While upright traditional vacuums have their value, it can be extremely beneficial to own a handheld vacuum as well. Canadians looking for a portable option to clean up quick spills, pet hair on furniture, or their car interior will benefit the most from having a handheld vacuum. Digging out a full-size vacuum can be cumbersome for small cleaning jobs, and handheld vacuums take up minimal storage space.
With so many different handheld vacuums on the market, we have chosen some of the very best options available in Canada. Our team of experts carefully researched and analyzed aspects of these vacuums, like filters, speeds, weight options, and battery life, to take the guesswork out of the shopping. Whether you need a handheld vacuum that is lightweight or one that lasts the longest, one of the options in our review today is sure to be a great choice.
The 7 Best Handheld Vacuums for Canadians in 2024
- Best Overall: VacLife Handheld Vacuum
- Best for Pets: Black+Decker Dustbuster CHV1410L
- Best All-in-One: Dirt Devil Simpli-Stik 3-in-1 Vacuum
- Best for Canadians on a Budget: Black+Decker Cordless QuickClean Dustbuster
- Best for Minimalists: Bissell TurboSlim Cordless Hand Vacuum
- Best for Manoeuvrability: Shark WV200C WANDVAC Handheld Vacuum
- Best Pivoting Hand Vacuum: Black+Decker MAX Lithium Vacuum BDH2000PL
Why Did We Choose These Handheld Vacuums in Canada?
Every handheld vacuum that made this list has a solid reason for being here. Each of these recommendations has different qualities that make them useful to Canadians in different situations. Let’s run through some quick reasons why we made our specific choices before we dig into the reviews for each of these handheld vacuums for Canadians.
The VacLife Handheld Vacuum is our pick for the best overall handheld vacuum in Canada. This portable option combines a powerful motor and multiple attachments, ensuring a deep clean no matter the surface. With a rechargeable battery, you won’t need to deal with bulky cords, making it great for the car and on the go.
The Black+Decker Dustbuster CHV1410L is our best pick for those who own pets. It’s powerful, comes from one of the leading brands in the industry, and can handle tough-to-remove pet hair from floors, furniture and in the car. Combine superb quality with exceptional suction, and this is a no-brainer for Canadians with dogs or cats.
Canadians looking for a vacuum that can go from upright to handheld in a snap will love the Dirt Devil Simpli-Stik 3-in-1 Vacuum. This all-in-one vacuum is a wonderful option for any user who doesn’t want to own multiple vacuums but still values high quality at a low price point.
We love the Black+Decker Cordless QuickClean Dustbuster because it offers solid performance at a low price. If you’re new to the world of cordless handheld vacuums, this one serves as a perfect entry point.
If you love the minimalist look, the sleek design of the Bissell TurboSlim Cordless Hand Vacuum is for you. It may seem odd to call a handheld vacuum stylish, but this one looks the part and does a great job of cleaning your home.
With its lightweight design, the Shark WV200C WANDVAC Handheld Vacuum is our pick for manoeuvrability. At just 1.4 lbs, it’s perfect for people who’ve found that other vacuums start hurting their wrists after a few minutes of use.
With its pivoting neck, the Black+Decker MAX Lithium Vacuum BDH2000PL ensures every inch of your surfaces gets cleaned. It’s great for tackling corners and awkwardly shaped areas.
Best Overall
VacLife Handheld Vacuum
- Nozzle: Fixed
- Filter Type: HEPA Filter
- Speeds: 1
- Weight: 1 kg
It's Great For:
- Canadians with pets
- Those with allergies
- Canadians wanting multiple attachments
- Long battery life
Those looking for the very best features and benefits in a portable vacuum will love the VacLife Handheld Vacuum, our choice for the best overall handheld vacuum you can buy in Canada. Whether you are looking to combat stubborn pet hair on furniture, quick spills in the kitchen or your car interior, this handheld vacuum can do it all with its powerful suction and long battery life.
This handheld vacuum has a wide nozzle, which is perfect for bigger messes and larger piles of dirt. Included with the VacLife are two attachments: a crevice nozzle for hard-to-reach places and a brush for upholstery and pet hair. The attachments are easy to pop on and off as needed. A bright LED light helps light the way while cleaning in hard-to-see areas or under furniture.
