To clean your house, vacuum cleaners come handy to get rid of the accumulated dust in the corners. Rather than mops that only displace the dirt from one place to another, vacuum cleaners are effective to absorb the dust particles.
Now, in vacuum cleaners, you have a choice between the heavyweight and lightweight ones. In the case of the heavy-duty models, you can get tired tugging them all around. Comparatively, the lightweight ones are easier to carry around. This stands true especially when concerned with senior persons.
However, if you’re planning to purchase a lightweight vacuum cleaner for your loved one, remember to consider the important aspects beforehand. To help you in making the right choice, we have compiled this buying guide for your reference.
Buying Guide: Lightweight Vacuum Cleaner for Seniors
Here are some important features to evaluate when you’re planning on buying lightweight vacuum cleaners for the elderly groups.
Weight
Where vacuum cleaners for seniors are concerned, the weight of the appliances is the first point that you must consider. Do not think that the large-sized models are more efficient to keep your home clean. Even the small-sized ones rate high in efficiency.
Maneuverability
Maneuverability and weight of vacuum cleaners are directly related. In the case of the lightweight ones, you will find them easier to carry around and maneuver during your home-cleaning expeditions. The varieties with swivel heads rate higher in maneuverability though.
Power button placement
In most vacuum cleaners, the manufacturers position the power button towards the bottom part of the device. Nobody knows the reason why they do so. Nevertheless, not only the elderly individuals but also youngsters find it difficult to find the switch.
Even so, manufacturers are now opting to put the power button in more accessible portions of the devices.
Bag types
Different vacuum cleaners come with varying dirt-bag options. Some bagged vacuum cleaners have disposable trash bags that absorb the dirt. Upon the bag reaching its limit, you have to replace the old ones with new sacks. You may think that seniors might find changing the bag cumbersome, but the sacks are actually easily replaceable.
Other types of vacuum cleaners are the bag-less varieties. They rate lower in ability to store dirt as compared to the bagged models. They have a type of cup within for storing the dirt. And if you want to empty the cup, you simply have to hold it above the trashcan and press the release button.
Cordless models Vs Corded ones
In this age of advanced technology, vacuum cleaners are available in cordless versions. While the corded models are deemed suitable for longer usage, they are available only in a limited range. More so, seniors are not advised to clean for long durations.
With corded models, the risk of tripping over cannot be ruled out too. Sadly, elderly persons are not able to control their movements as effectively as youngsters. Thus, the chances of people tripping on the cords and injuring themselves cannot be ruled out.
However, in both corded and cordless vacuum cleaners, you have a wide array of choices. So, take your pick as per the requirements and preferences of your loved ones.
Suction power
The suction power of vacuum cleaners is another important consideration during your purchases. If you’re not able to get rid of the debris, then the purpose of these devices is not served, right? Hence, always know about the suction power of the vacuum cleaners before your purchases.
HEPA Filters
HEPA filters have relevance in the HVAC and vacuum cleaners. Such filters are equipped to trap filters as less as 0.3 microns. As such, the HEPA-fitted vacuum cleaners are beneficial for persons who often suffer from allergies, asthma, and respiratory troubles.
So, here we have discussed the important considerations for you to ponder upon when buying a compact vacuum cleaner for an elderly person. Now, we move on to the different kinds of vacuum cleaners that you can avail.
Varied types of vacuum cleaners
Carpet fiber models
In all likelihood, you will brush the vacuum cleaner over carpets to clean the embedded dirt. And carpets are composed of gentle fibers, thus you have to be careful during your cleaning sessions. In other words, do not be aggressive with the vacuum cleaners when using over carpets.
However, in cases of carpets that are made of synthetic fibers, the vacuum cleaners can be aggressive. So, you must make sure to read the instruction guide to know more about the compatibility of the vacuum cleaner you’re choosing.
Upright Vacuums
The most traditional types of vacuum cleaners are the upright variants. Such units contain all the constituents of the devices in a single unit. Upon pushing the unit over the floor, the cleaning head at the bottom starts up.
Do not think that upright vacuums are not suitable for seniors. In fact, a plethora of lightweight upright vacuum cleaners is available for them. They provide maximum power while weighing around 10 pounds.
Stick Vacuum
The modern counterparts of upright vacuum cleaners are the stick vacuums, which are naturally lightweight. Their weight is pegged to be between 2 to 5 pounds. An attractive aspect of such vacuums is that they appear like traditional models but are ultra lightweight.
Such units are ideal for small-sized homes because most units run on batteries.
Canister Vacuum
To clean bare floors, canister vacuums are perfect by way of their design. And their weight is between the stick and upright vacuum cleaners. They weigh in the range of five to fifteen pounds.
They come with a motor and dirt collection bin – all contained in the same unit. Plus, they have separate cleaning heads that are attached via long hoses. Owing to their design, they can easily clean spaces beneath the furniture.
Backpack Vacuum
Generally, backpack vacuums are modified versions of canister vacuums. They are designed to fit with your shoulder. Additionally, they come with waist straps for securing the unit in place for enabling mobility and ease of use. For greater safety and comfort, they have sound dampening and cooling parts as well.
Robot Vacuum
Robot vacuums, like their name suggests, come in the shape of robots, having round-shaped bodies. They also clean like robots, which is why they are preferred by people suffering from arthritis. To use these models, the user is required to only maintain the cleanliness of the dirt collection bin.
Self-propelled Vacuum
The self-propelled vacuum cleaners come with small-sized motors, with mechanisms to drive the wheels mechanically. You simply have to switch-on the vacuum cleaner to operate them. They move around on their own, which is why they pose as viable options for the disabled groups.
Handheld Vacuum
If you’re planning to go with handheld vacuum cleaners, then you must note that they are equipped to manage medium-sized tasks. Such units come with suctions, flexible hoses, and other various attachments. The best part of these vacuum models is that you can carry them easily around your home.
