Our Top 6 Stick Vacuum Tips

Stick vacuums have grown in popularity in recent years and it’s not hard to see why.

They’re lightweight, easy to store, effective and convenient.

Whether you own one already or are in the market for an upgrade, this is everything you need to know about stick vacuums.

 

What are the benefits of a Stick Vacuum?

• They take up less space than traditional vacuum cleaners.

• Usually less expensive, with costs generally ranging from $99-$1299.

• Can reach into nooks and crannies other vacuum cleaners may not be able to.

• Most are cordless, making them safer and easy to manoeuvre.

• Can be used as a handheld option, too.

 

There are a few cons you’ll need to consider.

• While cordless options are convenient, they also won’t last as long not being plugged in, meaning a stick vacuum isn’t suitable for vacuuming larger areas.

• They aren’t as powerful as traditional models, so they won’t do a good job vacuuming a thick pile of carpet.

• Less cannister capacity means you’ll have to empty/clean it out more often.

 

Stick Vac Buyer’s Guide

These are the three questions you need to consider when purchasing a stick vacuum.

• Does it have a useful running time? You want to ensure you’re able to finish the whole house without depleting the battery.
  

• Will it do a sufficient job of cleaning your home’s surfaces? If you’re planning on using it on plush carpet, you’ll need to look at more powerful models.

• Do I need a vacuum with a HEPA filter? These filters are becoming more commonplace and are recommended if you have pets or someone suffering with allergies or asthma at home.

 

Our Top Tips for Buying or Using a Stick Vacuum

1. Use the handheld mode

If buying, make sure you’re purchasing a model with a detachable handheld option. These are perfect for use on the stairs, in the car or in tricky areas.

We used to use the detachment to clean in and around our daughter’s highchair – it certainly made clean-up time after messy meals a lot easier!

 

2. Be smart about surfaces

If you have a combination of hard floors and carpet, make sure you purchase a model that can do both.

Stick vacuum cleaners have come a long way in recent years but as a rule, they generally won’t perform as well as a standard vacuum cleaner on a thicker carpet.

You should test out the stick vacuum in the store before purchasing to ensure it moves effortlessly across both carpet and hard surfaces.

 

3. Get the better battery

When buying, you should be looking for a battery that is at least 18V. You should be able to vacuum your home without recharging. Here is some great advice we found that can help your stick vacuum battery last longer.

• Don’t use the vacuum until the battery completely runs out. Draining a lithium-ion battery (which is in most stick vacuums) fully and then recharging will make the battery lose capacity quicker.

• Clean filters properly and empty bins right after every use.

• Don’t use maximum power on hard surfaces.

• Most manufacturers sell spare batteries that you can order and replace yourself. Replacing a failing battery may be more cost-effective than replacing the device.

 

4. Consider a model with advanced features

There are a few extra added features to consider when purchasing a stick vacuum cleaner.

• If you are cleaning a large area, you may want to look into models that have backup battery options – this means you can swap your battery mid-vacuum if you run out of juice.

• Some models may have a soft head, which is more suitable for hard floors.

• High-end stick vacuums may be able to adjust the suction to whatever surface is being vacuumed.

• If you’re planning on cleaning up liquid spills, some models are capable of removing wet materials as well.

• Look for HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters that reduce the symptoms of allergies or asthma. HEPA filters are able to trap tiny dust particles and allergens, helping to improve air quality.