The Best Vacuum for Soft Carpet in 2020
Is your soft carpet no longer so luxurious and elegant? If so, you might just need a different cleaning routine using a specialized vacuum cleaner.
Soft carpets require a powerful yet gentle vacuum that won’t damage the delicate fibers. However, it should also work on other floors if you have hardwood, tiles, and area rugs.
We reviewed some of the best ones, so you might want to check the article below to find one that fits your needs.
Here are our top picks for your soft carpeting:
- Best for Deep Carpet Cleaning: Soniclean Soft Carpet Upright
- Best Upright Option: Shark Rocket DuoClean HV382
- Top Choice if You Have Pets: Dyson Ball Animal Upright Vacuum
- Best Canister Vacuum for Soft Carpet: Miele Complete C3 Vacuum
- Best Option for Eliminating Odors: Bissell 20431 Powerglide Lift Off
| Product Name | Type | Weight | Cord Length/Run Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soniclean Soft Carpet Upright Vacuum Cleaner | Upright | 10.5 lbs | 35 ft |
| Shark Rocket DuoClean HV382 | Stick | 9.9 lbs | 30 ft |
| Dyson Ball Animal Upright Vacuum | Upright | 17.35 lbs | 10.81 m |
| Miele Complete C3 Vacuum for Soft Carpet | Canister | 20 lbs | 36 ft |
| Bissell 20431 Powerglide Lift Off | Upright / Handheld | 18 lbs | 30 ft |
| Shark DuoClean Powered Lift-Away (NV803) | Upright | 15 lbs | 30 ft |
| Kenmore Elite 81714 Pet-Friendly Canister Vacuum | Canister | 22 lbs | 26 ft |
| Oreck Swivel Axis Upright Vacuum Cleaner | Upright | 11 lbs | 30 ft |
| Maytag M1200 Upright Vacuum Cleaner | Upright | 21.6 lbs | 35 ft |
| Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional NV356E | Upright | 13 lbs | 25 ft |
| BISSELL Cleanview Swivel Rewind | Upright | 19 lbs | 27 ft |
| Oreck Magnesium RS Swivel-Steering Upright Vacuum Cleaner | Upright | 7.7 lbs | 30 ft |
| Sebo X5 Upright Vacuum Cleaner | Upright | 22.9 lbs | 40 ft |
| Oreck Commercial U2000R-1 | Commercial | 9 lbs | 40 ft |
Top Rated Soft Carpet Cleaners
Soniclean Soft Carpet Upright
(Best for Deep Carpet Cleaning)
Soniclean might be your best vacuum cleaner for cleaning large areas and oversized carpets. This vacuum has a wide carpet cleaning head that allows you to cover larger areas in less time than ever.
The motorized brush roll of this vacuum features gentle nylon bristles that go deep into the carpet fibers, cleaning even the most persistent dirt. However, the bristles are gentle enough not to damage the delicate carpet fibers.
Although it appears big and bulky, this upright vacuum is easy to maneuver across all carpets. It has large wheels that help it go across plush carpets with ease. It also features an EZ-Push adjustable vent system that enables you to move the vacuum.
The vacuum lays flat on the ground, allowing you to clean under furniture as well. It comes with a long cord measuring some 35 feet in total.
Pros
- Large wheels
- Efficient brush roll
- HEPA filtration system
Cons
- No additional accessories
Shark Rocket DuoClean HV382
(Best Upright Option)
This Shark Rocket is a versatile vacuum for cleaning carpets and hard flooring. It’s a stick vacuum, but you can also use it as a handheld with a simple push of a button.
It comes with a dual brush roll and Triple Particle Cleaning technology, getting rid of both small and large particles on nearly all carpets. The vacuum is meant for cleaning fine dust, hair, sand, dirt, and other similar debris from every carpet.
It’s important to mention that this vacuum has double the dust cup capacity found on the original Rocket. However, it’s corded, featuring a 30 ft power cable.
As a handheld, the vacuum has LED lights, allowing you to spot embedded dirt and debris hidden deep into the carpet fibers. Its fingertip controls make it easier to use, especially if you’re prone to back pain.
Pros
- Pet Multi-Tool included
- For multiple carpet types
- Long power cable
Cons
- The cord is sometimes in the way when vacuuming
Shark Rocket or Dyson – which is the better choice? Find out here.
