Remember a time when everyone was kitting their whole house out in the plushest, thickest, and arguably very tricky to keep clean carpets? We all did it. Like me, I’m sure you had that epiphany moment, getting down all fours to pick bits from the carpets for the fifth time that week, as our vacuums never seemed to do a perfect job. It was probably at that moment, that the idea of a bare hardwood floor probably came to you. And it will have been one of the best ideas you’ve ever had. Gone are the days of picking at the carpets. It’s not to say that we weren’t all wrong in thinking a hardwood floor would be much easier to clean. But a new type of floor means a new kind of sweeper. With a hardwood floor, you’ll need the best hardwood floor vacuum cleaner on the market as a part of your hardwood floor maintenance.
So, you’ll need to choose the right one to do a good job. You don’t want to be scrabbling around on the floor ever again. As with any new household purchase, it is a big decision. These appliances cost, and shouldn’t be brought in haste. That is where The Soothing Air comes in. We’re here to instantly help you out and make your decision easier and quicker. We’ve tested, rated and researched, numerous products across the market, bringing you the bare facts, and our guide of reviews. We’ve done the legwork, so you don’t have to. With our help, you can pick the best hardwood floor vacuum for your home.
Contents
Why Should You Trust Us?
So, you’re thinking what does The Soothing Air team know about hardwood floor vacuums, and why should I take their word on which one I should buy? All very good questions. Well, firstly we have shared the same problems. We too struggled with cleaning carpets, converted to hardwood, and were then baffled by the world of cleaning and sweeper options open to us. We just wanted to know the facts. So we know what kind of help and advice you’re looking for. We have been where you are.
When we replaced our carpets with hardwood, instead of finding a handy site like ours, we were totally confused, and couldn’t find anything good online that rated products honestly and helped us. So we decided we needed to help other people like us. We set out with a clear and focused ambition. This was to review and test the products out there, so we could bring you the bare facts, as well as our advice on the very best vacuums. If you’re facing other similar home-related problems, you can also check out more of our advice on this website.
With vacuums, we’ve worked hard, testing over 30 hardwood floor vacuums, looking at their most important features, and compiling reviews. We’ve spent over fifty-five hours researching, and a week testing products personally, just so we can help you settle on a quality product. We want to help you instantly choose the best hardwood floor cleaner machine, and we can now unveil our top ten! You’ll be pleased to know we aren’t here to promote any particular brand or product, instead our views are completely neutral, based on our extensive research. With this in mind, we’ve picked out the most effective hardwood floor vacuums on the market. Read on for some great reviews!
What Type of Vacuums Are There for Hardwood Floors?
So let’s start at the beginning. Before we get into the detail of each product, you’ll need some basic background info on the various type of vacuums you can buy. These types can be categorized into four main types. They are all quite different, with various pros and cons, so this information is a really important starting point. Here at The Soothing Air, we’ve put together a handy fact section on each type:
Upright Vacuums:
Uprights, as the name suggests, are vacuums that can stand up themselves when you’re done using them. This is very handy, no-one wants a vacuum that falls over when you leave it. They are often quite heavy vacuums, as they are built in one piece. This is worth bearing in mind if you really want something more lightweight.
Canister Vacuums:
Canister Vacuums have a head which sucks up the dirt. The long hose on a canister vacuum keeps the engine and filter working together. Canister vacuums have two parts, the head and the body. This means they are much lighter and more flexible than an upright vacuum. Weight isn’t an issue with canisters, as the engine is on the floor and is easy to move with you as you clean.
Stick Vacuums:
Sticks aren’t too different from upright vacuums. They are very slim and upright but lack lots of the different features that you’ll find in upright vacuums. They can be electric with a cord or battery powered, depending on which vacuum you buy. One downside is that you won’t tend to find any extra accessories or versatile heads on a stick vacuum. They tend to do the job themselves and aren’t ‘all singing, all dancing’ products.
