The best lightweight vacuum cleaner for the elderly is perhaps the best gift you can ever give to your elderly parents this holiday. It’s also a useful tool for anyone who finds it a struggle to vacuum his or her home. Just because you’ve reached the old age doesn’t mean that you just have to give up doing household chores.
In fact, vacuuming is a good exercise for seniors. It helps them stay active, which is important for their old age. But there are vacuum cleaners that are just too heavy, making it a struggle for the elderly to use.
Instead of helping them exercise, these cleaners might just add to their agony. So, before you purchase any type of vacuum cleaner for the seniors, you’ve got to make sure that it’s light enough for them to handle.
Below, we’ve provided a guide on how to look for the best vacuum cleaner for senior citizens. We’ve also featured a list of vacuum cleaners that we would recommend for the elderly.
Things to Look for When Shopping for the Best Lightweight Vacuum Cleaner for Elderly
Before you start scouring the market for the best lightweight vacuum cleaner for the elders, you must first educate yourself on the important factors to consider. Sure, there are plenty of vacuum cleaners out there. However, not all of them are suitable for the elderly.
So, here are the main factors to consider:
Power
Power is an important factor to think about when getting a lightweight vacuum cleaner. Usually, the lighter the vacuum, the less power it will have.
This should work well for people who live in an assisted living facility or a small apartment. However, if the vacuum will be used for bigger homes with spacious areas, a larger and more powerful vacuum is recommended.
When it comes to the power of a vacuum cleaner, you should choose a model that’s capable of cleaning up the messes in the home of the senior who will be using it.
If there are only occasional and small messes and he or she lives in a small space, then a lightweight vacuum with less power should be fine.
Bagged vs. Bagless
Another thing to think about is whether to get a bagged or bag-less vacuum cleaner. Bagged vacuum cleaners are classic designed vacuum cleaners that everyone is familiar with. This vacuum relies on a bag to collect the dirt it has accumulated during the process of vacuuming.
After use, you just have to take the bag out and throw away. However, this could be troublesome for the elderly who might find it difficult to lift the bag. In this case, the bagless option might work best for them. These vacuum cleaners will not require the use of any bag.
Instead, you’ll have to observe the fill line at the dirt collection bin. Once the dirt reaches the fill line, you’ll have to take the bin to the trash and then push a button to dispose of the dirt and put it back into the vacuum again.
Although the bagless vacuum cleaner will also require some lifting, any senior should be able to handle it and won’t have trouble taking the bin in and out of the vacuum cleaner.
Corded vs. Cordless
Another important decision to make when looking for the best lightweight vacuums for the elderly is whether you should opt for the corded or the cordless version. Corded vacuums have power cords attached to them while the cordless don’t have.
Both varieties have their own pros and cons. A corded vacuum will operate longer for as long as it’s attached to a power outlet. This is great since you won’t be disrupted while cleaning your house.
But the downside is that you will only be limited to work in an area close to power outlets and the cord can be a hazard and could put an elder at risk of tripping. Since the cordless type doesn’t come with a cord, then there won’t be any tripping hazard.
Also, you can clean anywhere you want to since you don’t need to plug it in. However, most of the cordless models operate on batteries and if they run out of power, your work will be interrupted, which can be a hassle.
Weight
Since you need something lightweight, weight is one of the first things that you should think about. Seniors, especially those who are suffering from joint problems, will find it difficult to maneuver heavy vacuum cleaners. Therefore, a lightweight vacuum cleaner will work best for them.
The actual weight of the vacuum cleaner that you’ll buy will depend upon the person who will be using it. You need to gauge the strength level of the person. Try to figure out the weight that such a person will be able to maneuver around.
If the vacuum cleaner is used in cleaning homes that have stairs, then getting a lightweight vacuum cleaner is even more important. That way, it will be easy to carry the vacuum when taking the stairs.
Accessories
You also need to think about the accessories of the vacuum you plan on buying, Accessories aren’t really necessary, but they can help improve your vacuuming experience, which is important for the elderly.