Dyson Ball Animal Upright Vacuum
(Top Choice if You Have Pets)
Cleaning your carpets can be quite challenging if you have pets. However, the Dyson Ball Animal is among the most efficient in picking up the persistent hairs and dander from thick carpet fibers.
It has a self-adjusting cleaning head, so it’s equally as useful on the hardwood as it is on carpet surfaces. In one smooth action, you can release the wand and hose so that it’s easier to reach above-floor surfaces or carpets under your furniture.
It’s a bagless upright vacuum with quite a lot of bin capacity. This means that you probably won’t have to empty it more than maybe once during the carpet cleaning process. Its dust bin is designed to allow hygienic emptying so that you don’t come into contact with its dirty contents.
The Ball technology helps with maneuverability and reaching different parts of your carpets.
Pros
- Large dust bin capacity
- Pet tools included
- Self-adjusting cleaning head
Cons
- It weighs 17 pounds
Having second thoughts about the Dyson DC65 Animal? Our guide may help.
Miele Complete C3 Vacuum
(Best Canister Vacuum for Soft Carpet)
You should check this Miele vacuum if you’re looking for classic canister vacuums for soft carpeting and hard floors. It has suction control, allowing you to tackle different particles via the footswitch pedal on the cleaning head.
Another thing that makes this one versatile is the adjusting height. It features five settings, allowing the vacuum to go from carpets to hard floors with ease
Also, this Miele comes with a parquet brush that’s ideal for cleaning hard floors. Combined with 1200W of suction power, the vacuum picks up even the most embedded dirt from carpet surfaces and other floor types.
Its revolving brush roll is 12.5 inches wide and has two rows of stiff bristles. This ensures that nothing is left behind regardless of the floor surface. On top of that, its swivel wheels make it easy to move the vac around, especially in large areas.
Pros
- Built-in tool storage
- HEPA filtration
- Several height and suction power settings
Cons
- The hose is a bit on a short side
If you’re interested in Miele C3 Power Plus, see the complete review.
Bissell 20431 Powerglide Lift Off
(Best Option for Eliminating Odors)
This Bissell Lift-Off vacuum is one of the best choices for cleaning combined floors and carpets. It’s a bagless cleaner featuring a 0.75-liter dust cup that’s easy to empty.
Since it’s a Lift Off, the vacuum can be used as an upright and a more portable handheld. This allows some added versatility, making it easy to clean carpets and above-floor surfaces. The vacuum comes with an extension pole, giving you some more reach to clean curtains and ceilings.
Its triple-action on/off brush roll removes embedded dirt with ease. Plus, it comes with specialized pet tools for cleaning hair from upholstery, stairs, and hard-to-reach carpet areas.
The Smart-Seal Allergen system traps dander, dust, dirt, and the tiniest allergens, preventing them from going back into your breathing space and carpet. Plus, this one features a Febrile pet odor eliminator filter.
Pros
- 30 ft cable
- Eliminates hairs and odors
- On/Off brush roll
Cons
- The Lift-Off canister can’t stand alone
Shark DuoClean Powered NV803
Shark NV803 has a unique brush roll that’s ideal for cleaning even the most persistent dirt regardless of the carpet you have. It’s possibly the best vacuum cleaner for if you’re looking to deep clean other types of carpet fibers as well.
This Shark vacuum is upright but portable, providing more versatility and ease of use. It helps to reach different hard-to-reach areas and upholstery. The package also includes a crevice accessory, pet multi-tool, motorized pet tool, under-appliance floor attachment, and a dusting brush.
Thanks to dynamic swivel, this Shark vacuum is simple to push across different types of floors and carpets. It weighs 15 pounds and is bagless, featuring a transparent dust cup. On top of that, it comes with a HEPA filtration system and the Anti-Allergen Complete Seal system.
Specifications
- Filtration: HEPA & Anti-Allergen Complete Seal system
- Weight: 15 lbs
- Cord Length: 30 ft
Pros
- 30 ft cord
- HEPA filter
- LED lights
Cons
- A bit too heavy when lifted
Check out our selection of the top 19 Shark vacuums here.
Kenmore Elite 81714 Pet-Friendly Canister
Elite 81714 is a pet-friendly vacuum suitable for cleaning nearly every carpet. It’s a canister, weighing some 22 pounds and featuring a 26-foot power cord for extended reach.
