Upgrade Your Cleaning Game with the Best Vacuums for Vacation Rentals
Keeping your Airbnb spotless is a challenge, but it’s necessary to make sure guests feel comfortable — and leave good reviews. Short-term rental (STR) cleaners have to go above and beyond when taking care of the floors, but that can be tricky when you need to clean different flooring types on a tight turnaround time.
Whether you’re in charge of cleaning tiny cottages or full-sized lodges, there’s a vacuum that will make the job easier for you. Residential-quality vacuums for intermittent house cleaning won’t last long when put to constant use to clean your vacation rental. Invest in a commercial machine instead that will last years and provide better cleaning results.
Looking for the perfect Airbnb vacuum to add to your cleaning equipment? No matter how many properties you clean or how often you visit them, find the right vacation rental vacuum for you in this list of our top picks.
What Vacation Rental Cleaners Need in a Vacuum
STR cleaners face plenty of challenges, from keeping hard-to-reach areas clean to managing fast turnaround times, especially in areas where STRs are occupied year-round. You need the power to quickly clean high-traffic areas without the risk of wear and tear on the surfaces. Speaking of surfaces, you’ll deal with diverse flooring materials, from hardwood to carpet to linoleum, that vary between properties, so you’ll need equipment that can handle it all. Many rental properties also make the most of tight spaces, further complicating your cleaning routines.
The key features to prioritize in a vacation rental vacuum include:
- Powerful suction: Pick up a variety of debris, including fine dust that can lead to odors.
- Lightweight design: Prioritize portability, especially if you have to carry or roll the vacuum between units.
- Durability: Look for materials that last, such as metal instead of plastic.
- Attachments and accessories: Long hoses and specialized nozzles with brushes or pointed tips help deal with any cleaning challenge.
- Air filtration system: Keep dust from recirculating into the space you’re cleaning.
- Bagged vs bagless: Bag vacuums trap dust and dirt better, but bagless models are more compact and don’t require bag replacements.
- Battery life or cord length: In both cases, longer is better.
- Multi-surface cleaning capabilities: Freshen up walls, ceilings, and more.
- Low noise levels: Clean quietly, especially if adjacent units are occupied.
- Easy maintenance: Ensure the suction and air cleaning capacity stays high.
Don’t assume that commercial vacuums are out of your budget. Many of the models listed as the best below cost less than popular residential vacuums from brands like Miele or Dyson, and you can count on them for superior performance. Investing in commercial equipment will pay you back over time by reducing the number of times you need to replace it.
Types of Vacuums & How To Choose Between Them
You have a number of vacuum styles to choose from, and most of them work well for cleaning STR units. The best style for you depends on the properties you clean. For example, backpack-style equipment makes quick work of large areas and is ergonomic. Depending on the size of your cleaning business, you may need multiple types of vacuums to handle different Airbnb properties.
Upright Vacuum
For an all-around vacuum that works well on both smooth floors and carpets, consider an upright model. They’re available in both bag and canister designs, with canisters offering a slight cost and eco-friendly advantage by eliminating the need for disposable bags. These vacuums tend to utilize a powered brush roller to pick up stuck-on dust and debris, but they may lack the hose and nozzle attachments of other types of vacuums.
Backpack Vacuum
Most commercial cleaning crews turn to backpack vacuums rather than traditional upright models for a number of reasons. It’s more ergonomic and easier on your body to carry a back-mounted design and use a long sweeping wand to reach the floors and other surfaces. Also, these vacuums work with a wide range of attachments to allow you to clean almost every surface in a rental property.
They’re easy to move throughout a large facility or between individual units, but they tend to be much louder than other types of vacuums, and you should use ear protection with them.
Stick Vacuum
The lightweight and adaptable stick vacuum is great for cleaning up small spills, but it won’t work well for most STR cleaning demands. Professional cleaners tend to only carry these vacuums for flexibility when cleaning in very tight spaces. If you want a small vacuum to take along to those tiny house cleaning jobs, consider a stick vacuum that also functions as a handheld model.
