For those who have hardwood floors at home, traditional mops and brooms are not as efficient in cleaning as vacuum cleaners. Hardwood floors look their best when they are sparkling clean. Because of this reason, you should make use of the best cleaning equipment.
If you have been making use of traditional brooms and mops, you need to get an upgrade. There are various brands of vacuum cleaners for your hardwood floor. These devices have been designed to give you an easy time when cleaning.
When you want to purchase any product, you need to look out for the best brands and models. Hence, it is important to address the fact that not all hardwood floor vacuum cleaners are excellent. I have taken time to do some research into the vacuum cleaner market and I have compiled a list.
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This list contains my top 15 choices of vacuum cleaners for hardwood floors. This selection was based on the research that I carried out. The information provided in this article should facilitate your decision-making when shopping for your vacuum cleaner.
We won’t waste much time, so let’s jump right in.
Best Hardwood Floor Vacuum – Top 15 Favorites
PRODUCT | FEATURES | LATEST PRICE |
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| Dyson v8 Absolute |
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| iRobot Roomba 960 |
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| Bissell PowerEdge |
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| Kenmore Elite 31150 |
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| Eureka Mighty Mite 3670g |
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Shark Rocket Deluxe Pro HV321 |
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| ECOVACS DEEBOT N79S |
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| Bissell Deluxe Canister Vac |
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Dyson Ball Multi Floor 2 |
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Best Vacuum for Hardwood Floors Reviews
1. Shark Navigator Lift-Away Pro NV356E
Check Also: 10 Best Vacuums for Long Human & Pet Hair
This vacuum will comfortably clean your carpets and hardwood floors. It comes with a brush roll shut off to stop the brush roll when you want to switch from carpet to bare floor. I also loved the sturdy design of this cleaner.
If you are wondering why it’s called “Lift-Away”, it is because you can literally lift it away. Just press the button, and you will separate the canister from the head. In this case, you can walk around the house with the canister as you clean other areas like the sofas, on the counters, stairs, or just about anywhere. It’s fair to say that this is a 2-in-1 unit.
We must not forget the HEPA filter onboard, that eliminates the allergens in the air. I also loved how easy it was to use this unit, the swivel steering lets you maneuver it effortlessly.
What we liked
- Well constructed
- The canister is removable
- HEPA filter included
- Brush roll shutoff button for easy transition
- Additional cleaning accessories
What we didn’t like
- It can’t get under furniture
- Not the best for edge cleaning
Without any doubt, the Shark Navigator NV356E Lift-Away Pro is the overall best hardwood floor cleaning machine that outperforms other vacuum cleaners. It offers dual cleaning, it’s durable, and you will have an easy time working with it.
2. Hoover Linx BH50010
One thing that made me list it as my second best hardwood floor vacuum is its cordless feature. Hence, it is easy to move around with. This means that it runs on Lithium-Ion batteries that are rechargeable. The battery is quite powerful, and it’s fade-free. The suction power doesn’t become weak when the battery level goes down. By the way, you’ll know how much battery is left – thanks to the fuel gauge that shows the battery level.
Another unique feature of this unit is the Hoover WindTunnel technology and cyclonic filtration. This feature means that the cleaner will not lose suction during cleaning. Also, it will eliminate the embedded dirt while lessening the spread of the dirt on the carpet.
The handle of the cleaner is extremely reclined, which allows it to lay flat on the ground and easily fit under furniture. The cleaner also features edge cleaning bristles for eliminating dirt, dust, and even pet hair on the hard-to-reach edges. This one also features the HEPA filter.
What we liked
- Cordless for easy movability
- Powerful and fade-free suction power
- WindTunnel Technology for better cleaning
- It can reach under furniture
- Transitions from carpet to hard floors
What we didn’t like
- No attachments onboard
- Non-swivel head
So yes, this cleaner doesn’t have a swivel head or other cleaning attachments. But then, remember you are in search of the best vacuum for wood floors – so it perfectly makes the cut. But if you need one that can also clean other areas around the house, you may want to consider another unit.
3. Miele Compact C1 Pure Suction Canister Vacuum
It might be small, but this cleaner comes with strong suction power. It is powered by a 1200W Miele-Made Vortex motor that offers an efficient power for cleaning your floors. Furthermore, it has 6-speed settings to let you set it according to your cleaning needs. This can be adjusted with the rotary dial on the canister.
