A Blog For Mums
As a busy mum with a house full of kids, keeping our home clean used to feel like an endless chore. That all changed when I recently invested in a cordless vacuum cleaner. Now, I can honestly say that hoovering has become so much quicker and easier – dare I say, even enjoyable at times!
While I’m fortunate to have the space to store and charge my cordless vac, I know not everyone is in the same position. So I wanted to share my honest thoughts on whether cordless hoovers are truly worth buying for the average household.
Here’s my take on the pros and cons after putting my new cordless vacuum through its paces.
One of the biggest game-changers for me has been the convenience and flexibility that comes with a cordless hoover. No more wrestling with tangled cords or constantly unplugging and re-plugging as I move from room to room. I can simply grab my cordless vac and start cleaning anywhere in the house without a second thought.
The lightweight design makes it so easy to manoeuvre around furniture and into tight spaces. I can quickly zip under the sofa or dining table to tackle those pesky dust bunnies. And cleaning the stairs is no longer a precarious balancing act.
For quick clean-ups, it’s brilliant. When the kids inevitably spill cereal or track in mud, I can have the cordless hoover out and the mess sorted in no time. No more sighing and thinking “I’ll deal with that later” because it’s such a faff to get the big vacuum out.
The portability also means I can easily take it out to the car to hoover up crumbs and dirt from our family outings. It’s so handy for all those little cleaning jobs that used to feel like too much effort.
I’ll admit, I was a bit sceptical at first about whether a cordless vacuum could match the suction power of my old corded model. But I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how well it performs, especially on our carpets.
While it may not quite match the most powerful corded vacuums, for everyday cleaning it does a great job. The suction is strong enough to lift dirt, dust and pet hair effectively. And many models have different power settings, so you can boost the suction for tougher jobs.
Of course, performance can vary between different cordless models. It’s worth reading reviews and potentially trying a few options, but in my experience, a good quality cordless vacuum is more than capable of keeping my busy family home clean.
Another huge plus of cordless hoovers is how versatile they are. Most models convert easily into a handheld vacuum, which is brilliant for all those awkward cleaning jobs.
I use the handheld mode constantly for quickly cleaning up crumbs from the dining table and kitchen counters. It’s great for vacuuming upholstery too – I can easily freshen up the sofa or car seats.
The crevice tool attachment is perfect for getting into nooks and crannies. I use it to clean along skirting boards, window sills, and even to suck up cobwebs from ceiling corners.
Many cordless vacs come with a range of other attachments too. My model has a soft dusting brush that’s great for more delicate surfaces. There’s also a motorised mini brush that works wonders on our stairs.
This multi-functionality means I can tackle pretty much any cleaning task with just one appliance. It’s so much more convenient than having separate vacuums for different jobs.
One potential downside of cordless hoovers is finding a good spot to store and charge them. I’m lucky to have a utility cupboard where I can keep mine plugged in and ready to go. But I know not everyone has that luxury.
Many cordless vacuums come with wall-mounting brackets, which can be a good solution if you have some spare wall space. This keeps the vacuum upright and charging while taking up minimal floor space.
If wall-mounting isn’t an option, look for models that can stand up on their own. Some have charging bases that double as storage stands. Or you might be able to tuck the vacuum away in a corner or behind furniture when not in use.
It’s definitely worth considering your storage options before investing in a cordless hoover. But with a bit of creativity, most homes can find a suitable spot.
Battery life is obviously a key consideration with cordless vacuums. In my experience, most modern models offer plenty of runtime for average cleaning needs. Mine lasts about 40 minutes on the standard setting, which is enough to clean my whole house.
If you have a larger home or need to do more intensive cleaning, look for models with longer battery life or removable batteries. Some high-end cordless vacs can run for up to an hour or more.
Charging time is another factor to think about. My vacuum takes about 4 hours to fully charge, which I find perfectly manageable. I just pop it on charge after each use, and it’s always ready when I need it.
Some models have quick-charge capabilities, giving you a burst of cleaning power in just 10-15 minutes. This can be handy for unexpected messes or if you forget to charge.
While battery limitations are something to be aware of, I’ve found they rarely impact my day-to-day cleaning routine. The convenience of cordless far outweighs any battery concerns for me.
One area where cordless hoovers do require a bit more attention is maintenance. The dust canisters tend to be smaller than traditional vacuums, so they need emptying more frequently.
I’ve gotten into the habit of emptying mine after each use. It only takes a few seconds and ensures the vacuum is always ready for the next clean. Most models have easy-empty systems that make this task relatively mess-free.
Filters also need regular cleaning to keep the vacuum running efficiently. My model has washable filters that I rinse out about once a month. It’s a simple job, but important for maintaining suction power.
Some cordless vacs have more advanced filtration systems that require less frequent maintenance. If you have allergies or are particularly sensitive to dust, it’s worth looking into these options.
While the maintenance might seem like extra work, I find it’s offset by how much quicker and easier the actual cleaning is with a cordless vacuum.
It’s true that cordless vacuum cleaners tend to be pricier than their corded counterparts. The advanced battery technology and compact design do come at a cost.
However, I view it as an investment in convenience and time-saving. The amount of time and effort I save on cleaning makes it well worth the initial outlay for me.
There’s also a wide range of cordless models available at different price points. While the top-end brands can be quite expensive, there are plenty of more affordable options that still offer good performance.
It’s worth considering the long-term costs too. Cordless vacuums generally have a shorter lifespan than corded models due to battery degradation. But many now have replaceable batteries, which can extend their usable life.
While I absolutely love my cordless hoover, I recognise that they might not be the best choice for every home. They’re ideal for smaller to medium-sized houses and flats, where you can clean the whole space on a single charge.
For larger homes, you might need to recharge partway through or invest in a model with a longer battery life.
Cordless hoovers are great for homes with a mix of hard floors and carpets. Most models transition seamlessly between different surfaces. However, if you have primarily thick carpets or deal with a lot of heavy-duty messes, you might find a corded vacuum more suitable.
They’re also brilliant for homes with stairs or multiple levels. The lightweight design makes it so much easier to clean stairs and move between floors.
For households with pets, look for cordless models specifically designed to tackle pet hair. Many come with specialised attachments for this purpose.
After several months of using a cordless hoover, I can confidently say it’s been a game-changer for keeping our busy family home clean. My husband loves it too.
The convenience and ease of use have transformed vacuuming from a dreaded chore into a quick, painless task.
While there are some limitations to consider, like battery life and dust capacity, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks for me. The freedom to clean anywhere, anytime, without faffing with cords has made a huge difference to our daily tidying routine.
If you’re considering making the switch to cordless, I’d encourage you to give it a try. Just be sure to choose a model that suits your specific needs and home setup. With the right cordless hoover, you might find yourself actually enjoying the vacuuming – or at least not minding it quite so much!
House and Home