Handheld Vacuums:
Handheld vacuums can be moved really easily around your home, as they are small and handheld. They are always battery powered, meaning there is no long cord that you have to carry around with you. As they are so small, they don’t have a great level of suction. A handheld vacuum is best used alongside your main vacuum, specifically for finding dirt in smaller places.
What Should You Think About When Buying a Hardwood Floor Vacuum?
Every home is different, so you’ll need a hardwood floor vacuum to suit yours. By taking the time to read and have a think about some of our points, will ensure you don’t make a rash or wrong decision. We’ll help you identify some of your key considerations. Write them on a list, and refer back to them when we take you through our top picks later on.
What kind of wood floor do you have?
This may seem like an obvious and stupid question – it is hardwood, right? But exactly what type does make a difference. Ask yourself, is your floor a harder, coated type wood, or is it softer and more delicate, or do you have an indented pattern in your wood? For each of these considerations, you may need a certain feature or type of vacuum. For example, if your floor does have indents or grooves, you’ll need a vacuum with a good level of power on its suction to make sure you get all the dirt.
How many floors do you have in your home?
If you’re vacuuming a smaller studio flat or cleaning a sprawling ten bed mansion, really does makes a difference to the type of vacuum you’ll need. For smaller spaces all on one floor, you’ll find a heavier vacuum easier to manage. There’s no lugging it upstairs or dragging it through multiple rooms to deal with. If you’ve got lots of floors, and awkward spiral stairways to contend with, you’ll probably want to think about a vacuum that is a little lighter in weight. You really don’t want to invest in a vacuum that will hurt your back and languish in the closet unused.
Do you have carpets as well as hardwood?
If you’re yet to make the bold move to a 100% bare hardwood home, then you’ll need a vacuum that serves your carpet needs too. There’s no point having two vacuums and spending twice. You’ll want to look for a vacuum that works well on both. And you can find products that do this – just make sure you note it down on your considerations list.
Are you a pet owner?
There is no doubt that when it comes to cleaning, pets are a hindrance. If you’re a pet owner, then you’ll sympathize with the battle to find hair that pets leave trailing in their wake. Wouldn’t it be a dream to find a vacuum that actually cleans all the hair up? Some vacuums can help with this problem. You can also find special pet hair attachment heads, but you’ll need to buy a vacuum that allows for attachments to be fitted.
What is filtration power and how much do you need?
Needing better filtration really depends on whether you have asthma or allergies to dust. If you do, you’ll want a vacuum with top-quality filtration power, and ideally a HEPA filter. These are expensive, so only look at them if you really do have severe breathing problems. If not, then the normal dust bag or collection cup will be fine for you.
What are you cleaning up the most?
Think about why you’re buying this vacuum. Are you looking for it to work in a specific place or clean up a certain type of mess? If so, you’ll find some are made for specific circumstances, like dust, dirt, or kitchen food spills. Most are made for general household cleaning, which is probably what you’ll need.
Do you mind noisy?
Smaller models will make less noise, particularly handhelds. Canisters can be noisier than uprights. Nearly always, cheaper vacuums will be noisier. So, if a quieter vacuum is really important to you, make sure you consider this when looking at our picks.
Top Features of Hardwood Vacuums
So now you’ve thought about your home and have a list of things to consider when buying a vacuum for your home, we can tell you more about some of the features to look for:
Versatile Attachments:
For certain scenarios or homes, you may want specific attachments. If you have pets or need to clean up certain types of spills, for example. Ultimately, if you want to win the award for the cleanest home in the world, you’ll need a vacuum with versatile attachments. Attachments allow you to clean in all the cracks, quickly and efficiently. If you are struggling to clean the corners of your home with a normal head, then look for an attachment set that includes small brushes. You’ll also probably need a softer head for lampshades, a slim wand for edging, and a couple of brush heads of different sizes.
Suction Power:
Unless you are looking for a hardwood and carpet combo sweeper vacuum, then you probably won’t need industrial level suction power. Carpets normally require more suction, so if you’ve got a bare hardwood-only home, then you’ll need less. The only exception is when you have an indented or grooved hardwood floor, as this may need a little extra suction power to remove all the dirt. The good news is, there are some ways to improve your vacuums suction power yourself.
