The Wirecutter Show – Episode Summary: Spring Cleaning: Vacuums That Don't Suck

Release Date: March 5, 2025
Host/Author: The New York Times

Introduction to Spring Cleaning and Vacuums

In the episode titled "Vacuums That Don't Suck," hosts Christine Cyrclassette and Kyra Blackwell, along with producer Rosie Guerin, delve into the pivotal role vacuums play in maintaining a clean and healthy home. As spring approaches, the conversation centers on selecting the right vacuum to enhance household cleanliness and air quality.

Guest Introduction and Background

Courtney Schlay, Wirecutter’s seasoned vacuum expert, joins the discussion. With nearly a decade at Wirecutter, Courtney brings extensive knowledge from running a vacuum testing lab in her meticulously maintained Philadelphia home, which includes four kids and a new cat. This real-world testing environment provides invaluable insights into vacuum performance under diverse conditions.

Courtney Schlay [05:21]: "I live in a big old stone house on the outskirts of Philadelphia. It's four stories, so a basement and three stories... and I also have four young kids."

Importance of a Good Vacuum

Christine emphasizes the versatility and necessity of vacuums in home cleaning, highlighting their effectiveness in removing dust, allergens, and reaching difficult areas. A quality vacuum not only cleans floors but also significantly improves indoor air quality.

Christine Cyrclassette [02:35]: "If you're going to invest in one thing to really clean your home, a vacuum is almost always going to be one of the best investments you can make."

Types of Vacuums Explained

Courtney provides a comprehensive breakdown of vacuum types:

1. Plug-In Vacuums: Includes upright and canister models. These are typically more powerful and better suited for deep cleaning carpets.
2. Battery-Powered Vacuums: Comprises cordless stick and robot vacuums. Ideal for quick cleanups and maintenance.

Courtney Schlay [11:25]: "Vacuums, broadly, you can divide them into plug-in vacuums, which have cords, and then battery-powered rechargeable vacuums."

Key Factors in Choosing a Vacuum

Courtney outlines critical considerations for selecting a vacuum:

1. Home Layout & Size: Determines the type and power needed.
2. Flooring Types: Carpets require more powerful cleaners compared to hardwood floors.
3. Household Members: Presence of kids or pets necessitates specific features like effective pet hair removal.
4. User Comfort: Weight, ease of maneuvering, and handling based on the user's physical abilities.
5. Cleaning Routine: Frequency and depth of cleaning influence the type of vacuum suitable.

Courtney Schlay [12:37]: "The first question someone should ask is what do you have in your home? First of all, what's the size of your home... who’s going to be using the vacuum?"

Testing Methodology at Home and Office

Courtney elaborates on Wirecutter's rigorous testing processes, both at her home and the office. They use various surfaces and materials like glitter, Cheerios, and pet hair to challenge vacuums’ capabilities in different scenarios. The team also simulates real-life obstacles to evaluate maneuverability and transition handling.

Courtney Schlay [08:17]: "We set up a scenario that would feel like you're vacuuming at home... how does the vacuum handle transitions from bare floor to a rug."

The Vacuum Enthusiast Subculture

The episode explores the passionate community surrounding vacuums, including online forums and conventions. This subculture appreciates the mechanical intricacies and technological advancements of vacuums, often delving deep into performance metrics and historical models.

Courtney Schlay [24:51]: "There is definitely a subculture of people who are very enthusiastic about and interested in and really, really knowledgeable about vacuum cleaners."

Brand Spotlight: Dyson and Sibo

Courtney discusses the merits of prominent brands:

• Dyson: Renowned for its high-quality cordless stick vacuums, Dyson sets industry standards with innovations like green laser dust detection and built-in particle counters. While their products are expensive, their performance and design are highly acclaimed.

  Courtney Schlay [26:10]: "Dyson makes really excellent cordless stick vacuums. Nothing that we've tested is lighter, zippier, more fun to use, better designed."

• Sibo: A German brand praised for its durability and powerful performance, Sibo vacuums have a dedicated following and are highly recommended by Wirecutter.

  Courtney Schlay [25:24]: "They are incredible vacuums. I have two of them in my home today. They're really, really well made, really powerful, really great to use machines."

Budget-Friendly Recommendations

For those seeking quality without the hefty price tag, Courtney suggests:

• Shark Navigator: A reliable plug-in vacuum priced around $150-$200, known for its performance and affordability.

