Having plush, thick carpets can make your home feel incredibly cozy and luxurious. However, cleaning them effectively often presents a unique challenge. Standard vacuums might struggle to reach deep into the dense fibers, leaving behind embedded dirt, pet hair, and allergens. That’s why investing in the best vacuum for thick carpet is a game-changer. These specialized machines are designed with powerful suction, adjustable brush rolls, and filtration systems to ensure your deep piles are not just surface-clean, but truly spotless. We’ve put together a list of top performers that can handle even the most demanding carpet cleaning tasks with ease.
Quick Product Comparison
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Our Top 5 Best Vacuum For Thick Carpet Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum with HEPA Filter and Swivel Steering for Thick Carpet.
The Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum is a stellar choice for anyone dealing with thick carpets. Its innovative design allows for versatile cleaning, easily transitioning from deep carpet care to above-floor tasks. With its powerful suction and advanced filtration, this vacuum tackles even the most stubborn dirt and allergens, ensuring your home remains truly clean.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Lift-Away Functionality: Detachable pod allows for easy cleaning of stairs, furniture, and other above-floor areas, making it incredibly versatile for every corner of your home.
- ✓ Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology: Combined with a HEPA filter, it traps 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum, ideal for allergy sufferers and maintaining indoor air quality.
- ✓ Swivel Steering: Provides excellent maneuverability, making it easy to navigate around furniture and tight spaces on your thick carpets.
- ✓ Strong Suction Power: Engineered to pull deeply embedded dirt and debris from dense carpet fibers, leaving your carpets refreshed.
Why We Recommend It
We highly recommend the Shark NV352 because it combines powerful deep cleaning with unmatched versatility. The lift-away feature is fantastic for maintaining consistency across all surfaces, while the HEPA filtration system is crucial for a healthy home, especially with the amount of dust and allergens thick carpets can hold. It genuinely makes cleaning thick carpet less of a chore.
Best For
This vacuum is best for households with a mix of thick carpets and other surfaces, especially those with allergy concerns or pets, who need thorough, versatile cleaning.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent suction power for deep cleaning thick carpets.
- Lift-Away feature offers superior versatility for above-floor cleaning.
- HEPA filter and Anti-Allergen Seal are perfect for allergy sufferers.
- Swivel steering enhances maneuverability around obstacles.
Cons:
- Can feel a bit heavy as an upright for some users.
- The cord might require frequent re-plugging in larger homes.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Warning, it’s a long read, but I wanted to go into deep detail. To start, I have been a Rainbow vacuum user for so long. I love them and felt they worked amazingly. Next, I have 3 dogs & a cat. One is a thick coat lab and the cat sheds so much as well. Another next, I have horrible allergies and wanted”
Customer Review: “I actually was in the market for a new vacuum as there were parts breaking on my Bissell 2999. (Dust buildup inside the motor housing leading to bearing whine, brush roller wear that required modification to prevent additional damage, as well as handle damage that prevented the vacuum handle from st”
2. Bissell CleanView Swivel Vacuum with Triple Action Brush Roll and Strong Suction for Thick Carpet.
The Bissell CleanView Swivel Vacuum is designed with thick carpets in mind, delivering impressive cleaning power thanks to its Triple Action Brush Roll. This 2024 model brings enhanced maneuverability and an active extension wand, ensuring every crevice of your plush flooring gets the attention it deserves. Plus, every purchase helps pets, making it a purchase you can feel good about.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Triple Action Brush Roll: Designed to loosen, lift, and remove embedded dirt and pet hair from various carpet depths, including thick piles.
- ✓ Strong Suction Power: Delivers robust suction necessary to pull debris from deep within thick carpet fibers, enhancing cleaning efficiency.
- ✓ Swivel Steering: Provides excellent maneuverability, allowing you to easily clean around furniture and navigate tight spaces on your carpets.
- ✓ Active Extension Wand (New 2024 Model): Improves reach for cleaning hard-to-access areas like ceiling corners, under furniture, and upholstery.
- ✓ Every Purchase Saves Pets: Supports the BISSELL Pet Foundation, aligning your purchase with a good cause.
Why We Recommend It
We love the Bissell CleanView Swivel for its dedicated focus on pet owners and challenging carpets. The Triple Action Brush Roll truly excels at digging out pet hair and dirt from dense fibers, while the swivel steering makes it surprisingly agile for an upright. The added benefit of supporting pet welfare with every purchase is a fantastic bonus.
