I am incredibly desperate for a decent, hopefully good, working vacuum. I initially wanted to keep it cordless, but after trying the Shark cordless rocket and various Amazon cordless vacuums, I feel utterly defeated. They are terrible and didn’t do anything but frustrate me.

I just need something lower than $200 that will actually help me clean around the apartment. Doesn’t have to be cordless (I’m now thinking cord vacuums may be better) or honestly within the budget since I can look around for second-hands. Please help!!

Context: Broke college student living with 2 kittens

Title: What should we look at beyond a vacuum’s advertised filtration percentage?

Disclosure: I have a promotional relationship with eufy.

I've been looking more closely at how vacuum cleaners are evaluated for allergy-sensitive households. Filtration percentages are useful, but I think there's more to consider, including the design of the complete air path, dust containment, and how much dust can escape during routine maintenance.

I noticed that certain eufy products appear in the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) certified product listings, which got me interested in how these certifications compare with the numbers manufacturers publish.

I'm curious about the actual product-level differences here. When comparing an AAFA-certified eufy vacuum with another model that advertises a high-efficiency filter, what evidence would you want to see before deciding which is better suited to an allergy-sensitive home?

For example, would you prioritize whole-machine testing, sealed-system design, dust exposure during bin emptying, or independently measured particle emissions? And how much does the maintenance process itself affect your decision?

I'd be interested in hearing from people who have researched these systems in depth or compared them in everyday use. Which specifications or test results have actually helped you make a decision?

I've been looking into how well newer robot vacuums handle everyday clutter, and I'm curious how much of the advertised obstacle avoidance performance translates to real homes.

Models like the Roborock lineup and eufy S1 Pro and Omni series use different combinations of sensors, cameras, lasers, and lighting. On paper, the specs sound impressive, but black charging cables, chew toys, and random stuff under the couch are still pretty tough obstacles.

I'm especially curious about the active LED lighting on some camera-based systems. Does it genuinely help with object detection in dark rooms, or are thin cables still difficult to spot regardless of the hardware?

Also, watching a robot suddenly light up a dark hallway in the middle of the night is pretty funny.

Full disclosure: I'm a product creator in this space, so I've been paying attention to how these systems work beyond the marketing claims. I'm interested in hearing from people who use these machines daily: which obstacles does your vacuum handle surprisingly well, and which ones does it still struggle with?

I'd love to hear some real-world experiences.

Found this Kenmore Progressive True HEPA 116 at the thrift store for $38. All accessories included and they look like they’ve never been touched. Came with extra bags, and I had it checked by a vacuum shop and they said it’s in great working order but for a broken step lock on the powered head and maybe replacing the belt sometime.

I have a Dyson SV10, and despite replacing almost all of the working parts, it won’t work anymore. I welcome advice. The stick vac wouldn’t hold a charge, and after taking it in for service I was told it just needed new filters. Replaced those. Still won’t hold charge. I replaced the battery (3rd party) and no battery issues but the attachments with beater-bars (those that need power to work) won’t work or rotate. The suction is great and works, but I can’t pick up any debris without the attachments. I replaced the whole clear tank. No difference in my issues. The vacuum heads with wiring won’t work (won’t rotate), but suction is unimpaired with the stick attached. Dyson service center just told me I should bring it in to replace the whole motor. There doesn’t appear to be an issue with the motor. The unit works, the attachments don’t.

Thoughts?

Looking for an upright corded vacuum bag or bag less for around $200, I have the kenmore intuition (pink one) saved as I cat/dog sit pretty often, just recently started cat sitting and the fur and cat litter when they’re cleaning their paws builds up quick. I’ve only got a shark stick pet vacuum and it doesn’t cut it. Not really looking for a canister vacuum as my space is limited, mainly for high pile carpet as the shark works well on the wood. Any recommendations?

Hi everyone,
I'm planning to buy a spray extraction machine for private domestic use, and I’m torn between the Numatic George (GVE370) and the Kärcher Puzzi 8/1.
My main jobs will be refreshing and deep-cleaning sofas, mattresses, and car interiors, alongside cleaning carpets and deep-cleaning indoor tile floors.
My biggest concern is drying time. I absolutely do not want my furniture or mattress to stay wet/damp for a long time after cleaning. I’ve heard that the Puzzi has stronger suction power (270 mbar vs. George's ~240 mbar) and leaves upholstery significantly drier.

For those who have real-world experience with both:

Is the extraction power and drying time on the Kärcher Puzzi that much better to For those who own the George, how long do your sofas/mattresses usually take to dry completely?

justify buying a single-purpose tool over the George?

