Best Handheld Vacuums to Keep Your Home Tidy

The best handheld vacuum cleaners optimize cleaning in small spaces and tight crevices. These vacuums are the most lightweight vacuums on the market, but that means they also have the smallest dust bins. You'll need to clean these vacuums after every use. These features are often considered when shopping for a handheld vacuum:

• Mini models can be corded or cordless.
• Often considered the best small vacuum cleaner for small spaces, mini handheld vacuums are good to have on hand for quick cleanups and maintenance of cameras, phones, keyboards and other electronics.
• These vacuums are affordable and easy to store.

Cordless handheld vacuums are ideal when you need to vacuum away from an outlet such as when detailing a car. They're also each to transport and make for rapid cleaning sessions. Runtime varies depending on the model and battery size, but you can expect to get 15 to 20 minutes of runtime with a full charge. Typically, it takes 4 to 6 hours for handheld vacuums to fully charge, although there are some rapid-charge models that take only an hour. And if you're looking for a vacuum with longer battery life, consider a model with interchangeable batteries. When shopping for a cordless handheld vacuum, look for:

• A vacuum that's easy to maneuver.
• Crevice tools, flexible hoses and other accessories for additional cleaning in hard-to-reach places.
• Easy storage with wall mounts.
• Battery-operated models.

Hardwood floors require special attention. Vacuums can ease the cleaning of hardwood floors, but the wrong vacuum can damage or scratch the wood surface. If you have wood floors in your home, look for a vacuum with:

• A soft brush and bristles to prevent damage on bare floors.
• Multiple speeds and settings that adjust from wood floors to carpet.
• Rubber or felt stripe padding on the bottom of the vacuum to prevent scratching.
• Strong suction and a hose to reach dirt and grime in the cracks in wood floors.

Having a carpet handheld vacuum cleaner on hand prevents permanent staining for spills and messes because you can clean them up quickly and easily. Cordless models use batteries that range between 18-volt and 40-volt, with the latter providing the most suction power. Handheld vacuum cleaners have an AW rating of around 100, while the best handheld models have at least 15 AW. When shopping for carpet handheld vacuum cleaners, look for models that are:

• Lightweight.
• Outfitted with rubber tips that grip and hold pet hair.
• Adjustable with brush attachments to suck in various types of dirt.

Handheld wet-dry vacuum cleaners, also referred to as shop-vacs, offer versatility and an easy way to clean liquids and solid trash from surfaces in your home. Look for wet-dry vacuums that feature:

• Powerful suction.
• Attachments for picking up hard debris and for cat litter.
• Built-in safety features to prevent electrical shock.
• Attachments for water spills and clean-up in homes and cars.

Vacuum accessories simplify deep cleaning. Most types will feature adjustable speeds and come with accessories to make your job easier. Before you invest in a handheld vacuum, determine whether you'll actually use the following accessories and features:

HEPA Filtration. This feature helps capture a wide variety of dirt and dust particles that can irritate allergies and respiratory ailments.

Dirt Sensors. This feature detects the presence of dirt and lets you know when you have thoroughly removed all dust, dirt and debris from an area.

Self-Propelled Motor. This accessory allows you to effortlessly move across the floor and maneuver around furniture with a smooth motion.

Bagless Technology. This tech feature includes a reusable canister or cup to collect dirt and eliminates the need to buy bags. Please note: Even the best bagless vacuum cleaners need to be cleaned regularly.

Telescoping Rods. This accessory gives you a wider reach and allows you to get at areas that are hard to clean.

Extension Poles. Extension poles extend the reach of your handheld vacuum.