If the senior will be cleaning different types of flooring and surfaces, then you should consider getting more accessories. But if they only need to use the vacuum to clean hardwood floors and perhaps a few rugs, then buying more accessories may not be necessary.
Some of the most common accessories for vacuum cleaners are different types of brushes. There’s also storage for attachments and wall chargers. You’ll also find hose extensions as well as bags where you can store your tools.
Customer Service
It’s a good idea to purchase a vacuum cleaner that’s made by a manufacturer that has a reputation for providing excellent customer support. Remember, the vacuum is supposed to be used by a senior who might encounter difficulties in operating the device.
He or she should be able to easily get in touch with the customer support for questions on how to operate the device and other issues. Of course, all brands will say that they have the best customer support. But the best way to know is by reading reviews from customers who have tried dealing with the company’s customer support in the past.
Warranty
The warranty is another important factor to think about when getting a vacuum cleaner or any appliances for that matter. Find out the type of warranty coverage that the product has. How will it be replaced in the event that it gets damaged? Look for a vacuum cleaner that comes with an all-inclusive warranty.
It should have at least a 1-year warranty coverage, although if you can find something with 3-5 years of coverage, then that’s better. It should clearly specify if they will replace or fix the vacuum in case it gets defective. Above all, find out the steps involved when claiming the warranty.
Best Lightweight Vacuum Cleaner for Elderly
So now that you know how to find the best lightweight vacuum cleaner for elderly, it’s time to check out the best models of vacuum cleaners on the market. We believe these vacuum cleaners are suitable for senior users.
1 – MOOSOO Handheld Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
The MOOSOO Cordless Vacuum system weighs only 3.3 pounds, making it a perfect choice for the best lightweight vacuum cleaner for seniors. It’s a cordless vacuum cleaner, which means you can take it anywhere in the house and not get stuck in one area when cleaning.
Offering a 120-watt powerful cleaning suction, this vacuum cleaner is capable of meeting all your cleaning needs. It can pick up pet hairs, dust, debris, and all kinds of dirt. The vacuum can be used on all types of hard floors and it can also be used in cleaning stairs, carpeted floors, and even windowsills.
This vacuum cleaner works by producing a high-speed airflow that rotates fast and effectively to remove all kinds of air particulates. In addition, the device has a HEPA filter that removes 99.97% of dust particles in the air. Furthermore, it has two adjustable modes that can adapt to different types of cleaning situations.
The main unit is only 3.3 pounds and can be attached to various attachments to perform different tasks. It has an ergonomically designed handle so you can easily hold the machine as you clean your sofa, upholstery, stairs, and floors.
Pros:
2200mAh battery
Comes with HEPA filtration system
Covered with a 24-month warranty
Customer care service support is available
High-efficiency cyclone
Long-lasting battery
Powerful suction
Cons:
The brush has the tendency to stop rotating
2 – BISSELL Cleanview Bagless Vacuum Cleaner
If you’re buying a vacuum cleaner for someone who is sensitive to allergies or those who are asthmatic, the best lightweight vacuum cleaner to buy is this BISSELL Cleanview Bagless Vacuum Cleaner. Equipped with an excellent filtration system, this vacuum can help minimize allergens in the surroundings.
This is also the vacuum cleaner that we would recommend for pet owners. It’s because the device has attachments that allow you to easily clean and remove pet hair. In addition, this vacuum can also be used for different types of floors.
Regardless of the type of flooring that you will use this vacuum for, this device will surely work for you. It provides deep cleaning performance for all flooring types while also making sure that the air remains clean so as to prevent the spread of allergens. Thus, this is the perfect vacuum cleaner for asthma sufferers.
Pros:
Equipped with an advanced triple action brush roll
Lightweight design
Utilizes a multi-cyclonic technology to guarantee no suction loss
Dust cup has a large capacity and can be emptied easily
The vacuum is equipped with a swivel steering technology allowing better maneuverability
Cons:
The suction power is not ideal for very high plush carpets
3 – VonHaus 2 in 1 Stick & Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
Elders don’t usually need excessive cleaning, especially if they are able to regularly clean their homes. Therefore, the VonHaus 2 in 1 Stick & Handheld Vacuum Cleaner should be fine for them. This machine is equipped with a 4.5-amp motor, which should be powerful enough to remove dirt regularly.
