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Floor Care Buying Guide

With such a wide variety of vacuums and floor cleaners available today, cleaning your home has never been easier. But with all these options, choosing the best vacuum cleaner for your needs can be a difficult decision. At Costco Canada, we like to take the confusion out of purchasing a floor cleaner by giving you all the information you need to make the right choice. So whether you’re in the market for a cordless vacuum to pick up small messes, a robotic vacuum for hands-free cleaning, or you’re looking for a heavy-duty steam cleaner with specialized attachments, our Floor Care Buying Guide will help you find the best vacuum cleaner or floor cleaner that suits both your budget and lifestyle.

Which Type of Vacuum Should I Buy?

Costco is pleased to offer our members an expanded selection of premium brand floor cleaners and accessories to handle every type of flooring, from carpeting to hardwoods. Browse our vacuum and floor care category, where you’ll find handheld vacuums, powerful steam cleaners, advanced robotic vacuums, hard floor cleaners, and central vacuum systems—all at great wholesale prices!

  • Upright Vacuums

    Traditional upright vacuum cleaners are powerful and simple to use, which is why they continue to be in-demand. They are most effective when used in large rooms, because their wide brushroll allows more ground coverage in less time. Uprights also work well on almost any type of flooring, from thick shag carpeting to glossy hardwoods. Most people find uprights to be a comfortable vacuum to use, because their tall design eliminates awkward stooping or bending. Upright vacuums boast powerful suction and advanced performance features like self-cleaning brushrolls, large capacity dirt storage, and anti-allergen filtration systems. They also come with a variety of attachments, including crevice tools, pet brushes, and extension wands. Best of all, there is no smart programming to set up or batteries to charge, simply plug in the vacuum and go!

    Upright vacuums are available in various weights and designs, but in general, they tend to be heavier than most other types of vacuums. Some people may find them awkward to lift or carry, which can make them less than ideal for multi-level homes. Due to their tall design, uprights perform at a higher noise level and may be hard to maneuver under furniture.

    Benefits

    • •Powerful suction
    • •Wide cleaning path
    • •Best for carpets
    • •Handles large spaces
    • •Comfortable to operate
    • •Large capacity dirt storage
    • •Bagged and bagless models

    Considerations

    • •Higher noise level
    • •Heavier than other types of vacuums
    • •Can be hard to maneuver under furniture
    Shop Upright Vacuums Back to Top

  • Canister Vacuums

    Canister vacuum cleaners are lightweight and portable, which makes them ideal for cleaning upholstery, drapes, and hard-to-reach spaces like stairs and under furniture. These versatile vacuums have a body that remains stationary, while you use a long hose and cleaning head to vacuum. This design allows the user to move more freely while cleaning. Most canister vacuums have wheels or a rotating ball to assist movement while traveling between rooms. They are a great choice for cleaning wood floors and tile, and many are just as powerful as upright vacuums. Canisters perform at a lower noise level and offer great features like advanced filtration systems, retractable cords, dust brushes and extension wands. They are available in both bagged and bagless models.

    The unique design of canister vacuums creates an impressive amount of physical freedom while cleaning, but some people find that bending over and moving the vacuum body can be cumbersome or tiring. Canister vacuums are typically bulkier in design, and the separate parts of the vacuum can make for awkward storage.

    Benefits

    • •Lightweight design
    • •Multi-functional
    • •Powerful suction
    • •Quiet operation
    • •Easy to maneuver
    • •Ideal for cleaning bare floors
    • •Great for cleaning stairs

    Considerations

    • •Typically bulkier in design
    • •Awkward to store
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  • Handheld & Stick Vacuums

    With their compact lightweight design, handheld vacuums and stick vacuums offer an easy maneuverability for daily cleaning and quick pick-ups. It also makes them a great choice for people who struggle to lift or steer heavier, more traditional types of vacuums. Most stick and handheld vacuums are considered to be affordable and eco-friendly because they run on rechargeable batteries and use removable dirt containers instead of bags. They also use much less energy than standard upright vacuums. These handy, often cordless, vacuums offer many conveniences, including charging stations, carpet and floor nozzles, collapsible handles, and attachments. And when not in use, their low-profile designs allow for easy storage.

    Although they offer many conveniences, these compact vacuums are sometimes not as powerful as upright vacuums. Many people choose to use stick and handheld vacuums for spot cleaning, and then use a more powerful upright vacuum for heavier cleaning. Stick vacuums also have smaller dirt storage capacity, and cordless models offer less run time.

