It’s no secret that vacuum cleaners can be heavy. No matter your age, it’s common for a heavy vacuum cleaner to be the cause of back pain or achey shoulders, which isn’t ideal for those getting older.
Vacuum cleaners are very important household appliances. They are used to clean floors, carpets, rugs, stairs, and more. The main function of a vacuum cleaner is to suck dirt and dust from the floor or carpet and remove them.
Vacuum cleaners come in various sizes, shapes, and models. Some are portable, while others are stationary. There are also cordless vacuum cleaners and hand held ones.
There are several types of vacuum cleaners available in the market. These include upright vacuum cleaners, canister vacuum cleaners, bagless vacuum cleaners, handheld vacuum cleaners, and robotic vacuums. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages.
Are you looking for the best lightweight vacuum cleaner for elderly? If yes, then you are at the right place. In this article, we are going to share some information regarding the top 10 best lightweight vacuum cleaners for elderly.
OUR TOP PICK
Eureka PowerSpeed Upright Vacuum Cleaner
EDITORS CHOICE
Bissell Featherweight Stick Lightweight Bagless Vacuum
BEST VALUE
Shark Rocket Corded Stick Vacuum
OUR TOP PICK
Eureka PowerSpeed Upright Vacuum Cleaner
Versatility is key in a vacuum cleaner. You’re going to need something that can clean various surfaces without causing damage. Not only this, but elderly people require a vacuum cleaner that is lightweight and easy to maneuver.
The Eureka PowerSpeed Upright vacuum is one of the most popular vacuum cleaners for elderly people. This is an upright vacuum that weighs only 10 pounds, making it easy to lift and move around when both cleaning the house or carrying into a storage area. There are also 5 height adjustments to this vacuum to suit people of varying heights.
Most importantly, this vacuum cleaner features a powerful dynamic motor that is designed to suck up dirt, dust, and debris from a range of surfaces. It is equipped with an extra-large dust cup, so you can vacuum for hours without having to empty it.
The way this vacuum can work on multiple floor types is thanks to its smooth wheels, meaning it doesn’t scratch hardwood floors.
The product also comes with a quick-release stretch hose that can hold a crevice tool, upholstery nozzle, and a dusting brush (all included). Ideal for cleaning carpets, shag rugs, blinds, couches, and more!
When testing this product, we were impressed by the powerful suction of the motor. It is particularly useful for brightening carpets from dust and extracting pet hair from fabric.
Pros
- Powerful – Strong motor can vacuum dense dirt, dust, pet hair, and debris
- Lightweight – Easy to maneuver and carry around the house
- Versatile – Cleans multiple surfaces thanks to 3 included nozzles
Cons
- Noise – Powerful motor means this is a fairly loud vacuum
EDITORS CHOICE
Bissell Featherweight Stick Lightweight Bagless Vacuum
If you have a grandparent or parent who has a weekly cleaner, they probably don’t need to bother with a heavy hoover. Instead, they might just need a super lightweight and affordable one to clean up crumbs and small bits of dirt.
The Bissell Featherweight Stick Lightweight Bagless Vacuum is ideal for just that. This product only weighs around 3 pounds and, despite its weight, has a surprisingly powerful suction that can extract crumbs, dust, debris, and pet hair.
The best part about this stick vacuum is that it can be easily converted into three vacuum machines. It primarily works as a stick vacuum, but can also be changed into a star vacuum and a handle vacuum.
This means it’s ideal for those quick pick ups when you accidentally drop something on the floor, under the table, or on counter tops.
The additional crevice tool is particularly useful for extracting debris from hard-to-reach places. So, your grandparents/parents don’t have to wait for the weekly cleaner to get rid of those pesky crumbs in between the couch cushions!
When testing this product, we enjoyed its versatility and lightweight feel. However, it’s worth noting that due to its slim design, the dirt cup capacity is slightly less than other models, so it’s only ideal for small and quick pick ups.
Pros
- Very lightweight – Weighs less than 3 pounds and easy to carry with just one hand
- Versatile – Works as three vacuum types
- Ideal for quick pick ups – Crevice tool sucks up small pieces of debris and dirt quickly
Cons
- Dirt cup capacity – Not suitable for vacuuming the whole house without frequent emptying
BEST VALUE
Shark Rocket Corded Stick Vacuum
Stick vacuums are ideal for elderly people. Not only are they lightweight, but they are easy to move around the house and can be held with just one hand. The long handles also mean you don’t have to bend down, which is ideal for elderly people with back problems.