I loved the Air-Clean sealed system, which will eliminate hair and lint with the turbo brush. Other than that, it comes with a telescopic suction wand for cleaning the sofas, staircase, or other areas around the house.
What we liked
- 6-speed settings
- Easily portable canister
- Stainless steel telescopic tube
- Features a rug and floor combination nozzle
- Equipped with extra cleaning accessories
What we didn’t like
- Power cord could be longer
- Not ideal for carpet cleaning
This Miele hardwood cleaner is a great unit to have at home. Its compactness and ease of use make it worth the purchase. Furthermore, you will enjoy the strong suction power, along with the Air-Clean sealed system.
4. Dyson V8 Absolute Cord-free Vacuum
I consider this to be the best stick vacuum, for hardwood floors, if you prefer a cordless unit. The cleaner comes with powerful suction, along with a direct-drive motor-head to clean deep into the carpet and eliminate the stubborn dirt. By the way, it was able to suck up pet hair pretty well.
I loved how easy it was to transform this stick to a handheld cleaner (all Dyson cordless vacuums are like that). With the handheld unit, you can easily handle spot cleaning. The cleaner is lightweight and can be used to clean just about anywhere around the house.
It took around 4 hours to charge; which would last you a maximum of 40 minutes. However, if you switch to Max Mode, it would only run for 8 minutes.
What we liked
- Cordless and lightweight
- Easily transforms into a handheld cleaner
- Powerful suction to pick up the ground-in dirt
- HEPA filtration onboard
- Easy to store with the docking station
What we didn’t like
- The battery life could be longer
- Not ideal for big house
If you live in a studio or a small apartment, this cleaner would be perfect for you. It is easy to use, offers powerful suction, and can clean other areas in the house conveniently. The battery life should last you conveniently in your small space.
5. iRobot Roomba 960 Robot Vacuum
This is a cleaning robot that is equipped with the iAdapt 2.0 Navigation and the vSLAM technology. With that, it will map the surrounding so that it can clean the entire home automatically. It has a premium 3-stage cleaning system, along with a power-lifting suction that can deliver 5X the air power. So yes, it will suck up even the ground-in dirt.
The best part is that it works perfectly with Alexa and has Wi-Fi connectivity. You can comfortably watch a game, do some work project, or anything else while the robot cleaner does its thing. Furthermore, it will recharge automatically and go back to continue the job from where it left it.
What we liked
- Works completely hands-free
- Automatic recharging
- Ideal for homes with pets
- Compatible with Alexa
- Can be scheduled to clean anytime
What we didn’t like
- Can get stuck under furniture
- Not the best suction power
So, if you want an advanced cleaner for your floor, this robot cleaner should serve you well. It cleans decently and works hands-free. However, you cannot steer it using your phone like other robot vacuums. Still, it’s the best Roomba for hardwood floors.
6. Bissell PowerEdge Pet Hard Floor Vacuum
The Bissell PowerEdge Pet Hard Floor corded Vacuum 81l2a comes with a unique design to make your cleaning easy. It features a V-shape foot that will direct the large debris into the center suction path. On the other hand, the ends of the V will capture the small debris and leave your floor super clean.
This design also allows you to easily clean around furniture legs, edges, and corners with ease. The cleaner comes with a squeegee system that will capture pet hair and dirt. This will then be channeled into the vacuum for spotless cleaning.
The swivel steering allows you to swivel around furniture and the entire house with ease. It is also bagless, meaning that it uses a dirt cup that isn’t difficult to empty.
What we liked
- Lightweight and versatile
- V-shaped design for better cleaning
- The squeegee system traps dirt effortlessly
- Easy to the empty dirt cup
- Swivel head for easy maneuverability
What we didn’t like
- It might be too loud to some
- Lacks a filter system
This cleaner has decent suction power, its V-shape design betters the cleaning outcome, and it’s quite easy to use. It might not be the best choice for carpets, but it will work decently on your hardwood floors.
7. Mint 4200 Automatic Hard Floor Cleaner
This robot cleaner works with the North Star Navigation System that prevents bumping into objects as it cleans intelligently. If you’d consider this as the best vacuum for pet hair and hardwood floors, I wouldn’t be surprised since it has the worthwhile features.
