As a proud husky owner, I know firsthand how sensitive their hearing can be. The first time I pulled out my old, noisy, upright vacuum around my dog, he barked at it. That’s when I realized I needed to find a quieter vacuum that wouldn’t startle his sensitive ears.
But with so many models out there, how could I compare noise levels? As a dog mom on a mission to keep my home clean without terrifying the dog, I had to figure out exactly how loud vacuums really are.
If you also have a sound-sensitive canine companion or other related reasons, this breakdown of decibel levels will help you choose a quiet vacuum cleaner.
Read on to learn how loud different vacuums get and how to pick the right low-noise option!
Key Takeaways
- Full-size vacuums 70-80 dB, cordless and robots 50-65 dB
- Under 70 dB considered quiet for household use
- Check ratings before buying and test personally if possible.
Impact of Loud Vacuums on Pets and People
When searching for a new vacuum cleaner, the noise level should be one of your top considerations – especially if you have pets or small children at home.
But with decibel measurements and confusing jargon around sound intensity, how do you know what noise levels are truly safe and comfortable?
Let’s start with a quick decibel overview. Sounds below 70 dB are typically considered safe, while prolonged exposure to noises above 85 dB can damage hearing over time.
To give you a sense of the decibel scale, here are some common sounds and their dB levels according to the CDC:
Sound | Decibel Level |
---|---|
Normal Breathing | 10 dB |
Whisper | 30 dB |
Refrigerator Hum | 40 dB |
Normal Conversation | 60 dB |
Vacuum | 70-80 dB |
Washing Machine, Dishwasher | 70 dB |
Gas-powered Lawnmowers | 80-85 dB |
Blender | 80-90 dB |
Motorcycle | 95 dB |
Loud TV, Nightclubs | 105-110 dB |
Firecrackers | 140-150 dB |
To put the decibel scale in perspective, everyday sounds we tune out can be surprisingly loud.
Normal breathing comes in at 10 dB, while the soft hum of a refrigerator is 40 dB. Chatting with a friend clocks in at 60 dB – the background noise level in a typical home.
Now compare that to vacuums, which produce 70-80 dB on average. That’s the same loudness as a running washing machine or dishwasher. And “louder” models may reach up to 90 dB – the level of a blender!
These high noise levels are not just annoying but potentially harmful. In humans, repeated exposure to loud vacuums can lead to hearing damage over time.
But dogs’ sensitive ears mean they feel the effects even faster. Loud vacuums put dogs on high alert, causing stress and anxiety. Some pups may even become aggressive or destructive in response to the startling noise.
So, if you’re looking for a new vacuum cleaner and have pets at home, shop for a quieter model rated around 70 dB. This will allow you to keep your floors clean without subjecting your furry friends to painful noise levels.
Decibel Levels of Common Vacuum Types
When shopping for a new vacuum, one of the most important factors to compare is the noise level produced. But with a wide range of models available, how loud should you expect each type to be?
- Full-size upright and canister vacuums are the loudest options, generating 70-80 dB on average. This high noise level can be irritating and uncomfortable for both people and pets.
- Cordless stick vacuums have more variation in decibel ratings depending on motor power and design. Budget sticks often still produce noise up to 80 dB, but higher-end models may be as quiet as 60-70 dB.
- Robot vacuums are the most pet-friendly choice, operating at 60-65 dB to allow quiet, autonomous cleaning. Because they don’t rely on motorized power, robots can glide across floors with little noise.
To help compare specific models, here is a handy reference table of decibel levels for popular vacuum cleaners:
Find the perfect vacuum for your home that balances strong cleaning power and quiet operation.
The noise levels listed are for maximum suction mode – using lower suction settings will reduce noise. Use this table as a guide when choosing which model fits your needs.
Testing Vacuum Noise Levels Yourself
While decibel ratings can give you a general idea of a vacuum’s noise level, real-world tests are the best way to determine if a model will work well in your home.
Here are some tips for evaluating vacuum cleaner loudness yourself:
1. Find Published Noise Ratings
Before purchasing a new vacuum, look for the manufacturer’s stated noise rating in dB. This should be listed in the product manual, on the packaging, or on the brand’s website.
You can also check tests from independent reviewers. But remember, these are conducted in controlled lab settings and may not match your actual experience.
2. Use a Decibel Meter App
Turn your smartphone into a sound level meter using apps like Decibel X or NIOSH SLM. These let you accurately measure ambient noise and vacuum loudness in your own environment.
Test different models side-by-side to compare noise levels. Apps also help determine if noise exceeds safe limits.
3. Listen in Real Home Settings
Don’t just rely on ratings – use your ears! Listen to vacuums operating in a similar setting to your home, like a store display or a neighbor’s house.
Move closer and farther away to gauge how loud it will seem in use. Also, consider noise transferring between rooms or floors.
4. Evaluate at Different Power Settings
Vacuum cleaner ratings are usually based on max suction, but lower settings may run quieter—test noise levels on carpets versus hard floors and with different attachments.
This gives you a complete sense of how loud the vacuum will be during typical cleaning.
Conclusion
Prioritize quieter models around or under 70 dB to prevent noise problems. Test vacuums yourself using smartphone apps and in-person listening. A low-noise vacuum ensures clean floors without irritating sensitive ears.
FAQ
Why are Some Vacuums So Much Louder?
The main reason some vacuums are louder is because they have more powerful suction motors. Stronger motors generate more noise. Upright vacuums also tend to be louder than canisters since noise is less muffled. Heavy-duty motors are noisier but deliver deeper cleaning for carpets.
How Can I Make My Vacuum Quieter?
If your vacuum is too loud, try using a lower power setting or switching to hard floor mode. Adding sound-dampening materials like rubber pads can muffle noise.
Replacing old brushes and filters improves airflow and reduces noise.
Ultimately, investing in an inherently quieter model may be needed for the best results.
Is a Loud Vacuum Bad for My Dog?
Yes, extremely loud vacuums can be bad for dogs’ sensitive hearing. Exposure to noises above 85 dB is physically painful for pups, and repeated loud vacuum use risks long-term hearing damage.
Loud vacuums also cause dogs stress and anxiety. Looking for quieter cleaners under 70 dB is best for canine health and happiness.