    Benefits

    • •Lightweight
    • •Compact & portable
    • •Comfortable to use
    • •Energy-saving and eco-friendly
    • •Cordless, rechargeable options
    • •Great for use in vehicles
    • •Quiet operation
    • •Easy to store

    Considerations

    • •Small capacity dirt storage
    • •Cordless models have shorter run time
    • •Less powerful than upright or canister vacuums
    Shop Handheld & Stick Vacuums Back to Top

  • Robot Vacuums

    Robot vacuums offer a convenient hands-free approach to cleaning your home, even when you’re not there! These clever and efficient machines can be pre-programmed to clean specific rooms in your home, on a timed schedule or only when needed—simply program it, place it on the floor, and walk away! Their compact housing helps them fit under furniture and into tight corners, and they can also detect and adjust to varying types of dirt and flooring. Most models use smartphone apps, or remote controls so you can effortlessly adjust settings from almost anywhere. With a smart vacuum, you’ll enjoy high-tech features like self-charging docking stations, sensor navigation, and automatic dirt disposal. Some robot vacuums also offer recharge/resume capabilities, prompting the vacuum to return to its base to recharge when needed, then resume cleaning.

    There’s no doubt that robot vacuums are very convenient, but they do have some challenges. They are more expensive than most standard vacuums, can get stuck on small items left on the floor, and they can have issues transitioning between different floor types. If they run out of power while cleaning, they may become stranded. And because they have smaller storage bins, they need to be emptied more often.

    Benefits

    • •Self-operating
    • •Smart features
    • •Small, compact design
    • •Works on various flooring
    • •Low-maintenance
    • •Hands-free use
    • •Easy to store

    Considerations

    • •More expensive than other vacuums
    • •Cannot provide a deep cleaning
    • •Not ideal for area rugs or shag carpeting
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  • Deep Cleaners

    Deep cleaners, often referred to as carpet cleaners, are designed to extract embedded dirt and unsightly stains from carpets. These powerful machines are also effective in eliminating allergens, and harmful pollutants and bacteria that can settle into carpeting. Deep cleaners work by applying a mixture of water and cleaning solution onto the carpet, essentially shampooing the floor. This heavy-duty cleaning method will drastically improve both the appearance and smell of your carpets. Today’s improved deep cleaners are lighter and less cumbersome, and boast strong brush rolls that help loosen and lift dirt. To make cleaning even easier, they come with convenient features like upholstery tools, spot treatment, and quick dry modes.

    A deep cleaner is a very effective cleaning tool, but that doesn’t mean that it’s the best choice for everyone. Deep cleaning a carpet requires extra preparation and time to ensure the proper balance of water and cleaning solution. If you use too much water, your carpet may not thoroughly dry, which could result in the development of mold and mildew.

    Benefits

    • •Provide thorough deep cleaning
    • •Easily treat spills and stains
    • •Removes dirt, pollutants, & bacteria
    • •Great for pet owners
    • •Extends the life of your carpeting
    • •Eliminates high cost of professional cleaning

    Considerations

    • •Requires drying time
    • •Most use cleaning solution
    • •Can cause mildew if not used correctly
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  • Steam Cleaners

    Steam cleaners offer a safe and reliable way to sterilize and deodorize floors and other household items, while also eliminating stubborn dirt, mold, and allergens. They can be used to deep clean numerous things, including upholstery, curtains, flooring, bathrooms, countertops, and more. If used correctly, a steam cleaner is capable of killing up to 99% of harmful viruses and bacteria, including salmonella and E. coli. These eco-friendly machines require no cleaning solutions or harsh chemicals. Instead, steam cleaners use heated water to create an intense steam vapour that is applied through a pressurized applicator. Incredibly efficient, steamers heat up quickly and have convenient features like adjustable steam control, safety locks, and multiple nozzle attachments to handle a variety of surfaces.

    Although steam cleaners offer an incredible deep clean, they aren’t for everyone. These powerful machines can reach high temperatures, which can be dangerous if not handled appropriately. It’s important to educate yourself on how to use the steamer safely and correctly. There are some floors and surfaces that do not respond well to steam cleaning, and there can be long drying times for rugs and thicker fabrics.

    Benefits

    • •Multi-functional
    • •Deep cleans and sanitizes
    • •Eliminates dirt, mold, & allergens
    • •Kills harmful germs & bacteria
    • •Safe & chemical-free
    • •Eco-friendly
    • •Easy to use

    Considerations

    • •Uses very high heat
    • •Requires drying time
    • •Can cause mildew if not used correctly
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  • Hard Floor Cleaners

    Today’s hard floor cleaners and steam mops provide a deeper, more thorough cleaning than you’ll ever get by using a traditional vacuum, broom or mop—and with a lot less effort! With these multi-functional machines, you can quickly and easily pick up dust, dirt and liquids, while simultaneously scrubbing and drying your floors. Hard floor cleaners work by using scrub brushes to loosen and lift surface dirt and liquids, a squeegee for cleaning, and powerful suction to immediately dry floors for a beautiful streak-free finish. You’ll find hard floor cleaners that simply scrub and dry, some that have steam features, and multi-functional models that offer both vacuum and mop functions. They are designed for use on hardwood floors and other properly sealed hard flooring, including concrete, stone, tile, porcelain, and laminate.