Padding:
The best hardwood floor vacuum will have padding around the bottom, sides, and on the wheels of the vacuum. This will protect your floor from the vacuum as you move it throughout your home. Take care when looking at vacuums for both hardwood and carpets, as carpet vacuums tend not to have any padding. Also make sure you check this feature on uprights as well, as they often have no padding protection.
Portability:
Heavier vacuums are going to be harder to carry around your house, whereas lightweight, handheld options are easy to move from room to room. The kind of portability you need will very much depend on the size and style of your home.
Long Extension Hoses:
One key feature to look for in a vacuum is a long extension hose. A longer hose means you don’t have to bend down as far when vacuuming. It means the vacuum does most of the hard work for you, reaching the corners and everywhere in your home. It prevents unnecessary bending and helps you reach all the nooks and crannies.
Cleaning approach:
What’s great about hardwood floor vacuums is their remarkable cleaning approach. They save you the hassle and trouble of mopping, or getting down on your hands and knees and scrubbing away. They have lots of easy cleaning features, from the brush to the suction power, to the versatile attachments. With the benefits of a hardwood floor vacuum, the new cleaning approach will revolutionize your home.
Why Are Hardwood Floor Vacuums Different?
Hardwood floor vacuums aren’t dissimilar to a normal vacuum, but they are often much lighter and are designed with specific hardwood features.For example, you can find some remarkable vacuums that have suction features that change automatically depending on the floor type you are trying to clean. Something you don’t want in a vacuum, that often is a feature of normal vacuums, is bristles that rotate. These types of bristles can easily ruin your hardwood floor, so watch out!
One of the most important features when cleaning hardwood is being able to the brush roll off and on as needed. The brush roll must be made using bristles which are soft, so it glides gently across your hardwood floor, without creating any dents or scratches. Some vacuum brushes will have both natural and synthetic brush hair which helps prevent scratching. Rubber wheels are also a great extra feature, that you will find on hardwood vacuums, as they stop dents in the floor, which plastic wheels often create, and help you avoid scratching your floor.
How We Picked and Tested
So when the team here at The Soothing Air embarked on our quest to test the best products, we probably underestimated the task at hand. We are passionate about helping other people like us, with this same problem, so we took the time to pick and test with a really thorough method, and compile extensive reviews for you. We didn’t want people to read our guide and still feel lost. We wanted to bring you our very best advice on hardwood floor vacuums, so our picking and testing have been rigorous and lengthy.
Alongside some brilliant volunteers, we’ve spent four years building up our knowledge of hardwood floor vacuums, practically testing them and writing reviews. Our testing has given us lots of reliable data, which you can see in our handy report. Over the years we’ve tested about 30 different hardwood floor vacuums. Although we’re sad to say we don’t think we’ve yet come across the perfect vacuum, we can be certain we’ve tested and found the best out there.
We spent nearly two months using these products out in the community, seeing how well they performed in different peoples homes, with the operation guidebooks and without. Throughout the whole process, we always made sure we measured as we tested. Our testing at The Soothing Air isn’t based on quotes or word of mouth, we’ve analyzed lots of different factors. Some of these include vacuum capacity, maintenance, versatility, material, suction power, padding, cord length, hose length, as well as some of the other most important features. Our research and reviews have been careful, we’ve used all of these products ourselves and asked our friends and family what they thought too. Having compared all of the products, we’ve compiled this Top 10 Best Hardwood Floor Vacuum List. Here at The Soothing Air we are confident that the hardwood floor vacuums below are the best you could get on the market.
Our Top Ten Product List:
Having analyzed over forty-three features on all of the hardwood floor vacuums we’ve looked at, we have compiled a full research report which can help you choose the best product. I can hear you thinking ‘how can a vacuum have forty-three features?’ Some of the features include price, power cord length, and if they come with a warranty, plus many more. Our report shows you each feature, and how each product scores. You can scroll across to find the features you need in your home, and easily see which vacuums have those features. To view the report, you just need to like any of our The Soothing Air social media pages. Read on to find out more about our picks and which is the best vacuum.