A lot of people would choose this affordable vacuum cleaner instead of the expensive units since it’s very practical. Despite the cheap price, it’s very effective at cleaning dust and debris. Plus, it’s very light and compact.
What’s great about this vacuum cleaner is that you can convert it to a hand vacuum pretty easily. This is a very convenient feature for quick cleanups. In addition, the machine has a HEPA filter as well as a sponge filtration system that’s very useful for those who have asthma and allergies.
The HEPA filter helps remove pollen and dust from the air in order to prevent anyone from getting sick. Although this vacuum cleaner can also be used for cleaning carpets, it’s more suitable for hard floors.
The unit also comes with a brush attachment, as well as a crevice tool to help with above-ground cleaning as well as targeting hard-to-reach areas. This is a bagless vacuum cleaner and the dust cup can be emptied pretty easily.
Pros:
Can be assembled very quickly
Can be converted into a handheld vacuum
Comes with a shoulder strap
Covered with a 2-year warranty
Easy to empty
Extremely light
Has a great suction system
Comes with HEPA filtration system
Cons:
The motor might be too loud for some seniors
4 – Shark ZS351 Rocket Corded Ultra-Light Vacuum
The Shark ZS351 Zero-M has a unique design because unlike other vacuum cleaners that have a rewind system on their power cord, this machine’s power cord is wrapped manually into hooks.
In addition, the main cleaner head has LED lights and another on the handheld unit. The light allows the user to easily spot dirt, which is why we believe that this vacuum deserves to be on this list of the best vacuum cleaner for senior citizens.
When used, the cleaner can draw about 4.2 amps of power and is equipped with great suction, capable of cleaning your surroundings well. Its motor comes with thermal protection so when the airflow is lowered, the thermal protection will immediately shut the main motor off for safety.
After around 30 to 40 minutes, the thermal switch will automatically reset itself so you can go on with your cleaning tasks. It’s important to refer to the user manual that’s included in the unit before you start cleaning.
Pros:
Comes with powerful suction that’s capable of picking up debris from hard floors
Deep-cleans itself
Equipped with an advanced swivel steering system that allows excellent control
Made from durable ABS and PP plastics
Cons:
Not the lightest of the bunch
5 – Hoover Linx Signature Stick Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
When it comes to the best stick vacuums, Hoover usually tops the list. That’s because they have produced some of the best vacuum cleaners on the market. This Hoover Linx BH50010 Signature Stick Vacuum Cleaner is the best choice for seniors.
Aside from being lightweight, this device is easy for seniors to use. Of course, it’s also very efficient at picking up dirt and debris, all thanks to its Wind Tunnel Technology. As a cordless unit, this vacuum cleaner will only let you clean your house for a limited period of time.
But what’s great is that it comes with a durable lithium-ion battery that helps ensure long-lasting performance. You can also purchase more batteries for your convenience. This stick vacuum is very versatile. It’s capable of cleaning all sorts of flooring surfaces, from hard floor to carpets.
It comes with edge cleaning bristles that let you pick up dirt and dust on edges. The vacuum’s controls are very convenient to operate and come with a fuel gauge that will inform you of how much battery is left.
Pros:
Can be used for edge cleaning
Comes with battery life indicator
Convenient fingertip controls
Covered with a 2-year limited warranty
Lightweight design
Perfect for removing pet hairs
Powerful suction
Wide cleaning path
Cons:
Doesn’t come with attachments
6 – Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Corded Bagless Vacuum
The Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Vacuum is one of the best rated lightweight upright vacuum cleaners in Amazon. There are many reasons why customers like this vacuum so much. First of all, the vacuum is very lightweight, weighing only 8 pounds. It’s also very versatile and can help elders to efficiently clean their homes on their own.
