Before the advent of the vacuum cleaner, carpet sweepers were a common household tool. While modern technology has largely replaced them, their lightweight design and affordability have sparked a resurgence in their popularity.
Unlike vacuum cleaners, which rely on mechanical suction, carpet sweepers utilize a rotating brush to gather dirt, crumbs, and debris from floors. Pushing the sweeper across a surface causes the brush to spin rapidly, generating static electricity that attracts dust and hair.
Though not intended for deep cleaning, carpet sweepers are still handy for quick touch-ups between vacuum sessions. We’ve tested several models to determine their effectiveness for different situations. Read on to discover what to look for when shopping for a carpet sweeper and our recommendations based on hands-on testing.
- BEST OVERALL: Bissell Natural Sweep Carpet and Floor Sweeper
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Bissell EasySweep Compact Manual Sweeper
- UPGRADE PICK: Fuller Brush Electrostatic Carpet and Floor Sweeper
- BEST RUBBER BLADE: Rubbermaid Executive Series 7.5″ Mechanical Sweeper
- BEST FOR MULTI-FLOOR USE: Alpine Industries Superior Pick Up Carpet Sweeper
- BEST FOR PET HAIR: Bissell Perfect Sweep Turbo Cordless Floor Sweeper
- BEST POWERED: Karcher KB 5 Cordless Electric Broom
- BEST MANUAL: Eyliden Carpet Sweeper
- BEST LIGHTWEIGHT: Shark 13″ Rechargeable Floor and Carpet Sweeper
We conducted rigorous tests on each carpet sweeper, assessing their performance on various surfaces such as edges, under furniture, corners, area rugs, and hard flooring. We evaluated their ability to pick up bread crumbs (simulating dust), dog kibble, and pet hair, and rated their maneuverability. Additionally, we considered how easily the dirt bins could be emptied to determine overall value for money.
Our top picks offer versatility, durability, and efficient cleaning. Whether you’re dealing with multiple floor types or specific cleaning needs, our recommendations are based on real-world testing to help you find the perfect carpet sweeper for your home.
Specifications:
Brushes: 1
Electric: No
Weight: 2.85 pounds
Pros:
- Simple assembly; no small parts to deal with
- Ideal for area rugs; excellent for picking up pet hair
- Compact and easy to store
Cons:
- Not the best for large debris on hard flooring
You can purchase the Bissell EasySweep carpet sweeper at Amazon, Target, or Bissell.
UPGRADE PICK
Fuller Brush Electrostatic Carpet and Floor Sweeper
The Fuller Brush Electrostatic Carpet and Floor Sweeper features two rollers—one with an electrostatic brush for tackling hair, crumbs, dust, and debris, and the other with a vinyl blade for larger items like paper clips, glass, and even wet spills.
Weighing less than 4 pounds, this sweeper folds flat for convenient storage. It effectively cleans low-pile carpet and hard floors such as tile, wood, and laminate. Unlike many sweepers, this model’s housing and handle are constructed of durable metal rather than plastic. Additionally, it features a vinyl bumper to prevent damage to furniture and walls.
The Fuller Brush sweeper requires minimal effort to use, as its back-and-forth motion generates an electrostatic charge that attracts dirt and debris. Although it may need a few passes to pick up all debris on hard floors, it excels on carpets.
Specifications:
Brushes: 1
Electric: No
Weight: 3.42 pounds
Pros:
- Quick and pain-free assembly
- Compact size for easy storage
- Simple cleanup with openings on both sides
Cons:
- Less efficient at picking up large debris on hard flooring
You can purchase the Fuller Brush carpet sweeper on Amazon.
Eyliden’s manual hand-push carpet sweeper features dual rotating brushes designed to capture various debris, from hair and nutshells to waste paper. Notably, its corner-edge brush excels in reaching and cleaning tough spots.
With a 180-degree rotation capability and four rollers, the Eyliden sweeper effortlessly glides across both carpet and hard floors. While lacking a telescoping handle, users can adjust its length by adding or removing segments for convenience. Weighing a mere 1.94 pounds, it’s easily storable under furniture like sofas or beds.
This model efficiently clears a range of debris from carpets, making it ideal for quick cleanups between thorough cleanings. Its compact design suits homes with limited storage space, and it’s available in black, red, or white to suit personal preferences.
However, the Eyliden sweeper is primarily designed for carpets, preventing it from being our top overall pick.
Product Specs:
Number of brushes: 1
Electric: No
Weight: 1.94 pounds
Pros:
- Easy assembly with few parts
- Compact and low-profile design for versatile storage
- Available in multiple colors for user preference
Cons:
- Lightweight design may require extra effort during use
- Handle may feel somewhat flimsy compared to sturdier alternatives
You can purchase the Eyliden carpet sweeper on Amazon.