Our Pick: BISSELL PowerEdge Pet Hard Floor Corded Vacuum, 81L2A
Before I jump into the review of this product, let me tell you why we have chosen this as our No.1 pick. There are four clear reasons:
Why we’ve chosen this product for our No.1 Pick
- Having carefully analyzed all
forty-three features for each of the vacuums, this vacuum has the most positive features. You can see how this vacuum performed in our research report. Some brilliant features it has include its swivel head which enables you to clean in all the awkward places in your home. It also has an easy-to-empty dirt cup that makes ‘project cleanup’ a breeze, as well as a 20 ft. extension cord.
The top cleaning machine for you
BISSELL 81L2A Hardwood Floor Vacuum Cleaner
With it's really unusual V-shape design, this model has all the features you need. It is a reliable and good value hardwood floor vacuum, that you’ll be recommending to others again and again!
- Reason number two is that this vacuum is affordable. You might not believe it, but you really can buy this product for under $60! There aren’t loads of vacuums on the market that have this amount of features at this price.
- We compared rating frequency for all these products on Amazon and found it had received ratings at an impressive rate. In the first two days, it received 10 ratings, in the next three it got the next 10, and within four days it had received the next 10. People agree with us and really rate this vacuum highly!
- Our final reason is that this vacuum is rare. Compared to others we’ve tested, it has many more of the most important features a hardwood floor vacuum should have. It also has some really innovative features, such as its V-share suction capability, that will make cleaning a lot easier for you. By checking out our research report you can see how it really is better than all the rest.
Detailed Review
Introducing the BISSELL PowerEdge Pet Hard Floor Corded Vacuum, 81L2A! It is the best vacuum for hard floors because it has loads of amazing features, designed specifically for hardwood floors. It is number 1 because it really is a brilliant all-rounder. It is for those of us who are serious about having a clean house and a sparkling hardwood floor. Let’s review some of its features in more detail:
Suction power:
This vacuum has a unique V shape design, which improves the suction power. It works by moving bigger bits of dirt into the middle of the vacuum’s suction path. Smaller bits of dirt and debris are vacuumed up by the far ends of the V shape.
Type
This upright stick vacuum is surprisingly quick and easy to assemble. If you don’t want to spend hours reading over a manual, then this is the one for you.
Size and portability
At only 7lbs, this vacuum has a lightweight design, which means it is easy to move around your home.
Cord and Hose:
The Bissell has a 20” power cord, which is average length, and long enough for you to move it around your home with ease.
Padding:
This vacuum is specifically designed for the hardwood floor, so has all the padding you’ll need. Its wipers are even made of a hair-attracting rubber material, which means it’ll suck up every last hair!
Versatile attachments:
The fact that this vacuum has no attachments shouldn’t be taken as a negative feature. It has none because it doesn’t need any. The innovative swivel head makes it easy to clean around furniture legs and into hard-to-reach places. The unique V shape design means no extra removable hand vacuums or pet tools are needed.
Dust holding capacity:
The Bissell is a bagless vacuum, instead, it has a dirt cup. This makes changing the cup simple, quick and mess-free.
Special features:
The Bissell is special because of its V shape technology. The shape means it doesn’t need any extra attachments to help with picking up pet hair. The V shape wipers are made of a material that attracts pet hair, giving it more power than just the suction. Although the Bissell is made for hardwood floors, it is also effective on low pile rugs as well, meaning you won’t have to buy another vacuum to keep your rugs clean.
Pros:
- V shape design which improves suction
- Quick to assemble
- Lightweight
- All attachment features are built in
- Dust cup
Cons:
- Shorter hose
Verdict:
With its truly unique V shape, the BISSELL PowerEdge Pet Hard Floor Corded Vacuum, 81L2A is the best choice for anyone looking for the best hardwood floor vacuum. It is reasonable in price and has lots of useful features. It comes with extras that will make keeping your floor sparkling clean, really easy. That’s why it is our No.1 pick.