Best For
This vacuum is ideal for pet owners with thick carpets who need strong suction and specialized brush technology to tackle stubborn pet hair and dander.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional at picking up pet hair and embedded dirt from thick carpets.
- Swivel steering offers superior navigation and ease of use.
- Active Extension Wand provides versatile cleaning capabilities.
- Supports a charitable cause (BISSELL Pet Foundation).
Cons:
- Can be slightly heavy for some users to push on very plush carpets.
- Dust cup capacity might require frequent emptying in very hairy homes.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “This vacuum cleaner is really good — the suction power is excellent. It picks up hair, pet fur, dust, and even crumbs very well. The only downside is that it’s a bit inconvenient to use under the bed or couch, and it’s slightly heavy. Overall, though, it works great!😍”
Customer Review: “This vacuum is AWESOME!!! I wish I would have bought it sooner. It is light weight, efficient, easy to maneuver, and boy does it pick up the dirt and dog hair! I used the pet specific attachment to clean my sofa and was shocked at the amount of hair in the canister. Don’t wait another day. Order th”
3. Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum NV356E with HEPA Filter and Swivel Steering for Thick Carpet.
For those seeking excellent performance on thick carpet without breaking the bank, the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum NV356E is an outstanding option. It offers many of the premium features of its siblings, like Lift-Away functionality and HEPA filtration, ensuring a deep and hygienic clean. Its swivel steering makes navigating around furniture on plush carpets a breeze, providing great value for its price.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Lift-Away Functionality: Easily detach the canister to clean stairs, upholstery, and other hard-to-reach areas, perfect for varied cleaning needs.
- ✓ Anti-Allergen Complete Seal with HEPA Filter: Traps 99.9% of dust and allergens, making it an excellent choice for improving air quality in homes with thick carpets.
- ✓ Brushroll Shutoff: Allows for instant switching between deep carpet cleaning and gentle bare floor cleaning, preventing scatter and protecting delicate surfaces.
- ✓ Swivel Steering: Enhances control and maneuverability, making it effortless to vacuum around obstacles and tight corners.
Why We Recommend It
This Shark Navigator is a fantastic choice for budget-conscious consumers who refuse to compromise on cleaning power for thick carpets. Its Lift-Away design makes it incredibly versatile, while the strong suction and advanced filtration system ensure your deep pile carpets are thoroughly cleaned and free of allergens. It truly offers premium features at a more accessible price point.
Best For
This vacuum is best for individuals or families looking for a versatile, powerful, and affordable vacuum that performs exceptionally well on both thick carpets and hard floors.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent suction power for dense carpets.
- Affordable price point for its feature set.
- Lift-Away mode provides great flexibility.
- HEPA filtration benefits allergy sufferers.
Cons:
- The upright form factor can be cumbersome for very small spaces.
- Attachments might feel less premium than higher-end models.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Warning, it’s a long read, but I wanted to go into deep detail. To start, I have been a Rainbow vacuum user for so long. I love them and felt they worked amazingly. Next, I have 3 dogs & a cat. One is a thick coat lab and the cat sheds so much as well. Another next, I have horrible allergies and wanted”
Customer Review: “I actually was in the market for a new vacuum as there were parts breaking on my Bissell 2999. (Dust buildup inside the motor housing leading to bearing whine, brush roller wear that required modification to prevent additional damage, as well as handle damage that prevented the vacuum handle from st”
4. Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright Vacuum with Powerful Pet Hair Pickup for Thick Carpet.
The Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright Vacuum is a powerhouse specifically designed to tackle the toughest pet messes on thick carpets. Its unique Triple Action Brush Roll works tirelessly to loosen and lift embedded pet hair, while the powerful suction ensures a deep clean. With convenient swivel steering, navigating around furniture and obstacles is incredibly easy, making your cleaning routine much more efficient.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Powerful Pet Hair Pickup: Engineered with a Triple Action Brush Roll that specializes in loosening, lifting, and removing embedded pet hair from various carpet types, including thick ones.
- ✓ Swivel Steering: Offers maximum maneuverability, allowing you to easily steer around furniture and obstacles for a complete clean.
- ✓ Multi-Cyclonic Suction: Provides strong, consistent suction power that helps to effectively pull dirt and debris from deep within thick carpet fibers.
