

Latest

Colorful sitting room with two red patterned armchairs, an ornate fireplace, a side table with potted plant, a red rug, pictured in front of bright blue wall with wooden-beamed ceiling above.

I tested the Roborock Q7 M5 robot vacuum – it's great if you're on a budget, but spending a little extra will give you an even better clean

The futuristic Dreame X50 Ultra robot vacuum can climb small steps – get it $440 cheaper for a limited time only

Published 29 August 25
This affordable cordless vacuum is under $140 right now, and it's my favorite for power on a budget – it's perfect for dorms and small spaces

Published 4 August 25
I'm immediately buying this Shark VACMOP for $56 at Walmart – it’s the quick, easy floor cleaner I’ve been waiting for

Published 2 August 25
I tested the sleek Dreame R20 cordless vacuum – it's affordable, ideal for hard floors, and has Dyson-style features

Published 29 July 25
iRobot has announced the most advanced Roomba yet, with 175 times more suction power than its previous robot vacuums

Published 28 July 25

I tested the new Ultenic U20 and it's a great budget vacuum for hard floors with surprisingly strong suction, but here's where it falls short

Published 23 July 25
I tested the Dyson V11 in a busy pet shelter and was amazed by its performance on animal hair, dirt, dust – and just about any mess I threw at it

Published 21 July 25
Cleaners reveal the 4 habits making your floors dirty – avoid them now and spend less time cleaning, and enjoy spotless floors for longer

Published 14 July 25
Experts reveal the 3 habits that are warping, scratching, and damaging your hardwood floors – and what to do instead

Published 5 July 25
Levoit LVAC-300 cordless vacuum review – as somebody who's spent more than 200 hours testing vacuums, I'm impressed

Published 27 May 25
I'm a professional vacuum tester, and trust me, this dream combination of 2 vacuum types is superior to having just 1 – and will drastically slash your chore time

Published 24 May 25

My easy-to-maneuver and lightweight Miele C1 vacuum is perfect if you have back or arm pain

Published 29 March 25
How we test vacuum cleaners at Homes & Gardens – the testing methodology behind our 82 rigorous reviews (and rising)

Last updated 14 February 25
Miele Complete C3 Cat & Dog Canister Vacuum review – it's great, but doesn't deliver the perfect all-round performance you'd expect at this price

Last updated 28 January 25
Miele Triflex HX2 Pro cordless vacuum review – a premium cleaner with almost flawless performance, but a few snags holding it back

Published 16 January 25
Miele Duoflex HX1 cordless vacuum review – an impressive cleaner that makes light work of hair, dust and dirt on all surfaces

Published 15 January 25
Miele Boost CX1 canister vacuum review – a powerful vacuum that's only good at cleaning certain floors

Published 14 January 25

When to replace a vacuum – 6 signs appliance experts always look out for

Last updated 18 December 24
Do I need a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter? Our experts explain the benefits and what to consider before purchasing

Last updated 17 December 24
These are the best Shark vacuums on the market – tested and reviewed by our home tech editors

Last updated 19 November 24
The eufy Robot Vacuum Omni S1 Pro is great for daily cleaning and mopping in a house with kids and pets – and reduced my canister vacuum use by 90%

Published 13 November 24
How to get rid of your old vacuum cleaner in 4 sustainable ways – and the last one waste management pros love may surprise you

Published 21 September 24
Mopping vs wet vacuuming – which is the better cleaner for your home? I'm a home tech editor and spent hours testing products to answer this for good

Published 25 August 24

How much should you spend on a vacuum cleaner? Expert advice to avoid overspending

Published 27 July 24
Tineco Pure One Station cordless vacuum review – a sleek appliance that takes care of cleaning and emptying

Published 24 July 24
Ultenic FS1 Auto Empty Cordless Vacuum – less costly luxury

Published 5 January 24
Are vacuum cleaners with dust bags better for allergy sufferers?

Published 19 November 23
Don't wait until Black Friday - a tried and tested vacuum is now just $99

Published 15 November 23
Brigii Cordless Handheld Vacuum –convenient spot cleaning at its smallest

Published 12 November 23

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Latest

I tested the Roborock Q7 M5 robot vacuum – it's great if you're on a budget, but spending a little extra will give you an even better clean

The futuristic Dreame X50 Ultra robot vacuum can climb small steps – get it $440 cheaper for a limited time only

This affordable cordless vacuum is under $140 right now, and it's my favorite for power on a budget – it's perfect for dorms and small spaces

I'm immediately buying this Shark VACMOP for $56 at Walmart – it’s the quick, easy floor cleaner I’ve been waiting for

I tested the sleek Dreame R20 cordless vacuum – it's affordable, ideal for hard floors, and has Dyson-style features

iRobot has announced the most advanced Roomba yet, with 175 times more suction power than its previous robot vacuums

I tested the new Ultenic U20 and it's a great budget vacuum for hard floors with surprisingly strong suction, but here's where it falls short

I tested the Dyson V11 in a busy pet shelter and was amazed by its performance on animal hair, dirt, dust – and just about any mess I threw at it

Cleaners reveal the 4 habits making your floors dirty – avoid them now and spend less time cleaning, and enjoy spotless floors for longer

Experts reveal the 3 habits that are warping, scratching, and damaging your hardwood floors – and what to do instead

Levoit LVAC-300 cordless vacuum review – as somebody who's spent more than 200 hours testing vacuums, I'm impressed

I'm a professional vacuum tester, and trust me, this dream combination of 2 vacuum types is superior to having just 1 – and will drastically slash your chore time

My easy-to-maneuver and lightweight Miele C1 vacuum is perfect if you have back or arm pain

How we test vacuum cleaners at Homes & Gardens – the testing methodology behind our 82 rigorous reviews (and rising)

Miele Complete C3 Cat & Dog Canister Vacuum review – it's great, but doesn't deliver the perfect all-round performance you'd expect at this price

Miele Triflex HX2 Pro cordless vacuum review – a premium cleaner with almost flawless performance, but a few snags holding it back

Miele Duoflex HX1 cordless vacuum review – an impressive cleaner that makes light work of hair, dust and dirt on all surfaces

Miele Boost CX1 canister vacuum review – a powerful vacuum that's only good at cleaning certain floors

When to replace a vacuum – 6 signs appliance experts always look out for

Do I need a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter? Our experts explain the benefits and what to consider before purchasing

These are the best Shark vacuums on the market – tested and reviewed by our home tech editors

The eufy Robot Vacuum Omni S1 Pro is great for daily cleaning and mopping in a house with kids and pets – and reduced my canister vacuum use by 90%

How to get rid of your old vacuum cleaner in 4 sustainable ways – and the last one waste management pros love may surprise you

Mopping vs wet vacuuming – which is the better cleaner for your home? I'm a home tech editor and spent hours testing products to answer this for good

How much should you spend on a vacuum cleaner? Expert advice to avoid overspending

Tineco Pure One Station cordless vacuum review – a sleek appliance that takes care of cleaning and emptying

Ultenic FS1 Auto Empty Cordless Vacuum – less costly luxury

Are vacuum cleaners with dust bags better for allergy sufferers?

Don't wait until Black Friday - a tried and tested vacuum is now just $99

Brigii Cordless Handheld Vacuum –convenient spot cleaning at its smallest