Keep your hardwood floors clean and scratch-free with these top vacuums

Which vacuum for a hardwood floor is best?

Most vacuums are designed for carpeted floors. If you have hardwood floors, you know they, too, get soiled. Here’s where vacuums designed for hardwood floors come in. Unlike regular vacuums, they don’t damage or scratch delicate hardwood floors. If you have pets, no problem. These specially designed vacuums take care of dander, fur, and other allergens, leaving your floors shiny and clean.

What to know before you buy a vacuum for hardwood floor

Why use a hardwood floor vacuum?

Cleaning hardwood floors presents unique challenges. Conventional vacuums with brush rollers and thick bristles can scratch your floors. Because dirt and debris stay on the surface of hard floors, suction is the primary cleaning method for hardwood floor vacuums. This method picks up dirt without damaging your hardwoods.

Types of hardwood floor vacuums

• Canister: Canister vacuums tend to have a large dust capacity and include a flexible hose attached to the unit. The hose can reach into nooks and crannies that other designs can’t. Be sure the unit’s wheels aren’t metal or plastic, which may scratch your floors — opt for rubber wheels instead. Canister vacuums can be bulky and more difficult to store.
• Upright: Upright vacuums have the strongest suction and the advantage of standing upright in a one-piece unit that won’t tip over. They often come with attachments. They can be quite heavy. Be sure the head doesn’t have brush rollers.
• Stick: Stick vacuums are streamlined versions of upright vacuums. They are upright but skinnier and lighter, making them well-suited for smaller spaces. They are usually only designed for hard floors, so this isn’t your best bet if you need a multi-floor vacuum. They are generally cordless.
• Robotic: Robotic vacuums work on their own and have sensors to work around obstacles such as walls and stairs. They can be scheduled to run, and some people like using them daily, especially in households with pets. Be aware their dust capacity isn’t as great as other types. Some models can get stuck or may have limited battery life.

What to look for in a vacuum for hardwood floors

• Pets: If you have pets, select a vacuum with powerful suction to compensate for the lack of bristles for picking up pet hair.
• Capacity: For larger floors and homes, consider a vacuum with a greater canister size to collect dust and debris without frequently emptying the unit. Robotic vacuums have the smallest canister size.
• Cordless: Cordless models operate on rechargeable battery power and are highly convenient. They also tend to be quieter than models that have to stay plugged in. Be aware they don’t provide as much suction and have limited running time.
• Attachments: Attachments are used more on carpeted floors if you use a vacuum with multi-floor capability. Attachments may include a roller brush, though this is not for use on hardwood floors.
• Mop and sweep: Robotic vacuums offer this feature to thoroughly clean hardwood floors.

How much you can expect to spend on a vacuum for a hardwood floor

Prices for hardwood floor vacuums range from $70-$800, depending on the vacuum type. Cordless stick vacuums are available for under $150. Upright models can cost twice that. Robotic types are the most expensive, ranging from $200 to $800.

Vacuum for hardwood floor FAQ

Q. Why not just sweep my hardwood floors?

A. You can sweep your hardwood floors, but sweeping takes more time and effort than vacuuming. Sweeping can be quick and effective for localized messes, but vacuuming is faster for entire floors. Vacuuming also doesn’t spread dust and allergens back into the air, which sweeping can.

Q. Can I use a hardwood floor vacuum on my carpets?

A. Your best option is to select a hardwood floor vacuum with a roller brush attachment that you can use on your carpets and detach when vacuuming your hard floors.

What’s the best vacuum for hardwood floors to buy

Top vacuum for hardwood floors

Dyson V7 Fluffy Cordless Stick Vacuum for Hard Floors

What you need to know: This cordless vacuum is specifically designed to be used on hardwood floors without scratching.

What you’ll love: The bristles are super soft, ensuring your hardwood floors stay scratch-free. The head is slim, so it fits easily under furniture. You can also convert it into a handheld vacuum.

What you should consider: It’s got a shorter battery life than some other vacuums.

Top vacuum for hardwood floors for the money

Shark APEX Stick Vacuum

What you need to know:  This lightweight vacuum is a top pick for pet owners.

What you’ll love: The self-cleaning brush roll makes it easy to pick up pet hair without it getting tangled in the vacuum. It’s easy to swivel and very lightweight. You can also convert it into a hand vacuum.

What you should consider: It doesn’t stand up on its own.

Worth checking out

eufy Robot Vacuum 11S MAX

What you need to know: This quiet and compact robot vacuum glides easily on almost any floor.

What you’ll love: It can be scheduled and is very quiet. It is self-guided and pivots intuitively around stairs, walls and other obstacles. It has a sizeable dust capacity.

What you should consider: Some people had issues with it getting stuck around furniture.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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