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT
Shark 13″ Rechargeable Floor and Carpet Sweeper
The Shark Rechargeable Floor and Carpet Sweeper offers powerful performance despite its lightweight build. Equipped with two speeds and boasting a generous 55-minute runtime, it effectively cleans various surfaces, including area rugs and stairs, throughout the home on a single charge. Its swivel head enhances maneuverability around furniture, while the bristles adeptly capture tiny pet hairs and large kibble pieces.
Setting it apart is its clear brush compartment, allowing users to monitor and address any entanglements or obstructions efficiently. Additionally, the transparent dirt tray facilitates easy inspection of contents, while its 1.8-quart capacity reduces the frequency of emptying. With straightforward assembly and a durable build, this sweeper efficiently tackles cleaning tasks.
Product Specs:
Number of brushes: 1
Electric: Yes
Weight: 5.25 pounds
Pros:
- Brand reputation for quality assurance
- Quick and hassle-free assembly
- Effective on area rugs
- Cons:
- Slight flimsiness once assembled
- Moderate noise levels during operation
You can purchase the Shark carpet sweeper at Walmart.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Carpet Sweeper:
A good carpet sweeper is not a huge financial investment, but shoppers still must make a few decisions before purchasing one. The size and weight of the sweeper as well as its intended use determine how useful it will be. Keep reading to learn additional considerations when choosing a carpet sweeper.
Manual vs. Battery-Powered:
Carpet sweepers are either manual or battery-powered.
Manual carpet sweepers don’t require electricity; instead, as they’re rolled back and forth across a surface, they create static that attracts dirt. They’re good for quieter cleanups or minor messes.
Battery-powered carpet sweepers require electricity to operate, either via a cord or a rechargeable battery. Homes with pets or those who clean frequently may prefer a battery-powered sweeper because the brushes turn faster than on a manual model. The greater the static, the better a sweeper can attract pet hair and dust.
Blades vs. Bristles:
Carpet sweepers have two types of rolls: rubber or bristles. At one time, bristles were the most common type of roll in carpet sweepers, and while some sweepers still have them, bristles are more likely to get clogged when picking up hair. When that happens, the user must remove the roll and manually detangle the hair. However, bristles do a good job of grabbing dust and dirt.
Rubber rolls look a bit like blades, and they can pick up hair, dust, and debris just as well as bristle rolls. Moreover, hair is less likely to get caught in it. Both rubber and bristle rolls work well on multiple floor surfaces, such as carpet, wood, and tile floors.
Dirt Canister:
Carpet sweepers have a container, also called a dirt canister, to hold the dust and debris that’s picked up by the roller. Look for a canister that’s easy to open, so dust doesn’t disperse when the container is emptied.
The larger the dirt canister, the more area that can be cleaned in one sweep, which makes that type ideal for large homes. However, carpet sweepers with roomy canisters can be bulky and are more difficult to pivot around tight corners, in between cabinets, and under furniture. Easy maneuverability is one reason people buy carpet sweepers in the first place, so look for a model that strikes a happy medium between canister capacity and maneuverability.
Sweeper Width:
A few elements factor into a carpet sweeper’s overall size, first of which is the width of the roll, or roller. The average carpet sweeper measures about 5.5 by 17.8 by 13 inches. A wider roller covers more floor area in less time; however, it requires more storage space. Those with a small apartment or home may prefer a smaller, narrower model.
Wand Length:
The length of the wand also impacts a sweeper’s overall size. Most sweeper handles are slim, much like a broomstick. Others have a rubber handhold to make pushing the sweeper more comfortable.
Wand lengths typically range from 42 to 52 inches. If several people will use one sweeper, look for a carpet sweeper with a telescoping adjustable wand.
Overall Weight:
Unlike bulky, heavy vacuums, carpet sweepers generally weigh less than 5 pounds because they don’t have motors. Some models weigh as little as 2 pounds.
Battery-powered carpet sweepers are slightly heavier than manual carpet sweepers. The size of the sweeper’s dirt canister also affects its overall weight.
Accessories:
Some carpet sweepers come bundled with additional accessories to help clean a variety of messes. One common accessory, a squeegee attachment, affixes to the sweeper to clean walls, floors, and even bathtubs. Other models have a brush to clean the sweeper’s rotating bristles to maintain the bristles and prevent hair and debris buildup.
Because the bristles are susceptible to bending and breaking over time, some sweepers come with a replacement brush. If not, check that replacement brushes are available.