This one comes with a motorized floor attachment that’s ideal for cleaning dirt, hair, and dander from plush carpeting, as well as area rugs. Plus, its height settings help you to achieve the same results regardless of the floor surface.
This Kenmore comes with a HEPA filter that’s among the best vacuum cleaner choices for allergy-prone people and pet owners with various different carpets. It also comes with an ultra-plush nozzle, LED telescopic wand, a dust brush, and upholstery and crevice tools.
The two-motor system of this vacuum ensures powerful suction, cleaning all kinds of messes. Plus, this is one of the Kenmore canister vacuums that features an exclusive Stair Grip, enabling the vacuum to stand on the staircase without falling.
Pros
- Pet Multi-Tool Included
- 10′ of extended reach with the hose
- Automatic cord rewind
Cons
- A bit heavy
Oreck Swivel Axis Upright Vacuum
Oreck Swivel Axis might be your best vacuum cleaner choice if you’re looking for power, ease of use, and large dust capacity. This upright features a large dust bag that will probably last you a while before you need another.
It’s a versatile vacuum that you can use on nearly every carpet. The ball joint and pivot connection make it easy to go around furniture legs and other obstacles, while the 360° Glide Technology adds even more to the overall maneuverability regardless of the carpets you have.
The vacuum has two brush roll speeds, cleaning different carpet fibers as well as hard surfaces. Plus, the wide cleaning path measures 13 inches and helps cover large areas and carpets in less time.
This one uses a HEPA inner bag combined with an AirClean filter for some added efficiency. The two help trap even the tiniest allergens, hair, dander, and pollen embedded in your carpet.
Pros
- 30′ power cable
- Large dust bag capacity
- LED headlights
Cons
- The bag might start to smell before it’s full
Maytag M1200 Upright Vacuum
Maytag M1200 is one of those heavy-duty uprights that can tackle any mess on a variety of carpet surfaces. Its Dual-Intake System features two motors which allow the vacuum to clean both carpet and bare floors.
One of the best things about this vacuum is its 35′ power cable. It provides extended reach for cleaning larger carpet areas without having to change sockets as often.
Another feature worth mentioning is the 6- position manual height setting. This helps the vacuum adjust to the carpet you’re deep cleaning so that it’s always picking up embedded dirt.
Also, this vacuum comes with a lifetime belt, ensuring longevity and a 6-stage filtration, including HEPA and charcoal filters. The vacuum is suitable for pet owners and people who are sensitive to dust and pollen that often go deep into carpets.
Pros
- Telescopic wand and extension hose included
- Full-bag indicator
- Quiet operation
Cons
- Tricky to use under furniture
Shark Navigator Professional NV356E
NV356E is another excellent upright vacuum from the Navigator series. It’s an efficient and useful vacuum, allowing you to lift the canister away and use it as a more portable carpet cleaner.
Its dust cup is transparent so that you can see when it’s time to empty it. With a capacity of 2.2 quarts, you probably won’t have to empty it as often, but that depends on how big is the carpet area you’re cleaning.
This one features Anti Allergen Complete Seal Technology combined with a HEPA filter. Together, the two trap up to 99.9% of dust, pollen, and allergens found in your carpet.
It has a powerful brush roll that’s ideal for cleaning up hairs and dander from all carpets. You can shut it off whenever you’re cleaning hardwood or another more sensitive carpet surface. This Shark vacuum weighs only 13 pounds and is relatively easy to move across carpets and other floors.
Pros
- Brush roll shut off
- Great for above-floor surfaces
- Swivel cleaning head
Cons
- It tips over easily
If you’d like to compare this model to Shark TruePet NV752, see the detailed review.
BISSELL Cleanview Swivel Rewind
You might want to check this Bissell vacuum if you have pets and several carpets. It’s among the best choices when it comes to cleaning hairs and dander from nearly every carpet and area rug.
The Triple-action brush roll removes even the most embedded hairs from the plushest carpets. Plus, it features scatter-free technology, making it equally as suitable for cleaning hard flooring.
It’s a corded upright vacuum, featuring a 27′ cable and swivel head for easier maneuverability regardless of the carpet you’re cleaning. The cord retracts automatically, allowing simple and neat storage.
