AdobeStock

Which vacuum cleaner is best for hardwood floors?

Most vacuum cleaners are designed for carpeted floors. If you have hardwood floors, you know that they get dirty too. That’s where vacuum cleaners designed for hardwood floors come in. Unlike regular vacuum cleaners, they won’t damage or scratch delicate hardwood floors. If you have pets, that’s not a problem. These specially designed vacuums eliminate dander, fur, and other allergens, leaving your floors shiny and clean.

What you should know before buying a vacuum cleaner for hardwood floors

Why use a vacuum cleaner for hardwood floors?

Cleaning hardwood floors presents unique challenges. Traditional vacuum cleaners with brush rollers and thick bristles can scratch your floors. Because dirt and debris stick to the surface of hard floors, vacuuming is the primary cleaning method for vacuum cleaners for hardwood floors. This method picks up dirt without damaging your hardwood.

Types of Vacuum Cleaners for Hardwood Floors

• Canister: Canister vacuums typically have a large dust capacity and feature a flexible hose attached to the unit. The hose can reach into nooks and crannies that other models can’t. Make sure the unit’s wheels aren’t metal or plastic, as these could scratch your floor – opt for rubber wheels instead. Canister vacuums can be bulky and harder to store.
• Upright: Upright vacuums have the strongest suction and the advantage of standing upright and being made from one piece so they cannot tip over. They often come with attachments. They can be quite heavy. Make sure the head does not have brush rollers.
• stock: Stick vacuums are streamlined versions of upright vacuums. They are upright but thinner and lighter, making them good for smaller spaces. They are usually designed for hard floors only, so they are not the best choice if you need a vacuum for multiple floors. They are generally cordless.
• Robotics: Robot vacuum cleaners work on their own and have sensors to avoid obstacles such as walls and stairs. They can be programmed to run, and some people like to use them daily, especially in households with pets. Note that their dust capacity is not as large as other types. Some models can get stuck or have a limited battery life.

What to look for in a vacuum cleaner for hardwood floors

• Pets: If you have pets, choose a vacuum cleaner with strong suction to compensate for the lack of bristles to pick up pet hair.
• Capacity: For larger floors and apartments, consider a vacuum cleaner with a larger bin to pick up dust and dirt without having to empty the unit frequently. Robot vacuum cleaners have the smallest bin.
• Wireless: Cordless models run on rechargeable batteries and are extremely convenient. They are also usually quieter than models that must remain plugged in all the time. Note that they don’t have as much suction power and have a limited run time.
• Attachments: Attachments are more likely to be used on carpeted floors if you are using a vacuum cleaner with multi-floor functionality. Attachments may include a brush roller, but this is not suitable for hardwood floors.
• Mopping and sweeping: Robot vacuum cleaners have this feature to thoroughly clean hardwood floors.

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

Prices for vacuums for hardwood floors range from $70 to $800, depending on the type of vacuum. Cordless stick vacuums are available for under $150. Upright models can cost twice as much. Robotic models are the most expensive, costing between $200 and $800.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hardwood Floor Vacuum Cleaners

Q. Why don’t I just sweep my hardwood floors?

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

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

A. It’s best to choose a vacuum cleaner for hardwood floors that has a brush roller attachment that you can use on your carpets and remove when vacuuming your hard floors.

Which vacuum cleaner is best for hardwood floors?

Top vacuum cleaners for hardwood floors

Dyson V7 Fluffy – cordless stick vacuum cleaner for hard floors

What you need to know: This cordless vacuum cleaner is specially designed for use on hardwood floors without scratching them.

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

What you should note: The battery life is shorter than some other vacuum cleaners.

Top vacuum cleaners for hardwood floors for the money

Shark APEX stick vacuum cleaner

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

What you will love: The self-cleaning brush roll allows you to vacuum up pet hair without it getting caught in the vacuum cleaner. It swivels easily and is very light. It can also be converted into a handheld vacuum cleaner.

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

Worth a visit

eufy robot vacuum cleaner 11S MAX

What you need to know: This quiet and compact robot vacuum cleaner glides effortlessly over almost any floor.

What you will love: It can be programmed and is very quiet. It is self-controlled and intuitively turns around stairs, walls and other obstacles. It has a considerable dust capacity.

What you should note: Some people had the problem of it getting stuck on furniture.

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

Check out our daily deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the weekly BestReviews newsletter full of shopping inspiration and special offers.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to provide the best recommendations for the most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission when you purchase a product through one of our links.

Read more on The Mercury