Drapes and curtains add a distinctive touch to the interior design of a room. They also allow you to enjoy fresh air while blocking the harmful sun’s UV rays. However, dust, debris, and pet hair tend to easily get stuck on them. And the best way to keep your drapes and curtains clean is with regular vacuuming. Now I will show you 8 best vacuums for curtains.
While most vacuums can be used to clean drapes, the experience they’ll provide will vary depending on the type of unit. For instance, using an upright vacuum will indeed get the job done, but at the cost of a potential forearm strain.
That’s why we would like to introduce you to some outstanding vacuums that will enable you to perform this task comfortably. Spoiler alert! You are going to love them!
Best Vacuums for Curtains
Last update on 2024-04-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Miele Classic C1 Pure Suction (Best Canister Vacuum)
The Miele Classic C1 Pure Suction is without a doubt one of the best value canister vacuums. It boasts several handy functions that will make your daily cleaning a breeze.
Just like other fancier Miele canister models, the Classic C1 also shares the same 1,200-W Miele-Made Vortex Motor. It had no issue cleaning up fine dust, debris, cereals, pet hair, and pretty much everything else you would come across when cleaning.
Furthermore, the Miele Classic C1 did an excellent job of cleaning drapes and curtains. The lowest setting on its suction power level dial was sufficient to get the task done.
This vacuum includes a soft bristle brush, upholstery tool, crevice tool, and, most importantly, a stainless steel telescoping wand. Because it can extend up to 3.94 feet (1.20 m), the wand was great for cleaning the top of the drapes.
The Miele Classic C1 comes with an SBD 365-3 floorhead. The latter is equipped with rubber-covered wheels, enabling it to glide effortlessly. It also has retractable bristles for carpets agitation.
Speaking of carpets, this canister vacuum performed very well on low- to medium-pile rugs as well as hard surfaces like hardwood floors.
What could have been better?
With a total capacity of 2.5L, this canister’s dirtbags are quite small, especially when compared to other vacuums from other brands.
Dyson V11 Animal (Best Overall Vacuum)
The Dyson V11 Animal is one of the most powerful stick vacuums on the market. It is packed with incredible features and offers better cleaning performance than several corded vacuums from well-known brands. Let’s have a look at some of its exceptional functionalities.
Let’s start with cleaning performance, an area where the Dyson V11 Animal excels. This stick vacuum has three airflow settings: high (59CFM), medium (36CFM), and low (30CFM).
In high power mode, you should expect a runtime of around 8 minutes. In low, though, it can last for up to 76 minutes, which is something you don’t often see.
Another fantastic feature of the Dyson V11 Animal is its surface recognition technology. The latter allows the vacuum to automatically identify the kind of surface you’re vacuuming and adjust the suction power accordingly.
This function will not only assist in optimizing cleaning performance but also in preserving battery life.
For cleaning drapes and curtains, you can either take off the vacuum’s floorhead and use the wand or use the vacuum as a handheld.
Since the whole unit weighs about 7.72 lbs (3.50 kg), you can use either configuration without worrying about putting your forearm under pressure.
Unlike conventional vacuums, the Dyson V11 Animal has a completely sealed design. It’s also equipped with a HEPA filter for better filtration. The latter is washable and is designed to last the lifetime of the vacuum cleaner.
When these two features are present, fine particles such as baking soda cannot leak back into the air.
Its dustbin is also simple to empty since you will rarely encounter dirt stuck in the container.
Before we go into the cons, I’d want to make a quick point. I know that some of you probably see the Dyson V11 as an overkill vacuum for a small task like cleaning curtains, which is actually the case. Especially if you already own a vacuum for the rest of your daily cleaning.
However, if you’d like to replace your old, dusty vacuum cleaner with something versatile and powerful that you can rely on for everyday cleaning, then you should consider the Dyson V11 Animal.
What could have been better?
The Dyson V11 Animal is entirely made of plastic. While it is not a cheap build, I felt like it could have been better given its current price tag.
Another drawback that most of you are probably well aware of is the cost. The Dyson V11 Animal is an expensive vacuum that costs far more than other vacuum cleaners on this list.
Shark NV360 Navigator (Best Upright Vacuum)
Let’s be honest. Not everyone has the disposable income to buy a vacuum cleaner for each specific task. And the features that make a vacuum versatile never come cheap.
But what if I told you that there’s an affordable vacuum cleaner that you can use for everyday cleaning, including drapes and curtains? It sounds too good to be true, right? Stick with us to learn more about this mysterious beast.
The Shark NV360 is a bagless upright vacuum cleaner with some exciting features. For instance, it can be converted from a full-size upright to a lightweight semi-handheld unit for cleaning above-the-floor surfaces as well as drapes and curtains.
It also has remarkable suction power that can remove fine dust, debris, cereals, and pet hair from hard floors and carpets.