This bagless vacuum has a swivel steering system that ensures better control when moving around the house to clean. In addition, the machine has fingertip controls, allowing you to easily operate it, such as switching from carpet to hard floor cleaning modes.
This unit also comes with micro tools allowing you to pick up even the tiniest dirt particles. With plenty of cleaning options available, this vacuum cleaner is definitely a great machine to invest for the elders in your home!
Pros:
Capable of cleaning bare floors and carpets
Lightweight design, weighing only 7 pounds
Versatile vacuum, capable of cleaning from floor to ceiling
Doesn’t lose power or suction
Cons:
May not last long
7 – Black & Decker BDASP103 Lightweight Upright Cleaner
Black & Decker is a popular brand of home appliances and they have also produced some of the best lightweight vacuums for the elderly, such as this Air Swivel BDASP103 Upright Vacuum Cleaner.
Designed with cutting edge technology that allows you to handle a wide range of cleaning tasks, including cleaning hardwood floors and carpets, this vacuum cleaner is definitely worth checking out.
You’ll be surprised to know that this machine is being sold at a very affordable price! With its lightweight design, nobody will have any problem using this vacuum cleaner.
It’s easy to maneuver around and is truly impressive at removing dust, dirt, and debris from the floor, and even on the stairs too! This vacuum cleaner comes with attachments that help make cleaning your home much easier.
Pros:
Comes with an ergonomically designed handle
Dust cup capacity is a whopping 2 L
Easy to handle, carry, and store
Equipped with swivel steering technology for easy maneuverability
Less maintenance cost
Weighs only 8.8 pounds
Cons:
The motor tends to make louder noise than the others
8 – Dodocool 2 in 1 Corded Vacuum Cleaner
It can be a hassle for elders to have to empty the dust canister after about two seconds of cleaning. This problem can be avoided when using the Dodocool 2 in 1 Corded Vacuum Cleaner.
Equipped with a 1.5 L dust canister, this vacuum cleaner is truly the best lightweight vacuum for elderly. Aside from the dust canister’s massive capacity, this vacuum cleaner also comes with a washable filter that releases fresh and clean air as you clean.
This vacuum cleaner can be used for all flooring types, including hard floors. It can clean a house with more than 2,000 square feet of area. In addition, this vacuum cleaner can be used to clean rugs and carpets. It can pick up pet hair and crumbs very effectively.
This vacuum cleaner also comes with a rolling wheel that can help control the direction of the brush, allowing you to maneuver it with ease. A lot of customers are impressed with how light this vacuum is.
It glides smoothly as it lifts dust and debris from your floor. Thus, it’s one of the best vacuum cleaners for the elderly as well as those with joint pains.
Pros:
1.5-liter dust cup
2-in-1 Vacuum Cleaner
It can be used for tile, hardwood, and marble floor
Strong suction power
Comes with a floor brush
Stylish and modern looking
Cons:
Needs to be handled with care if you want it to last a very long time!
9 – Dyson V8 Animal Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner
The Dyson V8 Animal Cordless Stick Vacuum is known for its excellent features such as the fast run time and easy emptying of the bin. This vacuum cleaner comes complete with all the tools you need for easy and efficient cleaning of your home.
It comes with a pair of brush heads and several other attachments for deep cleaning. The V8’s battery pack allows the machine to operate for up to 40 minutes straight. That should be enough time to clean your entire house.
But in order to achieve the 40-minute runtime, the machine must be fully charged for five hours. Removing the bin of this vacuum cleaner is easy. You just need to pull the top clip and set it to a central cyclone.
The vacuum’s exhaust filter at the rear has a large body as well as side vents. Thus, the exhaust air will be directed to two jets at the left and right side so it doesn’t end up blowing air directly into your face
Pros:
The battery is long-lasting
Excellent cleaning performance
Includes several tools and attachments to clean different surfaces
Outstanding air filtration technology
Cons:
Poor customer service
10 – Shark Navigator Upright Vacuum for Carpet
Most of the upright vacuum cleaners on the market are known to be heavy, which is why they are not the best option for the elderly.
