10 Best Vacuums for Cleaning Hardwood Floors

If you’re looking for the best vacuums for cleaning hardwood floors, look no further! This is a complete buyer’s guide to the 10 best vacuums for hardwood floors based on our research here at Best Home Product Reviews.

There are many things that you should consider before buying a vacuum to make sure that you find the one that is right for you and your home. You should consider the type, corded vs. cordless, battery life, maneuverability, dustbin, filtration, and attachments. It sounds like a lot, but it’s worth it to find the right fit.

In this guide you’ll find reviews of all different styles of the top-rated vacuums to help you choose your ideal type. We researched large upright vacuums, upright stick vacuums, canister vacuums, and even robot vacuums.

It is important to us that your hardwood floors stay protected while cleaning. Hopefully in reading our guide to the 10 best vacuums for your hardwood floors, you will find one that balances protecting your hardwood floors and cleaning to ensure your home is rid of all dirt, debris, and even pet hair.

Top 10 of the Best Vacuums for Cleaning Hardwood Floors

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1.Dyson V11 Animal Cordless Vacuum

[amazon box=”B07NXJDBL8″ description=” ” rating=”4.7″]

This cordless vacuum is Dyson’s most intelligent and powerful cordless vacuum. It has double the power of any other cordless vacuum and a compact design. This vacuum will automatically adjust the amount of suction needed depending on what floor surface you are cleaning.

This cordless vacuum was designed to be able to clean a whole home, with a run time of 60-minutes. This run time combined with its smart auto change suction technology makes it a powerful vacuum. It also has an advanced filtration system that traps up to 99.99% of dust, particles, and allergens.

Specifications

Color: Purple
Cordless Vacuum
Battery Powered
60-Minute run time
100,240 Volts
6.68 Pounds

Sample Customer Reviews… Ok, I waited 7 months to write this review. I have owned Orecks, good on hard floors, not great on carpet, Kenmore canisters, pretty good, but didn’t like dragging around a canister, I have owned 2 sharks, 1 gave me problems the other, pretty good, but corded. I have owned a Hoover lynx battery-operated, its battery lasted only 10 minutes after a while. I read everything about vacuums and it took me about 6 months to decide to buy the Dyson. Out of all the vacuums I have ever owned, this is the best, by far, and I mean by far. I show everyone this vacuum, I believe I have helped the company in sales! Why should you buy this Dyson? It’s light, no cord, easy to clean filter, and easy to empty. I have never run out of battery power once, it has the best suction power out of all my other sweepers, hands down. But the reason I waited 7 months to write this review is that if it can pick up glitter off a hardwood floor, you have my attention. If you want to suck the glitter up even faster, use the boost button and that was the only time I used the boost button….after sucking up all my Christmas glitter effortlessly, I am convinced I have the best sweeper that money can buy. I have hardwood floors and super thick shag large area rugs, it sucks up everything. Best sweeper, no comparison. If you are still trying to decide, stop waiting…..get it.
Read more reviews at Amazon.com.

2. Miele Complete C3 Marin

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If an upright vacuum isn’t for you, canister vacuums are a great option! The Miele Complete C3 Marin is our top pick for canister vacuums. Canister vacuums are known for keeping dirt and debris contained, as opposed to upright vacuums that can sometimes disperse their contents. The Marin features a brush control switch that helps to minimize the dispersal of debris and acts to protect the finish on your hardwood floors. As well as hardwood, it is great for cleaning carpets. The Marin is equipped with LED lights on the head of its nozzle in order to track down dirty surfaces. The best part about the Marin is the filter replacement indicator. In most bagless vacuums you can see when the debris needs to be emptied but with vacuum whose bag is located inside of the body, it can be hard to tell when it needs to be changed. The Marin’s filter replacement indicator is a big help for people with allergies or asthma to ensure that you don’t overflow the bag.

Specifications

Filter bag volume = 4.5 liters
Motor = 1,200 watts
Corded electric model
Canister style vacuum

Sample Customer Reviews…After researching canister vacuum cleaners for what seems like forever, I went ahead and purchased the Miele Complete C3 Marin Canister Vacuum and I am really happy with it. It has terrific suction, even when the bag is full. The machine is lightweight and has a very long cord so you can clean a large area without having to stop vacuuming to unplug and plug the machine into another outlet. The parquet brush is very lightweight (one reviewer described it as cheap or flimsy), but it works well on hardwood floors. The motorized head is adjustable and does a nice job on area rugs and carpet. The machine is quiet (except when using the crevice tool) and the filtration is excellent – the exhaust is odorless. It actually feels like it’s cleaning the air. I highly recommend the Miele Complete C3 Marin.
Read more reviews at Amazon.com.

