A Guide to Choosing the Best Vacuum for Your Airbnb or VRBO

Types of Vacuums: Features, Floor Compatibility, and Use Cases

When managing a short-term rental, cleanliness is one of the top drivers behind glowing 5-star reviews. While professional turnover cleanings ensure your space is guest-ready, having the right vacuum cleaner(s) on hand can make all the difference in maintaining your property between stays—and sometimes even during them. But with so many types of vacuums on the market, how do you know which is right for your rental? This guide breaks down your options based on flooring types, pet-friendliness, power needs, and usage scenarios.

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Ok, before we get in to this, I have to be totally honest: I had a longer-term guest stay (3 months), and they bought a cheap vacuum. Normally I bring my higher-end cordless Dyson over since it works great, but now I don’t and I just use the cheap-o vacuum the guest purchased. For me, this is one of those things I will upgrade when the time comes, as well as a good lesson: I should have had a vacuum available for guest use from the beginning. Apparently the Swiffer wasn’t cutting it – whoops!

Now, onto the options I wish I had known prior to that guest’s visit!

1. Upright Vacuums
Best for: Homes with mostly carpet or area rugs
Upright vacuums provide powerful suction and are great at deep-cleaning carpets. Many newer models also come with multi-surface capabilities, allowing you to adjust for hardwood or tile. Some offer a HEPA filter, which is ideal for guests with allergies.

If you’re pet friendly like my Airbnb, this CleanView Swivel Upright Bagless Vacuum with Powerful Pet Hair Pick Up is one of the best options. It’s pretty much the classic image of a vacuum one has in their mind.

• Pros: Great for deep cleaning, especially in high-traffic carpeted areas. Wide base covers more ground quickly.
• Cons: Bulky, harder to store, not great for stairs or tight corners.

2. Canister Vacuums
Best for: Mixed flooring and stairs
These are versatile and often come with a variety of attachments. They’re lighter and more maneuverable than uprights, making them perfect for rentals with lots of stairs or mixed flooring.

You may prefer a canister version like this Bagless Canister Vacuum Cleaner with H13 HEPA Filter. This makes vacuuming upholstery very easy (gotta get under those couch cushions!)

• Pros: Flexible and easier to carry; great for hardwood, tile, and carpet.
• Cons: Requires more effort to move the canister around. Can be more difficult to store.

3. Cordless Stick Vacuums
Best for: Quick touch-ups, light daily use
Cordless stick vacuums have surged in popularity due to their ease of use and sleek design. They’re ideal for hosts who want something lightweight to use between turnovers or for guests to clean up small messes. Consider the size of your property and if the battery will last long enough to cover every room. Having to re-charge mid-vacuum will drive your cleaners (or yourself!) absolutely crazy.

I love this Dyson V11 cordless option. My husband wall-mounted it just inside a closet so it’s easily accessible, yet hidden and out of the way.

• Pros: Lightweight, easy to store, highly maneuverable.
• Cons: Limited battery life; may not clean large or high-pile carpeted areas thoroughly. Battery can run out mid-cleaning if not fully charged.

4. Robot Vacuums
Best for: Daily maintenance in homes with mostly hard floors
Robot vacuums can be programmed to run regularly and help maintain a base level of cleanliness.

This Navigator Robot Vacuum with self-emptying canister is amazing! Not having to empty the catcher myself every 15 minutes feels like freedom! And I love this option because it’s very easy for guests to turn on as their about to head out the door, for quick clean ups during their stay.

• Pros: Automated convenience, great for maintaining hard floors and low-pile rugs.
• Cons: Expensive, prone to getting stuck on furniture or cords, not suitable for deep cleaning or pet hair.

5. Handheld Vacuums
Best for: Spot cleaning furniture, vehicles, or pet hair
Compact and convenient, these are ideal for couches, small messes, or high-touch areas.

The Pet Hair Eraser Cordless Hand Vacuum makes quick clean ups super easy. This is a good option to have available to guests if you do not offer a full sized vacuum for their use.

• Pros: Great for quick cleanups, easy to store.
• Cons: Limited power and capacity; not for floor cleaning.

Special Considerations for Flooring & Pets

• Hardwood or Tile Floors: Stick or canister vacuums with soft roller heads are best to avoid scratching.
• Carpeted Rentals: Upright or powerful canister vacuums work best to remove dirt and debris from fibers.
• Pet-Friendly Properties: Look for vacuums labeled specifically for pet hair. These usually have stronger suction and specialized attachments. Consider a HEPA filter for allergens.

Should You Provide a Vacuum for Guest Use?

Pros:

• Allows guests to clean up spills or messes on their own, especially for longer stays.
• Signals cleanliness and care, helping to maintain your property between turnovers.
• Can reduce wear on your furniture and flooring over time.

Cons:

• Risk of misuse or breakage.
• Guests may not empty or clean it, leaving it dirty or clogged for the next user.
• Takes up storage space, especially in smaller rentals.

Pro Tip: Label the guest-use vacuum clearly and provide simple instructions to avoid confusion or misuse.

The Ideal Combo for Hosts: One Vacuum for Turnover Use Only, One Vacuum for Guest Use

For hosts aiming for high standards and efficiency, here are some additional options:

• Turnover Cleaning Vacuum: Invest in a powerful upright or canister vacuum (like the Shark Rotator, Dyson Ball Animal, or Miele Classic C1) to be used strictly during professional or host-led turnovers. This ensures a deep, thorough clean.
• Guest-Use Option: Provide a budget-friendly yet reliable cordless stick vacuum (like the Bissell Featherweight Stick, Eureka Blaze, or Wyze Cordless Vacuum). Choose one that’s easy to use and store, with clear instructions.

Final Thoughts

The right vacuum setup not only supports a cleaner, more welcoming rental, it also communicates to your guests that you care about their experience and comfort. By investing in tools that suit your property’s needs and guest expectations, you’ll reduce cleaning time, protect your space, and potentially boost those all-important 5-star reviews.

– KP