Vacuuming might be the easier way to get your home cleaned up, rather than going at it with broom and mop, but lugging a rugged tank around the house can be difficult for the elderly, or anyone with joint and back problems. The key lookouts for alternatives are vacuums both lightweight and of the upright or stick variety, but that’s not all. We’re looking for a device that lets us do as much as possible, using as little effort as possible – in other words, a vacuum cleaner that packs all the functionality and effectiveness of a larger, heavy-duty device in a sleeker, portable and lightweight counterpart. So which options out there will let anyone, young or old, zip through the house cleaning, no sweat? Let’s take a look at our best picks.
KEN’S PICK
VonHaus Cordless 2 in 1 Stick Handheld Vacuum
Meet your cleaning companion, perfect for everyone, especially senior citizens. This vacuum is a powerhouse, driven by a 22.2V Lithium-ion battery with an impressive 15Kpa suction power and an advanced HEPA filter. It’s not just for pet owners – it effortlessly tackles stubborn pet hair, microparticles, and deep-seated debris. Plus, you can choose between low and high settings, making it versatile for various surfaces.
What sets it apart is its 2-in-1 design, easily switching between upright and handheld modes. Whether you’re cleaning carpets, hard floors, upholstery, car interiors, or stairs, this vacuum has you covered. And the best part? No cords to hold you back. Thanks to the 22.2V Lithium-ion battery, you can enjoy a cordless cleaning experience with up to 30 minutes of runtime on a single charge (on the low setting). It’s also wall-mountable, so you can keep it neatly stored and conveniently charged.
With its included rotating floor brush and 2-in-1 crevice tool, you have all the tools you need for thorough, floor-to-ceiling cleaning. This vacuum is all about making your cleaning routine hassle-free, so you can enjoy a clean and comfortable living space, whether you’re a senior citizen or not.
KEN’S BUDGET PICK
Dirt Devil Simpli-Stik Lightweight Corded Bagless Stick Vacuum
Another stick vacuum which can transform to a handheld one, this inexpensive device weighs less than 4 pounds, so you won’t find yourself breaking a sweat sporting this around your home. The 16-foot cord and pair of wheels make maneuverability hassle-free, sliding under low surfaces and around tight corners to get every inch of your home sparkly clean, while popping off the stick handle lets you pick the vacuum up via carry-handle to clean up curtains or furniture. The vacuum also comes with a crevice attachment, to let you get at hard to reach corners and in between upholstery seams, and multi-surface cleaning that picks up dirt and debris off floors, carpet, furniture and so on with ease. A 1.25-amp motor gives this compact device plenty of suction power, leaving your floors spick and span, even pulling out the dirt embedded in between tiles and against baseboards in a decisive pass.
As this is a bagless vacuum, this might be a problematic device if you or anyone at home experience dust-related respiratory problems. Nonetheless, the dust cup is easy to empty out, with a re-usable filter you can wash down without having to constantly stock up on filter bags.
RUNNER-UP
BISSELL Featherweight Vacuum
This vacuum not only works flawlessly on floors, but also on rugs, low-pile carpets, upholstery and other surfaces. Weighing around 5 pounds, this vacuum is ideal for those occasions you need to clean up only a small area or clear out a minor mess – this compact device, which easily doubles as a handheld vacuum once you pop off the floor nozzle and handle, delivers the necessary firepower you’d want without needing to yank out a bigger, bulkier vacuum. The slim design and 16-foot power cord make it ideal for easily cleaning up narrow areas like the steps of your staircase or your couch arms, with a crevice tool included to let you get in between those couch cushions and other hard to access corners needing a good clean.
RUNNER-UP
Hoover ONEPWR WindTunnel Emerge Cordless Lightweight Stick Vacuum
This vacuum is a fantastic choice for everyone, including senior citizens. It’s not only powerful but also impressively quiet, ensuring you get a thorough clean without all the noise.
Thanks to its DustVault Technology, it’s a champion at capturing and containing dust and fine particles, leaving no loss of suction in its wake. Plus, its design is highly maneuverable, making it perfect for deep cleaning carpets, tackling pet hair, and handling dirt on both carpets and hard floors.
But it’s not just for your floors – this vacuum offers above-floor cleaning versatility. You can easily clean hard-to-reach areas, upholstery, and stairs by converting it into a handheld vacuum. And, if you’re worried about running out of power during your cleaning session, don’t be. The OnePWR Battery System provides up to 45 minutes of continuous runtime, ensuring you have the fade-free power you need to tackle any job, anywhere. So, whether you’re a senior citizen or not, this vacuum is designed to make your cleaning routine efficient and hassle-free.