The Shark Rocket Corded Stick Vacuum is ideal for elderly people with back difficulties who have to deal with pets and long hair. Not all vacuums are suitable for sucking up hair (as it gets wrapped around the center roll).
However, this unit is equipped with a self-cleaning brush roll that prevents hair from wrapping and tangling, making for a quick and easy cleaning session.
This vacuum weighs under 10 pounds and is long enough to get to the hard-to-reach places without having to move furniture, such as under the table or couch.
It can also be converted to a hand-held vacuum by just pressing a button, which is ideal for small pick ups and for using the vacuum on surfaces above the floor.
When testing this product, we liked how the vacuum came with LED headlights to highlight hair and dirt that you normally wouldn’t see. Ideal for elderly people with eyesight issues!
Pros
- Long and light – Ideal for those with back problems
- Sucks pet hair – Long hair and pet hair doesn’t get tangled around brush roll
- LED lights – Reveals unseen bits of debris
Cons
- Corded – Cord cannot be removed, restricting portability
RUNNER UP
Micol Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
The problem with corded vacuums is that, while they never run out of battery, you’ve got to deal with vacuuming along with a long cord. It might tangle, and restricts the portability of the vacuum.
Cordless vacuums might need to be charged regularly, but it means you don’t have to constantly plug and unplug the unit around the house.
If you’re looking for an affordable cordless stick vacuum, then look no further than the Micol Cordless Vacuum. With a weight of only 3.5 pounds, this model is ideal for elderly people who struggle to lift heavy items.
Not only this, but the height of the tube can be adjusted to two heights (16.5″ and 22″) for those hard-to-reach spots without bending over – ideal for elderly folk with back pain.
This vacuum is equipped with a powerful brushless motor with three speed modes, including an eco-mode that is suitable for quick pick ups without wasting too much battery.
Speaking of battery, this is a quick-charging vacuum that will last up to 45 minutes on the eco mode. The batteries can also be replaced easily.
When testing this product, we really liked how multi-purpose it is. Not only does it work as a cordless stick vacuum cleaner, but it also converts to a handheld vacuum with either a long crevice or short brush applicator. This is especially useful for vacuuming the stairs, crumbs on the bed, and even the ceiling.
Pros
- Lightweight – Weighs under 4 pounds and is light enough for elderly folk
- Adjustable – Two different heights and handheld option along with additional tools
- Good for hair – Powerful motor and brush roll collects hair without tangling
Cons
- Charging – Keep in mind that you will have to replace the batteries
RUNNER UP
Dreametech T10 Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner
Sometimes, if you’re looking for a high-quality vacuum that will last several years, you’re going to have to spend more than you might think. Vacuums aren’t the cheapest of household cleaning items, but they’re certainly worth it!
The Dreametech T10 Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner might be more expensive than the other models on our list, but for good reason.
This vacuum is equipped with a powerful suction that is surprisingly quiet thanks to its 8-step noise reduction technology. This is particularly useful for elderly people with sensitive hearing.
The product is highly convenient thanks to its lightweight structure (weighing just under 4 pounds) and the fact that it’s cordless, so you can vacuum anywhere without restriction.
It charges on a wall-mounted station and can charge a second battery while the vacuum is in use.
When testing this product, we liked how it came with the necessary accessories; including a 2-in-1 brush, a crevice tool, adapter, charging station, and a V-shaped roller brush.
Pros
- Powerful suction – Cleans surfaces quickly and quietly
- Cordless – Easy portability around the house
- Charging – Can charge a second battery to ensure the vacuum is well-charged
Cons
- Price – Most expensive model on our list
Best Lightweight Vacuum Cleaner for Elderly Buying Guide
What To Look For In A Lightweight Vacuum Cleaner For Elderly
If you’re shopping for a lightweight vacuum cleaner for elderly, there are a few things you should consider before making your purchase. Do you want a cordless or corded vacuum?
Do you want a stick or upright vacuum? There are pros and cons to all types, so let’s dive into this handy buyer’s guide.
Cordless vs Corded
A cordless vacuum has two main advantages over a corded one: portability and convenience. With a cordless vacuum, you don’t need to worry about tripping over cords or having them get tangled up when you’re trying to clean a room.