Canadians with allergies will appreciate the included Hepa filter, which eliminates allergens from the air. The filter and easy-to-empty dust cup are washable and keep the entire vacuum clean and healthy. With a 12V battery, you can count on powerful suction for all your vacuuming needs. The battery is fully rechargeable and lasts approximately 20 minutes, and it takes 3.5 hours to fully recharge.
Overall, this high-quality handheld vacuum is a great choice that offers a range of features that will appeal to most Canadians. Whether you are concerned about pet hair or have small children who make little messes throughout the day, this vacuum will help you get the job done.
Key Features
- High Powered Motor. This 12V motor is stronger than many others on the market and ensures a quick and efficient clean up each use.
- Long Battery Life. With a lengthy 20-minute battery life, it’s easy to tackle messes without worrying about the battery running out.
- Multiple Attachments. This VacLife vacuum has a wide nozzle and two additional attachments for crevices and small spaces, as well as an upholstery brush for furniture and pet hair.
- LED Lighting. Built-in LED lighting allows you to see under your furniture or in hard-to-reach places, helping you get the most out of your vacuuming time.
Our Expert’s Take
“Whether it’s pet hair, entry door messes or car interiors you need to clean, this ultra-powerful handheld vacuum will get the job done and is our favourite in Canada.”
Best for Pets
Black+Decker Dustbuster CHV1410L
- Nozzle: Rotates 180 Degrees
- Filter Type: Reusable Cotton
- Speeds: 1
- Weight: 1.2 kg
It's Great For:
- Cleaning carpets and upholstery
- Easy maintenance
- People who care about energy efficiency
- Canadians who don’t want to break the bank
The Black+Decker Dustbuster CHV1410L is our best pick for Canadians with pets. Stubborn pet hair can be tricky with less powerful vacuums, but this powerful option is perfect for cat and dog owners who need to vacuum furniture, stairs, cars, and anywhere else pet hair gets trapped.
With a suction power of 15.2 air watts, this vacuum easily handles pet hair, dust, dirt, and other nasty stuff that gets embedded into carpets and upholstery. Combine that power with a rotating nozzle which is slim and easy to poke into tight spaces and you have a vacuum that can clean practically any area of your home. The slimline nozzle also has 50% more reach than previous Black+Decker handheld vacuums, which means less bending and reaching for you.
Canadians will also be happy to find that it comes with most of the accessories they’ll need, including a crevice tool and brush. All accessories click easily into the nozzle and can be stored on the vacuum, meaning there’s less chance of you misplacing them.
The Black+Decker Dustbuster CHV1410L’s battery life is its only real downside. You’ll get about 10 minutes of use from a 213-minute charge, which is on the lower end of the scale. On the plus side, the vacuum uses 50% less energy than other Black+Decker models. Plus, it comes with a handy charging dock.
Key Features
- Powerful Suction. The extra powerful motor helps remove stubborn pet hair from furniture, cars and hard-to-reach places.
- Energy Efficient. This handheld vacuum uses 50% less energy than previous Black+Decker models. It won’t run your electric bill up, even if you clean with it frequently.
- Compact Design. This slim and small design makes it easy to store and take on the go. It’s great for use in your car or in remote areas of your home, too.
- Excellent for Small Spaces. The Black+Decker Dustbuster CHV1410L has a superior range and is great for tight nooks and crannies due to its 1.51-ft. wand length.
Our Expert’s Take
“This handheld vacuum is easy to use and will reach everywhere you need it without any trouble. Canadians with dogs and cats will love its ability to easily remove stubborn pet hair.”
Best All-in-One
Dirt Devil Simpli-Stik 3-in-1 Vacuum
- Nozzle: Multi-Function Fixed
- Filter Type: Rinsable Filter
- Speeds: 1
- Weight: 1.7 kg
It's Great For:
- Those wanting an upright and handheld all-in-one
- Canadians who have multi-surface cleaning needs
- Users needing to vacuum for long periods of time
- Those without a lot of storage space
While some Canadians prefer to own an upright vacuum as well as a handheld, many will find an all in one option appealing. With the Dirt Devil Simpli Stik 3-1 Vacuum, this portable vacuum combines the classic needs of an upright vacuum with the convenience and portability of a handheld.
Using the vacuum as a traditional upright gives you two different options. In both cases, a 16-foot cord is attached to the vacuum, which should allow for a large range of space in the home. You can choose to use the vacuum on the carpet, with its higher brush rollers, or toggle to hardwood floors for a low-ground, more powerful suction.