It comes with dual modes for sweeping and mopping. The sweep mode uses a dry sweeping cloth that will pick up pet hair, grit, and dust. Conversely, the Mop mode comes with a pre-moistened cleaning cloth, and a mopping motion that moves back and forth for better cleanup.
It would take between 7 to 10 hours to charge, but it will run for up to 3 hours, which I think is decent enough. Once it’s done with the cleaning, it will automatically shut down. How cool is that?
What we liked
- Runs quietly
- Long battery life
- Does both wet and dry cleaning
- Uses disposable or reusable microfiber cloths
- No dust bin/cup for emptying
What we didn’t like
- It takes centuries to recharge
- Doesn’t suck up dirt like a vacuum
If you are afraid of having pet hair clogging your vacuum cleaner, you should choose this unit. It sweeps away the hair and keeps your hardwood floor clean. It also works automatically.
8. Kenmore Elite 31150
The Kenmore Elite pet friendly 31150 vacuum cleaner features the 3D Inducer Motor that blends the power of three motors into one. This feature offers you 20% more air power compared to the regular upright vacuums. It features a beltless agitator that won’t need any repair or maintenance.
One major feature I loved about this cleaner is the infrared dirt sensor that activates a LED when an area is too dirty, and also turns off when the area is clean. The height is adjustable to 5 levels for convenience.
What we liked
- Super-strong suction power
- Maintenance-free beltless agitator
- Comes with 3 cleaning attachments
- Senses where dirt is concentrated
- Triple HEPA filtration
What we didn’t like
- You’ll need to replace bags
- It can be too loud
This heavy-duty vacuum will perfectly suck out the stubborn and ground-in dirt, hence leaving your floors clean. You can even use it on your carpets. However, the noise level can be higher than most units out there.
9. Eureka Mighty Mite 3670G
But that doesn’t mean it won’t do a decent job. Specifically, this cleaner runs on a 10Amp motor that delivers a reliable suction power. It is lightweight and easy to carry around. Thanks to the powerful brush rolls, this unit can perfectly offer deep cleaning for your carpets and your floors too.
The extension wand will offer a long reach to clean other areas above the floor. There’s also a blower port that lets you eliminate debris from the workshop or the garage. When working with it, you can easily pull/push it on its transport wheels.
The dust bag is easy to empty, and it won’t leave any mess around you. By the way, it automatically shuts off when not in use to prevent overheating.
What we liked
- Compact and lightweight
- Automatic shut-off
- Blower port included
- Easy to use
- Long extension wand
What we didn’t like
- Not the best suction power
- Non-swivel head
The Eureka Mighty Mite 3670g is a decent choice if you don’t want a heavy-duty machine and if you don’t have much cleaning needs. It is easy to use, comes with a fair suction power, and can be used for blowing debris where applicable.
10. Shark Rocket Deluxe Pro HV321
It comes with a nice lavender theme that gives it a glamorous look. Regardless of that, the cleaner has a decent suction power that delivers two power speeds for maximum cleaning. It is the best Shark vacuum for hardwood floors if you want a unit that can clean anywhere around the house.
This unit can perfectly clean your hardwood floors and carpet. However, thanks to its lightweight (8 pounds), the cleaner can also clean your curtains and even the ceiling. When cleaning the floors, you can maneuver with ease because it has an advanced swivel steering.
Do you want to also clean dark corners? No problem, simply switch on the LED headlights onboard and get back to business. The hard floor attachment will suck up the big debris and crumbs while being gentle on your floors.
What we liked
- Lightweight and portable
- Can clean anywhere around the house
- LED headlights onboard
- It features a swivel steering
- Hard floor attachment included
What we didn’t like
- The suction power is not strong enough
- It doesn’t stand alone
This cleaner is lightweight, you can use it to clean anywhere around the house, it keeps the dark corners well-lit, and it looks amazing.
11. ECOVACS DEEBOT N79S
The cleaner’s motor features a 3-stage cleaning system. You also get 4 cleaning modes, along with a Max Mode Suction. It is equipped with innovative sensor technology, along with a navigation system that will adapt to your home as it cleans. You won’t have to worry about it falling off the stairs.
The fact that it can be controlled by Alexa or Google Home voice command makes it extra convenient. With the ECOVACS apps, you can customize this robot and schedule the cleaning sessions. It charges automatically and would run for around 120 minutes when fully charged.
This little beast can get under furniture, and it comes with the main brush and side brushes for perfect cleaning.
