Congratulations on your college acceptance! If you are an incoming freshman or a supportive parent, we know lots of decisions are being made right now.
You may not have put a lot of thought into a dorm room vacuum, but they can be super handy to have! We hope your college years are messy in the best possible, FUN way, so this will help clean up the aftermath!!
Check out the best dorm vacuum options below to find the perfect one for all types of dorm rooms.
This post is about the best dorm vacuum, including a quick run down of the types of dorm rooms & the different vacuums that would work best for each of them.
If you are getting college ready, we have a whole section of the blog dedicated to you!
This includes the best computers for computer science & STEM majors, as well as the best computers on a budget; and mother & daughter approved dorm room essentials, including the things you need to create a super cozy dorm room bed. Be sure to check it out!
Disclaimer: We have included affiliate links for convenience and ease of reference. If products are purchased via these links, a small commission will be received, at no extra cost to the buyer.
A Practical Graduation Gift – Best Dorm Vacuum
Most kids will be venturing out on their own for the first time when they move into their college dorm room. If you are shopping for a soon to be freshman who has everything, getting them a small space vacuum for their dorm will be one less thing off their shopping list!
It will be a gift they will love to have when they head off as college students, and beyond. Once they get done school, it will be perfect to have in their first tiny little apartment. as they are making their way in the world.
College Specifics – Best Dorm Vacuum
The thing about moving out of your parent’s house into a dorm is that it will let you know if you tend to be a messy person, or if you tend to be a little more on the neater side. This can be a big conflict issue among roommates! Before you sit down to hammer out a roommate agreement, you can start getting yourself ready by anticipating what type you are.
If you already know you are the messy type, it might be a good time to think about being a bit more deliberate with putting stuff back or cleaning as you go. If you are a super neat person, it is a good time to think about being a little tolerant in case your roommate isn’t quite as neat as you!
Either way, a good, strong vacuum will help keep your place neat and it won’t take long to get it that way.
Dorm Room Styles
Typically, colleges or universities will require students to live on campus for at least the first year or two. Sometimes they require it for all four years! So, it is important to check out what your school’s requirements are, and then to check out the types of dorms they offer so you can get the perfect vacuum for the type of dorm you will be living in.
When you think of dorms you think of a tiny dorm room with two beds and very little space. When we started doing college tours (which we HIGHLY recommend) we definitely saw several of these, but we were also surprised to see other options or configurations available – even for freshman dorms.
In fact, this was a bit of a deciding factor in choosing a school. When it came down to two schools, with everything else being equal, this tipped the scales towards that school. It had apartment style dorms, meaning it was a four bedroom apartment with a kitchen and living room space. Living in an apartment rather than a a single small room was definitely preferred for our incoming freshman.
Here are the typical styles of dorm rooms and the best dorm vacuum for each:
Standard Dorm Room (100-150 sq. ft.):
- Most common dorm room size.
- Living in a single dorm room means every square foot counts. For these super small spaces, cordless vacuums are a good idea. They are lightweight & maneuverable vacuum cleaners that make quick work of dust under furniture and along baseboards, all without the hassle of wrestling with a cord. Look for models with a bagless vacuum design for easy trash disposal and a washable filter to save money on replacements.
Double Room (150-200 sq. ft.):
- Larger than a standard dorm room, often shared by two occupants.
- This is the scenario where keeping your space tidy might go a long way towards keeping the peace. A versatile cordless vacuum with strong suction power is a great option. You’ll need something that tackles both hard floors and area rugs, and a detachable hand-held vacuum is a lifesaver for couch crumbs and late-night snack small spills. Bonus points for a long battery life to avoid mid-cleaning meltdowns when the battery dies.
Suite-Style Dorm (200+ sq. ft.):
- Offers more living space, sometimes with a common area shared by suite mates.
- If your dorm life extends to a full-fledged apartment, you might graduate to a full-size models. Canister vacuums offer excellent power and often come with a variety of attachments for furniture, upholstery, and corners. Bagless uprights are another option, providing strong suction and a larger dustbin for less frequent emptying. Just remember, these models take up more storage space, so consider your layout before committing.
Pro-Tips for Dorm Room Vacuuming Success
- Empty your vacuum regularly. A full dustbin means a decrease in suction power.
- Consider your floor type. Choose a vacuum with the appropriate attachments for your dorm room’s flooring (hardwood, carpet, etc.).
- Don’t forget the forgotten zones! Use the crevice tool to reach under furniture and along baseboards. For tight spaces behind furniture, a microfiber sweeper can be a lifesaver.
- Beware of smoke detectors! Believe it or not, the dust spun up by vacuuming can sometimes trigger sensitive smoke detectors, especially in a small space. Turn on your dorm fan, open a window if you can, or even the door for ventilation before cleaning.
- Clean your filters! Washable filters should be rinsed regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. (Expert tip – a drop or two of essential oils make them smell great) Disposable filters need to be replaced when they become clogged.
Best Dorm Vacuum Options
We split these into three groups – handheld, cordless stick vacuums, and full size.
HANDHELD VACUUMS
BLACK+DECKER DustBuster Handheld Vacuum
This classic handheld vacuum is one of the best vacuums for dorm room spills, keyboard dust, and other small messes. The compact size makes it easy to store, and it has excellent power that sometimes you don’t see with cordless vacuums. While not meant for deep cleaning, it’s a great way to keep your dorm room presentable.