However, the Shark Navigator Upright Vacuum for Carpet is different. Weighing a little more than 10 lbs., this machine should be easy to use in cleaning your home. Although it’s smaller compared to other upright vacuums, its performance is superb.
Equipped with a brush roll shut-off feature, this vacuum allows you to easily transition from hard floors to carpets or vice versa. Pet owners will also love using this vacuum since it’s well capable of cleaning pet dander and hair.
This vacuum cleaner comes with attachments so you can clean hard to reach areas. You’ll get an upholstery tool, as well as a combination of dusting or crevice brush.
Pros:
Covered with a 5-year warranty
Easy to clean and empty
Ideal for pet owners
Lightweight
Multi-surface cleaning
Long power cord
Powerful suction
Cons:
Doesn’t have a swivel steering system
The dust cup isn’t big enough
Types of Vacuum Cleaners for Elderly
When looking for the best lightweight vacuum cleaner for elderly, you’ll come across a number of models. Below are the most popular ones that are highly recommended for senior users:
Stick
The stick vacuums feature a more modern design and are generally lightweight. Therefore, it’s the best lightweight vacuum for elderly. You’ll find lightweight stick vacuums everywhere and they usually weight around 2-5 lbs.
Almost everyone can manage to operate the stick vacuum due to its lightweight design. It resembles that of a traditional vacuum with upright design, except they are slimmer. Also, the bin that collects the dirt is much smaller, which adds up to its lightweight design.
However, stick vacuums are not as powerful as the traditional upright vacuums. Therefore, they won’t be suitable for those who need a vacuum to clean large spaces. However, it should work fine for small spaces.
Upright
Upright vacuum cleaners are those classic types of vacuum cleaners that might be easy for seniors to use since they’re something that they are familiar with. This type of vacuum is also easy to use. You just need to push it against the floor and then the cleaning head will do the cleaning work.
Some of these varieties have a hose and some cleaning tools that you can attach or detach. Although most upright vacuums are bulky, there are a few lightweight models in the market that might work best for senior users.
What’s great about using upright vacuums is that they are usually more powerful and are capable of cleaning a bigger amount of space in your house. When getting an upright vacuum for the elder users, it’s a good idea to stick with something that’s around 10 lbs. or less. This should be the lightest model of all upright vacuum cleaners out there.
Robot
A robot vacuum cleaner is another lightweight vacuum that we can strongly recommend for the elderly. While the machine might be somewhat intimidating to maneuver for the older user, they are the easiest to operate since there’s no need to push them around.
The robot vacuums look like small robots and are capable of cleaning floors efficiently due to their round-shaped body. These vacuum cleaners are also convenient for seniors suffering from arthritis since they just need to push the button to operate. There’s no need for them to exert any effort.
However, robot vacuums could be a hazard when they operate and this could lead to tripping hazards for seniors. Also, elderly users might find the robot vacuum overwhelming to operate, especially those who are not tech-savvy.
Canister
The canister vacuum falls in between the stick and upright vacuum when it comes to weight. These vacuums should be easy to push when cleaning spaces. They are lightweight, weighing around 5-15 lbs. only.
These vacuum cleaners come with bins for dirt collection as well as a motor that pushes the unit when cleaning. The cleaning head is separate as it’s attached to the main unit with a long hose. There are canister vacuums that are lightweight and can, therefore, work for senior users.
They are great for hardwood floors since they have more power compared to stick vacuums. Yet, these types of vacuums are light and easy enough to push around compared to upright vacuums.
Conclusion
Weighing only 3.3 pounds, the MOOSOO Cordless Vacuum is definitely the best lightweight vacuum cleaner for elderly. But aside from being lightweight, there are lots of things to love about this vacuum cleaner. In fact, it’s one of Amazon’s best-rated vacuum cleaners, with more than 2,000 positive ratings!
Customers love this vacuum cleaner for many reasons. It’s very powerful and has a long-lasting battery. Plus, this cordless vacuum cleaner comes with the HEPA Filtration System and is backed by a 24-month warranty!
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