As you head off to college, the last thing you’re probably thinking about is the best vacuum cleaners for a college dorm. A lot of dorms have a cleaning supplies closet on each floor where you can borrow a vacuum. That’s fantastic…until you spill coffee grounds all over your floor and realize that the last person who borrowed it still has it stashed in their room under a pile of dirty towels. Trust me, you want your own!
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When you’re looking for the best vacuum cleaners for a college dorm, you want something compact yet powerful. A giant clunker isn’t really practical, unless you plan to use it as a coat rack when its not in use! Still, a small vacuum is worthless if it doesn’t have enough power to pick up a mess. Check out our picks for the best vacuum cleaners for a college dorm that don’t take up half your living space yet will still get the job done.
The Best Vacuum Cleaners for a College Dorm
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Eureka Quick-Up Cordless 2-in-1 Stick Vacuum
The Eureka Quick-Up Cordless 2-in-1 Stick Vacuum does the job of a stick vacuum as well as the job of a handheld vacuum. This will be useful in a dorm room since you only need one vacuum to do the upholstery, carpets and floors. The 2-in-1 feature works with a handle that is removable and converts the vacuum into a handheld. Features of this cordless vacuum include the fact that it is lightweight, weighing only four pounds and there is a dust cup that is built in so you don’t need to buy any bags ever.
Hoover Linx Cordless Stick Vacuum
The Hoover Linx Cordless Stick Vacuum has cool features such as automatic height adjustment and an interchangeable lithium ion battery. The height adjustment feature lets you vacuum an array of surfaces without any straining while the interchangeable battery allows for fade-free power. Other neat features include edge-cleaning bristles and low base so you can clean hard to reach areas.
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Dirt Devil Ultra Corded Bagged Handheld Vacuum
The Dirt Devil Ultra Corded Bagged Handheld Vacuum is ideal whether you need to clean the inside of your car or under your bed in your dorm room. A handheld vacuum comes in handy when you need more than a broom and dustpan but you don’t need a regular vacuum cleaner. This handheld vacuum features a crevice tool as well as a stretch hose so you can get between the cushions of your couch or under the seats of your car.
ROOMIE TEC Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
The ROOMIE TEC Cordless Vacuum Cleaner is essential for any dorm room. Dorm rooms are small areas so they tend to get dirty rather quickly, no matter how neat you are. Also, dorm rooms aren’t just your bedroom but they also act as your kitchen and dining area too. This vacuum features a strong filter, which helps with allergens.
This made me think back to my college days! I don’t remember having to get a vacuum, maybe I just had awesome roommates who had one! If I were sending my kids off I would want to make sure they had a access to a good vacuum. Thanks for the great reviews.
It seems like so long ago that I was in college! These are great vacuums for any small space like a dorm room. I love little handle held vacuums I use one quite often in my vacuum!
I had a handheld vacuum in college that worked magic. Now, I’m a huge fan of Shark vacuums (which I’m shocked didn’t make your list!). I have a lightweight, wireless, Shark vacuum that packs a lot of power. It makes me actually look forward to cleaning. Lol
Shark vacuums are great! My best vacuum from Shark is the Shark Navigator Pro. It works well on hard floors, carpets, stairs and pet hair. It is also ideal for delicate surfaces like curtains, cushions, glass shelves, and lamp shades. I give it 5 stars because my apartment has never been so clean in 15 years!
These vacuums are great for a dorm room for sure. I remember in my dorm I had a hand me down one that was loud and big. It was sort of the center piece of the place.LOL
Oh, vacuum cleaners. I never got my own since I would rather spend the money on something else, but it would have been nice to have had my own tho. It’s one of those presents that the student will hate, but eventually be very thankful for. I remember living in a college dorm and the cleaning was always an issue. I was sharing a kitchen/lounge with 8 others and I quickly gave up on the cleaning. It was a massive mess with unwashed dishes, forks laying on the floor and crumbs everywhere. I thankfully had my own room and bathroom!
This brings back memories. I can’t even remember ever feeling the need to vacuum my dorm room, but it probably seriously needed it, lol! I think we might have had one in a closet for everyone in the hallway to use. But, a handheld vac would have probably been wonderful to clean up quick spills.
Wow, it’s been so long since I’ve stayed in a dorm. I had just a hand held for simple messes. I am pretty sure we had a full size bagged upright vacuum for our floor. I love all the options they have out now for light weight vacuums
When I was in college, I was lucky enough to live in an on-campus specialty house, so we had access to a ‘house’ vacuum cleaner. If I didn’t, I think something like a dust buster would have been nice to have. Slightly larger cordless models are also convenient.
I’m just amazed at the fact that they would even have vacuum cleaners. I’d be so happy if my son would have one when he goes to a dorm. These are good ideas though. Every dorm room should have one.
My stepson went to off college for the first time earlier this month and it never even dawned on me to get him a vacuum. Great suggestion.
Those smaller vacuums are not only great for dorm rooms; they are great for small condos as well.
We had to go through this decision making process about two years ago. We went with a corded compact vacuum that was like an upright but also could be handheld. For dorms I think these are the best – they are small but do a great job.
This is a great list. I actually might get one for my son and his room.
Not in college but if I still was this would be a convenient tool to have!
i will chose an affordable vacuum cleaner. I spent so much on vacuum ,it doesnt matter how much i spend for it, they will break within 6 months
I think the smaller the vacuum, the better. This is a nice list, thanks for sharing!
I have a Dyson DC59 Animal Cordless Bagless Stick Vacuum and I absolutely love it. It is so slim and easy to store in the closet. Plus being cord-free and bag-free makes it so easy to use. It would be perfect for a dorm room (although a bit expensive!)
Good vacuums are so hard to find. All vacuums work great when you first buy them but after a while they lose suction. When I went to college our room did not have carpet. Which was a great thing because it would have been disgusting!
Now that you mention it, I do remember having a vacuum in the hallway while at college. I think a hand-held one would come in handy for my 2 boys in college.
I just bought Panasonic vacuum couple months ago. I cannot stand if I do not vacuum especially that our dogs are inside the house.
My son used a stick vac for his dorm room and college apartment and it worked out beautifully! It didn’t cover a lot of space at once, but there wasn’t a lot to cover. lol
Hi! Love this post and thanks for the tips. Would you recommend the vacuum that you use?