Handheld vacuum cleaners play a significant role in keeping the home, office and car clean and spotless from dirt and dust. Their cordless and portable designs make them suitable for cleaning crevices of outdoor screens and car cabins, and freshening up upholstery. Also known as cordless hand vacuums, these machines are typically battery-powered, making them a handy choice for clearing small spills.
Having a cordless rechargeable vacuum cleaner means that you can use it anywhere without a power source. Most models use a lithium-based battery, which provides enough power for steady suction during run time, and is capable of sitting for months between uses without losing its charge. Some handheld vacuum cleaners take just three hours to charge, so you can get back to cleaning faster. Units with a battery-level indicator let you know when the battery is running low. Some vacuums include a charging dock station that is fixable to a wall for secure storage out of the way.
A main aspect of handheld vacuum cleaners is their convenience, so size and weight are critical. Most vacs are lightweight enough to lift and handle easily with one hand, while small mini vacuums are suitable for keeping work surfaces clean and removing debris from between computer keyboard keys. The soft rubber handle coating on an electric duster or handheld vacuum provides the firm grip you require.
In addition to the standard vacuum head, most handheld vacuum cleaners provide a range of vacuum accessories for different cleaning jobs. A crevice tool has an angled tip for getting into tight spots around vents and between sofa cushions, while extension wands offer more reach to capture dust dangling from high ceilings. Some handheld models come with extendable handles and floor vacuuming brushes, making them suitable for use as conventional upright vacuums. Upholstery tools that come with bed vacuum cleaners are useful for coaxing allergens from mattresses and car seats, and shoulder straps provide for carrying the machine during vacuuming.
Handheld vacuum cleaners with easy-release dirt cups allow you to empty the accumulated dirt fast, and a washable design offers simple cleanup. A clear waste container makes it possible to view when it is time to empty it. Vacuums with High-Efficiency Particle Air (HEPA) rated filters trap dust mites and remove bacteria from the air. Handheld vacuum cleaners with a high dust capacity let you clean for longer before emptying.
Find powerful motors and strong suction on many model to make cleaning easy. Some handheld vacuum cleaners use a combination of vacuuming and blowing to eliminate dust particles from tapered corners and narrow spaces. Like carpet and steam cleaners, handheld vacuums support continuous operation for lengthy cleaning jobs, and the included LED lights on some models help when cleaning dark areas.