The vacuum is the first tool that most people look to when cleaning carpeted floors, and is also highly effective at cleaning other types of flooring such as tile, hardwood, or marble. But which type of vacuum will get the job done better? Should you buy a bagged vacuum or a bagless one?
There are some advantages and disadvantages of each type that will help you decide whether a bagged vacuum cleaner or a bagless vacuum cleaner is going to be better for you.
Bagged Vacuum Cleaners
Traditional vacuums use bags with filters in order to collect and trap the dirt pulled up from your floors. Not all that long ago, vacuums with bags were basically the only type available.
Bagged Vacuum Advantages
Debris, dirt, and allergens stay trapped in the bag.
The bag’s contents remain in the bag when the vacuum needs to be emptied.
Several pounds of dirt, dust, and other debris can be held in a single bag.
The filter is part of the bag, meaning it never needs cleaning.
Bags are easily removed and replaced when full.
Bagged Vacuum Disadvantages
Vacuum bags are not reusable; they must be discarded and replaced at each use.
As the bag nears fullness, the suction on the vacuum decreases.
If a vacuum cleaner model is discontinued, it becomes difficult to find replacement bags.
Changing a bag in the middle of cleaning is inconvenient and disrupts the flow of housekeeping tasks, especially if you do not have spares on hand.
Bagless Vacuum Cleaners
Bagless vacuums come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, including some that are even autonomous.
Advantages of Bagless Vacuum Cleaners
No shopping for replacement bags
There is no need to change a bag mid-clean.
They may be more cost-effective over time since you will not need to buy replacement bags.
One HEPA filter, found in most bagless vacuum models, can last for up to six months of regular use
Less environmental impact, because you will not be disposing of used, full vacuum bags
Emptying is usually quick and easy, making it more convenient
Disadvantages of Bagless Vacuum Cleaners
The filters will need to be washed, brushed or wrung out, and dried before using again.
The HEPA filters in many models need to be replaced as they get dirty.
Allergens in the dust and dirt from your floors can be knocked into the air as you empty the canister, causing health issues for sensitive people.
Debris falling from the canister when you remove it for emptying can require re-cleaning of a previously vacuumed area.
So Is Bagged or Bagless Better?
There is really no absolute “better” style of vacuum cleaner for everyone. The correct style of vacuum cleaner for your home will depend on many factors: your lifestyle, the habits of the pets and people in your home, your cleaning methods, the types of flooring you have, and whether you are cleaning to mitigate allergies.
Whatever style of vacuum cleaner you buy, make sure you are using the most effective vacuuming methods. We have other articles to help make sure you are cleaning properly. Make sure you also know how to keep your vacuum clean and in good working order.
If you are too busy on a daily basis to run your vacuum cleaner and keep your home tidy, consider hiring a cleaning service to help you out. Give us a call today!
