Cleaning different types of floors requires different types of vacuums. A vacuum that’s best for a carpet might not work very well on a concrete floor. If you’re cleaning concrete, the vacuum needs to be lower to the floor and have great suction.
Our favorite is the Kenmore AllergenSeal Bagless Upright Vacuum, a versatile model that features a two-motor system for added suction power. To learn more about what to look for when shopping for a vacuum that can clean concrete floors, keep reading.
What to know before you buy a vacuum for concrete floors
Types of concrete floors
Not all concrete floors are the same. For some types, a powerful vacuum is essential for cleaning, but for others, the vacuum doesn’t play as large of a role. For instance, the care of sealed concrete requires vacuuming along with mopping, while unsealed concrete may require a great deal of scrubbing. Before purchasing a vacuum, research the type of concrete floor you have so you know what will be involved in routine cleaning.
Location of the concrete floor
While concrete floors are most often found in garages, basements or mudrooms, they can also be an option in places such as kitchens and bathrooms. If the concrete floor is in a garage where there’s a better chance for larger debris to be laying around, you need a more rugged vacuum that won’t be damaged if it sucks up that debris.
Vacuum for concrete floors features
Suction power
A carpet can hide and hold dirt, making a brushroll essential for loosening that dirt so it can be vacuumed away. While some dirt can get ground into concrete, mopping is a better solution to that problem. A vacuum for concrete needs to be able to lift as much dirt, dust, hair and other debris off the floor as possible, so having powerful suction is the most important feature.
Adjustable height
If you’re vacuuming a high pile carpet, you want the vacuum raised higher above the floor so there’s no resistance when pushing. However, when you’re vacuuming a hard floor such as concrete, you need a vacuum that can be set low to the floor, so the suction is more effective.
Battery vs. corded
While many vacuums are now battery-powered and they have impressive suction capabilities, the most potent models are still corded vacuums. In general, a corded model is best for vacuuming concrete, but a high-quality battery powered vacuum can still do an impressive job.
Vacuum for concrete floors cost
At the lower end, you can find a solid wet/dry vacuum perfect for heavy-duty garage cleanup tasks for as low as $100. At the other end of the spectrum, you can get a multisurface robotic vacuum for $800. From $150-$400, however, is where you can find a high-quality upright, canister or stick vacuum that’s suitable for the job.
Vacuum for concrete floors FAQ
Do I need to vacuum my sealed concrete floor?
A. Yes. Even though you also clean your sealed concrete floor using a mop, it’s advisable to remove as much dust, dirt and debris as possible with a vacuum before mopping to make your job easier.
What is a HEPA filter?
A. A HEPA filter is a High Efficiency Particulate Air filter. A filter receives this designation if it can remove 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns in size. As a point of reference, there are 25,400 microns in an inch. A HEPA filter is ideal for individuals who may be suffering with allergies, but it’s also a way to help keep the air quality in your home a little higher.
Which vacuum for concrete floors should I get?
Best of the best vacuum for concrete floors
Kenmore AllergenSeal Bagless Upright Vacuum: available at Amazon, Home Depot, Kohl’s and Wayfair
Our take: This is an affordable, do-it-all upright vacuum that has a suction control to allow for better cleaning of hard surfaces.
What we like: Loaded with features and desirable options, this model has LED headlights, an extra-large dustbin and an AllergenSeal system to better contain dust and allergens. It also features two attachments for greater cleaning versatility.
What we dislike: This model is a bit heavier than other upright vacuums.
Best bang for your buck vacuum for concrete floors
Craftsman Wet/Dry Vac: available at Amazon
Our take: This affordable powerhouse is for the person who has a concrete floor in a workshop or a garage that needs heavy-duty cleaning.
What we like: This vacuum can pick up leaves, sawdust, water and more. The 2.5-inch hose is designed to resist kinking, while the oversized drain allows for quick emptying of fluids.
What we dislike: Since it’s a shop vac, it can be difficult to maneuver and it’s not suitable for carpets.
Honorable mention vacuum for concrete floors
iRobot Roomba i7+: available at Amazon, Bed Bath & Beyond, Best Buy and Home Depot
Our take: A higher-end robotic vacuum that can clean on command using voice control technology.
What we like: With its three-stage cleaning system, this multisurface model is suitable for hard floor vacuuming and has AllergenLock bags that can trap up to 90% of pollen. The automatic emptying feature and extra-large dustbin allow you to forget about vacuuming for up to 60 days at a time.
What we dislike: Far more expensive than other options.
Allen Foster is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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