Best Vacuum for Hardwood Floors: Top Picks for 2023

Hardwood floors are a beautiful addition to any home, but they require special care to maintain their appearance. One of the essential tools for keeping hardwood floors clean is a vacuum cleaner. However, not all vacuums are created equal, and using the wrong one can damage your floors or leave behind debris.

When shopping for the best vacuum for hardwood floors, there are a few critical factors to consider. The first is the type of vacuum cleaner. Upright vacuums are the most common type, but they can be heavy and difficult to maneuver around furniture. Canister vacuums are more versatile and better suited for hardwood floors, but they can be more expensive.

Another important consideration is the type of brush roll. Some vacuum cleaners have a rotating brush roll that can scratch or damage hardwood floors. A better option is a vacuum with a soft brush roll or one that can be turned off.

Finally, the suction power of the vacuum is crucial. A vacuum with strong suction can pick up dirt and debris without scattering it around the room. However, too much suction can damage delicate hardwood floors.

We spent hours researching and testing various vacuum cleaners to find the best vacuum for hardwood floors. In the following sections, we will share our top picks and provide a detailed analysis of each one.

Best Vacuums for Hardwood Floors

We know that keeping hardwood floors clean can be a challenge, especially when it comes to finding the right vacuum. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best vacuums for hardwood floors. Our team has researched and tested various models to bring you the top picks that will effectively clean your floors without causing any damage. Whether you’re dealing with pet hair, dust, or debris, these vacuums will get the job done. So, without further ado, here are our top recommendations.

1) Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Corded Bagless Vacuum

If you’re looking for a lightweight and versatile vacuum for your hardwood floors, the Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Corded Bagless Vacuum is a solid option.

We were impressed by the Shark Rocket’s performance on both carpets and hardwood floors. It easily picked up dirt, debris, and pet hair without scratching the floors. The swivel steering made it easy to navigate around furniture and other obstacles.

One of the standout features of this vacuum is its lightweight design. Weighing only 7 pounds, it’s easy to carry up and down stairs and maneuver around the house. The vacuum also comes with an upholstery tool for cleaning furniture and other surfaces.

However, the cord may be too short for some users, so you may need to use an extension cord. Additionally, the dustbin needs to be emptied frequently, especially if you have pets or a lot of debris on your floors. Finally, some users may find the vacuum to be too loud for their liking.

Overall, if you’re looking for a lightweight and versatile vacuum for your hardwood floors, the Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Corded Bagless Vacuum is a great option to consider.

2) SOWTECH Corded Stick Vacuum Cleaner

If you’re looking for a lightweight and powerful stick vacuum cleaner for your hardwood floors, the SOWTECH Corded Stick Vacuum Cleaner is worth considering.

We were impressed with the SOWTECH Corded Stick Vacuum Cleaner’s one-touch mode, which made it easy to use without any complicated settings. The vacuum’s powerful suction of 17,000Pa easily captured dust, pet hair, and debris from our hardwood floors. We also appreciated the vacuum’s cyclone HEPA filtration system, which helped to clean up to 99.99% of tiny dust particles as small as 0.1 microns.

The SOWTECH Corded Stick Vacuum Cleaner comes with multiple accessories, including a floor brush, square brush, and crevice tool, making it a versatile cleaning tool. We found the floor brush to be particularly effective on our hardwood floors. The vacuum is also lightweight, weighing only 3.3 pounds, making it easy to use with one hand.

However, the corded design of the vacuum limits mobility, and we found the vacuum to be quite noisy during operation. Additionally, the plastic construction of the vacuum feels flimsy and not as durable as other models we’ve tested.

Overall, the SOWTECH Corded Stick Vacuum Cleaner is a decent option for those looking for a lightweight and powerful stick vacuum cleaner for their hardwood floors. However, if you’re looking for a more durable and quieter option, you may want to consider other models.

