Best vacuum cleaners: it’s time for an ‘autumn clean’

Most people are familiar with the annual spring clean ritual, but did you know that giving your home an “autumn clean” should also be on the to-do list?

“Autumn cleaning is the new spring cleaning,” says Expert Home Tips, and with winter and Christmas following shortly after, “it makes perfect sense”.

A pre-hibernation autumn clean won’t just benefit your home, but also your health, the Daily Mirror reports.

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As temperatures drop and we stay inside more, the combination of central heating, closed windows and drying washing indoors creates perfect conditions for mould, mites and bacteria.

“Spring is traditionally when we give the house a deep clean,” environmental health practitioner Dr Lisa Ackerley told the Mirror. “But autumn cleaning is even more important.”

Vacuuming properly is a good starting point, Ackerley adds, because “carpets that look clean can still contain a huge amount of dirt, bacteria and mould”.

With this in mind The Week has picked out some of the best vacuums cleaners to help spruce up your autumn.

Vax ONEPWR Blade 4

A great cordless model at a reasonable mid-range price, this Vax model works well on both carpeted and hard floors. It’s super-light at 3.1kg, has a head­light for cleaning dimly lit areas, and has up to 45 minutes of battery.

£220; vax.co.uk

Miele Complete C3 Cat & Dog

Aimed at pet-owners, this Miele model collects stubborn hair and has a filter system designed to absorb odours and fine dust from the air. It also has a time strip to let you know when your filter needs changing.

£299; currys.co.uk

Dyson V11 Absolute

Slightly bigger, and with a bigger bin, than older cordless Dysons, this top-end vacuum cleaner is as powerful as many of the best corded models. Its battery lasts up to 60 minutes, and it can be stored neatly on a wall-mounted lock.

£599; dyson.co.uk

Numatic Henry HVR160

This Henry model is more eco-friendly than some, thanks to its high-efficiency motor and TriFlex Filtration System. Compact, with a rewindable cable, it is great value for money.

From £134; currys.co.uk

Dyson Small Ball Allergy

Substantially cheaper than some of Dyson’s upright vacuum cleaners, this simple model is versatile, lightweight and energy-efficient. It works well on carpet and is very easy to manoeuvre.

£199; dyson.co.uk