I asked the experts how to hide a vacuum cleaner – these are the nifty tips and tricks they’d recommend
Out of sight, out of mind
Lauren Bradbury
No home would be complete without a vacuum cleaner, and there’s no denying that you need this handy appliance to be readily available for when you need it. But that doesn’t mean that we have to keep them on show, and there are many nifty tips and tricks to hide a vacuum cleaner in your house.
Yes, the best vacuum cleaners will make light work of chores, so keeping them on hand for cleaning up dinner-time messes or morning speed cleans will make your cleaning routine much simpler. The best cordless vacuum cleaners are easier to store as they often fold down or are slimline, but you'll still need to factor in a subtle storage solution, especially if you live in a smaller property. Corded models, on the other hand, will require a bit more innovation when it comes to figuring out how to hide a vacuum.
1. Hide it under the stairs
Under-stairs storage ideas are great ways to maximise unused space in your home. Whether you already have a built-in cupboard or want to build one yourself, there are many ways to achieve it on a budget with an easy DIY project.
'Use the under-stairs space to store a vacuum cleaner, ideally with a designated section for appliances,' says Mimi Bogelund, founder of The Organised Home and Life.
'Keep the area around the vacuum cleaner clear so it’s super easy to pull out and put back. If you’re handy, it is possible to design and build a complete utility space under the stairs yourself.'
Using the tallest area of the under-stairs as a cupboard for a vacuum is the best solution, but if you have a shorter vacuum, like a Henry, it would be better stored in a small but wide cupboard. Ultimately, planning a bespoke cupboard solution that works for your specific vacuum will ensure the space is used to its full potential.
2. Utilise wardrobe space
A wardrobe might not be your immediate thought for storing a vacuum cleaner, but it's a convenient spot for keeping it hidden out of sight. The bottom of a wardrobe is often unused space and it has considerable height that will house a standing vacuum, so consider making the most of your bedroom storage.
It's also handy if you have an 'upstairs vacuum', whether this is corded or cordless, that you primarily use on the carpet in bedrooms. It keeps it close by without needing to lug it up the stairs.
'If you have an upright vacuum, clearing a space in a wardrobe is perfectly fine. But have a clear-out and reorganise first, don’t just shove it in,' Mimi adds.
3. Keep it under the bed
Most beds come with storage underneath for everything from your clothes to your extra bedding. But what many people don’t realise is that this could also serve as the perfect place to hide a vacuum - especially if you have a separate upstairs vacuum cleaner.
Katie Lillywhite, AO’s small appliances expert, explains, ‘Lying your vacuum flat under your bed is a great use of empty space when you aren’t using it. It means that it is out of sight but also easily accessible for when you next need to use it.’
Of course, this may be a little more difficult if you have an upright or cylinder vacuum, but it is an effective option if you have a stick vacuum that can simply lie flat under your bed without taking up too much space.
4. Factor it into kitchen or utility storage
Perhaps the most common form of vacuum cleaner storage is built-in kitchen or utility room cupboards, which keep all your practical appliances in one place. If you're designing a kitchen, consider where you'll store a vacuum and other cleaning supplies, such as a mop, so you can factor it into the layout.
If you're lucky enough to have a separate space, then utility room storage is the ideal spot for keeping a vacuum hidden from the main areas of your home where guests will be. If not, designing something like a robot vacuum garage or a dedicated vacuum hiding space will work wonders.
William Durrant, owner of Herringbone says you need to think about the practicalities, though. ‘Include any necessary plugs and sockets so that you can charge the vacuum cleaner if needed. Having tall storage for these items is essential, and in many cases, it’s even a smart idea to have them hanging so that more space is available under or above.'
What to buy
This stand is designed with stick vacuum storage in mind, offering space for the vacuum itself and for its tools and accessories.
This vacuum storage tool can either be drilled into the wall OR be stuck with an adhesive plate. It should also suit all Shark, most Dyson, and most cordless vacuum cleaners.
If you have space to hide your vacuum cleaner but don't quite have the space to store the tools, too, accessory bags like these can come in very handy.
FAQs
Where to store a vacuum cleaner?
If you tend to use your vacuum cleaner on a daily basis for cleaning up the kitchen after messy kids' dinner times, then you'll want to store a vacuum in a kitchen or utility room cupboard.
If you have a corded vacuum that you use specifically for deep cleans in bedrooms and upstairs landings, however, you might want to store it in a boiler cupboard or wardrobe. This way, it prevents the amount of work involved in getting your vacuum out for use, making cleaning that little bit easier.
Where to put a hoover with no storage?
If you have no dedicated storage space, it may be that you can simply tuck your vacuum cleaner into a corner where it won’t be seen. It could slide in between cabinets and cupboards, or even under the bed or sofa if you have the space.
Alternatively, if you have a stick vacuum cleaner, you could buy a dedicated vacuum cleaner stand that keeps everything in one place and upright for when you need it.
And there you have it! How will you be hiding your vacuum cleaner?