3) Bissell Featherweight Stick Lightweight Bagless Vacuum With Crevice Tool

If you’re looking for a lightweight vacuum that’s easy to use, the Bissell Featherweight Stick Lightweight Bagless Vacuum With Crevice Tool might be the right choice for you. It’s a versatile machine that can be used on carpets, bare floors, stairs, and upholstery. Here’s what we found during our testing:

During our testing, we found that the Bissell Featherweight Stick Lightweight Bagless Vacuum With Crevice Tool was a convenient and easy-to-use machine. It’s lightweight and compact, so it’s easy to maneuver around furniture and store in small spaces. The crevice tool and floor nozzle attachments were useful for cleaning furniture and stairs.

However, the dirt cup capacity is small, which means that you’ll have to empty it frequently. Additionally, the vacuum isn’t ideal for deep cleaning carpets, so it’s best used for quick clean-ups on hard floors and surface dirt on carpets and area rugs.

Overall, the Bissell Featherweight Stick Lightweight Bagless Vacuum With Crevice Tool is a good choice for those who need a lightweight and versatile vacuum for quick clean-ups. However, if you need a machine for deep cleaning carpets, you may want to consider a different option.

4) Shark HydroVac XL WD101 Vacuum

If you’re looking for a powerful vacuum that is specifically designed for hardwood floors, the Shark HydroVac XL WD101 Vacuum is a great option for you.

Overall, we highly recommend the Shark HydroVac XL WD101 Vacuum for anyone looking for a powerful and efficient vacuum that is specifically designed for hardwood floors. Its 3-in-1 cleaning capabilities, self-cleaning system, and multi-surface cleaning abilities make it a great investment for any home with hardwood floors.

5) MIBODE Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

If you’re looking for a cordless vacuum cleaner that can handle your hardwood floors, the MIBODE Cordless Vacuum Cleaner might just be what you need.

We were impressed with the MIBODE Cordless Vacuum Cleaner’s suction power, which was able to pick up debris and large particles with ease. The V-Shape anti-tangle roller brush was also a great feature, as it prevented hair from getting tangled in the brush. The dust cup was also large enough that we didn’t have to empty it frequently, which was a plus.

However, we did find the shape of the vacuum cleaner to be a little awkward, and it was top-heavy, so we couldn’t lean it against a wall. Additionally, the runtime on Max mode is only 20 minutes, which might not be enough for a large space. Finally, the vacuum cleaner is a little noisy, so it might not be suitable for use early in the morning or late at night.

Overall, if you’re looking for a cordless vacuum cleaner that can handle your hardwood floors, the MIBODE Cordless Vacuum Cleaner is definitely worth considering.

6) BISSELL CleanView Swivel Pet Upright Vacuum

We highly recommend the BISSELL CleanView Swivel Pet Upright Vacuum for anyone with pets. The specialized pet tools and features make it the perfect tool for homes with pets.

We were impressed with the BISSELL CleanView Swivel Pet Upright Vacuum’s suction power and edge-to-edge cleaning capabilities. It’s also great that it comes with specialized pet tools that carry right on the machine, making pet cleaning on or above the floor convenient.

The vacuum is easy to maneuver around furniture and other obstacles with its Swivel Steering. We also appreciate that the Easy Empty Dirt Tank opens at the bottom with the press of a button, making cleaning up after cleanup quick and mess-free.

While the brush roller operates constantly and cannot be shut off, we found that it effectively lifts, loosens, and removes embedded pet hair. However, this may not be suitable for some users. Additionally, the filter needs replacement every 6 months, which may be a consideration for some.

Overall, we highly recommend the BISSELL CleanView Swivel Pet Upright Vacuum for anyone with pets. It’s a great investment for keeping your home clean and free of pet hair and debris.

7) Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum

If you’re in the market for a vacuum that can handle hardwood floors, the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum is a great option. It’s lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it perfect for cleaning in hard-to-reach areas.

In our experience, the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum is a great choice for anyone looking for a versatile vacuum that can handle hardwood floors. The Lift-Away functionality is especially useful for cleaning in hard-to-reach areas, and the Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology ensures that dust and allergens are trapped inside the vacuum.

One thing to keep in mind is that the hose could be longer, which may make it difficult to reach certain areas. Additionally, the maneuverability could be improved in tight spaces. However, these are relatively minor issues that are outweighed by the vacuum’s many benefits.

Overall, we would definitely recommend the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum to anyone looking for a powerful, versatile vacuum for hardwood floors.