When stairs, counters and hard-to-reach places need to be cleaned, a long crevice tool can be accessed, or you can remove the entire handheld vacuum from the base. This handheld feature is still attached to the main dirt cup, which can hold .35 litres of dirt, as well as the cord. While some may view a corded handheld to be less appealing and limiting, this feature allows for lengthy vacuuming without the need to stop to recharge a battery, which is great for those with many stairs and messes to tackle.
This vacuum is a perfect option for anyone with limited storage who may not have the room to store more than one type of cleaning tool. The filter is easily cleaned by rinsing it with water, and the dirt cup can be emptied with a touch of a button.
Key Features
- 3-in-1 Design. This upright vacuum can handle carpets and hardwood floors and convert to a handheld, saving space for those who live in smaller homes.
- Unlimited Run Time. Without a battery, this corded option can run as long as needed without having to stop to charge a battery.
- Multiple Attachments. With a crevice and brush tool, you can vacuum hard-to-reach areas as well as tackle furniture and pet hair with ease.
- Easy to Clean. Those with allergies will appreciate that this Dirt Devil handheld vacuum has a washable filter and dust cup.
Our Expert’s Take
“This convenient all-in-one vacuum goes from upright to handheld in seconds and is perfect for those looking to save storage space.”
Best for Canadians on a Budget
Black+Decker Cordless QuickClean Dustbuster
- Nozzle: Fixed
- Filter Type: Cartridge
- Speeds: 1
- Weight: 0.6 kg
It's Great For:
- Canadians on a budget
- People who want an entry-level handheld vacuum in Canada
- Quick cleaning of spills and dirt
- Canadians who value portability
If you’re new to the world of handheld vacuums, the Black+Decker Cordless QuickClean Dustbuster is one of the best handheld vacuums in Canada. With its exceptionally low price, coming in at less than half the cost of several of the options on this list, it’s great for those who want to test the waters.
Thankfully, that price doesn’t come at the cost of quality. While there’s no denying this is a basic vacuum, its low 1.4-lb weight makes it perfect for people who find that heavier options tend to make their arms tired. You can easily lift this vacuum to clear cobwebs and other grime without worrying about dropping it.
Both the dust pod and filter are washable, giving them excellent longevity. Better yet, having the ability to clean the cartridge filter means you won’t have to spend money on replacements every couple of months. It’s easy to store thanks to the wall-mounted charger, which helps you keep it out of the way while the lithium battery charges.
There are a couple of small quirks, which you’ll likely expect for such a low price. Its 0.35-qt. capacity means you’ll have to empty it often if you have a big cleaning job. Some may also find having to constantly hold the power button down to keep it running annoying. Even so, it’s an excellent entry point into the world of handheld vacuums in Canada.
Key Features
- Budget Friendly. This high-quality handheld vacuum comes at an exceptionally low cost. Canadians on a budget will appreciate the quality for the price.
- Easy to Clean. With a washable dust bin and filter, you can easily clean the vacuum, making it a great option for those with allergies.
- Convenient Storage. The wall mount included with this Black+Decker vacuum makes it easy to store. it won’t take up space on your shelves or counters, eliminating clutter.
- Lightweight and Portable. Canadians who have trouble with heavier machines will be relieved to know that this lightweight, portable handheld only weighs about 1.4 pounds.
Our Expert’s Take
“Canadians seeking an inexpensive handheld with great features will love this vacuum. The convenient wall mount option and lightweight design make it appealing for a variety of users.”
Best for Minimalists
Bissell TurboSlim Cordless Hand Vacuum
- Nozzle: Fixed
- Filter Type: Washable Cartridge
- Speeds: 1
- Weight: 0.6 kg
It's Great For:
- Stylish Canadians
- Canadians who want extra tools for their hand vacuums
- Convenient charging
- Cleaning workspaces
If style is the name of your game, the Bissell TurboSlim Cordless Hand Vacuum is one of the best handheld vacuums in Canada. Its sleek design means it easily slots into any room without looking out of place. If you love modern and minimalist looks, you can’t go far wrong with this device.
We know that looks aren’t everything. The Bissell TurboSlim Cordless Hand Vacuum impressed us with solid suction power. The 7.4V lithium battery lasts for about 12 minutes of continuous use, making this vacuum ideal for giving your workspace a quick tidy. And with its low weight of 1.37 lbs, it’s ideal for Canadians who don’t want to heft around a heavy vacuum.
