Among the useful appliances for those who love to keep the house clean and tidy, there is certainly the handheld vacuum cleaner, also called vacuum cleaner. Small, but essential at the right time, this article helps anyone to clean up to the most remote corner of their home as well as the car.
On the market, there are many models of portable vacuum cleaners that offer different performances. The most important thing when choosing a handheld vacuum cleaner is to have what you are looking for in mind.
Here we had selected some of the best handheld vacuum cleaners that are given below.
Everything You Need to Know About Handheld Vacuum
Which Type for Which Use
There are two categories of portable bagless vacuum cleaners based on cyclonic technology. The first includes corded vacuum cleaners, to be powered by connecting them to the normal power socket.
The second, much wider than the first, includes an infinity of cordless models (generally called cordless), therefore with a rechargeable battery. The choice, at first glance, could fall on the latter, considered more comfortable and usable anywhere.
True, but do not exclude a priori a portable vacuum cleaner from 220 V because it can boast interesting strengths: first of all, the ability to suck up as long as you want, without worry residual autonomy and the time required to the next charging.
The power supply also ensures a considerable suction capacity. Then there is a more sparse category of laptops, unfortunately, composed of very few models, but which is still able to have its say.
It is that of portable current, cordless but not cyclonic, not technologically advanced but still too efficient to be put aside. With these premises, if portability is your top priority, you will be spoiled for choice in choosing the most suitable cordless portable vacuum cleaner.
Handling and Weight
The name itself says it: a portable vacuum cleaner must be “portable” and, therefore, light. Intended for cleaning surfaces positioned at or near the sides, such as tables, shelves, sideboards, and sofas, it must lend itself to a loose and casual use that does not tire the arm.
This aspect is fundamental, especially if the user who will use it every day is a woman or an older adult. Although manufacturers are very careful not to go beyond a limit weight, keep this feature in mind and focus on lighter models.
We have done it, and in the comparison that follows, we offer portable vacuum cleaners that, not weighing more than 1.6 / 1.7 kg, you can also use several times a day without any effort.
Finally, do not forget that portable vacuum cleaners are perfect for cleaning the interior of the car, camper, caravan, boat and van, contexts that require great agility of use.
Suction Power
Suction power is usually the first requirement asked of a portable vacuum cleaner, with or without cord. We want it to be powerful and aspire for everything. Unfortunately, this desire has to deal with reality.
Portable vacuum cleaners have small motors – because they must be easy to handle – and, when powered by a rechargeable battery, they must remain in a certain weight.
You have to accept compromises: the first is that portable cordless vacuum cleaners are, on average, more powerful than cordless ones.
It is up to you to choose, also and above all, according to your needs. If you are interested in removing the crumbs from the kitchen table after lunch and dinner, then a cordless vacuum cleaner is more than enough and suitable for the purpose.
The paradox wants that in these cases an excessive suction power could even be annoying. Together with the crumbs, a particularly powerful vacuum cleaner could suck the tablecloth, especially if made of light fabric such as linen and thin cotton, making operations almost impossible.
Evaluate well before buying. If, in addition to the tablecloth, you will also want to vacuum the interior of the car, camper, or boat, with a particular eye on the carpet and upholstery, you will certainly need a little more power.
In any case, do not expect the same suction capacity as the larger vacuum cleaners, those designed for cleaning the floor, especially if you opt for a cordless model.
There are many online reviews where users complain of enough power to capture very small dust, hair, and debris, no more. Even in the car, cleaning will often be superficial.
How to Use a Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
The proper use of a handheld vacuum cleaner is very simple. The rules to be followed are more or less the same both for corded vacuum cleaners (powered by the wall socket) and for cordless vacuum cleaners (with rechargeable battery).
Empty the Dust Tray and Clean the Filter Often
Corded vacuum cleaners, if used properly, can work for several years. In order not to lose efficiency, the dust container must be emptied as soon as it fills up. Even better if you empty it when the dust exceeds half.
If this little trick is left out of laziness, the suction power could suffer a lot. Equal attention should be paid to the HEPA or other filters. It is better to free it from the dust that accumulates on its surface with a soft brush, but after a few months of intense use, it is good practice to replace it.
If you want to make the most of it before throwing it away, you can wash it in warm soapy water. However, you will understand that the time has come to switch to a new filter when the color of the old one, originally white, tends to be very dark gray.
On the market, there are original, and compatible spare parts often sold at low prices. If you don’t know where to buy, you can order them online. The corded vacuum cleaners covered in this purchase guide are “dry.” In other words, they cannot suck up liquids.
Therefore, be careful not to place the nozzle on accumulations of water or other liquids because you could irreparably damage the engine. It seems a remote possibility, and yet it happens more often than you think, especially if you are used to having lunch and dinner on plastic or waterproof tablecloths. These simple rules also apply to cordless vacuum cleaners and handheld vacuum cleaners.
Rechargeable Battery
The rechargeable portable vacuum cleaners, in addition to having the classic dust collection drawer and the HEPA filter (or other types), use a rechargeable battery, sometimes lithium-ion, sometimes not.
The battery drives the energy they need to function, so it is appropriate to treat it in the best way. In addition to avoiding falling shots, it is advisable to follow complete charge/discharge cycles.
This means making sure that the vacuum cleaner is fully charged before you start cleaning and only put it back in charge when it is drained. The models that provide a charging base, to be fixed to the wall or to be placed on a flat surface, make this operation very simple.
Get Familiar with Your Vacuum Cleaner
Since there are no rules of absolute validity, you will be yourself, day after day, to understand the best way to obtain maximum efficiency from your vacuum cleaner.
Too often, for example, we end up neglecting accessories and even leaving them to age in the box. Nothing could be more wrong: the correct use of accessories greatly expands the potential of the vacuum cleaner and also facilitates various cleaning operations.
For example, when the lance for escapes is fixed to the nozzle, physics wants the flow of incoming air, having to pass through a smaller section, to increase speed.
This results in greater suction power. From this point of view, the instruction manual will help you from which you can learn important tips on the use of your new purchase.