- ✓ Edge-to-Edge Cleaning: Designed to clean right up to the edges of your rooms, minimizing missed spots near baseboards.
- ✓ Supports Pet Foundation: Every purchase helps the BISSELL Pet Foundation save homeless pets, adding a charitable aspect to your cleaning.
Why We Recommend It
If you have pets and thick carpets, the Bissell 2252 is a dream come true. Its specialized pet hair pickup features are truly effective, and the swivel steering makes it surprisingly nimble for an upright. It consistently delivers a deep clean, and the ability to contribute to pet welfare is a big plus.
Best For
This vacuum is perfectly suited for pet owners with thick carpets and busy households who need reliable, powerful cleaning with easy maneuverability.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Outstanding performance in picking up pet hair.
- Triple Action Brush Roll is effective on thick carpets.
- Swivel steering makes cleaning effortless around obstacles.
- Edge-to-edge cleaning ensures no spots are missed.
Cons:
- Can be a bit loud during operation.
- Might feel bulky for storage in smaller living spaces.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “This vacuum cleaner is really good — the suction power is excellent. It picks up hair, pet fur, dust, and even crumbs very well. The only downside is that it’s a bit inconvenient to use under the bed or couch, and it’s slightly heavy. Overall, though, it works great!😍”
Customer Review: “This vacuum is AWESOME!!! I wish I would have bought it sooner. It is light weight, efficient, easy to maneuver, and boy does it pick up the dirt and dog hair! I used the pet specific attachment to clean my sofa and was shocked at the amount of hair in the canister. Don’t wait another day. Order th”
5. Shark HV322 Rocket Pet Plus Corded Stick Vacuum, Lightweight for Pet Hair on Thick Carpet.
The Shark HV322 Rocket Pet Plus Corded Stick Vacuum defies its lightweight design with powerful suction, making it a surprisingly effective tool for cleaning thick carpets and handling pet hair. This versatile corded stick vacuum easily converts into a handheld unit, offering exceptional floor-to-ceiling cleaning capabilities. It’s an excellent choice for those who need strong performance in a compact, easy-to-use form factor.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Powerful Suction: Delivers thorough deep carpet cleaning and strong pet hair pickup on all surfaces, including dense, thick carpets.
- ✓ Lightweight Versatility: Ultra-lightweight design converts easily into a handheld vacuum, offering versatile floor-to-ceiling cleaning for every corner of your home.
- ✓ Perfect for Pets: Includes specialized pet tools designed to capture embedded pet hair from upholstery, stairs, and tight spaces.
- ✓ Swivel Steering: Enhances maneuverability, allowing you to effortlessly navigate around furniture and obstacles on your carpets.
Why We Recommend It
We recommend the Shark HV322 Rocket because it proves that lightweight doesn’t mean weak. It offers incredible suction for a stick vacuum, making it surprisingly effective on thick carpets, especially for pet hair. Its ability to transform into a handheld is fantastic for quick clean-ups and above-floor tasks, providing great convenience.
Best For
This vacuum is ideal for pet owners living in smaller homes or apartments, or for those who need a lightweight, highly maneuverable second vacuum for quick clean-ups on thick carpets.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Impressive suction for a lightweight stick vacuum, great for thick carpets.
- Highly versatile, converts easily to a handheld for comprehensive cleaning.
- Excellent at picking up pet hair with specialized tools.
- Compact design makes storage and handling easy.
Cons:
- Corded design means you’re tied to an outlet.
- Smaller dust cup capacity compared to full-sized uprights.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “This Shark is a great machine! It has a lot of power and very light weight and easy to use!! It found dirt and hair in an already cleaned carpet and the carpet did look clean! Wow! The price for this machine is extremely reasonable. You won’t go wrong buying this Shark!! Happy Cleaning!!”
Customer Review: “So far I have used this vacuum twice and It’s a pretty strong stick vacuum. It works really well on carpet and hard floors. I like that it is so versatile. You can use the tools with the stick extension or attach the tools directly to the vacuum for closer jobs. It definitely has a great suction whi”
Complete Buying Guide for Best Vacuum For Thick Carpet
Essential Factors We Consider
When searching for the best vacuum for thick carpet, several key features make all the difference. Firstly, suction power is paramount; you need a vacuum that can truly dig deep into dense fibers to extract embedded dirt and debris. Look for models with strong motor power and sealed systems. Secondly, an adjustable brush roll or height settings are crucial. This allows you to raise or lower the brush to prevent it from getting bogged down in plush carpets, which can actually damage the fibers or cause the vacuum to stop. Many great vacuums for thick carpets offer brush roll shutoff options too, which is great for transitioning to bare floors. Lastly, consider the filtration system. Thick carpets are notorious for trapping allergens, so a HEPA filter with a sealed system is vital for keeping your indoor air clean and fresh. Don’t forget to check for robust attachments for upholstery and crevices, as thick carpets often extend to furniture.