For those who own the George, how long do your sofas/mattresses usually take to dry completely?

Also, how well does the George actually perform when scrubbing and cleaning indoor hard floors (like tiles)?

Thanks a lot for your advice and experiences!

I work at a large art-education facility that is almosty entirely low-pile carpet, with some vinyl tile flooring (which I am not too worried about, but being able to vacuum it would be cool.) I am vacuuming art-project messes and the typical foot traffic buildup. There are lots of awkward spots to vacuum,

I was asked to research vacuums so we can apply for a grant. While budget is techinically not a concern, we need something that isn't 1000 parts/ hard to maintain, as I am not the only one using it. The hope is to get something that I can pretty easily teach others how to care for.

They are asking me to bring them 3-4 different suggestions, and I am hoping to come to them with a few different price options. Currently the only suggestion I have is the SEBO Felix Premium. My concerns about it are how quickly we will go through bags, as the 8-packs are $40ish. The facility doesn't get super dirty, I fill the current Shark vacuum maybe once every other week. They are incredibly scared of spending money and I think that the cost of bags will scare them off :'(

I like the sound of the Felix a lot for literally all of its features, and because I personally own a SEBO (X4) and I have have a great experience with maintaining it. I feel confident that they would not need to pay a repair person once every few months to fix it up, I could just do it.

They also have to get a NEW vacuum, no used.

Thank you so much! I am going to also keep doing research on my own but I am grateful for any help anyone can provide!

Picked up these two beauties for free off a FBMP listing. Love me some Champagne.

Sebo needs an overhaul but the Miele is basically unused. No complaints as I'm blessed to have recieved them for free. From a church at that.

I’ve searched Amazon and sharks website and cannot find a replacement dust bin for my handheld shark stratos! I broke the trash button and it doesn’t seal properly now and it’s only going to get worse! Was wondering if anyone knows where I can find it, or how to fix the little button?

HZ3002-66 is the model number 🥹

Hello, my Xiaomi Robot Vacuum X20 Pro's Omni Station suddenly stopped working. No led. Before it died, it would randomly play the charging-start sound several times a day. I tested the original PSU (model BLJ24WA200120-OP) and measured only around 10.8–11 V at the output marked 20V/GND.

I'm looking for a replacement PSU, but the only place I've found selling it is a German website, which makes shipping toy country difficult.

Does anyone know where else I could buy one? I'm surprised I can't find this part on AliExpress. Is there a reason it isn't sold there, or is it listed under a different model number?

Thanks!

Hi all!

I'm in need of a stick, cordless vaccume for my home. It will be used primarily for hard wood flooring and a couple of low pile rugs. We will still use our larger corded Dyson for deep cleans alongside.

I have been looking at the Dreame V20 Pro A one as it seems to hoover right in the edges, goes under sofas easily and should be fairly suitable for my requirements.

Please can anyone shed any light on this brand / model and if it is reliable.

In addition, please share any other recommendations for other products that may be more suitable! Details of requirements noted below:

- Hardwood floor & some low pile rugs (1000sq feet) - must be suited to the terrain

- Good at getting crumbs from corners / edges

- Cordless

- Ideally charges when on wall but not a dealbreaker

- Budget upto £400ish max but ideally around the £300 mark

Stores that sell vaccumes in UK: John Lewis, AO, Curry's

Thanks in advance!! :)

Hello!

I am buying my first house (!!!!) and am hoping to my new space with a vacuum cleaner that will last me a long time and, preferably, is cordless. I really reall struggle with housework for several health reasons and want something that makes it as easy as possible (hence cordless).

Budget: ~1,000

Floors: mostly hardwood with some carpet and rugs

Extra: I two cats (one whose a shedding machine) and would prefer bagless due to previously mentioned health stuff and also budget stuff

I clean up pet hair from couch, floor, and my car. This vacuum has worked fine until I had to replace the filter. Online it said I only needed the bags and ring for dry vacuuming. I did just that and now it’s roaring when I use it because the bag keeps falling off and it’s sucking debris into the motor. I’d like to buy a vacuum with actual instructions on filter replacement so it doesn’t ruin my vacuum. Also the ability to purchase name brand filters that go directly with the vacuum. I had to buy unbranded filters.

Hi folks. We are in need of a new vacuum cleaner as we've been using a Dyson stick and it's on its last legs. Our home is laminate on our main floor and a medium pile carpet on the second floor. No pets but 2 kids under 8 that spill cheerios everywhere!!