That low weight is also handy due to this hand vacuum not coming with a handle. Instead, you grip the shaft at the end to move it around. While this can make the Bissell TurboSlim Cordless Hand Vacuum wear on the hands a little, it also makes it easier to push into hard-to-reach spaces.
The Bissell TurboSlim Cordless Hand Vacuum comes with several accessories, including a storage stand and USB charging cable. The brush and crevice tools help you reach anywhere you need to clean. Plus, you get a pair of replacement filters, which last a long time given that they’re also washable.
Key Features
- Combo Tool. With a 2-in-1 crevice and brush tool, you can get more done than many other handheld vacuums on the market.
- Easy to Store. With a slim profile, this Bissell handheld can be stored nearly anywhere in your house without taking up precious counter space or cluttering cabinets.
- Battery Indicator. Taking the guesswork out of figuring out when you need to charge the vacuum is an interface with a simple battery indicator light.
- Modern Aesthetic. This sleek and stylish design looks great in any utility room or kitchen where you may store it openly.
Our Expert’s Take
“We loved the slim and stylish design of this compact handheld, which looks sleek and modern in any kitchen or household space.”
Best for Manoeuvrability
Shark WV200C WANDVAC Handheld Vacuum
- Nozzle: Fixed
- Filter Type: Cartridge
- Speeds: 2
- Weight: 0.6 kg
It's Great For:
- Stylish Canadians
- Canadians who want extra tools for their hand vacuums
- Convenient charging
- Cleaning workspaces
Offering plenty of power in a lightweight package, the Shark WV200C WANDVAC Handheld Vacuum offers exceptional manoeuvrability. The clever ergonomic handle allows you to maintain complete control while in use. Plus, at just 1.4 lbs, it’s not going to leave your arm feeling tired after a few minutes of cleaning.
Speaking of cleaning, this hand vacuum does a great job thanks to its tapered nozzle. This allows the device to handle large debris just as easily as it cleans up fine dust. The brushless motor delivers superb high-speed suction too, meaning that even stubborn areas get a good cleaning. Canadians will also be happy with the crevice tool, which makes cleaning corners and awkward areas simple.
A full charge takes about 3.5 hours, which gives you 16 minutes of usage. The Shark WV200C WANDVAC Handheld Vacuum comes with a handy charging dock, which is ideal for keeping it safe when it’s not in use. A set of LED lights indicate the device’s battery life and charging status, ensuring you won’t run out of charge in the middle of cleaning.
If you have a particularly stubborn patch of grime to work on, the Shark WV200C WANDVAC Handheld Vacuum comes with a Boost mode. Canadians can increase the suction at the touch of a button, though this does make a fairly noisy vacuum even louder. Clocking in at 82 decibels without the Boost, this may not be one of the best handheld vacuums in Canada for people who are sensitive to noise.
Key Features
- Lightweight Design. Weighing just 1.4 lbs, this handheld vacuum is ultra-lightweight, making it a great choice for kids helping out with chores.
- Powerful Boost Mode. This Shark handheld vacuum features powerful suction that Canadians can enhance with the Boost mode.
- Anti-Clog Feature. With its anti-hair wrap cleaning head, clogs are prevented, and time is saved.
- Tapered Nozzle. Hard-to-reach places are easy to vacuum with its tapered nozzle that is perfect for car interiors and stairs.
Our Expert’s Take
“Those looking for an ultra-powerful handheld vacuum that is lightweight will love this Shark vacuum, which combines excellent suction with easy manoeuvrability.”
Best Pivoting Hand Vacuum
Black+Decker MAX Lithium Vacuum BDH2000PL
- Nozzle: Pivoting
- Filter Type: Three-Stage Washable
- Speeds: 1
- Weight: 1.4 kg
It's Great For:
- Offering fade-free suction power
- Tackling high surfaces and tight spaces
- Canadians who don’t want to mess around with too many attachments
- People who don’t have a lot of room to store a vacuum
Do you have high shelves that you find difficult to clean? Perhaps you have vents in your home that constantly collect dust? If you have a hard-to-clean surface to deal with, the Black+Decker MAX Lithium Vacuum BDH2000PL is one of the best handheld vacuums in Canada.