    Hard floor cleaners handle multiple cleaning jobs, both wet and dry, making them incredible time-savers. But if floors are not properly sealed, water can seep between cracks and cause warping and damage. Some types of floor cleaners can be cumbersome to operate, require frequent emptying of the water tank, or may not thoroughly clean into corners or along edges.

    Benefits

    • •Multi-functional
    • •Time-saving
    • •Removes dust & dirt
    • •Removes liquids & grime
    • •Scrubs & sanitizes
    • •Provides fast drying
    • •Easy to use

    Considerations

    • •May not thoroughly clean corners or edges
    • •Some require frequent water tank emptying
    • •Flooring must be properly sealed to prevent water seepage
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Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Vacuum Cleaner

Before purchasing a vacuum or floor cleaner, it’s important to consider both your needs and lifestyle. You should also take into account the fundamentals of your home, like square footage, stairways, and types of flooring. To help you further determine which type of floor cleaner is best for you, browse our list of considerations.

  • What will be the main function of your vacuum?

    Before you begin looking at vacuum models, suction power and filter types, you should have a firm grasp on the type of floor cleaner you need. Consider where and how often you will be using your vacuum. Will you be using it on stairs or area rugs, or to pick up spills in the kitchen?

  • Do you have children or pets in your home?

    Deep cleaners and steam cleaners are a great choice for tackling embedded dirt and stains, sanitizing surfaces, and removing allergens and pet hair. Many cleaners also have special pet formulas designed to eliminate pet stains and odour. Hard floor cleaners are also designed to clean and sanitize wood floors, tiles, concrete, etc.

  • How often do you vacuum?

    Upright vacuums are ideal for removing embedded dirt from your carpet, whereas stick vacuums are convenient for cleaning up spills and minor messes. Deep cleaners and steam cleaners are great for thorough home cleanings and sanitization, and robotic vacuums are the perfect companion for busy homeowners with limited free time.

  • How large is your home?

    For people who live in a small home or apartment, a stick vacuum will most likely handle all your needs. If you live in a larger home, a traditional upright vacuum is typically a better choice. Uprights feature a wider brush roll that allows you to cover more surface area, in less time.

  • Will weight prevent you from lifting or using the vacuum?

    Steam cleaners, deep cleaners and upright vacuums are heavier and may be awkward and cumbersome to carry up and down stairs. Alternatively, stick vacuums and handheld vacuums can be easily transported to different levels of your home. Robotic vacuums are restricted to one floor.

  • What cord length do you need?

    To ensure that you can reach every corner of a room without having to switch to a new outlet, you’ll need to check the cord length when purchasing a new vacuum. Of course, cordless vacuums are less of a hindrance when trying to cover the square footage of your home.

  • Do you have vaulted ceiling or stairways in your home?

    Be sure to purchase a vacuum that includes an extension attachment or extension pole that’s long enough to access mouldings, ceilings, alcoves and other difficult to reach spaces in your home.

  • How much space do you have to store a vacuum cleaner?

    Stick vacuums and handheld vacuums may require wall mounts or charging stations for proper storage, whereas upright vacuums have the ability to stand on their own. Robotic vacuums are compact and easy to store, but bulkier machines like steam cleaners and deep cleaners require more space.

Bagged Vacuums vs. Bagless Vacuums

Bagged vacuums trap and store dirt in sealed bags that need to be replaced.

  • Larger Capacity: Bags can store more dirt, resulting in less frequent need to replace bags

  • Hygienic: Vacuum bags are sealed resulting in cleaner dirt disposal, recommended for allergy sufferers

  • Easy Maintenance: Does not require the emptying or washing of dirt containers

  • Great Filtration: Many bagged vacuums feature premium HEPA filtration

Bagless vacuums store dirt in built-in storage containers that need to be removed and emptied.

  • Less Waste: Does not require the use or disposal vacuum bags

  • Economical: Eliminates the need to purchase vacuum bags

  • Convenience: Many dirt containers are clear so you can see when its full

  • Easy Emptying: Removable dirt containers offer fast and easy disposal

Selecting the Right Vacuum Attachment

With the right attachment, your vacuum cleaner can serve as an efficient tool for cleaning other items in your home, including furniture, drapes, blinds, shelving, mattresses, and even vehicles. To help you choose the right tool for the job, we've assembled a list of the most common vacuum attachments and their intended uses.