8) HOMPANY Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

If you’re in the market for a new vacuum cleaner for your hardwood floors, the HOMPANY Cordless Vacuum Cleaner is definitely worth considering.

Overall, we highly recommend the HOMPANY Cordless Vacuum Cleaner for anyone in need of a powerful, versatile vacuum cleaner for their hardwood floors. With its strong suction power, long battery life, and convenient self-standing design, this vacuum cleaner is sure to make cleaning a breeze.

Buying Guide

When choosing the best vacuum for hardwood floors, there are several factors to consider. We’ve compiled a list of features that should be looked at before making a purchase.

Suction Power

One of the most important factors to consider is suction power. It’s important to choose a vacuum with enough suction power to effectively clean hardwood floors without damaging them. Look for a vacuum with adjustable suction settings to ensure that you can customize the suction power to your needs.

Filtration System

Another important factor is the filtration system. A good filtration system will prevent dust and debris from escaping back into the air, which is especially important for those with allergies or respiratory issues. Look for a vacuum with a HEPA filter, which can capture even the smallest particles.

Floor Type

Consider the type of hardwood floors you have when choosing a vacuum. Some vacuums are better suited for certain types of hardwood floors. For example, if you have a lot of crevices or gaps in your hardwood floors, you may want to choose a vacuum with a crevice tool or a vacuum with strong suction power to effectively clean those areas.

Weight and Maneuverability

The weight and maneuverability of a vacuum are also important factors to consider. A lightweight vacuum will be easier to carry around and maneuver, while a vacuum with a swivel head will be easier to navigate around furniture and other obstacles.

Corded or Cordless

Finally, consider whether you want a corded or cordless vacuum. Corded vacuums tend to have more suction power and are better suited for heavy-duty cleaning, while cordless vacuums are more convenient and easier to maneuver.

By considering these factors, you’ll be able to choose the best vacuum for your hardwood floors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What features should I look for in a vacuum designed specifically for hardwood floors?

When looking for a vacuum for your hardwood floors, there are a few features you should consider. Firstly, make sure it has a hard floor setting or attachment to avoid scratching or damaging your floors. Additionally, a vacuum with adjustable suction power is ideal as it allows you to customize the suction strength for different types of debris. Lastly, consider a vacuum with a HEPA filter to ensure it captures even the smallest particles and allergens.

Can a vacuum effectively replace sweeping on hardwood surfaces?

Yes, a vacuum can effectively replace sweeping on hardwood surfaces. In fact, a vacuum is often a better option as it can pick up smaller debris and dust particles that a broom may miss. However, it’s important to use a vacuum with a hard floor setting or attachment to avoid scratching or damaging your floors.

How do I choose a vacuum that won’t damage or scratch my hardwood floors?

To choose a vacuum that won’t damage or scratch your hardwood floors, look for one with a hard floor setting or attachment. Additionally, consider a vacuum with rubber wheels and soft bristles to avoid leaving marks or scratches. It’s also important to regularly clean your vacuum’s brush roll to prevent debris from getting stuck and potentially scratching your floors.

What are some highly-rated vacuums for homes with hardwood floors and pets?

Some highly-rated vacuums for homes with hardwood floors and pets include the Dyson V11 Absolute, Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional, and Bissell PowerEdge Pet Hardwood Floor Corded Vacuum. These vacuums have specialized features such as tangle-free brush rolls and powerful suction to effectively pick up pet hair and debris without damaging your floors.

Are there affordable vacuum options that perform well on hardwood floors?

Yes, there are affordable vacuum options that perform well on hardwood floors. The Bissell PowerEdge Pet Hardwood Floor Corded Vacuum and Eureka Blaze 3-in-1 Swivel Lightweight Stick Vacuum are both budget-friendly options that have been praised for their performance on hardwood floors.

Which Shark vacuum models are recommended for hardwood flooring?

Some Shark vacuum models that are recommended for hardwood flooring include the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional, Shark Rocket Complete with DuoClean, and Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet. These vacuums have specialized features such as soft brush rolls and adjustable suction power to effectively clean hardwood floors without causing damage.