Shark UltraCyclone Pro Cordless Handheld Vacuum:
This Shark packs a surprising punch in a compact size, perfect for those space-restricted dorm rooms, especially for freshmen dorms. This ultra-lightweight vacuum is easy to whip out for quick cleanups of crumbs, dust bunnies, or spilled cereal. The crevice tool attachment is your weapon against those tight spots under the couch or between bed slats, and the lithium-ion battery ensures cordless cleaning convenience – no more hunting for outlets in your dorm room!
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Handheld Vacuum:
The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser handheld vacuum is a lifesaver for any dorm room, especially for those with furry friends or enthusiastically shedding roommates. We know that support animals are welcomed in the dorms, so vacuum is great a tackling pet hair, dust, and debris with ease, thanks to its motorized brush tool that loosens and sucks up pet hair that clings to furniture and upholstery. The cyclonic system helps maintain strong suction power for longer cleaning sessions, and at around 3 lbs, it’s lightweight and portable for easy storage and maneuvering around furniture in your dorm room.
INSEEureka EasyClean Handheld Vacuum Cleaner:
The lightweight design and multi-surface cleaning capabilities make it versatile for quick pick-ups around the room. The flip-over Riser Visor allows for easy cleaning of upholstery and stairs, while the detachable brush roll is great for switching between bare floors and carpets. The included crevice tool helps you reach those tight spaces
Dirt Devil Slim Vac Handheld Vacuum Cleaner:
Don’t let the slim design fool you! This Dirt Devil packs a punch, making it a perfect choice for budget-minded freshmen. Super lightweight, it’s practically weightless, making it perfect for quick grab-and-go cleaning of crumbs, dust or glitter in your dorm room. Emptying the dustbin is a breeze thanks to the translucent design that lets you know when it’s time, and the simple design makes it easy to manage. The flexible crevice tool helps you contort and reach into those hard-to-get-to corners and tight spaces, like under furniture or between bed slats.
CORDLESS STICK VACUUM
Bissell Featherweight Lightweight Stick Vacuum:
This budget-friendly option packs a punch. It’s super light, making it easy to maneuver around furniture, and the detachable handheld unit is perfect for quick cleanups. While the battery life isn’t the longest, it’s a fantastic choice for smaller dorm rooms.
Shark IZ362H Rocket Cordless Stick Vacuum:
This lightweight cordless stick vacuum boasts strong suction power that tackles both hard floors and carpets. The dual battery system ensures you can clean for extended periods without interruption, a major perk for students with busy schedules. An LED light illuminates under furniture, and the washable filter is easy to maintain.
Dyson V8 Animal Cordless Stick Vacuum:
The top dog (pun totally intended) of cordless stick vacuums, the Dyson V8 Animal is a powerhouse in a compact package. It features multiple suction modes, a detachable handheld unit, and a long battery life. The price tag is steeper, but for pet owners or those battling serious dust issues, it’s worth the investment.
BISSELL CrossWave Pet Pro Cordless Wet/Dry Vacuum:
Dorm room spills are inevitable. This option tackles both wet and dry messes, making it a lifesaver for those “oops” moments. The cordless design offers cleaning freedom, and the washable microfiber mop pad is a sustainable bonus.
Hoover ONEPWR WindTunnel Upright Vacuum Cleaner:
This powerful cordless vacuum has both a detachable handheld unit as well as a long battery life, making it a great choice for roommates with different cleaning styles. It has super strong suction for carpets and hard floors, and the HEPA filter traps dust and allergens, which is a major plus if anyone suffers from allergies.
FULL SIZE OPTIONS
Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Professional Upright Vacuum:
This upright vacuum offers the power and capacity of a full-size model in a relatively compact package. The lift-away canister allows for easy above-ground cleaning, and the scatter-free dusting tool is a game-changer for blinds and shelves.
BISSELL CleanView Compact Bagless Upright Vacuum:
For a more budget-friendly full-size option, this has powerful suction and is super lightweight. The bagless design is convenient, and the multi-cyclonic technology helps maintain strong suction for longer.
Shark Navigator Freestyle Cordless Upright Vacuum:
This versatile vacuum can transition easily from upright mode to a handheld unit, making it perfect for handling different floor types as well as furniture. The dual battery system ensures you won’t be caught halfway through a cleaning session with a dead battery, avoiding the rage that accompanies it! Lol!
Sceptre E24F-LED 24-inch Full HD 1080p LED TV:
A powerful and affordable option, this is a great choice for small apartments, especially if you are on a budget. This canister vacuum offers excellent maneuverability and superior suction for carpets, hard floors, and upholstery. While it doesn’t have the fancy attachments of some premium models, it gets the job done effectively, and the washable filter saves you money on replacements in the long run. It may not be the best choice if you have severe allergy because it typically does not have a HEPA filter.
Kenmore Canister Vacuum Cleaner with HEPA Filter for Hard Floors:
This canister vacuum has a HEPA filtration system & a central cyclonic filtration system, a washable inlet HEPA-H10 filter, and an outlet sponge. At 9.3 lbs, it’s easy to maneuver around furniture and tight spaces. It comes with various attachments for carpets, hard floors, upholstery, and above-ground cleaning.
All these vacuums and everything else you need for college is linked in our storefront!
Best Dorm Vacuum
We hope this post on the best dorm vacuum styles has been helpful in finding the perfect one for you! Best of luck to you or your favorite graduate!
Looking for more graduation and college prep ideas? Check out our unique graduation gift guide, shop for the perfect white graduation dress, and be inspired to take amazing cap and gown photos just using your smartphone!
We have a whole section dedicated to graduation & back to school, including the best computers for computer science & STEM majors, as well as the best computers on a budget; and mother & daughter approved dorm room essentials, including the things you need to create a super cozy dorm room bed. Be sure to check it out!
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