  • Crevice Tool

    A crevice tool is long and thin with an angled tip, and it is the smallest of all the vacuum cleaner attachments. This low-profile tool is perfect for accessing narrow or hard to reach spaces in your home, like heating and dryer vents, sharp corners, mouldings, or between furniture cushions and appliances. Crevice tools can also be used to clean between the seats of your car.

  • Upholstery Tool

    An upholstery tool is a small flat attachment with bristles that loosen dirt and debris off fabric and a microfiber strip to catch lint. It is designed for cleaning a variety of fabrics and upholstered items, including sofas, chairs, curtains, mattresses, and car seats. It's best to use a lower power-level when cleaning delicate fabrics.

  • Dusting Brush

    A dusting brush is usually rectangular or round, and has long soft bristles specifically designed for dusting. It can be used to clean lampshades, blinds, art, fans, shelves, and other surfaces. When possible, it’s best to use a lower power-level when cleaning fragile items.

  • Turbo Brush

    A turbo brush is a high-powered brush with rotating bristles that help lift dirt and debris out of fabrics and crevices. It can be used to clean furniture, rugs, upholstery, stairs, and other hard to clean spaces in your home. Also a great tool for removing pet hair.

  • Extension Wand

    An extension wand, sometimes called a telescopic wand, is a long tube attachment designed to expand your reach while vacuuming. It can come as a 1 or 2-piece attachment, depending on the model. It is designed for cleaning light fixtures, mouldings, tops of cabinets, ceilings, and other hard to reach areas of your home.

Vacuum Cleaner Maintenance and Repair

If properly cared for, a quality vacuum cleaner will last for many years. But to keep your vacuum functioning at peak performance, you’ll need to do periodic checks and some basic maintenance. For people who are unfamiliar with vacuum cleaner maintenance, we’ve compiled a few suggestions to help you keep your vacuum cleaner running smoothly.

  • Replace Bags / Empty Dirt Containers

    One simple way to keep your vacuum working properly, is to replace your vacuum cleaner bag on a regular basis. Most people wait until a bag is completely full before replacing it, but waiting for it to be at maximum capacity is not a good idea. When a vacuum bag is at or near full capacity, it has less room to store new dirt and debris, which can affect your vacuum's overall performance. Your vacuum may begin to leave debris behind, have weaker suction, or expel dust. That’s why it’s best to replace the bag when it is approximately 75% full. For bagless vacuums, you’ll have the ease of being able to view exactly how much dirt is being stored at all times. Some bagless vacuums may also have a warning lighter marker that indicates when it should be emptied. Although this is a helpful feature, you should still empty the vacuum before it is at full capacity. It’s best to empty the dirt receptacle after each use, and if possible, rinse it out as well.

  • Clean the Brush Roll

    Brush rolls often come in contact with debris that can get lodged in the bristles or wound around the roller. This trapped debris can prevent vacuum rollers from spinning properly, sometimes even jamming the brush roll entirely, which is why it’s important to clean your brush roll regularly. Start by turning off or unplugging your vacuum, then turn the vacuum upside down to expose the brush roll. Use your fingers or a small tool, like tweezers or scissors, to carefully remove debris. If needed, you can remove the brush roll from the vacuum to clean it—but you should only do so if you are completely confident that you can reattach it correctly.

  • Clean & Replace Filters

    Filters help remove harmful and irritating particles from the air as it passes through the vacuum, helping to sanitize the air that is expelled. To maintain good air quality, it’s crucial that you clean and replace vacuum filters regularly. How often you do this will depend upon personal usage and the manufacturer’s recommendations. Cleaning a filter is easy, simply remove it from the vacuum and gently shake it off. If needed, use your fingers or a small tool to carefully remove any remaining dirt or debris. If the filter is washable or made of plastic, you can go a step further and rinse it under water—just be sure it is completely dry before placing it back into the vacuum.

  • Clean the Hose

    Over time, a vacuum hose can accumulate an unhealthy amount of dirt and grime. Small objects, like hair bands and toys, can also become lodged inside the hose, causing partial or full blockage. Signs that your hose may need cleaning, include the inability to pick up debris, strange or loud noises, or sudden loss of suction. For cleaning, start by turning off your vacuum and detaching the hose. Then place the hose on a flat surface and use a long object to carefully push debris out of the hose. If needed, you can also wash the surface of the hose with a damp cloth or submerge it in soapy water for a thorough scrubbing.