It all comes down to the clever pivoting nozzle. Canadians can set this nozzle to multiple angles, allowing the nozzle to lie flat on almost any cleaning surface. That means there are no gaps between vacuum and surface, resulting in a better clean.
The Black+Decker MAX Lithium Vacuum BDH2000PL has a high-performance motor that offers superb suction. Its clever cyclonic action keeps dust and dirt away from the triple-level filter when it’s in use. The result is a hand vacuum that doesn’t experience power fades midway through a cleaning session. Black+Decker equips this vacuum with a lithium battery, which you can replace if it malfunctions or runs out of charge.
Key Features
- Pivoting Nozzle. Unlike some other handheld vacuums with a stationary nozzle, this Black+Decker option pivots, allowing for easy reach in tight spaces.
- Long Lasting Filter. Due to the vacuum’s cyclonic action, the triple filter lasts longer than average, saving you time and money in replacing them.
- Built-in Storage. The included attachments are built into this handheld vacuum, which saves valuable counter or cabinet space.
- Replaceable Battery. While the battery is rechargeable, if you find that over time, it needs to be replaced, the lithium battery can be purchased separately from Black+Decker.
Our Expert’s Take
“This handheld vacuum is perfect for Canadians needing a powerful handheld option that works great for hard-to-reach areas of the home.”
Comparing the Best Handheld Vacuums for Canadians
| Category | Vacuum | Nozzle | Filter Type | Speeds | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | VacLife Handheld Vacuum | Fixed | HEPA Filter | 1 | 1 kg |
| Best for Pets | Black+Decker Dustbuster CHV1410L | Rotates 180 Degrees | Reusable Cotton | 1 | 1.2 kg |
| Best All-in-One | Dirt Devil Simpli-Stik 3-in-1 Vacuum | Multi-Function Fixed | Rinsable Filter | 1 | 1.7 kg |
| Best for Canadians on a Budget | Black+Decker Cordless QuickClean Dustbuster | Fixed | Cartridge | 1 | 0.6 kg |
| Best for Minimalists | Bissell TurboSlim Cordless Hand Vacuum | Fixed | Washable Cartridge | 1 | 0.6 kg |
| Best for Manoeuvrability | Shark WV200C WANDVAC Handheld Vacuum | Fixed | Cartridge | 2 | 0.6 kg |
| Best Pivoting Hand Vacuum | Black+Decker MAX Lithium Vacuum BDH2000PL | Pivoting | Three-Stage Washable | 1 | 1.4 kg |
How We Selected These Handheld Vacuums in Canada
We have a simple mission at Made in CA – to help Canadians get their hands on the top appliances available in Canada. We want to help you improve your quality of life while saving you time and money when you’re searching for ways to keep your house clean.
Our recommendations are formed on the back of in-depth evaluations, extensive research, and our product comparisons. We take several factors into account when choosing the best handheld vacuums in Canada, with build power, suction, and overall performance being chief among them. Once we have enough information about the product we research, we’re ready to hand our recommendations to Canadian consumers.
When creating our list of the best handheld vacuums in Canada, we took several key indicators into account.
- Suction Power. A handheld vacuum with no suction isn’t going to be of much use. We also don’t want to see suction fading quickly due to the battery or a poor filter.
- Handling. Portability is one of the main benefits of using a handheld vacuum. If a vacuum isn’t easy to handle, it’s not as useful for getting into hard-to-reach spaces. Design and weight come into play here.
- Functionality. Some handheld vacuums come with a single fixed nozzle. Others have extensions, accessories, and even clever pivoting features. We want to see as much functionality as possible out of a handheld vacuum before we recommend it.
- Design Quality. Canadians want their handheld vacuums to look the part as well as being able to perform well. We’re not saying looks are the most important thing in the world. But we do give some consideration to vacuums that take style into account.
Why Use a Handheld Vacuum in Canada?
Most Canadians have used traditional vacuum cleaners at some point during their lives. These machines are powerful and great at tackling large patches of carpet. But if you need to get underneath furniture or into tight corners, they tend to prove too bulky.
Handheld vacuums allow you to get into the hard-to-reach spots that traditional vacuums can’t reach. This makes them great for keeping corners clean, reaching high surfaces, and taking care of the upholstery in cars.
