Best handheld vacuums, according to cleaning experts
Pet hair, stairs and car messes are no match for these hand vacs
Pet hair, stairs and car messes are no match for these hand vacs
For smaller messes, a good handheld vacuum provides quick cleaning without a lot of heavy lifting and without hogging precious storage space. These mini vacs won't replace a full-size canister vacuum when it comes to deep cleaning, but they are handy for instantly tackling dry spills, tracked-in dirt and pet hair stuck to just about everything. With handheld vacuums, you might even consider more than one as they don't just tackle messes inside your home: stash one in the garage to keep a workshop, garden bench and your car clean, too.
Today's newest cordless models have more powerful batteries to pick up more debris and run longer than the wimpy models of years ago. Some even pick up wet messes and remove stains, and whether they come corded or cordless, those with brushes and other attachments make it easy to remove dust from out-of-the-way spots that may be awkward for a larger vacuum to reach.
How we test handheld vacuums
The Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab tests handheld vacuums on bare floors and low pile carpets for how well they pick up light debris like sand, baking soda, dry oatmeal, orzo pasta and pet hair. We also test their suction with heavy items, like screws and nuts. We record the run time and weight and judge how easy the filter is to change or clean, how easy the dust cup is to empty, and how comfortable the vacuum is to hold and use. Any special features or attachments are also assessed. We then ask real consumers to use and rate each vacuum before we determine our test winners.
The handheld vacuum cleaners below are ones that have done well in our tests. Whether you are replacing a vacuum that has bitten the dust or are adding one to your cleaning arsenal, here are the ones we recommend:
Can't see the vacuums below? Click here for the best viewing experience.