You’ll also never have to plug in the vacuum again after using it, which makes it perfect for those who travel frequently or live in an area where power outlets are limited.
On the flip side, cordless vacuums tend to cost more than their corded counterparts because they require more components to operate.
They also take longer to recharge, usually requiring at least 3 hours. However, if you plan on using the vacuum often, then the extra time spent recharging isn’t much of a problem.
Corded vacuums are handy for those who might forget to charge their vacuum. They’ll never run out of charge – however, you will have to find a vacuum with an extra long cord to use in multiple rooms.
Plus, having to bend down to remove and replace the plug might not be helpful for elderly people with back problems.
Stick Vs Upright
Uprights are great for hard floors like tile or wood, but they can be difficult to maneuver around furniture. Sticks are better suited for carpeted areas because they can easily navigate tight spaces.
Uprights are typically easier to maintain, too. Not all sticks have the ability to stand upright without help, so you don’t have to worry about leaning an upright vacuum against the wall when not in use.
Speaking of storage, stick vacuums are undeniably the best for storing. Their slim structure means they take up minimal room in a cupboard or corner of the room, whereas uprights tend to be more bulky.
However, both uprights and sticks often come with interchangeable accessories that makes them versatile and useful for a variety of purposes.
Having said that, as sticks tend to be lighter than uprights, they are easier to use when vacuuming the stairs, ceiling or curtains. An upright vacuum would be more beneficial for those who live in a home without stairs for that reason.
Weight
Most importantly for senior citizens, you need to find a vacuum that is lightweight enough to easily maneuver on surfaces and carry around the house.
You don’t want to risk injuring your back or shoulder from using a heavy vacuum, so we recommend looking for a vacuum that weighs under 10 pounds.
Battery Life
One of the most important aspects of any vacuum cleaner is its battery life. If you’re going to buy a lightweight vacuum for elderly, you’ll want to make sure it comes with enough batteries to last through several cleaning sessions.
Of course, corded vacuums won’t have an issue with their battery life (though you need to find the average life service on the user manual to see how long it’s meant to last).
Cordless vacuums typically come with removable batteries that can be charged on a wall-mounted charging station, so make sure you find a place that can accommodate that.
The stations can stick to a wall with strong tape or with a screw – keep this in mind if you live in a rented property.
We recommend looking for a vacuum that comes with an extra battery that you can charge when the vacuum is in use, so the vacuum never runs out of battery.
Which Type Is Right For Me?
The answer depends on what kind of cleaning you do. If you spend most of your time cleaning hardwood floors, then an upright would be ideal. But if you prefer to clean carpets, then a stick vacuum would work just fine.
You may also want to consider the size of your home. Smaller homes usually benefit from a smaller vacuum cleaner, while larger ones might need something bigger. If you’re unsure, ask yourself how many times you’d need to empty the dust bin each week.
How Much Does It Cost?
When shopping for a lightweight vacuum, price is always going to play a role in your decision-making process. The good news is that lightweight cleaners are pretty affordable these days.
In fact, some models even come with free accessories! So, whether you’re looking for a budget model or a high-end option, there’s bound to be something that suits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Power Do You Need?
Suction power may be a problem; it’s true that heavy vacuums tend to have more suction power than lighter ones. But some people may think that a lightweight vacuum can’t do enough work compared with heavier models.
However, vacuum technology has come a long ways, and many lightweight stick vacuums have lots of suction power suitable to keep a house clean and tidy.
Heavy vacuums might be needed for cleaning large rooms in hotels, or for homes with numerous furry family members, but most seniors need a lightweight stick vacuum.
How Much Do Lightweight Vacuum Cleaners Typically Cost?
Lightweight vacuum cleaners don’t have to cost a bomb to work well.
These vacuums can range anywhere in price from $40 to $250, and the quality isn’t always reflected in its price point. Sometimes, even the most affordable vacuums work just as well as the expensive ones.
How Much Should A Senior-Friendly Vacuum Cleaner Weigh?
A senior-friendly vacuum cleaner shouldn’t weigh any more than 10 pounds. This is to ensure that vacuuming won’t cause an injury.
Luckily, the force of the motor and quality of the vacuum isn’t directly linked to its weight.
Conclusion
So, there it is! Lightweight vacuum cleaners are a necessary cleaning item for elderly folk. Not only are they easy to use, but they are risk-free and will prevent the risk of an injury while cleaning.
