What’s the thing that causes more harm to hardwood floors than anything else?
Dust and dirt.
This is the reason why people are looking for the best vacuum for hardwood floors 2018 has to offer. They are not used just to remove dirt and dust though.
The best-selling vacuum cleaners are also popular for hardwood flooring.
A good vacuum cleaning machine will help you a lot with cleaning your house.
However, when it comes to hardwood floors, you need to pay more attention to what you choose. There are a lot of vacuums on the market to choose from, you need to find the perfect one for you.
Vacuums for Hardwood Floors Reviews 2018 - Comparison Table
Finding the best lightweight vacuum for hardwood floor cleaning is not easy. Hardwood flooring is particularly difficult and demanding when it comes to cleaning. Finding the best vacuum for hardwood floors on the market is not an easy task. Comparoid provides a detailed review on the best vacuum cleaner for hardwood floor in the market today.
| Vacuum Name | Weight | Clearing path | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shark Navigator NV356E (Editor’s Choice) | 13.7 pounds | 9.5 inches | Upright | Check Price |
| Hoover Linx BH50010 | 10 pounds | 9 inches | Stick | Check Price |
| Miele S2121 Olympus (Editor’s Choice) | 13 pounds | 9.5 inches | Canister | Check Price |
| Hoover FloorMate FH40010B | 16 pounds | 13 inches | Upright | Check Price |
| Bissell PowerEdge Pet 81L2A | 7.1 pounds | 10.6 inches | Stick | Check Price |
| Bissell Pet Hair Eraser 33A1 | 5 pounds | 3.5 inches | Handheld | Check Price |
| Eureka Mighty Mite 3670G | 11.9 pounds | 10 inches | Canister | Check Price |
| iRobot Mint 4200 (Editor’s Choice) | 7 pounds | 9.6 inches | Robotic | Check Price |
| Dirt Devil Simpli-Stik | 3.8 pounds | 9 inches | Stick | Check Price |
| Hoover Linx SH20030 (Editor’s Choice) | 9.7 pounds | 10.5 inches | Stick | Check Price |
Cleaning your house is a chore in of itself, no use making it more difficult with the wrong vacuum. What you need to remember is to balance out weight and clearing path. These are the 2 main concerns when picking up a vacuum. The type of vacuum comes into play in relation to the area that you need cleaning.
That being said, let’s look at these vacuums in more detail and learn more about them.
1. Shark Navigator NV356E - Best Under $200
One of the things that will stand out right off the bat with this one is the more traditional shape. It is reminiscent of upright vacuum cleaners of old, with a small twist.
This one is able to reach better performance levels than its predecessors.
It sports a 2-in-1 design that allows it to split into different vacuum cleaners. You have the default upright model for cleaning hardwood floors, a carpet and soft wood floors. You also have the option to convert it into a small canister vacuum.
This is great for cleaning hard to reach areas where dust usually gathers. It is also great vacuum cleaner for when steam cleaning a carpet.
Another thing to note about this upright vacuum cleaner is that it is also great for pets dander. Not all vacuums are able to manage it, but this one sports a HEPA filter that traps the particles.
This makes this vacuum cleaner great for people struggling with allergies.
Weight: 13.7 pounds
Clearing path: 9.5 inches
Type: Upright vacuum
One more thing worth mentioning here is that is comes with quite a few cloths and attachments. They are all made out of microfiber material. This is the same kind of material that lens wipes are made out of. The cloths are intended to protect hardwood floors while vacuuming and dusting them.
The vacuum cleaner does not pack an actual dust bag, but rather a dust canister. This makes it a lot easier to dump and clean. It also makes it slightly lighter and easy to manager, not having to worry about the extra dust bag. Not to mention the fact that the user can attach a dust bag if he so desires.
Something else that you will notice is the fact that it comes with a pivoting joints. Not many upright vacuums have these pivoting joints. This joint allows for more comfortable turning while cleaning without loosing suction power.
The only actual downside that this vacuum cleaner has is the fact that filter needs regular changing. Unlike other vacuum cleaners, the upright vacuums tend to clog up faster. This one is no exception and the filter needs changing quite regularly.
- Very maneuverable
- Sports a 2 in 1 design
- Very easy to use for upright vacuums
- 2-speed brush doesn’t shut off: this may scratch hardwood floors
- Canister might not fit every dust bag format
- The filter requires regular changing
- Storage can be an issue because of the bulky head
2. Hoover Linx BH50010 - Best Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner
One of the more technologically inclined vacuum cleaners on the market, it gained a lot of popularity with its review.