3. Shark NV352 Navigator

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The Shark NV352 Navigator vacuum is an upright model that is ideal for cleaning your hardwood floors. It is equipped with a powerful brush roller that can be shut off in one click making it easy to protect your hardwood while moving from carpeted surfaces. It utilizes swivel steering to help move around furniture and into tight spaces to ensure you are getting into all those hard-to-reach areas. A cool feature included in this vacuum is its anti-allergen technology. It uses a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter to trap dust and allergens inside of the vacuum with no escaping. It comes with three different attachments; a small crevice tool, a long-reach crevice tool, and a dusting brush to ensure that all of your cleaning needs will be met. Its large dust container can hold up to 3 quarts of debris.

Specifications

Lightweight, 14 lb
Attachments included = 5.5 inch crevice tool, long-reach 24 inch crevice tool, and dusting brush.
Anti-allergen technology with HEPA filter
Motor = 1,200 watts
Cord length = 25 feet

Sample Customer Reviews…Wow. I never knew what a good vacuum could do until I bought a Shark. Dyson? Forget it. Kirby? Eat your heart out. This thing is a dream. Lightweight, versatile, powerful. After 3 months of use, no loss of suction, even though the filters are probably pretty clogged by now. Goes from carpet to bare floor with the tap of a switch. Picks up pet hair, cat litter, dust, crumbs, coins, cat toys, small bits of hardware, sawdust, cobwebs. . .if it is big enough to fit in the tube, it ends up in the canister. The filters can be cleaned with soap and water. My experience with bagless vacuums up to this point was less than exemplary, up to and including Dysons that cost 3x as much. Really the only thing that I have used that is similar to this thing is a shop vac, and you have to replace the filters pretty regularly to maintain them properly. Did I mention it was light? Easy to carry around one-handed when you need to use the attachments to get the cobwebs out of the corners of your ceilings, or the dust off your fans. The canister and motor detach from the base so that you can use them in confined spaces easily, like a car. The attachment selection is a little light, but what you do get, combined with the portability, weight, and size of the unit more than makeup for it. Hands down the best upright vacuum I have ever used, much less owned.
Read more reviews at Amazon.com.

4. Shark Rocket Deluxe Pro

[amazon box=”B00NGVF4II” description=” ” rating=”4.6″]

If you’re looking for a smaller, more manageable vacuum option, the Shark Rocket DeluxePro could be the one for you! This upright, corded vacuum is thin and easy to carry. It is super lightweight and its sleek body style allows you to reach in and out of tight spots around your home.

A great, unique feature of this vacuum is that it converts into a hand-held unit! If you’re looking for something versatile, the Rocket DeluxePro is it. Equipped with adjustable speed control, you have the ability to slow the brush rotation to prevent damage to your hardwood floors.

Additionally, you can increase the speed when vacuuming carpets or furniture for a deeper clean. With just one flick of a switch, you can transition between different floor types. The Rocket DeluxePro also features a bright LED headlight to illuminate the surface and ensure a thorough clean every time. Remember, this model is corded so you do have to manage a manual, non retractable cord.

Specifications

Weight = 8.6 lb, very lightweight, easy to handle
Cord length = 25 feet
Converts into portable hand-held vacuum
Extendable wand can reach ceilings
Wide variety of attachments

Sample Customer Reviews…I have a professional cleaning business. This vacuum is the best! Converts quickly from hard floors to carpets and you don’t have to change the head. Great on stairs. Great on carpets. Great on hard floors. Edges really well. Quickly move the powerhead to just use the wand for cobwebs by pressing with your foot. Lightweight. No battery to charge! (I was trying to charge 4 Dyson stick vac batteries before to make it through the day). I LOVE this vacuum. As others have said, it sucks really well and you have to frequently empty out the bin. Also, because it sucks so well, the brush roll gets more hair wrapped around it than any other vacuum I’ve had. (But cutting off the hair is a 3-minute job I do once a week for my business). Best vacuum I have ever owned (And I have been a Dyson snob for years.
Read more reviews at Amazon.com.