  Courtney Schlay [28:22]: "The Shark Navigator... that's $200, $180. Sometimes it's on sale for $150. It's a good, reliable, cheap vacuum."

• Eufy Robot Vacuum: An entry-level robot vacuum around $150, praised for consistency and efficiency, ideal for first-time robot vacuum users.

  Courtney Schlay [29:14]: "We've recommended a kind of entry-level robot vacuum made by Eufy, and it's maybe $150... it's reliable, it's consistent, it cleans well."

Vacuum Maintenance Tips

Courtney emphasizes that decreased vacuum performance often stems from maintenance issues rather than the end of the vacuum's lifespan. Key maintenance steps include:

1. Cleaning the Brush Roll: Remove tangled hair and debris.
2. Replacing or Washing Filters: Ensure optimal suction and air quality.
3. Emptying Canisters or Changing Bags: Prevent clogging and maintain efficiency.

Courtney Schlay [29:45]: "First step... take it apart, get all the hair that's tangled out of the brush roll... you may need to change or wash the filters."

Lightning Round: Vacuum Recommendations for Specific Scenarios

Rosie Guerin conducts a rapid-fire segment where Courtney recommends vacuums tailored to various household needs:

1. Enormous Shedding Dog in a Tiny Apartment (No Carpet):

   • Robot Vacuum complemented by a handheld vacuum with pet-specific attachments.

   Courtney Schlay [30:42]: "I would say a robot vacuum... and then you're probably gonna want a good handheld vacuum with a pet hair attachment."

2. Medium-Sized House with a Normal-Sized Dog and Some Carpeting:

   • Plug-In Vacuum (preferably a bagged model) for effective carpet cleaning.

   Courtney Schlay [31:18]: "You're definitely gonna want a plug-in vacuum for that carpet. ... ideally a bagged plug-in vacuum."

3. Partner in Construction (Bringing in Dirt) with Wall-to-Wall Carpet:

   • High-Quality Plug-In Vacuum with sealed bags and robust filtration.

   Courtney Schlay [31:42]: "You're gonna want a high-quality plug-in powerful vacuum with sealed bags and filters."

4. Super Dusty Home (e.g., for Lampshades and Blinds):

   • Cordless Stick Vacuum like the Dyson V12 for versatility and ease of use on surfaces.

   Courtney Schlay [32:04]: "A good cordless stick vacuum... can transform into a handheld vacuum."

5. Children with Glitter and Cheerios:

   • Robot Vacuum combined with a plug-in or cordless stick vacuum to manage daily chaos.

   Courtney Schlay [32:28]: "Whatever is going to help you contain the chaos, whether it's a robot vacuum and a plug-in vacuum or a cordless stick vacuum."

Conclusion and Takeaways

The episode wraps up with personal reflections from the hosts and Courtney, emphasizing the importance of selecting a vacuum that aligns with one's lifestyle and cleaning habits. They highlight the balance between performance, durability, and budget, reinforcing that a good vacuum is a worthwhile investment for maintaining a healthy home environment.

Christine Cyrclassette [34:08]: "I am very tempted now to go team robot... I do a lot of deep cleaning with it, but I really love the idea of having a machine go around and pick up the dust during the week."

Rosie Guerin [34:35]: "When I'm ready to invest in a new vacuum, I'm gonna look for something that is a really good quality upright or canister vac with a bag... to help seal in a lot of those dust mites and allergens."

Final Personal Touch

Courtney shares a personal anecdote about her favorite recent purchase, a Cuisinart toaster oven, which she creatively uses to motivate her kids with freshly baked chocolate croissants each Monday morning.

Courtney Schlay [32:57]: "It's how I rouse my children out of bed on Mondays. I tell them there are chocolate croissants downstairs."

Conclusion

"Vacuums That Don't Suck" offers an in-depth exploration of vacuum options, guiding listeners through considerations for selecting the best model for their homes. With expert insights from Courtney Schlay and practical recommendations, the episode serves as a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to enhance their spring cleaning routine with the right vacuum.

For more detailed reviews and product recommendations, visit Wirecutter’s website.

This summary captures the essence of The Wirecutter Show’s episode on vacuums, highlighting key discussions, expert advice, and practical tips to help listeners make informed decisions about their vacuum purchases.