Our 2nd Best Choice: Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional with Dust-Away & 2 Microfiber Pads (NV356E)
Why we’ve chosen this product for our 2nd Best Choice
Brilliant machine
Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional NV356E
Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional NV356E
This one has bite!
The Shark boasts loads of extra attachments and features. From its HEPA filter, to its allergen tech and super dust cup, it’ll keep surprising you with all the great things it can do!
People really rate this vacuum highly! You can see all of the product information in our research report. Like the first pick, it has some really positive features, but they are different to our No.1. One feature in particular to mention includes its amazing anti-dust allergen feature, which means it’ll be perfect for those of you with dust allergies.
Detailed Review
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional with Dust-Away & 2 Microfiber Pads (NV356E), is indeed as good as our No.1 pick in many ways. It has a great amount of features, including a HEPA filter and a long hose, two things that you’ll find really handy. Let’s take a look at some of its features in more detail:
Suction power:
The Shark’s ‘Hard Floor Hero’ feature, means it sucks up dirt and hard to get debris really easily, producing a clean finish in the hardest to clean areas.
Type
This upright stick vacuum is easy to move and steer. Its swivel steering feature means it has a sweeper path width of 9.25”, helping you pick up more dirt.
Size and portability
This vacuum is nearly double the weight of our No.1 pick, coming in at nearly 14lbs. Although heavier, it is still quite lightweight. It is still portable, and won’t be tricky to move around your home.
Cord and Hose:
This vacuum has a good power cord length, coming in at 25ft. This is great because it allows you to move easily and freely around your home, without having to unplug and move to different power sockets.
Padding:
Similarly to our No.1 pick, this vacuum is specifically designed for hardwood floors, so has all the padding you’ll need. It is also a 2 in 1 vacuum, so is arguably the best vacuum for hardwood floors and carpet, as well as tile, as it works well on all surfaces.
Versatile attachments:
This vacuum includes a variety of versatile attachments. These include a pet power brush, a dusting brush, a dust away hard floor attachment, and an 8” crevice tool. It also has a great ‘Lift-away’ feature, which allows you to lift the canister out with the push of a button, making it easy to vacuum small places.
Dust holding capacity:
Like the Bissell, this vacuum has a handy dust cup with a good capacity of 1.2 dry quarts. This means you won’t have to keep changing it after each vacuum, and when you do, it won’t be too messy.
Special features:
Like the Bissell, this vacuum has a number of special features that really make it stand out. Firstly, its anti-allergen complete seal technology and HEPA filter, make it a superb choice for families who are sensitive to dust. It claims to trap 99.9% of dust and allergens, which it does. It also boasts an on/off brush roll shutoff system which enables it to clean both deep carpet and hardwood floor, making it a good choice vacuum for hardwood floors and carpet, as well as tile.
Pros:
- 25ft cord
- Lots of additional attachments
- Dust cup
- HEPA filter and allergen technology
- 2 in 1 – can be used on carpet, hardwood, and tile
Cons:
- 14lb weight
Verdict:
There is no doubt that this is a top rated hardwood floor vacuum, with some really brilliant features. If you want to pay a little more and get some useful cleaning features, this could be the vacuum for you.
Budget Pick: Dirt Devil SD20000RED Vacuum Cleaner
Why we’ve chosen this product for our Budget Pick
The one for a budget
Dirt Devil SD20000RED
This is for you if you want a great product at a cheap price. With its low price, it still has some great suction power & is super light. This is an impressive machine for the price tag!
It also has wheels which are designed for hardwood, and a cord that is 16ft long. In spite of its bargain price, it also has a high amp motor, 1.25, and is getting great ratings at a good rate. Looking at this in more detail on Amazon, we saw that in the first day, it received its first, second and third 10 rating!