Also, its edge-to-edge carpet cleaning feature lets the vacuum near your walls and corners where most hairs are accumulated. The Pet Hair Corner and Pet Turbo Eraser tools are also included for some added precision when it comes to cleaning this type of carpet.
Pros
- Easy-to-empty dust bin
- Extension hose included
- Triple-action brush roll
Cons
- Reduced suction power when using the hose
Oreck Magnesium RS Swivel-Steering Vacuum
Although it seems a bit bulky, the Oreck Magnesium RS vacuum is quite easy to use on carpets as it weighs less than 8 pounds. It features a swivel head that’s meant to help you push the vacuum across different carpet types.
The slim design allows you to clean in hard-to-reach carpet areas and under furniture. It also helps when it comes to storing as the vacuum won’t take up as much time.
Oreck Magnesium RS is equipped with a 5-layer HEPA that traps and locks in 99% of particles found deep in your carpet. All the vacuumed dust remains inside the bag without going back into your breathing space, which is especially great for allergy-prone people with thick carpets.
It’s engineered to protect the motor by preventing the brush roll from jamming. It allows this vacuum to shut off automatically so that you can remove whatever clogging.
Pros
- Automatically adjusting height
- Easy maneuverability
- Lightweight
Cons
- It’s loud
Sebo X5 Soft Carpet Vacuum Cleaner
This powerful upright is among the best picks for nearly every carpet and bare floor surface. It features a 1300-watt motor that provides undying suction power and the ability to pick up even the most persistent dirt found on your carpets.
The manufacturer claims that this upright is made to last up to 20 years with regular carpet maintenance. While this depends on many things, there’s no denying that it’s quality-built and resistant.
It comes with reliable filtration, ensuring that even the smallest allergens are safely sealed inside the vacuum. The 15-inch rectangular brush head makes it easy to clean larger carpet surfaces in less time.
Another vital thing to mention is its ability to detect carpet height and adjust the brush accordingly. It’s a handy feature that makes this upright versatile and easy to use in homes with combined flooring and several different carpets.
Specifications
- Motor: 1300 W
- Weight: 22.9 lbs
- Filtration: HEPA, 3-Layer Filter Bag
Pros
- 3-layer filter bag
- Large dust capacity
- For combined flooring
Cons
- Might not fit under your furniture
Oreck Commercial U2000R-1
This is another impressive upright from Oreck, only this time it’s a commercial vacuum with higher suction power. It’s a multi-surface vacuum, featuring Microsweep technology and a high-speed brush roll for carpets.
It comes with a 40′ cable and a fingertip-controlled on/off switch, making it easier to use the vacuum without changing the sockets as frequently.
Plus, this one has a low-profile design so that you can clean the carpet areas under furniture. It features side-edge brushes, allowing you to clean near corners and edges where carpets are the dirtiest.
It weighs only 9 pounds, so it’s quite easy to push around, mainly thanks to its comfortable handle. Another thing that adds to its portability and ease of use is the included shoulder strap.
The package includes an adjustable extension wand, a 4-foot hose, long and short crevice tool, and a dust brush.
Pros
- Large dust capacity
- Lightweight and low-profile design
- Long cable
Cons
- No storage for the cord
Buying Considerations
Shopping for a specific vacuum that would work on your carpet isn’t always as simple. There are plenty of models to choose from, both canisters and uprights, which is why you should consider them carefully regardless of what carpets you have.
A few factors can help you when buying vacuum cleaners for carpets. Think about each of these topics, as this can help you find a vacuum for your needs and preferences.
Height & Weight
Very few things are more important than adjusting height, especially if you have combined floors. Vacuuming a plush carpet isn’t the same as cleaning hardwood, which is where height-adjustment settings can help with.
In other words, being able to adjust the cleaning head makes it that much easier to clean each of the carpet types. It also allows you to transition from a carpet to a hard surface and vice versa.
Another thing you should keep in mind is the weight. A vacuum that’s too heavy would be tricky to push across a plush carpet. Plus, such a machine would also be challenging to use for extended carpet cleaning sessions.
Filter
A filter is of great importance regardless of the type of carpet. HEPA is probably the most popular type that most vacuums feature. This is the type of filtration that’s usually recommended to people with allergies regardless of whether they have carpets or hard flooring.