What we liked
- Can be steered using the phone
- Auto recharges
- Long battery life
- Intelligent navigation
- Strong suction power
What we didn’t like
- Noisier than other robot cleaners
- The navigation can get faulty
This robot cleaner is fun to use, especially when controlling with the phone. It responds to voice prompts and cleans intelligently. However, it may be a little noisy for some users.
12. Shark VACMOP Pro Hard Floor Vacuum Mop
Thanks to Shark Mop Pad refills, you won’t be bothered with the responsibility of washing filters; the pads can easily be replaced after use. The unit is cord-free and runs on a rechargeable Li-Ion battery. The battery charges quickly through the use of a magnetic charger. Handling this vacuum is quite easy, considering the fact that it’s lightweight with a 5.74-lbs specification. The makers of this product understand that you may be faced with dark corners or poorly illuminated areas when cleaning your home. For this reason, they added bright LED headlights to the unit’s design. The headlights illuminate dark corners and make it easier to remove dirt from such areas.
The package comes with a couple of refill products like Multi-surface Cleaner Refill in Spring Clean Scent (VCM60), Hardwood Cleaner Refill in Citrus Clean Scent (VCW60), and 10 counts of pad refills (VMP10).
What we liked
- Ultra-powerful suction that removes tough dirt and stains from your floors.
- 5.74-lbs lightweight and compact unit.
- Bright LED lights for illuminating dirt in dark corners.
- Disposable pad for absorbing wet messes and locking debris away.
- East-to-use magnetic charger.
What we didn’t like
- Not adequate for deep cleaning.
This is a versatile cleaning unit that combines several reliable features for the best cleaning results. With the combination of VACMOP disposable pads and cleaning solutions, combating stubborn messes is a walk in the park.
13. Hoover Linx SH20030 Vacuum Cleaner
The suction power is decent enough, and it comes with a swivel steering that allows you to maneuver around the furniture easily. Also, the wheels will not leave marks on your floors.
I loved the edge cleaning bristles that eliminates dirt against the edges. The unit is lightweight (8 pounds) and can easily be carried around the house. You can remove the filters and clean them when they are too dirty. It runs with the WindTunnel technology and has a wide cleaning mouth. Plus, the low profile base makes it easy to get under furniture.
What we liked
- Lightweight and easily portable
- Swivel steering for easy maneuverability
- WindTunnel technology retains the suction
- Easily gets under furniture
- Removable filters for cleaning
What we didn’t like
- No cord rewind
- The switch is far from the handle
So, this Hoover Linx Bagless Corded Cyclonic Lightweight Stick Vacuum Cleaner SH20030 is a great unit to have because it will suck up dirt, clean your edges perfectly, and also give you an easy time when steering it. The controls are placed away from the handle, but that shouldn’t be a big deal.
14. Bissell Deluxe Canister Vacuum 1161
The cleaner features a hard floor tool that has soft bristles, along with a telescopic extension wand for cleaning curtains and stairs. You can either carry it around or push it on the non-marking wheels.
I loved how easy it was to empty the dirt tank. Also, all the cleaning controls are at your fingertips to make it convenient to use the cleaner.
What we liked
- Telescopic wand for extra cleaning
- Lightweight and portable
- Non-marking wheels
- Easy to empty dirt tank
What we didn’t like
- Power cord could be longer
- Small dust canister
This cleaner is lightweight, compact, easy to use, and comes with strong suction power. However, it may clog up when you use it too much on pet hair. Other than that, it’s a great cleaning investment in your home.
15. Dyson Ball Multi Floor 2 Upright Vacuum
It comes with a powerful suction that won’t leave any dirt, debris, or pet hair behind. But what amused me about this product was the ball technology that makes it easy to maneuver around furniture and obstacles. Also, it has a self-adjusting cleaner head that raises and lowers automatically depending on the surface you are cleaning.
The instant-release wand allows you to clean areas like stairs, curtains, or sofas. The dirt bin is ejected with the push of a button; which is hygienic enough. There’s also a radial root cyclone technology that will capture the tiniest of dust particles.
What we liked
- Ball technology for easy maneuverability
- High suction power
- Self-adjusting head
- Instant-release wand
- Captures microscopic dust particles
What we didn’t like
- It’s quite heavy
- Hard to get under furniture
This cleaner comes with a unique design, and it also performs incredibly. The ball design makes it to be easily maneuvered around with. Even though it won’t fit under furniture, it’s still reliable enough. You can just move the furniture if need be.