In addition, this upright vacuum’s 24.7ft power cord and 3.6ft hose are ideal for cleaning hard-to-reach corners as well as spider webs. We recommend you to use one of the best vacuum cleaners for spider webs.
The Shark NV360’s dustbin can hold up to 1.1L and is made of clear plastic with a max fill line so you can see when you need to empty it.
The filtration system of the Shark NV360 is one of its best qualities. The vacuum is totally sealed and fitted with a HEPA filter to prevent dust from leaking out.
Besides, the filter is washable and can last forever as long as it is washed regularly.
What could have been better?
The attachment tools are where the Shark NV360 falls short. This upright vacuum comes with just a crevice and upholstery tool.
Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus (Best for Pet Hair)
The market is flooded with handheld vacuum cleaners, each of which promises to be the best. However, not every one of them lives up to its marketing hype. Fortunately, that’s not the case with the Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus since its cleaning performance is on another level.
The Shark UltraCyclone is the new version of the discontinued Pet Perfect II. It boasts several good upgrades as well as some outstanding features. It’s also less costly than the Shark Wandvac while offering similar cleaning performance.
The Shark UltraCyclone’s performance against pet hair is one of its most notable features. It did a fantastic job against all types and lengths of hair. In addition, it had no issues with hair tangling, something that even premium vacuum cleaners struggle with.
Its remarkable suction power and effectiveness against pet hair are not limited to drapes and curtains but extend to almost all surfaces.
This outstanding result is primarily due to the motorized brush, which generates intense agitation and hence excellent cleaning performance.
This handheld vacuum had an average run time of around 12 minutes and 30 seconds and an airflow of about 28CFM. It also boasts a simple design and has a normal-sized dust bin that is easy to empty. In fact, all you have to do is to press one button.
What could have been better?
Despite it being a newer model, the Shark UltraCyclone generated 28CFM of airflow, whereas the Shark Pet Perfect II produced 43CFM. Since the UltraCyclone is an improved version of the previous model, I assumed its cleaning performance would be superior.
The next one is purely subjective, but it is worth mentioning. The Shark UltraCyclone produced a noise level of 77dBa, which is usually the noise generated by a typical upright vacuum cleaner. So I’d say that this handheld vacuum is on the noisy side.
Shark WANDVAC (Best Lightweight Vacuum)
I got it. You’re sick of carrying those heavy vacuums that drain your energy as if you were at the gym, and you’d rather have something lighter. Well, guess what? I have the perfect solution for you: the Shark WANDVAC.
Aside from being lightweight, the Shark WANDVAC has several noteworthy features. This handheld vacuum is built of durable plastic and can easily last for several years with proper care.
It’s also equipped with a clear plastic dustbin that enables you to see what’s inside so you know when it needs to be emptied.
Furthermore, this handheld vacuum is fitted with a HEPA filter for capturing dust and tiny particles. This kind of filter is a must-have, particularly when vacuuming curtains, as you will be in close contact with dust.
Additionally, the HEPA filter is washable, so there is virtually no recurrent cost.
The cleaning performance of the Shark WANDVAC is outstanding. Even though the average battery life was about 10 minutes, it was sufficient to get everything off the surface thanks to the vacuum’s strong suction power.
The Shark WANDVAC is designed with a simple, easy-to-access power button. The latter also illuminates, indicating the battery’s remaining charge.
What could have been better?
As far as I can tell, the Shark WANDVAC’s main drawback is its battery life. Some of you might not be able to get everything done in 10 minutes.
Also, when you compare the Shark WANDVAC to the other handheld vacuums on our list, you’ll see that it’s pretty pricey.
Bissell Featherweight (Best Budget Vacuum)
If you have a limited budget but still want a quality product, you should consider the Bissell Featherweight. While it’s not like the Dyson V11 Animal, its performance will certainly blow you away. Still not convinced? Then continue reading to learn more about this vacuum.
The Bissell Featherweight is a corded stick vacuum that can be converted to a handheld. What I like about this vacuum cleaner is that, despite its budget price, it can easily clean up dust, dirt, pet hair, and other everyday messes.
The secret behind this vacuum’s huge popularity is its lightweight design. With a total weight of 3 lbs, the vacuum is light enough that you don’t even have to use it as a handheld to clean your drapes and curtains.
This feature also makes it a good option for the elderly since it will make daily cleaning a snap.
Besides, the fact that it doesn’t have a rotating brush makes it suitable for delicate surfaces such as marble floors or oriental rugs.
This vacuum cleaner is made entirely from plastic. However, its durability is inferior to that of the Dyson V11 Animal. Still, if you take good care of it, it should last for a few years.
What could have been better?
Although the Bissell Featherweight’s plastic construction doesn’t surprise me, given the price of the vacuum, the power cord was a letdown. With a total length of 15.1 feet (4.6m), cleaning large rooms will be a pain.
Also, since the dustbin is small, you’ll have to empty it regularly to keep the suction power at its best.