Detailed Review
The Dirt Devil Vacuum Cleaner is a budget option. Right now it is only $19 on Amazon! So what are you buying for your $19? At first, I really thought you can’t be getting much at all, but that is wrong. I’ll take you through its features to find out more:
Suction power:
The Dirt Devil is exactly that. Its suction power and 120v power means it seeks out dirt and makes it disappear in an instant. For a cheap vacuum, you really can’t fault its suction power.
Type
This is a classic stick vacuum, slim and upright, whilst still being quite an innovative product.
Size and portability
This vacuum is one of the most lightweight we reviewed. For $19 you are paying for 4lbs of vacuum! It is really lightweight because of its great construction and engineering. Because of its weight and size, this vacuum is one of the easiest to carry around a big home.
Cord and Hose:
This vacuum has one of the shortest length cords, coming in at only 16ft. If you’ve got a big home you’ll have to keep unplugging and plugging back in. However, it does come with an extra cord wrap, which is really convenient.
Padding:
This vacuum has smooth-rolling wheels, meaning it glides over your hardwood. It won’t scratch or damage your hardwood, which is a real reassurance.
Versatile attachments:
The Dirt Devil doesn’t have lots of extra attachments, but it does have the essentials. It’s easy to detach hand vacuum means it is a great tool to get into hard to reach spaces. It also has a handy crevice tool, making cleaning shelves and around furniture easy.
Dust holding capacity:
Like our top two vacuums, the Dirt Devil is also bagless. This is really smart, as it makes it very easy and simple to empty.
Special features:
The special feature of the Dirt Devil really is its price. It does everything you need to keep a hardwood floor clean.
Pros:
- Low price
- Smooth rolling wheels
- Lightweight
- Good suction power
Cons:
- Short cord
Verdict:
If you’re on a budget and looking for a bargain, then this is the vacuum for you. I couldn’t quite believe it had all the features it does at this price.
Advanced Pick: iRobot Roomba 650 Robotic Vacuum Cleaner
Why we’ve chosen this product for our Budget Pick
Tech wonder
iRobot Roomba 650 Robot Vacuum
A great advanced option
iRobot Roomba 650 Robot Vacuum
This is perfect for anyone looking for a truly wizzy vacuum. It has navigation and sensor technology that puts it way ahead of any of the other options. If you want the latest tech in vacuums, this is for you!
This is the only product which you can schedule up to seven times per week, or you can just press “clean” on the robot to start it. It is these advanced features that you’ll see in our research report. This vacuum also performed well with ratings. In the first day on Amazon, it received its first, second and third 10 ratings.
Detailed Review
The iRobot Roomba 650 Robotic Vacuum Cleaner isn’t really a vacuum it is a robot. iRobot is an innovative company who have been making practical robots to help around the home for over 25 years. Their robot vacuum is a real step into the future. Its features are some of the most exciting I’ve ever seen. The iRobot is a real treat for geeks out there. Here are some of its pioneering features:
Suction power:
The iRobot has a 3-stage sweeper system which sucks up dirt but also agitates and brushes. It is designed to pick up everything from small bits of dirt to larger messes. It does this because it has two cleaning brushes, that work together. Its Dirt Detect sensors let the vacuum know when an area is dirtier, and it will programme itself to work harder on these areas.
Type
This is in no way your average upright or stick vacuum. The iRobot is in its own category. It is a robot. It can run itself and requires no intervention from you.
Size and portability
At only 3.6” tall, this vacuum can be easily stored anywhere in your home. Its iAdapt navigation system means it uses sensors to navigate around your home, it moves itself with no effort from you. All you need to do is either time it to run seven times a week or press the clean button to start it vacuuming.
Cord and Hose:
There is no need for a cord with the iRobot. It automatically docks and recharges itself once it has finished cleaning. You will never have to plug it in!
Padding:
This vacuum auto adjusts to all floor types, meaning it is great to use on hardwood, as well as carpet and other surfaces.
Versatile attachments:
At only 3.6” tall, this vacuum has everything you need inside it already. Its futuristic features, mean you don’t need any additional attachments to ensure it does its job. It fits under all of your furniture, making sure it picks up all of the hard to reach mess. It also has a great edge-sweeping brush which catches dirt at a 27-degree angle along walls and corners.
