As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work.
In case you were curious, it's been a little more than a century since the first machine vacuum cleaner was invented. Back then, people had to pump a bellows-like contraption to manually suck up dirt through a tube. (This was pre-elecricity, mind you.) It's unlikely that people of that era would believe the technological advances and suction power of today's vacuums; the idea of a robot vacuum, in particular, would have seemed like science fiction.
And yet, today we have all types of vacuums: robot vacs, hand vacs, even wet/dry vacs. It's a good thing, too, because research shows that ordinary household dust can contain all sorts of irritants like pollution particles, pollen, and other allergens. A powerful vacuum with a high-quality filter, then, is one of those essentials for a healthier home.
You'll find plenty of high-quality machines at Bed Bath & Beyond, where lots of vacuum cleaners are on sale right now. So if your current vac just isn't cutting it anymore, or you think you might need to add on to your existing cleaning setup, keep reading to learn about the different types of vacuum cleaners — and which ones might serve your thoroughly modern needs.