5. iRobot Roomba i7+

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Now, enough with the manual vacuums. If you’re someone who likes to “set it and forget it”, maybe a robot vacuum is something to consider! The iRobot Roomba i7+ is an amazing hardwood and carpet cleaning robot vacuum that can take care of the hard-to-reach dirt and debris for you. This robot vacuum comes with a cleaning base that is used not only for charging but for emptying debris!

This vacuum cleans up and empties itself. It is super easy to program so you can turn it on and allow it to clean your entire home for you. It can get in tough spots, around corners, and underneath furniture with ease. When it’s done, it finds its way back to the cleaning base to empty out and recharge. It works great on pet hair and its high-efficiency filter traps 99% of allergens in your home. Its smart mapping technology helps the Roomba to be able to differentiate between rooms.

You can use your phone to schedule cleanings in certain areas of your home, or even mark “keep-out zones” so your Roomba knows where not to go. This hands-free alternative to a vacuum is great for busy individuals who may not be as fond of the work it takes to keep their spaces clean.

Specifications

Robotic, hands-free vacuum
Rechargeable, will recharge itself when the battery is low.
Uses wifi, and can pair with Amazon Alexa
Uses smart mapping technology around your home
Automatic debris disposal

Sample Customer Reviews…We have two Bernese and two cats. The hair, dirt, and other effluvia are not to be believed. Our downstairs is a mix of carpet and hard floor, approximately 2200 s.f. This thing is a MONSTER. First of all, it’s much quieter than the other two. It cleans much more quickly and thoroughly, without banging repeatedly into the skirting boards the way the 770 used to. The roller and brush design is smart and means less hair wrapped in a Gordian knot around the rollers the way the 770 and the 980 used to. And the automatic emptying feature works like a charm, although it does sound like the deck of an aircraft carrier for about 45 seconds while it empties. It’s covered almost 22,000 s.f. in two weeks of use. Once a week with the Dyson on the area rugs just for good measure and our floors are clean!
Read more reviews at Amazon.com.

6. Shark NV356E S2 Navigator Vacuum

[amazon box=”B005KMDV9A” description=” ” rating=”4.5″]

This upright hybrid vacuum is known for its versatility and power. This vacuum can be used as an upright or handheld vacuum, proving its multi-usage. The lift-away canister only weighs eight pounds so it makes it easy to clean hard-to-reach places and stairs. Equipped with a HEPA air filter this vacuum will remove up to 99.99% of dust and allergens from the air.

The canister on this vacuum holds up to 2.2 quarts of debris so you can work longer without having to change the dust cup. The dust-away hardwood floor attachment is what makes this vacuum really great. It provides gentle cleaning for hardwood floors and it also has microfiber pads that will not scratch your floors and leave them looking glossy while picking up dust and debris.

Specifications

White / Silver Color
13.7 Pounds
120 Volts
2.2 Quarts Capacity
Corded Electric
Cord Length 30’
Removable Canister

Sample Customer Reviews… I had seen the good reviews about this vacuum and finally ordered it when we moved: our new house had a mix of thick carpet, linoleum, and wood floors and my old vacuum wasn’t going to cut it. It’s awesome. It pulls the dirt out of next week, I swear to you. Almost every use we had to empty the container which made me feel full of regret for not ordering it sooner because it was clearly having to do the work of my old vacuum on our area rugs. It transitions between the floor types with a quick click, and the wand and attachments are well stored and quickly accessible to make transitioning from floors to ceilings quick. Best of all – it’s really pretty quiet! It seriously feels like a toy since it’s such a fun little hard worker. Yes, some things could be better. The cord wrap is a bit awkward. The hook that keeps the cord off the ground is too wide and the cord falls out. But those are minor pains compared to how awesome this vacuum is.
Read more reviews at Amazon.com.

7. Swiffer Sweep and Vac

[amazon box=”B00YBP7CTW” description=” ” rating=”4.5″]

If you’re looking for a trusted brand at an affordable price, look no further! The Swiffer Sweep and Vac vacuum are a great, lightweight, and compact option for anyone who is looking for a quick clean. The Sweep and Vac features a cordless, rechargeable battery design that is tough on dust, dirt, and hair. The dirt cup design helps to eliminate the use of debris bags and makes emptying its contents easy. This Swiffer model combines the powerful suction of a vacuum with a dry Swiffer Sweeper in order to make cleaning easy. The rechargeable battery is long-lasting so you don’t have to worry about it dying mid-clean. The starter kit for the Sweep and Vac contains one unit, 8 dry sweeping refills, one battery charger, and one replacement filter. The Sweep and Vac is a cost-effective option to get the job done.

