Noisy vacuum cleaners are a common source of complaints to noise control authorities. Often, the noise is due to the operator using the vacuum cleaner at night, when other people are trying to sleep. This can lead to the question of whether it is actually illegal to vacuum at night.

Many people are curious to know the answer to this question, so it would be widely discussed in this article. 

Technically, the simple answer is No! It is not illegal to vacuum at night because there are no explicit ordinances excluding vacuuming at night.

However, I would say the answer to the question depends on a number of facets, including the noise level of the vacuum purifier, the time of night, and the location where you live.

Though there are no federal laws in the United States that precisely exclude vacuuming at night, some cities have enacted “quiet hours” laws that constrain the use of noisy mechanisms during distinct hours that you need to be conscious of. 

Even if some cities do not have any laws governing noise pollution, most buildings have. This is why it is usually notified that you verify every ordinance of the building or city from the building manager or homeowner’s association.

For some neighbors, if your vacuum is too loud, it could disturb their relaxation and yield to a noise complaint from your neighbors. 

You can try to get approval from your neighbors or the surveillance in order to vacuum at night, as it is reasonable that you might be super busy to vacuum during the day.

As informed that most cities and buildings have statutes regarding the use of vacuum purifiers, the precise time that forbids the use of this loud device is between the hours of 10 pm and 7 am – although this may differ from place to place.

Further, noise pollution has been noted to be a serious problem in urban areas, so to deal with this, the environmental health organization decides to bring up the rules to stop the use of loud cleaners from offending the neighborhood.

In general, as long as you are not disturbing your neighbors, you should be fine to vacuum whenever you like. If you are someone who is bothered by noise, you may want to consider investing in a quieter vacuum cleaner.

When should you vacuum your apartment?

The best time to vacuum your flat is between the hours of 9 am and 7 pm during weekdays, and the hours of 9 am and 2 pm on Saturdays – according to the law given by the environmental organization. 

However, while this time seems to be the best time to vacuum as said by the organization, this might not sit well in some cities, particularly if you have a flatmate. 

Just like we are different in heart, face, and height, what we do individually is also different. Your neighbors might be at home resting between the hours given, and you might be disturbing them with your vacuum noises. 

Thus, it is best to ask your neighbors about their time availability, so you can be sure you are not disturbing them or being inconsiderate. Although, I would like you to first rule out the idea of you vacuuming at night, regardless of how busy you might be during the day.

Also, you should cancel vacuuming during the quiet hours of your neighborhood. The only exception you have is if you are using a quiet vacuum cleaner. Fortunately, there are many vacuum cleaner options on the market these days that are very quiet and won’t disturb your neighbors or your family.

What time can you not vacuum after?

Basically, you cannot vacuum after 7 pm from Mondays to Fridays, and 2 pm on Saturdays. Also, you are not permitted to vacuum at all on Sundays. 

As aforementioned, this time may vary depending on the area you live. For instance, in a place like the state of Victoria, in Australia, it is completely illicit to make unfair disturbances with a vacuum purifier. Regardless of the time, you shouldn’t disturb the community with your vacuum cleaner. 

However, I would propose that you contact the house owner to know about the noise rules of the building and the area you live. Plus, you could discuss with your neighbors to know what time they are comfortable with you vacuuming.

Additionally, as advised earlier, I would say you should invest in those quiet vacuum cleaners that are being invented recently. 

Is it illegal to vacuum on a Sunday?

Of course, it is illegal to vacuum on a Sunday. According to the environmental organization, it is said that vacuuming should take place within a certain time from Mondays to Saturdays, but never on Sundays. 

Thus, if your neighbors report that you are disturbing the community with your hoover on Sunday, which is considered a rest day for many people, you would be fined and also be regarded as someone who is rude and inconsiderate. 

However, if you are making use of those quiet robot vacuum cleaners that are being invented recently, you won’t be considered a noise maker in your area.

With this kind of purifier, you can successfully clean your apartment on a Sunday without disturbing your housemate – it is not illegal to use this type of vacuum cleaner. 

FAQs

How often should you vacuum?

The number of times you should vacuum depends on the number of people in your home, the type of flooring, and your lifestyle in general. Thus, if you have a carpet, you should use your vacuum purifier to clean it at least twice a week. 

If you have a hardwood floor you should vacuum it at least once a week. If you have a pet in your home, it is advisable to vacuum your floor – anytime you have, every day. Doing this would get their hair, dust, and all kinds of debris off the floor. 

Further, if you wear your shoes in from work, alongside your other family members – if you live with your family, kindly try your best to vacuum your floor daily. But if you don’t come in with your shoes, or you hardly go home, once a week or twice a week depending on the floor type will do. 

Additionally, cleaning your floor can be done with the use of a broom, however, technology has grown widely, so robotic vacuum cleaners have been made to make cleaning very easy. 

Can I call the police for a noise complaint?

Of course, you can reach out to the police for a noise complaint. If your neighbors are disturbing you with noisy gadgets like a vacuum, you can simply contact the house owner, environmental organization, or the police. 

Nevertheless, since you are neighbors, you can easily communicate with each other to sort out issues on your own without involving the authorities. If you notice that your neighbor is disturbing you with the use of a vacuum, kindly contact him or her and inform him of the noise the vacuum is causing. 

I am sure he or she would apologize for causing the noise and would try to discuss with you the best time to vacuum.

However, if he doesn’t stop disturbing you with the vacuum cleaner after informing him, then you can reach out to the authorities like the house owner or the police. Note- By this time, you have done what is right by informing him or her first. 

What is considered unreasonable noise from neighbors?

Different types of things such as playing loud music, banging, having parties, vacuuming at night, and many more are considered unreasonable noise from neighbors. This is highly offensive in many countries, buildings, and locations. 

Many buildings, countries, and environments have laws that restrict unreasonable noises in the neighborhood and all civilians are expected to heed the law. If you don’t heed the law, you’d be fined for sure, or you might be asked to vacate the building by the house owner. 

As a fellow neighbor, you should not be inconsiderate or rude to your other neighbors by disturbing them with unwanted noise you wouldn’t be satisfied with. Plus, it is vital that you should be mindful of quiet hours in a location.

Try your best to heed the law of the country and environment, and be considerate to your inherent neighbors.

Conclusion- Is It Illegal To Vacuum At Night?

The answer depends on where you live. If you live in a city with noise restrictions, it is important to familiarize yourself with the law to avoid being fined.

However, even if vacuum cleaning is allowed at night where you live, you should try to avoid doing it if possible. Not only is it inconsiderate to your neighbors, but to the community.

Plus, there are laws in place in some countries that prohibit the use of vacuum cleaners at night, as they can be a noise nuisance. So, if you’re considering vacuuming at night, you might want to check the local laws first!