Keep in mind that some filters are washable and reusable while others are replaceable. This might also play a significant role when it comes to triggering your allergies.
Warranty
Most carpet vacuum cleaners come with at least one year warranty. However, some manufacturers offer up to 5 years of warranty, so that’s another option to look into.
Keep in mind that the warranty often only covers damage caused by faulty materials and manufacturing.
Accessories
As you noticed, most vacuum cleaners come with somewhat similar accessories. In most cases, they come with a crevice tool, dust brush, extension pole/hose, pet tools, and an upholstery tool all of which are vital for carpet maintenance.
Focus on the main brush tool of your vacuum to achieve the best results. It’s what’s supposed to pick up the embedded dirt, leaving nothing on your carpet. Still, other accessories can help with cleaning hard-to-reach areas, nooks, and crannies of your carpet.
Cord / Cordless
Choosing between corded and cordless vacuum cleaners is a matter of your preference. Corded vacuum cleaners offer unlimited run time, but you’ll maybe have to change sockets a few times, depending on how long the cord is. On the other hand, cordless vacuums are more hassle-free to use in general, but their run time is limited.
In most cases, you can choose either for carpet maintenance since the cord doesn’t play such a significant role in the overall cleaning performance.
Bag / Bagless
As you probably noticed, vacuum cleaners for soft carpets can be both bagged and bagless. For this reason, the choice is entirely up to you.
Bagless vacuum cleaners are more eco-friendly and cost-efficient, although their bagged counterparts are usually more suitable for allergy-prone people, especially when it comes to carpet maintenance.
Cleaning Head & Wand Design
We already briefly mentioned that the cleaning head is probably the most critical part to pay attention to for carpet maintenance. It’s what applies suction power and picks up the dirt and dust from all carpet surfaces.
Some vacuums, like uprights, have a large cleaning head with a beater bar. On the other hand, others might have an extendable wand and several cleaning heads you can use.
Wheels
You should pay special attention to wheels if the vacuum of your choice is on the heavy side. You’ll need wide and large wheels to displace some of that weight. Otherwise, you might find it rather difficult to push across plush carpet.
However, ensure that its large wheels are gentle and won’t damage your floors. Large wheels make it easy to carry the weight of your vacuum, which is especially important if the vac is heavy. Still, they should be rubberized and non-marking.
Dust Bin
Look for a large dust bin if you’re buying a bagless vacuum cleaner. It should be easy to empty without coming in contact with the dirty contents.
Also, a dust bin should be transparent or at least have an indicator light, alerting you when you should empty it.
Suction
Your best bet is to go for adjustable suction power, especially if you have combined floors. In other words, what might be powerful enough for tiles might also be too powerful for a small and light carpet.
Best vacuums are powerful enough to pick up the dirt that’s often embedded in the dense carpet fibers. Check if using specific tools like an extension pole or hose would reduce suction power.
Adjustable Beater Bar
As we mentioned earlier, this small feature can make all the difference. However, you might want to look for an adjustable bar if you have more than just plush carpets in your home.
This is where adjustable height comes into play as well. The best option would be a beater bar, which you can control in terms of speed as well as height so that you can vacuum all kinds of floors safely and efficiently.
Pets
Most vacuums come with at least one pet tool, making it easier to clean hairs and dander. Some of the cleaners we reviewed are made explicitly for pet owners with unmatched suction power, filtration, and motorized tools.
Nonetheless, having at least one pet tool can be quite useful if your furry friend shreds or goes outside.
Read more: Top Carpet Cleaners for Households with Pets
Battery
Battery life is critical to consider if you’re looking for a cordless vacuum. Most vacuums come with rechargeable batteries that offer anything from 10 to 90 minutes of run time. Still, this often depends on the suction mode and whether you’re using any motorized tool.
Adjustable Power Settings
Most cleaners come with adjustable power, which is especially critical for people who have more than just plush carpets. As we mentioned, some surfaces require more or less suction, so you want to be able to use one vacuum on all of them.
Adjustable power helps with spot-cleaning, as well. It allows you to increase suction in those areas that have more concentrated dirt. In most cases, you’ll come across two settings.
Mechanism
Look for a vacuum that has a reliable cleaning mechanism combined with great filtration, suction, and overall ease of use. Manufacturers offer different cleaning mechanisms, but some are better than others when it comes to cleaning plush carpeting.