Budget Planning
Investing in the best vacuum for thick carpet can range from budget-friendly options to high-end models. While it might be tempting to go for the cheapest vacuum, remember that effectiveness on thick carpets often correlates with motor power and specialized features. Entry-level models (under $200) can offer decent suction and basic brush rolls, but might lack advanced filtration or the durability for heavy-duty use. Mid-range vacuums ($200-$400) typically provide a better balance of power, features like HEPA filters, and improved maneuverability. Premium models (over $400) usually boast exceptional suction, advanced technologies, and superior build quality, making them a long-term investment. Consider your specific needs—do you have pets? Severe allergies? A large home? This will help you decide if splurging on a more feature-rich vacuum is worthwhile for your situation.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best vacuum for thick carpet isn’t just about cleaning; it’s about maintaining the beauty and longevity of your flooring, while also contributing to a healthier living environment. A good vacuum will effortlessly lift dirt, pet dander, and allergens from deep within your plush carpets, leaving them looking and feeling fresh. Prioritize strong suction, adjustable brush rolls, and effective filtration to ensure you make an informed decision that meets your home’s unique cleaning demands. With the right vacuum, your thick carpets will remain a source of comfort and elegance for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do thick carpets need a special vacuum?
A: Thick carpets have dense, long fibers that trap more dirt, dust, and allergens than low-pile carpets. Regular vacuums often lack the powerful suction or adjustable brush rolls needed to penetrate these deep fibers effectively, leaving debris behind. Specialized vacuums are designed to deliver stronger suction, prevent brush rolls from getting stuck, and often include features like HEPA filtration to tackle this challenge.
Q: Can I use a robot vacuum on thick carpets?
A: While some robot vacuums claim to work on thick carpets, most struggle with very plush or high-pile rugs. They may get stuck, or their suction power might not be sufficient to provide a deep clean. For optimal results on thick carpets, a powerful upright or stick vacuum with strong suction and an adjustable brush roll is generally recommended.
Q: What features are most important for pet owners with thick carpets?
A: Pet owners with thick carpets should prioritize vacuums with powerful suction, a strong motorized brush roll (preferably with tangle-free technology or easy-clean features), and excellent filtration (like a HEPA filter) to trap pet dander. Specialized pet tools, like mini motorized brushes, are also incredibly useful for cleaning pet hair from upholstery and stairs.
Q: How often should I vacuum thick carpets?
A: For general maintenance, vacuuming thick carpets at least once or twice a week is recommended. In high-traffic areas, or if you have pets or allergies, increasing this to 3-4 times a week can significantly improve cleanliness and air quality. Regular vacuuming prevents dirt from settling deep into the fibers, making each cleaning session more effective.
Q: Is a bagless or bagged vacuum better for thick carpets?
A: Both bagged and bagless vacuums can be effective on thick carpets. Bagged vacuums tend to contain allergens better, making them a good choice for allergy sufferers. Bagless vacuums offer convenience with no bags to buy and easy-to-empty dustbins, but emptying them can release some dust back into the air. The choice often comes down to personal preference and specific needs regarding allergen containment and maintenance convenience.
Finding the best vacuum for thick carpet truly transforms your cleaning experience, turning a daunting task into an efficient one. We hope this comprehensive guide and our top product recommendations have given you the confidence to choose the perfect cleaning companion for your plush flooring. Remember, a thoroughly cleaned thick carpet not only looks better but also contributes to a healthier living environment by reducing trapped allergens and dust. Don’t let deep pile deter you from enjoying immaculate floors; invest in a vacuum that’s up to the challenge today!
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I’m Darrell Julian, the founder, lead writer, and hands-on welding enthusiast behind ArcWeldingPro.com. With more than 15 years of real-world welding experience, I created this platform to share what I’ve learned in the field, in the shop, and in the heat of the arc.