Handheld Vacuum
Handheld vacuums are even smaller than stick vacuums — perfect for dealing with messes in vehicles and on furniture. It’s unlikely you’ll need a dedicated handheld vacuum for professional STR cleaning unless you choose a main vacuum without any kind of hose or nozzle attachment. In most cases, using the nozzle on a full-sized commercial vacuum works much better than any dedicated small model.
Robotic Vacuum
As with stick and handheld vacuums, robotic self-cleaning vacuums are more common in homes than STR properties. However, there are a few commercial versions capable of providing the scheduling and in-depth cleaning you need to reduce your workload.
Steam Cleaning & Extraction
Sometimes, a basic Airbnb vacuum won’t give you the cleaning power you need to get a rental ready for the next set of guests. If you regularly find yourself needing to clean sticky spills, you may want a powerful all-in-one extraction machine that combines steam cleaning features with powerful suction. These machines can suck up cleaning water, stuck-on grime, and heavy-duty messes without any issues.
Recommendations for Vacuums for Vacation Rental Cleaning
These vacuums give you years of reliable cleaning performance, streamlining your daily schedule.
Best Overall
Sanitare RESPONSE Multi-Surface Upright Vacuum: Sanitare is one of the most reliable names in commercial cleaning, and this upright vacuum has the superior suction you need to succeed. The easy-empty dust tank gets you back to cleaning sooner, and the SONAR system adjusts the cleaning process automatically to the detected floor type. The 40-foot-long cord keeps you moving, too.
Best Budget Choice
Bissell BGU1451T Commercial Upright Vacuum: If you’re on a tight budget but still want a commercial-grade Airbnb vacuum, choose the Bissell BGU1451T. It’s far more durable than any of the brand’s residential cleaning devices, but it’s still lightweight and easy to maneuver around furniture. Plus, the three-stage filtration system keeps the air cleaner as you work and doesn’t blow dust that just resettles on the area you just cleaned.
Best for Large Properties
ProTeam GoFit 3 Commercial Backpack Vacuum: Comfort is key when you’re working all day with a vacuum, and the position of pushing an upright around can lead to repetitive strain injuries. Cover the biggest floors with speed and ease with the ProTeam GoFit 3 Commercial Backpack Vacuum. It’s the smallest unit from the manufacturer, but it still provides unbeatable suction and dust-holding capacity without the weight of bigger units.
Best for Small Properties
Dyson V15 Detect Absolute Stick Vacuum: If you don’t have the space to use a bigger vacuum, grab a Dyson V15 Detect Absolute Stick Vacuum instead. Most stick vacuums don’t have the power or range to handle commercial use, but this powerful home vacuum is great for tiny homes, cabins, cottages, and RVs. The extra flexible swivel head makes it easy to maneuver under and around obstacles without needing to move everything and put it back when you’re done.
Best Robotic Choice
Makita X2 LXT Cordless Robotic Vacuum: Some Airbnb situations call for a robotic vacuum that you can run automatically between guests. The Makita X2 LXT Cordless Robotic Vacuum runs on its own and can handle large areas with high traffic. It even offers a wide range of remote operation tools, including automated scheduling, to run cleaning protocols whenever it’s effective.
Most Adaptable
Reliable Tandem Pro Steam/Vacuum/Mop Cleaner: If you have a few thousand dollars to invest, you can’t go wrong with the Reliable Tandem Pro. You can steam clean dusty ceilings, handle delicate vinyl and hardwood flooring without damage, and sanitize STRs in a way that vacuums can’t provide. If you’re looking to add an all-in-one tool to your cleaning tools, this is it.
Why You Should Insure Your Cleaning Vacuum Investment
If you rely on high-quality cleaning equipment to keep vacation rentals spotless, insuring your tools is one of the smartest investments you can make for your cleaning business. Your equipment is not only essential to your daily operations but also costly to replace or repair if something goes wrong. Here’s why safeguarding it with insurance is a must.
