How loud is a vacuum cleaner?
A vacuum cleaner is about 75 dB, with a typical range of 70–80 dB. At the operator's position.
That is about 3 times as loud to the ear as normal conversation and 31.6 times the sound energy.
Can it damage your hearing?
No – 75 dB is well below the 85 dBA level at which prolonged exposure starts to risk hearing damage.
How sound level changes with distance
Decibel figures always depend on distance. For a small source in open air, every doubling of distance lowers the level by about 6 dB; indoors, reflections reduce that drop. Use the sound-vs-distance calculator to estimate the level where you are.
Sounds as loud as a vacuum cleaner
Loud snoring measured near the sleeper can approach 90 dB.70 dBWashing machine
Louder during the spin cycle.75 dBBusy restaurant
Hard surfaces and many voices push levels up.75 dBToilet flush
Pressure-assisted toilets are the loudest.80 dBAirplane cabin
Cruising flight; seats near the engines are louder.80 dBAlarm clock
Measured at the pillow.80 dBGarbage disposal
Kitchen sink food waste disposer.85 dBGas lawn mower
CDC lists gas mowers and leaf blowers at 80–85 dB; operator-ear levels can be higher.
Safe listening time
| Level | NIOSH recommended limit | OSHA legal limit (US) |
|---|---|---|
| 70 dBA | 256 hours | 128 hours |
| 72 dBA | 161 hours | 97.0 hours |
| 75 dBA | 80.6 hours | 64.0 hours |
| 78 dBA | 40.3 hours | 42.2 hours |
| 81 dBA | 20.2 hours | 27.9 hours |
NIOSH: 85 dBA for 8 hours with a 3 dB exchange rate; OSHA: 90 dBA for 8 hours with a 5 dB exchange rate. General information, not medical advice – see a hearing professional about ringing ears, muffled hearing or pain.
More recordings elsewhere
- Vacuum Cleaner, A.wav by InspectorJ – CC BY 4.0 (freesound)
- Vacuum cleaner by MrAuralization – CC BY 4.0 (freesound)
- Vacuum Cleaner in use.aif by DJ Burnham – CC0 1.0 (freesound)
- Vacuum Cleaner by Clearwavsound – CC BY 3.0 (freesound)
- Vacuum Cleaner by AO-SoundPawz – CC0 1.0 (freesound)
Frequently asked questions
How many decibels is a vacuum cleaner?
About 75 dB, with a typical range of 70–80 dB.
Is a vacuum cleaner louder than a jet engine?
No – a jet engine at takeoff is about 140 dB at 30 m, while a vacuum cleaner is about 75 dB.
How are these levels measured?
With a sound level meter, usually A-weighted (dBA) to match human hearing. Published figures depend on distance and conditions, so treat them as typical values.