So much info about vacuum cleaners has been passed down throughout the years, but are any of them factually correct, or have I been misinformed about some of these ‘facts’ all this time? 

It’s for this reason that we’ve decided to debunk 13 myths about vacuum cleaners.

Not exactly the first thing that we’d talk about in regular conversation, sure, but the ByPurify team is here to get the facts straight and dispel those vacuum myths!  

Top 13 Vacuum Cleaner Myths

The list of my top 13 vacuum cleaner myths includes the belief that HEPA’s are a must for vacuums, that vacuums don’t lose suction, and that bagless vacuum cleaners are more advanced. 

Let’s take a closer look at these myths:

Dyson Vacuums Don’t Lose Suction

This is false; Dyson vacuums can lose suction. 

This may be brought on by several factors, but a blocked filter is frequently the cause.

Most Dyson vacuums, even those that run on batteries, have cyclone technology and a filter, and the filter's job is to pick up the tiny particles that the spinning forces of the cyclone couldn't separate.

Thus…  

If the filter isn't cleaned, it'll clog and negatively impact the vacuum's ability to suction over time.

Pushing the Vacuum Toward the Carpet Is Better

This is false; pushing the vacuum toward the carpet isn't better.

It's thought that applying additional pressure to the cleaner as it cleans the carpet will produce better results; however, the order should be reversed because no ventilation is allowed while the cleaner is stuck to the carpet, which lowers the appliance's ability to vacuum.

The cleaner should be kept farther away from the carpet until the brush makes contact with the surface to achieve the greatest results.

A Powerful Seal to the Surface Determines Vacuum Strength

This is false; a powerful seal to the surface doesn't determine vacuum strength.

The vacuum is placed in front of a mirror, and when the cleaner is turned on, a vacuum seal is produced between the 2 surfaces. 

It's a well-known ‘test’ that's been used for many years, but also a common mistake to think that your vacuum is strong if you have to work hard to get the suction off the mirror.

Simply put

This idea ultimately contradicts science, because a strong vacuum is produced only when 2 surfaces barely touch one another.

Therefore, this occurrence has nothing to do with your vacuum cleaner's skills or strength.

HEPA Filters Are a Must for Vacuums

This is false; HEPA filters aren’t a must for vacuums.

The unique HEPA-filter technology¹ is built into some vacuum cleaner filters, and these filters are made to stop at least 99.9% of particles that are 0.3 microns in size or larger. 

A common misconception is that if your vacuum cleaner doesn't come with a HEPA filter, it's ineffective.

But the truth is

The effectiveness of your vacuum cleaner's filter is dependent on the quality of the air and the environment you're working in. 

Ultimately, only those who vacuum in really difficult conditions or who live in windy places need a HEPA filter.

Lower Vacuums Clean Carpets Better 

This is false; lower vacuums don't clean carpets better.

Most people try to clean their carpets better by putting the vacuum too close to the floor. 

The vacuum should be as high off the floor as possible while still being low enough for the brushes to touch the carpet; this lets the brushes pick up dirt and do their job while letting the most airflow into the vacuum nozzle. 

But remember

Too low of a setting causes the vacuum to seal to the carpet, reduces or stops airflow, and places undue strain on the brush roller, belt, and vacuum motor. 

It's best to pay close attention to the height adjustment on your vacuum and ensure it's set correctly, as that’ll help it work better and last longer.

Heavy Vacuum Cleaners Work Better

This is false; heavy vacuum cleaners don't work better.

The technology used in a machine's construction determines whether it’s light or heavy, and a vacuum cleaner's performance is unaffected by its size or weight. 

There are many lightweight and modern vacuum cleaners on the market that are incredibly powerful, and because of this, the weight and shape of a vacuum cleaner determine where it’ll be used.

Bagless Vacuum Cleaners Are More Advanced

This is false; bagless vacuum cleaners aren't more advanced.

People often think that bagless vacuums are better in this age of portability, but depending on the type, vacuums with bags are often the best choice because they are usually less expensive. 

Bags for vacuums are much cheaper than the expensive filters used in bagless vacuums. 

Bagged vacuums also tend to heat up much more slowly than bagless vacuums.

Vacuum Cleaners Require No Maintenance

This is false; vacuum cleaners do require maintenance.

Dirt, dust, hair, and other pollutants are constantly blown through a vacuum, so it needs to be regularly cleaned and maintained. 

According to the instructions from the manufacturer, this important service should be done often, usually every 12 to 24 months, depending on how big your home is and how often you use it.

All Vacuum Cleaner Belts Are the Same

This is false; all vacuum cleaner belts aren't the same.

While less expensive ones slip, stretch, and break down fast, high-quality belts can survive for many years. 

They're made to be non-slip, which improves consistency for the soil removal and pick-up process, and good belts function better, so you spend less time maintaining or replacing them.

Higher Vacuum Cleaner Amps Mean Better Performance

This is false; higher vacuum amps don't mean better performance. 

The amp rating² just tells you how much power the vacuum uses when it is turned on and doesn’t necessarily indicate performance levels.

You can't determine how well it takes up dirt compared to other vacuums with different wattage ratings.

Water Vacuum Cleaners Aren’t Effective

This is false; water vacuums are effective.

When it comes to employing water pressure to get rid of viruses, allergies, and germs, water vacuums can dominate air filtration. 

Water vacuum cleaners typically use less energy than regular vacuums, which is an added plus.

Vacuum Cleaners Work for All Carpets

This is false; vacuum cleaners don't work for all carpets.

There are many different carpet varieties throughout the world, but at the moment, no manufacturer claims that their vacuum can handle all different kinds of carpets.

Several variables, like whether a vacuum has a motorized beater brush against the carpet and whether shag carpet or another type of undercoat carpet is present, affect how well a vacuum performs on a carpet.

However…

Today, there are an increasing number of vacuums built for soft flooring, so always choose one that fits the type in your home.

I suggest looking for a vacuum with a beater bar that can pick up carpet dirt instead of one with suction that is so strong it can't move smoothly across the carpet.

Why You Can Trust ByPurify 

You can trust ByPurify because we've done a lot of research on vacuum cleaners over the years and my writers are experts in the field.

I aim to bring you the most up-to-date, true information about all the latest vacuums on the market, so you don't have to worry about doing all the research yourself.

Common Questions

In Conclusion

There are tons of myths around the world regarding vacuum cleaners, some of which are true and some of which are false.

It’s always important to do proper research before believing what you hear or read when it comes to your vacuum, because one wrong move could cause your vacuum to break or cause premature wear and tear.

I hope that we’ve helped clarify the most widespread vacuum cleaner myths for you.

To learn more, give our reviews a read!