Open Accessibility Menu
Hide
Tidy Home

Bagged Versus Bagless Vacuum

When it comes to cleaning floors these days, the vacuum is often the first tool you turn to. This is the case whether you have hardwood or carpet, tile or marble flooring. But what’s the best type of vacuum for getting the job done right? Bagged vacuum cleaners or bagless vacuum cleaners? 

Take a look at the following pros and cons for some insight that can help you settle the debate between bag vs. bagless vacuum cleaners.

Bagged Vacuum Cleaners

These more traditional models use replaceable vacuum bags to trap the dirt.

Pros
  • Dirt, debris, and allergens are trapped within the bag.
  • The contents of the bag stay put when it is removed or replaced.
  • Depending on the model, vacuum cleaner bags can hold a couple of pounds of dust and dirt.
  • In most cases, the filter is part of the bag, so it never needs to be cleaned.
  • The majority of vacuum cleaner bags are fairly easy to replace.
Cons
  • Most vacuum cleaner bags are not reusable and need to be replaced.
  • The vacuum is less effective when the bag is full.
  • If brands or models are discontinued, you might not be able to find replacement bags.
  • You may need to change vacuum bags monthly or each time you tidy up in an especially dusty area.
  • Changing bags in the middle of cleaning can be time-consuming and may disrupt your housekeeping flow.

Bagless Vacuum Cleaners

Vacuum cleaners that don’t utilize bags come in all shapes and sizes. Some are even robots!

Pros

  • You don’t have to worry about changing a bag mid-clean or shopping for replacement bags.
  • Bagless vacuum cleaners can be more affordable since there are no bags to replace regularly
  • A single high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter can last up to six months.
  • Bagless models can have less of an environmental impact since you don’t need to dispose of used vacuum cleaner bags.
  • These vacuums are easy to empty and can be put back into use immediately.
Cons
  • Bagless vacuum cleaners have filters that need to brushed, washed, and dried.
  • Some models have HEPA filters, which need to be replaced occasionally.
  • Dust, debris or dirt can get kicked back into the air when emptying a bagless vacuum cleaner.
  • The kickback of debris when emptying means you may have to re-vacuum some areas that you’ve already cleaned. 

Which Vacuum Model is Best for You?

When it comes to the battle of bag vs. bagless vacuum, there’s really no right or wrong answer. The model that works best for you will depend on your lifestyle, your cleaning habits, your floors and whether you’re cleaning for allergy sufferers

Regardless of whether you’re team bag or bagless, you want your work to be effective, so check out these five tips on how to vacuum the right way. And afterward, learn how to keep your vacuum clean

And if you’re so busy you barely have time to run the vacuum — much less think about cleaning it or changing bags — give your local Merry Maids a call. We’ll take care of the housekeeping, so you can sit back and relax.

Tidy Home