Specifications

Lightweight and compact
Rechargeable and cordless model
Combines the benefits of s Swiffer Sweeper and a vacuum
Dry sweeper is great for crevices while vacuum suctions up dirt and debris

Sample Customer Reviews…I’ve had this little vacuum for about three weeks now and I use it just about every day. I have hardwood and tile floors throughout my home and five indoor cats. Sometimes I use it twice a day to pick up cat hair “tumbleweed”. I also have those cardboard scratchers and it picks up the debris from those, which seems to end up everywhere. It does not pick up cat litter which was only slightly disappointing. The dry cloth picks up extra cat hair and any other dirt that might be on the floor. You can use any dry cloth so I just buy the cheap ones. I’m very happy with the Swiffer Sweep and Vac. It keeps me from having to pull out the heavy vacuum which makes it so much easier on my back. I would recommend this little gem to anybody and will definitely purchase it again
Read more reviews at Amazon.com.

8. Bissell PowerEdge Pet Hardwood Floor Cleaner

[amazon box=”B00450U7V8″ description=” ” rating=”4.3″]

The Bissell PowerEdge Pet Hardwood Floor Cleaner was specially designed to clean hard surfaces exclusively. It is limited to hard surfaces like wood, tile, laminate, and linoleum and does not include any additional settings to clean carpet. You will not have much success on carpet or upholstery. This vacuum is designed to fit into tight corners and around chair legs with ease. The V-shaped head helps to funnel dirt and debris into the vacuum for a more efficient clean. This model is equipped with rubber squeegees on the head of the attachment that attract fine dirt and dander. This is a brushless head, so you will never have to worry about scratching your hardwood floors. The Bissell PowerEdge works aggressively on pet hair and is the perfect vacuum for pet owners who can’t seem to be rid of hair that is constantly being left behind. The swivel function helps to cut down cleaning time and the need to rearrange furniture while using. The Bissell PowerEdge is easy to assemble and lightweight to make cleaning your home fast and easy.

Specifications

Weight = 7.5 lb
Corded vacuum. Cord length = 20 feet
Upright, stick vacuum
Bagless model

Sample Customer Reviews…Every time I use this vacuum I think, “I need to write a review.” I’m finally writing one. I’ve owned this vacuum for almost 4 years and I don’t know what I would do without it. I despise pet hair on my floors (yes, I know, I probably shouldn’t have pets, but I do), and I am compulsive about trying to get rid of it. I have a house with only tile and hardwood. This machine is a workhorse and very satisfying to use. It has never failed to perform. Additionally, I have never replaced the filters, I just clean them out by rising them in the sink, let them dry, and use them again. Highly recommend this product.
Read more reviews at Amazon.com.

9. Eureka WhirlWind Bagless Canister Vacuum

[amazon box=”B07GB4S9H5″ description=” ” rating=”4.3″]

The Eureka WhirlWind Vacuum is a powerful lightweight vacuum that is great for hardwood floors. It is a multi-surface vacuum that allows you to easily switch between settings while cleaning. It also is very portable allowing you to clean around your house with ease. Since the vacuum only weighs 8 pounds it permits you to move freely and the metal wand helps you reach the harder areas of your home like under furniture and stairs.

This Eureka vacuum is also bagless so no bags to replace. It has a washable filter that is easy to wash, let dry, and put back in the vacuum. This vacuum is going to save you time while you are cleaning your home.

Specifications

Color: Blue
Corded Electric
8.29 Pounds
240 Watts
Push Button Start
3 Liter Capacity

Sample Customer Review… Omg! Now we’re cooking with fire! I had an old upright vacuum that I had been using that was heavy, clunky, and finally falling apart. I got this hoping it would be a good fit for my one-bedroom apartment. I just used it for the first time and CANNOT believe the suction in this little guy! I have hardwood floors, a few area rugs, linoleum in the kitchen, and tile in the bathroom. This thing cleaned my house up in a quarter of the time it used to take me with the upright vacuum. It’s so easy to put together and clean up is a snap. Be forewarned though, the suction on this thing is no joke. It lifted my area rugs off the floor! I’m not bothered though because it picked up so much stuff. I can’t believe I waited this long to get a canister vacuum. I will never go upright again!
Read more reviews at Amazon.com.