Black+Decker Dustbuster (Best Value Vacuum)
A handheld vacuum is the quickest and easiest way to keep your curtains dust-free. It’s not only simple to use but also comfortable on your forearm regardless of the duration of your cleaning sessions. And when it comes to this particular task, the BD Dustbuster is your best bet.
The BD Dustbuster is a great product for the money. It doesn’t cost much. It has considerable suction power and respectable battery life to vacuum anything from drapes and curtains on a single run.
Just like the rest of the vacuums on this list, the BD Dustbuster is made entirely of plastic. However, unlike cheap vacuums, this one feels sturdy.
In terms of battery life, the BD Dustbuster had an average run time of around 12 minutes. It also took approximately 3 hours and a half to fully recharge.
What I like about the BD Dustbuster are the built-in tools. It has got a swing-out brush and a retractable crevice tool. I like the fact that you can extend the crevice tool, which is quite handy when cleaning drapes, especially for short people.
The brush is also useful for cleaning embedded dirt and pet hair from sofas.
What could have been better?
With a total capacity of 0.6L, you’ll need to empty the dustbin regularly, particularly if you have a lot to vacuum.
Also, when cleaning pet hair from fabric, you’ll have to go over the same spot several times.
Dirt Devil Scorpion (Best Corded Handheld Vacuum)
Another powerful handheld vacuum that I believe is worth your attention is the Dirt Devil Scorpion. It’s a corded one with amazing suction power and some interesting features.
Starting with its build quality, the Dirt Devil Scorpion sports a solid plastic construction that feels sturdy in hand. It also has an onboard crevice tool, which you can flip on or off depending on your needs.
In addition to that, this handheld vacuum comes with a wide, rotatable brush attachment that you can use to clean odd angles. It will mostly be useful when cleaning stairs.
It’s also worth mentioning that the Dirt Devil Scorpion will not lose suction power no matter how long you use it.
This handheld vacuum dustbin is simple to clean. The filter is also washable, so you won’t have to worry about recurring costs.
What could have been better?
The first drawback of the Dirt Devil Scorpion is its loudness. I’m not going to lie to you: it’s loud. And I don’t think it’s a good idea to use it when there are people sleeping nearby.
Also, after about 15 minutes of constant use, this handheld vacuum cleaner tends to heat up. And the only possible way to avoid this issue was by taking brief pauses of around 30 seconds after every 5 minutes of usage.
Conclusion
Here is where this article comes to its end. If you have further questions, you can leave them in the comment section below, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Also, if you’re still unsure which one to choose, tell us what else you want to vacuum at home besides drapes and curtains, and we’ll try to guide you toward the best vacuum for your needs.
Other than that, we hope the information provided above was useful. If you like this article, please share it on social media and sign up for our newsletter to be notified whenever we publish anything new.
What is the best way to vacuum curtains?
The best way to vacuum curtains is to use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner. Start from the top of the curtain and work your way down, making sure to get into all the creases and folds. Move the attachment in gentle, back-and-forth strokes, being careful not to damage the fabric. If your curtains are particularly delicate, you may want to place a thin piece of fabric over them before vacuuming to provide extra protection.
What vacuum attachment for curtains?
The best vacuum attachment for curtains is the upholstery tool. This attachment typically has a small, flat head with soft bristles that help to remove dirt and dust without damaging the delicate fabric of the curtains. It is also helpful to have a long, flexible hose to reach higher areas and creases in the curtains.
Can you vacuum clean curtains?
Yes, you can vacuum clean curtains using the upholstery tool attachment on your vacuum cleaner. This is a gentle and effective way to remove dust, dirt, and allergens from your curtains without causing damage to the delicate fabric. Be sure to use a low suction setting and work carefully, taking care not to snag or tear the curtains.
Can Dyson vacuum clean curtains?
Yes, Dyson vacuums can clean curtains. Dyson vacuums typically come with a range of attachments, including an upholstery tool that is designed to gently clean delicate fabrics like curtains. The upholstery tool has soft bristles that help to dislodge dirt and dust without causing damage to the fabric. It is recommended to use a low suction setting and to work carefully to avoid snagging or tearing the curtains
How do you get dust out of curtains without washing them?
You can get dust out of curtains without washing them by using a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery tool attachment. Gently vacuum the curtains from top to bottom, using a low suction setting and taking care not to snag or tear the fabric. Another option is to use a lint roller or a sticky lint remover to remove dust and pet hair from the curtains.
Should curtains be washed or dry cleaned?
Whether curtains should be washed or dry cleaned depends on the type of fabric and care instructions on the label. Generally, machine washable fabrics like cotton, polyester, and linen can be washed in a washing machine on a gentle cycle using a mild detergent.
How often should curtains be cleaned?
Curtains should be cleaned at least once a year. However, the frequency of cleaning may depend on several factors, such as the fabric, level of use, and exposure to dust and allergens. If you have pets or live in a dusty environment, you may need to clean your curtains more frequently, such as every three to six months.
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