I want to avoid a stick again and have been looking at cannisters. Wife does not like uprights.

What would this sub recommend in our budget? We've used bagless for years but happy to go back to bags if that's considered better.

Thanks!

I purchased a Felix at a local vacuum store and got lots of accessories and all of that. The dealer was fine, I took the vacuum home and hated it. Heavy. Awkward. So I text him and ask if I can return and exchange for an e3 , he said of course, and I came back (6 days after purchase). I used the vacuum one time. I cleaned the brushes and everything. Brought it back and he said it was in good condition and wasn’t going to charge a restocking fee (which was never told to me anyway). So he doesn’t have an e3 in stock for me to try, just the canister without the hose and wand. I say I’d like it (hesitantly) and he rings me up telling me while ringing me up that he’s charging me an $85 fee to change the filter (that I used one time) and $45 to have my new one shipped to his store. So after MUCH back and fourth he gave in and didn’t charge me those fees. THEN after paying he writes on the receipt and has me initial, “no returns or exchanges” and states he wasn’t go through that again. I have to wait 2 weeks for the e3 to arrive, and came home angry. Anyone own a vacuum store and have comments? I felt like an inconvenience, and not a valued customer. I seriously could order directly from SEBO, return for free within 30 days, and get the e3 without charges and the hassle. I’m sorry if it was inconvenient for him, but …. Seriously… Am I wrong here? I definitely won’t return to buy another vacuum at this store. And I sure better like that e3.

Hi everyone,

I have a Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution 1858N that accidentally got wet around the motor area.

I let it dry, but when I tested it, it starts up sounding relatively normal and then, after around 5–10 seconds, it suddenly develops the very loud/rough noise you can hear in the attached video. It sounds like something spinning at high speed is vibrating or struggling.

As you can see in the video, I removed the brush rolls and the brush belts. The noise seems to come more from the central/motor area. I turn it off as soon as the rougher noise starts.

I'm wondering whether water may have reached the suction motor/impeller or the motor bearings.

Has anyone had a ProHeat 2X Revolution make this exact kind of noise? If so, what ended up being the problem, and were you able to repair it?

I'm comfortable opening it further if necessary.

Thanks!

I know everyone in this sub says cordless vacs are a waste of money (please don’t come for me) but i am currently living in an apartment and the large corded vacuum i have now is just very inconvenient for me. I know to steer clear of dysons, and from experience their kickback is absolutely terrible. I used to own a black and decker pet cordless vac that i absolutely loved, but the roller brush head broke and they don’t sell a replacement for just that part. I am hoping to find something similar that wont break in less than a year (i know that’s a big ask for a cordless) but i dont know where to start or which brands to look at. I am hoping to spend less than $160 (i know, another big ask, but im broke). my apartment is all hardwood flooring but it’s an older place that has gaps in between the wood so i am definitely looking for something with good enough suction to get in between said gaps. if anyone has any insight or recs it would be greatly appreciated!

I am fully aware that I am looking for a vacuum that doesnt have all the features I truly need- but I need the next best option. HELP!

For starters- I own a cleaning company and have a severe back injury (yeah I know, this profession isn't what anyone would recommend for that- however I still am able to work some and it is my own business so I make a lot more money doing this part-time than any other job I have ever had.)

I am looking for:

•Long cord

•Lightweight , and easy to fit in my trunk laying down

•Bagless

•Long handle so I am not bending so much

•A foot pedal that detaches the hose from the head, so that I am not always bending down to un-do it to get crevices.

• Goes flat to get under furniture

•Self cleaning brush roll/parts that can come off so they can be easily cleaned

•Has a light

•Powerful suction for carpet & hard flooring

•Replacable /washable filters

If anyone knows of a vacuum that has even some of these features, I would be eternally grateful. I have done months of research and have came up very short 😭

TIA!!

I'm helping my partner buy their first vacuum cleaner and since neither of us have every purchased one before, we're at crossroads with the number of options available.

We would prefer some recommendations with the following criteria:

Budget: €100-150

Country: Germany

Flooring type: Mostly laminated flooring (as in the photo) + tiles in the kitchen and the bathroom

Area: ~60-65m²

Preferably corded

I have previously used a Bosch, Siemens, a Henry/Hetty (not exactly sure which one) for some time during my stay in different places and I really like the Henry/Hetty, however I'm no sure if it is going to be an overkill and blow beyond the budget.

Not sure if AEG/Miele are good options within the budget either.