10. Hoover React Powered Reach Plus

[amazon box=”B0744TF7GW” description=” ” rating=”4.1″]

If you’re looking for a sturdy, upright vacuum cleaner that can go seamlessly from your carpet to your hardwood floors, the Hoover React Powered Reach Plus is a great choice for you! The React is built with the technology to automatically detect a change in floor type and adjust the brush roll speed accordingly in order to prevent damage to your hardwood floors or scatter debris. The canister of the vacuum detaches, and with the help of a telescoping handle, you can maneuver into hard-to-reach places such as underneath low-set furniture. It’s a great vacuum to capture pet hair that may get left behind. However, you should know that this model is on the heavier side, so consumers with stairs in their homes should consider that before purchasing.

Specifications

Heavier in weight, but equipped with two handles
Detachable hose
Micro-sensors that detect changing floor types
13 inch cleaning path
Dimensions = 12 x 13 x 44 inches

Sample Customer Reviews…I had second thoughts after reading some of the reviews here on Amazon about it being hard to use. But finally, I just took a chance and ordered it. Like others, I don’t understand people’s complaints about it being heavy or hard to use. This thing just glides across my hardwood floors sucking up everything in its wake. I used it on the carpets in my bedrooms with no issues whatsoever. This puppy has serious suction power. It was pulling the hair across the floor before I even got close to it. It actually sucked up a sock that I didn’t see stashed under the sofa. I love all the attachments and the fact that I can zip this through my whole house and do everything! Dust, baseboards, furniture, tops of curtains, and crown molding…you name it there is an attachment for it. My one and only “complaint” is that you have to remove the canister to release the wand. I wish that was an option and not a requirement but it doesn’t make me regret buying the vacuum at all. The base completely detaches so I just grab that canister and zip down my baseboards or whatever. Spend the extra money on the attachments. It’s definitely worth it if you have pets.
Read more reviews at Amazon.com.

Buying Guide: Things to Consider When Purchasing Vacuum Cleaners for Hardwood Floors

There are many vacuums available on the market and it is important to know which one is going to work best for you. We have compiled a list of a few things you should consider when purchasing your vacuum cleaner.

Price

This is the number one thing that people consider when buying a new vacuum for their home. Many factors go into the price of a vacuum including features and the quality of the materials being used. Just think of what features you’re looking for and what your budget can handle.

Battery Life

Having a cordless vacuum requires you to charge your vacuum frequently. This is not going to be ideal if you have a larger home but it is also good for quick spot cleans or smaller apartments. Make sure to double check the battery life of any cordless vacuum you purchase. You want a vacuum that has a long-lasting battery. Look for manufacturers that offer warranties on their batteries.

Type

The next thing to think of is the type of vacuum that you’re looking for. The four main types are stick, upright, canister, and robot. Stick vacuums can be both corded and cordless and are ideal for quick cleanups and hardwood floors. The cordless ones run on a battery that needs to be charged between uses. The upright vacuum stands up straight when it is not being used and has a lot of mobility, allowing easy movement across the floor. The canister vacuum, which is a floor tool and hose that attaches to a canister that drags on the floor behind you and doesn’t allow a lot of free movement. Robot vacuums are autonomous and only require you to make sure they are working properly which make cleaning a whole lot easier.

Mobility And Versatility

Mobility and versatility are very important to consider when buying a vacuum. A stick or upright vacuum are great for quick pickups but can also handle your weekend cleaning. Canisters might be better for weekend cleaning and robots can clean while you are away. Versatility comes from the different attachments that will come with your vacuum.

Attachments

Think about what else you might want to clean with your vacuum. The right attachment could help you clean along your baseboards, ceiling, and up your stairs. Some standard attachments include crevice tools and dust brushes which allow you to reach smaller spots around your home. If you have pets you may want to consider an attachment specifically for pet hair.

Conclusion

Hopefully, after reading our guide to the 10 best vacuums for your hardwood floors, you feel confident exploring what type will be right for you and your home. We made sure to include a variety of styles in order to make the process easy for people like you who may be struggling with what to purchase. There are many types and brands of vacuums out there, but these were our top choices here at Best Home Product Reviews.

For people that are more hands-on and prefer to do the cleaning themselves, we hope that the list of products that we have provided helped to narrow your search. For people who prefer a hands free alternative to a clean home, we’ve included the best of the best in robot vacuums.

Our goal is to make sure that anyone who may be struggling to find the right vacuum was provided with the information necessary to help make the right choice.

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Written by Rachel Howard and Stephanie Figueroa