Handheld vacuums are great for those quick clean-up jobs that we all have to deal with on occasion. If you notice some pet hair embedded in your furniture, a handheld vacuum lets you deal with it in seconds.
Finally, the light weight of these vacuums makes them portable. That portability means they can handle uneven terrain better than standard vacuums. Plus, it makes them easier to store in your office or home.
How to Choose a Handheld Vacuum for Canadians
If ditching your unwieldy traditional vacuum is on your mind, or you just want more cleaning options around the house, you need to know what to look for in a handheld vacuum. Having decent suction alone doesn’t mean a unit is one of the best handheld vacuums in Canada. Understanding what to look for ensures you don’t waste money on a vacuum that isn’t fit for your purposes.
Corded vs. Cordless
When people think about handheld vacuums, they naturally assume they’re cordless. After all, the devices are designed for portability. Having an unwieldy cord trailing behind your vacuum creates a tripping hazard and limits manoeuvrability. It’s for this reason that most of the vacuums on our list are of the cordless variety.
However, we’d urge you not to completely disregard corded handheld vacuums. Connecting directly to a power supply means you never have to worry about running out of juice midway through cleaning. Plus, corded vacuums tend to offer more suction, making them better at dealing with embedded dirt.
Consider how you’ll use the vacuum when making your choice. If you’re looking to get into tough and high spaces, cordless is the way to go. But for Canadians who want suction, such as those who need a portable vacuum for cleaning a car, corded may be a good option.
The Battery
Building on the previous point, battery life is a key consideration. Handheld vacuums tend to run for about 15 minutes before they need recharging. If a vacuum offers considerably less than that, you must think about whether it gives you enough juice to clean everything you need to clean. Of course, corded models won’t have any issues with batteries.
The type of battery is as important as the battery’s life. The best handheld vacuums in Canada tend to use lithium-ion batteries. Not only do these batteries hold a decent charge, but they’re not subject to as much battery fade as alternatives, like nicad batteries.
Finally, think about charging time. Most handheld vacuums take two to three hours to fully charge. Check the vacuum’s user manual if you need more details about its battery.
Tools and Attachments
Some handheld vacuums come with crevice tools, brushes, and extender attachments. Others offer no frills and come as you see them. Either type can be a good option, assuming the vacuum fulfills your needs.
For example, Canadians who want to clear up embedded pet hair and dirt will find brush attachments very useful. If you want to dig into corners and tight spots, a crevice attachment is a must. But if you’re only clearing up loose dust from flat surfaces, you may find you’re wasting money on a bunch of attachments you don’t need.
Storage is also an issue with attachments. Ideally, your handheld vacuum will have clips to hold the attachments when they’re not in use. Otherwise, you have to make space somewhere to store them.
The Dust Pod
There are two factors to consider when looking at dust pods.
- Size
- Ease of cleaning
A larger dust pod means fewer trips to empty your handheld vacuum. However, large pods affect the unit’s design. You may find that a vacuum with a large pod feels unwieldy when you’re trying to clean tight spaces. Determine how you’ll use your vacuum. Would you rather vacuum for longer before emptying the dust cup, or have a smaller vacuum for tight spaces?
As for ease of cleaning, the best dust pods open easily and don’t require you to get your hands dirty. Most Canadians don’t want to dig their hands into a dust pod to scrape out dirt and grime.
The Power Switch
All handheld vacuums come with a power switch. However, some power on with the flick of that switch while others require you to hold it down. While this may seem like a small difference, many Canadians find having to hold a switch irritating when they’re trying to clean. If your mind wanders while you work, you may find yourself accidentally stopping and starting your vacuum unintentionally.
Some handheld vacuums also have a feature for boosting suction power. You usually activate this with a switch so you can tackle tough dirt and pet hair. Just note that boosting suction power drains the battery more quickly.
Size and Weight
The whole point of handheld vacuums for Canadians is that you can lift them easily for vacuuming hard-to-reach spots. If your vacuum weighs more than 3 lbs, you’ll likely find that arm fatigue comes into play.
Again, consider how you’ll use the vacuum. If you’re clearing cobwebs from ceilings or cleaning high surfaces, you need a vacuum that’s as light as possible. But if you’re cleaning desks, carpets, and upholstery, you may be able to get away with a heavier device that offers more power.
Filters
Though a handheld vacuum can save you money, you may find yourself replacing filters regularly. The cost can add up, especially if the filters don’t last long. The best handheld vacuums in Canada tend to have filters that alleviate this issue.
