How to Choose an Eco-Friendly Vacuum

Vacuuming is an essential chore to keep your floors dust and dirt-free. When choosing the right vacuum, consider the environmental impact as well as the efficiency. Here are some tips for choosing a more eco-friendly vacuum cleaner. 

1. Buy One With a Less Powerful Motor 

Vacuum motors can consume more significant amounts of energy. A regular-sized vacuum cleaner uses about 500 to 3,0000 watts of energy. This can limit the environment’s natural supply of electrical energy, leading to power outages. It can also cause power plants to work harder, increasing greenhouse gas emissions. So, when choosing a vacuum cleaner, look for one with a small motor that consumes less energy. 

Your floor’s surface type also affects the amount of electricity the vacuum cleaner uses. If you have a hardwood floor instead of a thicker rug, the vacuum uses less energy. The type of filtration system you have and the extra features also impact the amount of power used.

Proper maintenance of your vacuum also helps reduce your power usage. Keep your bags empty and your filters unclogged to increase your energy efficiency. To clean out your filters, remove them and tap them against a hard surface to release any dust clumps. If any filters are washable, run them under lukewarm water allowing them 24 hours to dry before putting them back into the machine. 

2. Consider an Automated Vacuum

Automated vacuum cleaners make your job so much simpler. With advanced technology, you program them to determine where and when to clean. Some even come with sensors or Wi-Fi for more precise navigation. They reduce energy waste by only drawing power when recharging their batteries. They also use less electricity per unit of time than traditional vacuums. 

Another environmental benefit is the vacuum produces better air quality. They collect dust and particles into a small container, which is then emptied. This helps those with allergies breathe easier. 

3. Purchase a Bagless Vacuum

When looking for an eco-friendly vacuum cleaner, consider one without a bag. When you dispose of the filled bags, they end up in landfills. This can lead to increased air pollution and, if washed into the ocean, can impact marine life. 

Keep in mind you will need to frequently empty bagless vacuums and clean out their filters. 

4. Get a Cordless Vacuum

These types of vacuums only consume power when charging. This can save energy typically wasted when the appliance is plugged in. With a corded vacuum, you probably leave it plugged in even when you’re not using it. A cordless vacuum can limit this habit. 

Keep in mind they may be less powerful and require more frequent charging. Although, you can make up for it by saving money on your energy bill. 

5. Find One With a (HIgh Energy Efficient) HEPA filter 

This filter traps small particles other vacuum cleaners recirculate back into the air. They help to minimize the amount of dust and dander, improving your indoor air quality. Removing dust can also make your home more comfortable for those with allergies. 

Lower indoor air quality can cause you to open up the windows more often. This can lead to increased energy leaks. So, vacuums with HEPA filters help you breathe easier while also helping the planet. 

To find an eco-friendly vacuum cleaner with this type of filter, look for its serial number. It should say on the label it is proven to trap 99.97% of particles of .3 microns. 

6. Look For Battery-Free Vacuum Cleaners

Vacuum sweepers without batteries can help the environment. If batteries are not properly disposed of, they end up in landfills. Once they decay, they can leak chemicals contaminating the groundwater. The runoff water can end up in streams or oceans, impacting marine life. These chemicals can also contribute to air pollution. 

One of the common types of batteries, lead, contains heavy metals. If these contaminate our drinking water, it has a negative impact on younger children. Lithium-ion batteries contain metals like cobalt or nickel also contaminating the environment. 

7. Find One That Uses Recycled Materials

When looking for an eco-friendly vacuum, consider the type of materials it is made from. Certain companies, such as Electrolux, are creating hoovers that are made from reused materials. These plastic components originate from electrical products, such as hairdryers and computers. 

Using recycled materials is beneficial to the planet in several ways, such as:

• Natural resources aren’t wasted.
• Energy is saved during the manufacturing process.
• Less waste goes to landfills.

8. Consider an Upright Vacuum Cleaner

This type of appliance is suitable for cleaning larger areas allowing you to conserve more energy. The more energy we save, the more we protect our limited supply of natural resources reducing the need to harvest fossil fuels. These fossil fuels can negatively impact our ecosystems. 

Besides the environmental benefits, upright vacuums save you cleaning time and are easier to store. They also work well if you have multiple carpets within your home. 

Additional Ways to Help the Planet

Using an eco-friendly vacuum is one way to go green. When cleaning your home, consider these other eco-friendly tips. 

Repurpose Old Dust Rags

Many people use paper towels to clean up messes. To reduce the number of materials ending up in landfills, try using reusable rags instead. Consider cutting up an old t-shirt or repurposing an old towel or washcloth. You can then wash and reuse the rags to help the environment. 

Try Using Aromatic Potpourri

This can help you to limit the number of air fresheners you use. Air fresheners can release chemicals that can lower your indoor air quality. Aromatic potpourri is made with a mixture of dried, fragrant plant material. So, you can enjoy natural scents like citrus while reducing the emission of unsafe chemicals. 

Remove Mold Naturally

When you’re faced with tough mold stains, you may be tempted to break out the cleaning products. However, many store items containing chemicals can contaminate our water supply when rinsed down the drain. 

Also, when the cleaning supplies are transported to stores, trucks emit greenhouse gasses into the air. Once you purchase the products, you toss the packaging into the trash, increasing the amount of plastic ending up in landfills. 

Try using baking soda to get rid of stains instead. This is a natural product you probably already have at home. Baking soda is also good for adding to your dish soap and helping to remove odors. Using home ingredients can protect the environment while saving you money. 

Use Vinegar As an All-Purpose Cleaner

Vinegar is also an excellent replacement for many household cleaning products. Consider using it with recycled newspaper to clean your glass windows or mirrors. You can even mix it in with your dish soap when running your dishwasher. For mopping floors, consider combining vinegar with water.  When at the store, look for white distilled vinegar for a stronger clean. 

Polish With Lemon

Using lemon is perfect for keeping stainless steel kitchen appliances looking nice and shiny. You want to cut a lemon in half and sprinkle the fruit with salt. Then use it as a scouring pad to polish off the metal. Finish with a quick rinse and wipe down using a soft cloth. 

This eco-friendly cleaning option also helps to improve your indoor air quality by not leaking unsafe chemicals. 

Consider Purchasing an Eco-Friendly Vacuum Today 

Protecting our environment is an important cause! There are simple steps you can take to help the planet each day. Using an eco-friendly vacuum is a beneficial way to go green. When purchasing a vacuum, consider the power of its motor and the type of features it offers.