What Is a Soft Carpet & Why Is It a Challenge
This carpeting type is growing more popular by the day. It can make any room feel luxurious and sleek thanks to the overall elegance and good looks.
These carpets are usually made of triexta, nylon, and polyester fibers, ranging is styles. You can find thick frieze carpet types, as well as berber styles, depending on the overall style of your house. The many different styles and materials offer various benefits, but each of them is equally tricky to clean.
The challenge is precisely in what makes these carpets as luxurious. The thick and dense fibers are ideal for dust, hair, and allergens to hide in. Dirt goes deep into these fibers, and it’s nearly impossible to get it out.
Of course, vacuuming helps, but most vacuums are practically impossible to use on plush carpets. In most cases, it’s the density and thickens of the fibers that make it challenging to push or pull the vacuum.
These fibers are much thinner than those on traditional carpet surfaces. On top of that, there are more fibers than in a regular carpet of the same size. This increases the softness and plush feel, but it’s also what makes it difficult to clean with a regular vacuum.
Types of Plush Carpet on the Market
As we mentioned, there are several types on the market. The difference is usually in their overall density as well as the length of the fibers. Some are also woven differently than others, which also affects their softness.
Because they’re not the same in terms of density and thickness, most of these carpets require a different approach when it comes to vacuuming. For this reason, it’s essential to know what’s your type and how to clean it properly.
Shag
These carpets have long fibers that are very easy to pull with a vacuum cleaner. This damages the carpet beyond repair, which is why it’s important to choose the right vacuum.
You need a vacuum cleaner that’s for shag carpets with enough suction to pick up the embedded dirt without actually touching the fibers. Only the most powerful vacuum cleaners can deliver enough airflow to pull the dust from the deep layers.
Avoid using motorized tools and a power brush since it can pull on the strands of your carpet. Once the long fiber is caught in the motorized brush, it’s impossible to get it out without damaging the carpet.
Read more: Top Cleaners for Shag Carpeting
Berber
Berber carpets are made from nylon, wool, or Olefin. These might not seem as plush, but they’re definitely easy to damage with the wrong vacuum cleaner.
One of the most important things to avoid is a beater brush. It can ruin your carpet, so look for the one that you can shut it off.
The woven fibers are relatively easy to pull at, causing damage that you cannot really repair. Plus, a motorized brush also generates heat, which can ruin the threads if the carpet is made from Olefin.
If you’re looking for a vacuum with large wheels, go for rubberized ones so that they don’t damage the fibers. Large wheels made from rubber are usually gentle enough to use on this type of surface.
Related Post: Best Vacuums for Berber Carpets
Mohawk
Mohawk is one of the best and most popular choices due to its elegance, durability, and style. Most manufacturers advise that you avoid using a beater brush because it can damage your carpet.
If you do opt for a vacuum with motorized tools, it’s recommended to look for those that you can turn off. These are high-pile carpets and require special care. For this reason, ensure that the cleaner of your choice has large wheels and adjustable height.
Large wheels and adjustable height would allow you to adjust the cleaning head according to the pile height. It’s the best way to ensure that the cleaner doesn’t pull at the fibers.
Plush
Plush carpets are the densest, which makes them rather challenging to clean. Their fibers are woven closed together, making it hard for any airflow to pass through. As a result, your floor attachment is likely to get stuck to the carpet.
Trying to maneuver the vacuum across this carpet is next to impossible if the suction is too high, which is why you want to be able to adjust it. Pulling on the carpet in this way might damage it beyond repair.
You should also look for adjustable height. This should allow you to vacuum thick carpets without damaging them since you can control the cleaning head and how close to the fibers it is. Avoid using tools that pull at the fibers, damaging the entire carpet beyond repair.
It’s equally as important to ensure that its large wheels (if it has any) are gentle, as well. Larger wheels can sometimes be quite rough, pulling at the strands and causing the vacuum to get stuck.
Ultra Soft or Soft?
People often confuse soft and ultra-soft carpets as the same. While they might appear similar, ultra-soft carpets are that much trickier to clean. The best way to tell is by feeling the carpet.
You might also want to inspect whether or not you have the brand label on the carpet. It’s usually underneath, and it should contain information on the specific style and softness. If that doesn’t work, you can ask an expert to help you figure it out.