Some use special systems to keep dirt away from the filters when in use. Cyclonic motion is a good example of this. Others come with washable filters, allowing you to extend the filter’s life as long as you’re vigilant with cleaning.
Additional Factors
Beyond the main features discussed above, several other factors may influence your decision. The following additional features and considerations can greatly influence which handheld vacuum you choose, so keep these in mind.
- Warranty. A strong warranty can be an attractive perk if you intend to use your hand vacuum for several years. It also displays the manufacturer’s confidence in their product.
- Brand. A brand isn’t everything. But you’ll generally find that some brands excel at creating powerful vacuums while others are better for sleek or lightweight designs.
- Reviews. Other Canadians can tell you as much about a vacuum as you can learn from using it yourself. Don’t be afraid to check out user reviews to discover the overall consensus on the product.
How to Safely Use a Handheld Vacuum in Canada
Handheld vacuums aren’t the most complicated devices in the world, meaning most people should be able to use them safely with little instruction. Still, there are some handy tips to keep in mind to stay as safe as possible.
- Clean or replace your filters regularly. Not only does this extend the filter’s life, but it also prevents dust build-up from causing issues with the vacuum.
- Register your vacuum with the manufacturer if you have the option. This ensures you’re one of the first to know if the product is subject to a recall. Plus, you’ll have somebody to contact if your vacuum requires repairs.
- Try not to leave your vacuum charging for longer than needed. Though most batteries stop charging once they’re full, leaving the vacuum connected to a power source creates a fire risk.
- Don’t use your handheld vacuum to clean wet floors or clear up flammable materials.
- Store your handheld vacuum in a dry and cool area that protects it from extreme temperatures.
- Empty the dust pod regularly to prevent dust build-up on your vacuum’s filter. An empty pod is also a more effective pod when you’re cleaning.
Make sure that you are using the handheld vacuum according to the user manual and manufacturer guidelines. Failure to follow these guidelines can lead to damage to your handheld vacuum. It also may not work as effectively if you don’t use it correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
While upright, traditional vacuums are great for covering large floor spaces and big homes; handheld vacuums do a lot of things upright vacuums cannot! Canadians looking to clean their car interiors, stairs, and tight places will benefit from a handheld vacuum. These compact cleaners also do a great job of vacuuming up small spills where you may not want to bring out a large vacuum.
Like all small appliances, buying a handheld vacuum means a small investment into maintaining your home, and you will want to make sure you are picking a model that will last. Most handheld vacuums will last for multiple years, especially if they have been well taken care of. Using the vacuum as directed, cleaning and replacing the filters, and storing it in a proper area are all things that will make sure your handheld vacuum cleaner will have a long life without premature breakage.
While some handheld vacuum cleaners are corded, a majority of them are cordless and use a rechargeable battery. On average, handheld vacuum cleaners that are battery operated will last between 20-30 minutes, with some variation. While that may not seem like a long time, it is plenty of time to vacuum small areas.
For many Canadians, choosing a handheld vacuum cleaner also means ensuring some protection against manufacturing issues. Some handheld vacuum cleaners come with warranties, which can help repair or replace your vacuum in case of faulty construction or damage. Typically, you can expect these warranties to be between 1-3 years, which is when most factory defects would present themselves.
Most handheld vacuum cleaners that come with a rechargeable battery come with a small docking station for the vacuum to sit on. The docking station is plugged into the wall, and the vacuum cleaner is set inside or on top of it. Some docking stations can be wall-mounted for ease.
Handheld vacuum cleaners are great at picking up dirt and maintaining a clean home, but they can become fairly dirty themselves. Making sure you keep your handheld vacuum clean not only cuts down on dust in your home, but it will help you vacuum last longer. To clean your vacuum, empty the dust cup after each use, and many dust cups can even be rinsed and dried. The filter should be regularly cleaned and changed, and the outside of the vacuum can be wiped down with a rag and cleaner.
Many handheld vacuum cleaners are cordless options, but not all. Some handheld vacuums have cords and can be less expensive than cordless options. Corded vacuums won’t run out of battery and can be great for larger jobs, where cordless vacuums will need to recharge after 30 minutes or so of use. Depending on your budget and needs, you can choose between a cordless or corded option and still have a high-quality vacuum.