The Hoover Linx is a stick vacuum cleaner for both carpet and wood floors. The best thing about it is the sleek and modern design that it has going for it. The motor and the dust canister are at the back and are transparent. This makes you see when the dust canister fills up and needs to be emptied.
Another great thing is the fact that it has rechargeable batteries. This makes it possible to vacuum wood floors and clean a carpet without having to plug it into the wall. Not to mention the fact that it does not lose suction power like other cordless vacuums do. It manages to retain its suction power regardless of the mode that it is running in.
One more thing to note about this stick vacuum cleaner is the fact that it does not handle steam cleaning well. This might be a problem for you if you are into steam cleaning your hardwood floors or carpeting.
The head itself cannot take the heat and moisture too well and cam cause the motor to clog.
Weight: 10 pounds
Clearing path: 9 inches
Type: Stick vacuum
This in turn not only diminishes its suction power but also nullifies its features.
One of the better features that this unit brings to the table is that it’s built with wind tunnel technology. This makes the interior design help the motor itself, boosting its suction power. This, in turn, makes this vacuum cleaner able to suck out some of the more problematic particles. It also helps it reach some of the deeper hardwood floor and carpeting levels. So much so that the wood floors themselves tend to create suction surfaces for it.
Something interesting that you will find on this vacuum cleaner is a neat little fuel gauge. This was included mostly for when it is used with its batteries. It helps the user get a more accurate reading of its energy levels.
- A lot of suction power
- Easy to handle
- Can be used on batteries
- Does not handle steam cleaning well
- Can be tedious to open and clean
- Not as much storage volume as canister vacuums
3. Miele S2121 Olympus - Best Canister Vacuum for Hardwood Floor
When it comes to canister vacuums, this one comes out on top of them. While canister vacuums are preferred for wood floors and carpets, they are also preferred for their suction power.
The Mielle S2121 Olympus is the strongest among canister vacuums in regards to suction power. In a review it was mentioned as being strong enough to suck the carpet off of the wood floors. Besides its suction power, it is able to bring a lot of features to the table.
First off, its design is simple and elegant, able to fit with the aesthetic of any room with wood floors. It is easy to control and maneuver, sporting a simple and intuitive user interface.
Something worth noting is the fact that the overall profile of the Miele canister vacuums is a bit lower. This makes them a lot more easy to deposit and transport. The same goes with this one, however it is still spatious enough to fit a respectable dust bag.
Another one of the features that it brings to the table is the air clean filter. This is great for people with pets and allergies to pets dander.
Weight: 13 pounds
Clearing path: 9.5 inches
Type: Canister vacuum
It is basically a very dense microfiber filter that is able to filter out allergens and particles.
It does this without affecting the overall airflow. This means that you can still vacuum your wood floors while the filter does its job.
Another one of its great features is the fact that it is very lightweight when compared to other canister vacuums. This makes it a lot easier to use around the house as well as delicate with wood floors. The risk of scratching your wood floors is a lot lower with light canister vacuums.
The only downside to this vacuum cleaner is the dust bag itself. While, like all canister vacuums, it has the dust bag located at the front, its space is a bit small. This means that despite the volume of the dust bag, it fills up slightly faster than other canister vacuums.
- Very lightweight
- Simple features that make the difference
- A lot easier to use than other canister vacuums
- The dust bag is not as expansive as in other vacuums
- The unit itself is difficult to store away properly
- The head requires regular cleaning
4. Hoover FloorMate FH40010B - Best Corded Bare Floor Cleaner
This one stands out amongst upright vacuums because of its features. While it might not seem like it, this is one of the best upright vacuums for steam cleaning. It is also a great choice for people that own pets or struggle with pets dander.
Right out of the bag, you’ll notice an interesting and elegant see-through design. This is to help the user see if the dust canister is full as well as if the motor is running properly. It also helps judge whether or not the filter is full of pets dander or other particles. Overall this is the kind of design that saves you a lot of time in the long run. Opening upright vacuums up can be a bit of a tedious job.
One of the more interesting features that this vacuum brings is the addition of SpinScrub Brushes. These are small scrubs that rotate under the suction head. This makes it possible to delve deep into the carpet fibers and loosen up any particles or pets dander.
Another one of its features is the fact that you can actually choose between 3 stages of vacuuming. This is based on environmental conditions, such as how many pets you own and how deep your carpet is. It this is also among the features that are great for wood floors.