Buying a new carpet is rather easy since most manufacturers state the level of softness, so you can just ask the salesperson.
How to Vacuum a Soft Carpet?
Standard vacuum cleaners get caught in long fibers. It’s because these carpets are thicker than standard carpet surfaces that the vacuum creates a tight seal, getting stuck in the fibers.
Some vacuum cleaners are made specifically to tackle this type of challenge. These are adjustable and versatile, allowing you to vacuum soft and hard surfaces.
Before you go from hardwood or tile to your plush carpet, you should first adjust your vacuum cleaner. Use the highest height adjustment so that the floor nozzle isn’t as close to the fibers. This should prevent the cleaner from creating such a tight seal.
You should also lower its suction so that it’s easier for you to push/pull the vacuum across the carpet. If suction is too high, it will make it impossible to move the vacuum.
In most cases, you’re safer avoiding motorized tools. However, this depends on the exact type of carpet that you have. Some carpet surfaces can handle a motorized tool if the suction isn’t too high, and you’ve adjusted its height.
Additional Cleaning Tips
At this point, you probably understand why this type of surface is as high-maintenance. It’s a bit expensive, which is why you want to ensure that it lasts you a long time, looking plush and luxurious.
Apart from picking one of the best vacuum cleaners, you can do a few other things to clean the carpet properly. Here’s what you should do:
Be careful – whatever the vacuum cleaner you opt for, you should be cautious when it comes to using it. Vacuum the surface slowly and gently so that there’s minimal chance of pulling on the fibers. Moving too quickly might cause some of the strands to break.
Adjust your vacuum – as we said, adjust its height and suction power to match the carpet. This is especially important if you have other floorings as well.
Use a proper floor attachment – most vacuum cleaners come with accessories meant to help you tackle different cleaning tasks. Use them accordingly as they can help you reach areas you otherwise wouldn’t be able to.
Clean regularly – another vital thing is to stick to your carpet cleaning routine. Vacuum at least once a week to avoid dirt buildup, although twice a week is more recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:
How often should I vacuum my soft carpeting?
A: By vacuuming at least once or twice a week, you ensure that there’s minimal dirt built up. Since this carpet is quite thick and dense, embedded dirt is nearly impossible to clean, so make sure to be consistent with your cleaning routine.
Q:
What’s the difference between shag and Mohawk?
A: Shag are high-pile carpets, featuring long fibers that give them the recognizable appeal. While they look luxurious, these are rather tricky to clean because the long strands tend to get stuck in the cleaning head. They’re typically made of wool and are rather expensive.
Mohawk is equally as great-looking, although a bit trickier to clean. It’s a high-pile type, but its fibers are usually softer and more sensitive. Keep in mind that Mohawk can be made with several different types of materials ranging in stain-resistance and durability.
Q:
Are soft and high pile carpets the same?
A: Although most types are high-pile, high-pile carpets aren’t necessarily always the softest. Essentially, high-pile means that the strands of fiber are long (or high), so the carpet is deep. The softness usually depends on the material as well as texture.
Fibers of high-pile carpet surfaces usually measure from 1/2 an inch or up, falling between 1/2 and 3/4 of an inch.
Assuming your carpet isn’t the softest, then you may want to look for a vacuum for high pile carpets instead.
Conclusion
At this point, you probably have an idea of how to properly care for your carpet. We explained how critical it is to have the right type of vacuum cleaner, whether an upright or one of the canister vacuums we mentioned, that would deliver gentle yet efficient performance.
As you’ve noticed, some of these vacuums aren’t necessarily made for a soft carpet but can be adjusted to work just as easily as on any other surface. Some are more suitable for combined floors in homes that have both carpets and hard flooring.
Although all of the vacuums we reviewed are efficient and reliable, you still want to be careful when choosing one. Consider the buying factors we mentioned and make sure to also think about your needs and preferences.
Sources and Resources
- Carpet, Asthma and Allergies – Myth or Reality
– https://www.researchgate.net/publication/242540313_Carpet_Asthma_and_Allergies_-_Myth_or_Reality_Prepared_for_Submission_to_the_International_E-Journal_of_Flooring_Sciences
- Carpet Preconditioning: Its Impact on Cleaning
– http://www.housekeepingchannel.com/a_839-Carpet_Preconditioning_Its_Impact_on_Cleaning
