My kids definitely know how to create a mess! While they’re also great helpers around the house and in the kitchen, having more than seven people in the house means there’s always dust, bits of paper, and other small things scattered on the floor.
Sometimes it feels like I’m constantly fighting against this mess, and there’s a saying from Pinterest that perfectly captures my sentiments: cleaning with kids around is like brushing your teeth while eating Oreos.
A big part of my struggle has been finding a vacuum that can handle my kids’ messes. We finally found one that works and has lasted over a year of heavy use. Surprisingly, it was one of the last options I considered trying.
Over the years, I’ve tested dozens of vacuums, including all the well-known brands. I’ve bought vacuums at yard sales, added them to my Christmas wishlist, and even used credit card reward points to buy them online. Some worked well temporarily, while others had issues right away or couldn’t keep up with our needs.
I hesitated to share this journey because it seemed odd to discuss years of vacuum trials. But most reviews and lists of the “best vacuums” I found focused on major brands, none of which worked for us. I often wondered if the reviewers truly tested those vacuums, as they seemed more concerned with first impressions and manufacturer details.
This isn’t a formal review, and the companies I mention don’t even know me. I just hope this might help other moms searching for a reliable vacuum without breaking the bank.
Not interested in my vacuum hunt? I don’t blame you! Feel free to check out some recipes, read about how coloring books for adults can boost your brain, or explore concerns about tampons.
If you are on the hunt for a vacuum that actually delivers, here’s how I can make this less mundane. I wasn’t worried about vacuums with a bunch of awards or features. In my experience, more features often meant more things that could break. After years of trial and error, I narrowed my criteria down to just the essentials:
I finally considered commercial vacuums for their durability, and that’s how we found the one that actually worked for us.
Surprisingly, the best vacuum we’ve found—and the one we’re still using—is an Oreck Commercial.
I didn’t expect this either. It was much cheaper than many other options we tried and wasn’t mentioned in the best vacuum reviews or lists I came across, other than more than a thousand on Amazon.
I delayed trying this vacuum because of those old, cheesy commercials for “The 8-pound Oreck,” but I decided to buy it on sale during Black Friday.
It met my cleaning needs, but I had concerns about its durability. Fortunately, it’s lightweight enough for the kids to use easily and doesn’t require costly maintenance—replacement bags are affordable. The only downside is that it’s not specifically HEPA or allergy friendly, but we use air filters at home, so I was more focused on its ability to pick things up.
Over a year later, and it’s still going strong, despite numerous bag changes and even a tumble down the stairs, courtesy of a certain 2-year-old who was trying to vacuum the landing.
It wasn’t the vacuum I expected to like, and it’s not the most stylish, but I appreciate that we finally found an effective and affordable option.
What about you? What’s the best vacuum you’ve ever owned?