Weight: 16 pounds
Clearing path: 13 inches
Type: Upright vacuum
The suction head being angled in such a way that it allows it to pull in dust from wide angles.
Probably the most popular of features is the fact that it can actually scrub the wood floors as you vacuum. It even has small tanks in which you can put water and detergent to help make things easier. This is great for when you have pets and you need to clean their tracks off the wood floors.
The last thing to note about this vacuum cleaner is the fact that it is not very friendly to new users. While it does have a lot of useful features, it tends to overwhelm beginners. Not to mention the fact that it is easy to mess up if you use the wrong features at the wrong time.
Overall it does take some time to get used to its features, but it’s worth it. It can deliver great cleaning results, especially on wood floors.
- Has a lot of overwhelming features
- Great for people with pets or allergies to pets dander
- One of the most powerful upright vacuums
- Has a lot of overwhelming features
- Can be difficult to grasp by a beginner
- Can cause problems if the wrong features are used at the wrong time
5. Bissell PowerEdge Pet 81L2A - Best Pet Hard Floor Corded Vacuum
Something that will strike you as odd right off the bat is the design of this vacuum cleaner. While it is a great vacuum cleaner for your home, it also sports a lot of power. Not to mention the fact that the head is shaped like a “V”. While these are not ordinarily encountered in home vacuum cleaners, they serve a good purpose.
First off, the V shaped head is there to help you reach hard to reach places. This includes odd angles, areas under your furniture and even deep corners.
A great asset to have in every home, especially a home with pets.
Another thing to mention is the enormous amount of power that it packs. This is due to the motor that it features, which allows it to clean even the deepest carpet out there. This even includes low pile area rugs and shag carpeting.
By default it was designed for wood floors and hardwood floors, however it has some accessories to boot.
Things like extra filtration options, brushes and cloths are also available for this vacuum cleaner.
Weight:7.1 pounds
Clearing path: 10.6 inches
Type: Stick vacuum
Another thing to mention about this unit is the swivel head that it sports. A very useful feature for home use, especially around a lot of furniture and carpeting. This overall makes it a lot easier to use and a lot more pleasant to vacuum your home.
One last thing to mention in regards to its features is the fact that it makes emptying easy. This is because it sports not a bag nor canister, but a dirt cup. While a bit smaller, it is great for home use, helping you emptying and cleaning it up much faster.
Something worth noting here is the fact that this vacuum cleaner does have a drawback. Namely with the “V” shaped head. Because of the shape, while it is great for home use, it is not great for industrial or office use. This is because it requires the user to swivel and rotate it around a lot. It’s a requirement if you want it to cover large open areas and open spaces.
- One of the best stick vacuums for home use
- V shaped head helps with vacuuming around furniture
- Easy to clean and easy to empty
- Does not do so well in office and industrial environments
- Can be difficult to store at home
6. Bissell Pet Hair Eraser 33A1 - Best Handheld Vacuum Under $100
Handheld vacuums have been around for quite some time now. While they do have some drawbacks, Bissett vacuums manage to overcome their challenges.
This little handheld vacuum is a great example of a proper home portable vacuum. Not to mention the fact that it is great for hardwood floors as well.
Something that will strike you as odd form the very beginning is its head. This vacuum does not use the standard brushes and plastic heads that we are used to. In fact, it uses rubber nozzles as suction heads.
This is great, especially for home users. This is because with standard head, the risk of scratches and damage was rather high. With rubber nozzles, on the other hand, cleaning your home is a lot safer.
Weight: 5 pounds
Clearing path: 3.5 inches
Type: Handheld vacuum
While it is not meant for large scale vacuuming, it is still great to have and use around the home. This is because it is able to get into those tight places and hard o reach angles. Not to mention the fact that it is able to clean messes that regular vacuums cannot.
Although it has a relatively small size, it does not lack suction power. In fact, it packs enough power to be used in your car, office and garage if you desire. Home users, on the other hand, will benefit the most from its features.
The thing that not many people realize is the fact that this unit also packs a powerful filter. The filtration is done using a dense microfiber filter, almost as strong as a HEPA filter. This makes things like pets dander and other allergens and particles not be an issue.
Another thing to mention about the actual filter is the fact that it can also be washed. A lot of vacuum cleaners use filters that can only be removed and replaced. The Bissell vacuum uses a filter that can be removed, washed and placed back after drying. This actually saves you a bit of money in the long run.