Protect Your Investment
Commercial vacuums, steam cleaners, and other specialized cleaning tools can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. If your equipment gets damaged, stolen, or lost, the financial burden of replacing it can be overwhelming. Insurance ensures that you won’t have to cover these costs out of pocket, helping you stay on track without taking a hit to your business income.
Minimize Downtime
Unexpected equipment issues can stall your operations, especially during peak seasons when back-to-back cleanings are the norm. With insurance, you can quickly repair or replace your tools, minimizing the risk of downtime and keeping your business running smoothly.
Cover Risks from Accidents
Cleaning equipment is subjected to constant use, increasing the likelihood of wear and tear, accidents, or even damage caused by mistakes like dropping a vacuum down a staircase. Insurance can provide coverage for these accidents, giving you peace of mind that your business won’t be left scrambling for solutions.
Stay Prepared for Theft or Loss
Vacation rental cleaners often work across multiple properties, so transporting equipment is inevitable. Whether it happens during transit or on-site, theft or loss of cleaning tools is a real risk. With the right policy in place, you can recover your equipment without incurring steep costs, allowing you to stay focused on delivering excellent service.
Maintain Professionalism
Having insurance doesn’t just protect you financially; it also reinforces your professionalism and reliability as a service provider. Clients will appreciate knowing that your business is prepared for any situation, which can help strengthen trust and reputation.
By insuring your cleaning equipment, you’re not just protecting your tools but also your ability to provide consistent, high-quality service to rental property owners. Pairing this with the right strategies for growing your business will ensure long-term success in the vacation rental cleaning industry.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leading Vacuum Cleaners
Thinking about getting a new vacuum cleaner? You’re not alone! Here are some common questions people have when shopping for the perfect vacuum.
Where’s the best place to buy a short-term rental vacuum cleaner?
If you’re on the hunt for a new vacuum, there are plenty of options to explore. Stores like Best Buy, Home Depot, and Lowe’s carry a variety of models to suit different needs. Visiting in person can be helpful if you want to see your options up close or ask a sales associate for advice.
Prefer shopping from the comfort of your home? No problem! These stores also have online platforms where you can browse, compare features, and place an order at your convenience.
How long does a vacation rental vacuum cleaner usually last?
On average, a vacuum cleaner can last around eight years. However, heavy usage, like in vacation rental cleaning services, may wear it out faster.
Keep an eye out for trouble signs like poor suction, a battery that won’t hold a charge, or bent and clogged bristles. When these issues pop up, it’s probably time to start looking for a replacement.
If you’re informed, you’ll find a vacuum that fits your needs perfectly!
How can I reduce allergens and odors while vacuuming vacation rental properties?
To minimize allergens and odors, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter or advanced air filtration system. Regularly clean or replace the filters, vacuum high-traffic areas thoroughly, and consider sprinkling baking soda on carpets before vacuuming to help neutralize smells.
What’s the best way to vacuum hard-to-reach areas like under beds or behind furniture?
Opt for a vacuum with a long hose and flat, angled attachments to easily access tight spaces. For areas like under beds, a stick vacuum with a flexible swivel head or a backpack vacuum with a long wand can make the task effortless.
How do I maintain my vacuum when cleaning multiple Airbnb properties?
To keep your vacuum in top shape, empty the dustbin or replace bags after each property, clean the brush rollers to remove hair and debris, and check for clogs in the hoses. Perform a deep clean and maintenance check weekly, especially if you’re cleaning high-traffic STRs frequently.
Find the Perfect Vacuum for Your Rental Cleaning Needs
Choosing the right vacuum is essential for vacation rental cleaners who want to deliver top-notch results and stay ahead in a competitive industry. Investing in high-quality, durable equipment streamlines your cleaning routine, saves you money in the long run, and ensures guest satisfaction with spotless properties. Explore our recommended models and consider upgrading your tools today to make every turnover efficient and stress-free!
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