Best Hard Floor Vacuum Cleaner Buying Guide
If you were to go buy a vacuum for your hardwood floor right now, which cleaner would you buy? Most likely, you’d go for one of the 15 units we’ve just reviewed. But what if you’re not satisfied by any of my picks? What would you do? Let me answer that too; you’d follow a criterion to help you find the one that suits you.That being said, I will give you the criteria I used to pick my top 15 vacuums, which should also help you find your ideal hardwood vacuum cleaner. Here are the things I suggest you consider.
The type of cleaner
The astute reader of our list will notice that the vacuums come in five major categories. They include the upright cleaners, canister, stick, handheld, robot, and the cordless cleaners. You should choose according to your preferences. Canisters are easy to move around with, and so are the cordless and handheld. Robot cleaners work hands-free, while the upright vacuums are best for heavy-duty cleaning.
Suction power
If you want a cleaner that will suck up the dirt and dust with ease, look out for one that has good suction power. A vacuum cleaner with good suction power will give you an easier time when cleaning your hard floors.
Can it handle the carpets too?
This is not a priority per se, but should be considered it if you also have a carpet in the house. Ideally, go for a unit that can handle your hardwood floor, along with the carpets. For me, I wanted one that transitions easily from the hard floor to the carpet. This will save you time and effort.
The filtration system
I have an asthmatic nephew that visits me almost every week. I wouldn’t want to worsen his condition just because I want my floors to look clean. For that reason, I always choose a cleaner that has a good filtration system. In this case, it m
ust have the HEPA filters that will keep the air clean even as I am vacuuming my floors.This brings up the choice between filters or bags. Would you want to have filters that can be replaced or you want a bag or dust cup that will need regular emptying? The choice is yours.
Attachments
Yes, we are talking about vacuum cleaners for hardwood floors, but that doesn’t mean you should leave your tabletops, stairs, and other areas dirty. That is why I prefer buying a vacuum cleaner that comes complete with all the cleaning attachments for the rest of the house. Whether it’s the crevice tool or the telescopic suction wand, just ensure that it comes with some extra cleaning accessories.Furthermore, check if it has a swivel head for easy maneuverability. You can consider the noise level if you have other people in the house. It should also be easy to use and should fall within your budget. Never spend beyond your budget. Lastly, ensure you buy a vacuum from a reputable brand.
FAQs About Best Hardwood Vacuums
What is the best vacuum for hardwood floors?
Technically, there is no specific best vacuum for hard floors. Rather, it’s all about finding the cleaner that answers all your cleaning needs and preferences. You should always consider the suction power, the cleaning ability/features, type of the vacuum, as well as your budget. If they meet what you want, then that is the best hard floor vacuum. We recommend our #1 pick : Shark Navigator Lift-Away Pro Nv356e
Is it better to sweep or vacuum?
This depends on how dirty your floor is. If you just vacuumed the other day and there is some dust/dirt on the floor, you can easily sweep before you vacuum again. Sweeping can be done as frequently as possible, but vacuuming should be done twice a week.
How do you clean and shine hardwood floors naturally?
One option is by using a water-teabag solution. Or, you can use a blend of water, vinegar, and essential oils to make it clean and shiny enough. There are different home remedies for cleaning hardwood floors.
Do vacuums damage hardwood floors?
Yes, some vacuums can damage your hardwood floor, especially if you use the wrong one. Avoid using vacuums that come with stiff nylon bristles.
Is it safe to use vinegar to clean hardwood floors?
Yes, it can be. However, always ensure you dilute it with water in the recommended ratio. For instance, half a cup of white vinegar should be mixed with a gallon of warm water. Although since vinegar is slightly acidic and hardwood floor like a neutral pH I would not use it on a regular basis as over time it may take away some of the shine and polish of the floor.
Final Verdict
With all the information provided, you now have a guide to the best vacuum for hardwood floors and carpet. Keep in mind that the best vacuum for hard floors is one which satisfies your preferences and cleaning needs.Remember to consider the type of the vacuum, its reliability, efficiency, ease of use, and if you can afford it. Above all, ensure that you choose a reputable brand. Our #1 pick for hardwood floors : Shark Navigator Lift-Away Pro NV356E.