The only gripe that people had with it when writing its review was that it was a too small. This meant that it was easy to loose and hard to notice in the right situations. Not to mention the fact that although it comes with different nozzles, they are easy to misplace.
All in all, this little vacuum cleaner is a great addition for your home.
- Very light
- Comes with different nozzles for different surfaces
- Is able to put out a lot of power
- Some people found it to be too small
- The nozzle heads can be easily misplaced
- It tends to fill up quite fast and requires a lot of emptying.
7. Eureka Mighty Mite 3670G - Best Corded Canister Vacuum
Canister vacuum cleaners are rather popular, especially with home users. This one, however, stands out at bit because of its design and features.
The Eureka Mighty Mite is a more oddly designed vacuum cleaner. Although it was clearly designed for home use, it sports a more industrial design. While it might seem a bit odd, it has some functionality behind it.
It actually has 2 openings, one on each end in which you can fit the hose. This, while interesting, makes it a bit more versatile in the average home. Not to mention the fact that it works well in home annexes like a garage or a study.
It’s worth noting that the second hole is not for suction, but for blowing. This makes it easier to perform tasks like blowing leaves off of your lawn.
Another interesting thing is the filter that it uses. While other canister vacuums use an interior filter, this one uses an exterior one. The filter is placed snuggly over the external air intake, making it suck the allergens that are floating around it.
Weight: 11.9 pounds
Clearing path: 10 inches
Type: Canister vacuum
One more thing to note about the filter is the fact that, while external, it is washable. Simply pop the filter off, give it a good rinse in the sink and let it dry. Just pop the filter back in afterwards and you’re good to go.
There is a bit of a downside to this vacuum cleaner though. While it is a nice one to have around the home, it’s main focus is hardwood floors and carpeting. That being said, it performs a bit sub-par on other flooring surfaces.
Something worth adding about the vacuum cleaner is the fact that it can be fitted with a lot of accessories. Anything from brushes to rollers, even leather padding for those very demanding home surfaces. It even has 3 accessories for carpeting alone to help you clean it properly.
All in all, it is a great vacuum to have around the house, especially if it involves a lot of carpeting.
- Great for carpet and hardwood cleaning
- Has blowing capabilities as well
- Washable filter
- Difficult to clean
- Can pose a challenge with home storage
8. iRobot Mint 4200 - Perfect for Hard Floor Cleaner
Robotic vacuum cleaners are not all that frequently encountered in homes. The ones that are encountered, always have a lot of pitfalls. This one, on the other hand, has been appreciated by everyone that wrote it a review.
First and foremost, this little robot is great for hardwood floors and a very thin carpet. It also sports a nice little dust rag which it drags around, cleaning the finer particles off the floor.
Something more interesting is the fact that it uses North Star Navigation System. This helps is find its way around a room and cover as much surface area as possible. It manages to find its way without too many bumps and scrapes. Not to mention the fact that its square shape is great for corners and difficult to reach areas.
Another thing to mention is the fact that it runs in a whisper-quiet operation mode, turning itself off once the cleaning is done. Again, the navigation system helps it map out the room and figure out when it finished covering it.
Weight: 7 pounds
Clearing path: 9.6 inches
Type: Robotic vacuum
It is also a low maintenance unit, often referred to as a fire and forget robot. Simply plop it down, turn it on and let it do it’s job.
The good thing about it is the fact that it runs on internal rechargeable batteries. These batteries are able to hold a charge that gives it up to 3 hours of functional cleaning time. All in all this is a decent time frame considering the fact that it does not take long to charge.
One last thing to mention is the fact that this is a low maintenance unit. It does not require much attention. All you have to do is check its microfiber cloth are replace it every once in a while. There are no filters, no bags and no bins to check.
The only actual problem with this unit is how it handles on a carpet. While it can clean a thin carpet, it has trouble dealing with thicker ones. This should not be that big of an issue, considering the fact that it was designed for hard surfaces. Cleaning a carpet was not in the original plan to begin with.
- Very quiet
- Low maintenance
- Perfect for cleaning hardwood floors
- Relies heavily on microfiber cloths
- Does not do well on a carpet
While it might sound like a stunt vacuum cleaner, it is actually a great addition for a home. Mainly because of the fact that it brings a lot of versatility to the table.
The Dirt Devil Simpli-Stik is a stick vacuum cleaner with a twist. While other stick vacuums can be modified ti have smaller openings, this one can turn into a handheld. While slightly amusing, it can also be very useful and versatile.
Especially when you don’t feel like taking out the whole unit for a small mess.
While it can be disassembled and used as a handheld vacuum, it has some extra features going for it. First of all, it is the lightest on our list.
Despite the fact that it is a stick vacuum, it weighs less than a handheld unit. This is because it is made out of very lightweight materials.
This makes it perfect for delicate surfaces like hardwood floors.
While the risk of scratching will always be there, it is a lot smaller with this unit.
Weight: 3.8 pounds
Clearing path: 305 inches
Type: Stick vacuum
Another thing to note here is the fact that it also sports a 1.25 amp motor. This gives it enough power to clear any mess it encounters without loosing suction power. While this motor proves to be strong as a stick vacuum, it feel stronger as a handheld. That being said, there is no mess that this unit cannot handle.
One more thing to note here is that the motor is powerful enough do clean a carpet at deep levels.
The only letdown that this vacuum has is the fact that the dust bag is rather small, While not as voluminous as other dust bags, it is still good for home cleaning.
- Can turn into a handheld
- Very easy to use
- Very powerful motor
- Slightly smaller dust bag
- Can be difficult to replace filters
While there are a lot of stick vacuums on the market, this one manages to stand out. The fact that it is from Hoover makes all that much interesting to begin with.
The first thing that you will notice is th fact that it sports a very pleasant and modern design. This design makes it possible for the user to see right through it and into the dust bin and motor. Which makes it easier to figure out when it is time to empty it.
One of the great features that it has is the Powered Brushroll with Cyclonic Technology. This gives this cleaner increased cleaning capabilities. Not to mention the fact that the brush itself is soft enough to not scratch the floor.
Another great thing to note about this cleaner is the fact that the handle has an extreme reclining angle. While this might not seem like such a big deal, it actually gives it a lot more versatility. When combined with the already low profile that it sports, it allows it to reach further under furniture.
Something else to note about this vacuum cleaner is the fact that it has a lot of suction power. This makes it possible for it to handle dense shag carpeting at very deep levels.
Weight: 9.7 pounds
Clearing path: 10.5 inches
Type: Stick vacuum
All in all, it is a great vacuum to have, as long as you clean and maintain it properly.
- Very powerful motor
- Extreme reclining angle
- Powerful yet soft brush
- Requires quite a bit of cleaning and maintenance
- The filter is difficult to reach
- Storing it can be a problem for small homes
What Type Of Vacuum You Need for Hardwood Floors
Deciding on what type of vacuum cleaner you need is not an easy thing to do. However it is easy to figure out once you examine your actual vacuuming needs.
It all depends on how much dirt and dust you will be cleaning. If you are looking at small levels of dust, opting for comfort can be the better choice. In this case, going for a stick vacuum or a robotic vacuum can be overall better.
Read Also: The Best Shark Vacuum Cleaners in 2018
If you are facing moderate amounts of dust and dirt, you might want to look for more power. In this case, canister vacuums and upright vacuums can be the better choices.
The things to consider when you need a vacuum for hardwood floors
If you’re looking to keep your hardwood floors clean, you will have to be careful what you choose. Hardwood floors are not particularly difficult to clean. That being said, power itself is not a major element, however still important.
If you are buying a vacuum cleaner for your hardwood floors, you have to make sure it won’t damage it. This means first of all looking at the unit’s weight. Then the kind of wheels that it uses and it it causes any friction. A good thing to do is look at any brushes or rubber strips that it has. Make sure that they won;t cause any friction or scratches on the hardwood floor.
Best Features of Vacuum Cleaner for Hardwood Floors
There are 2 features that you will have to watch out for when buying a vacuum cleaner.
Clearing Path
This is usually indicated by the side of the head. The suction power distributed over the area covered by the head is the clearing path. The larger the clearing path, the larger the amount of dust the vacuum can gather.
Angle Accessibility
This is the vacuum head’s ability to get into hard to reach angles and areas. Most vacuum heads have trouble accessing odd angles and difficult areas. However manufacturers also include different attachments and heads in order to counteract this problem. There are also some vacuum cleaners out there that have heads specifically designed for these difficult angles.
Want to take a look at some other options? See this guide to the best vacuum for hardwood floors.
Conclusion
While there are quite a few options on the market, you can find the right vacuum for your needs. You will have to examine your needs and see which ones are able to handle them.
Don’t rush the process, you examine your choices and read every review, you’ll find the right one.
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