Dust holding capacity:
The iRobot traps dust easily and simply in its on-board dustbin.
Special features:
This vacuum’s iAdapt technology means it notices when you move things around in your home and adapts. Its sensors will make sure it avoids stairs or steps.
Pros:
- Dirt Detect sensors
- iAdapt technology and navigation system
- Small size to reach everywhere in your home
Cons:
- High price point
Verdict:
There is no doubt that this vacuum is the most advanced that was tested. It does all the work for you. The auto programming and sensors mean you can leave it to do its cleaning, without lifting a finger. It may be the coolest and most advanced, but it is also the most expensive, at nearly $300. If you’re interested in all things advanced and innovative, then you can give it a try. We are confident that you won’t regret this decision later.
A List of 6 Other Hardwood Floor Vacuums We Reviewed
No. 5: VonHaus 600W 2 in 1 Corded Lightweight Upright Stick & Handheld Vacuum Review
Value Pick
VonHaus 600W 2 in 1 Corded Bagless Vacuum
Perfect pick for a budget
VonHaus 600W 2 in 1 Corded Bagless Vacuum
The Vonhaus is light, it has an advanced HEPA system for allergies and cleanliness, and a large dust capacity. It is really good value, and doesn’t skimp on features because of its low price.
Suction power:
The Von Haus runs on 5.5 amps with 130 air watts of suction power, giving you a good level of suction.
Type:
This vacuum is a standard stick vacuum. Handily, it can be adjusted to be set at its full length or without its extended hose for handheld vacuuming.
Size and portability:
This vacuum weights 5.6lbs, so it is a genuinely lightweight option. It also comes with a handy shoulder strap, making it easy for you to lift around your home.
Cord and Hose:
The power cord is 19.5ft long, which is one of the shortest we’ve tested, but still long enough for you to plug in and easily vacuum a room.
Padding:
This vacuum is specifically made for hardwood floors. It will glide over your floor, leaving no trace or marks.
Versatile attachments:
This vacuum can be used as a handheld vacuum, as it comes with a small brush attachment. It also comes with an additional crevice tool, so it reaches all of the nooks and crannies in your home.
Dust holding capacity:
This vacuum has a dust capacity of 1.3l, which is good for a vacuum at this price. This volume means you won’t be emptying it after every clean. Its dust cup is really easy to move, making it simple for anyone to empty dirt into the bin.
Special features:
The VonHaus comes with a HEPA filtration system, making it a great choice for stopping allergies and bugs spreading around your home. The sponge system traps smaller bits of dirt that other vacuums may miss.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- HEPA filtration system
- Good dust capacity
Cons:
- Shorter cord length
Verdict:
This vacuum is another cheap option – it is only about $40. It does a good job for this price. It has good suction power, is light, has a good dust capacity, and all the extras you need. A safe bet.
No. 6: Hoover FloorMate Deluxe Hard Floor Cleaner, FH40160PC – Review
Trusted Brand
Hoover FH40160PC Floor Mate Deluxe
A Hoover and a Mop!
Hoover FH40160PC Floor Mate Deluxe
This well known brand name mops & hoovers! None of the other choices do this, so these features really make it stand out from the crowd.
Suction power:
The spin scrubber brushes on this vacuum scrub the floor from all angles. This patented sweeper method works by using brushes that counter-rotate for a deep clean.
Type:
This vacuum is a standard stick vacuum. It is slim and upright and does not come with lots of attachments like most sticks.
Size and portability:
This vacuum is quite light, it comes in at under 14lbs. Although it isn’t our lightest option, it is still easy to lift and move around.
Cord and Hose:
The power cord is 27ft long, which is one of the longest cords, meaning it will clean a large floor surface area in one go.
Padding:
This vacuum has spin scrubber brushes that gently scrub at hardwood floor, making sure it cleans in a smooth and safe way to protect your floor.
Versatile attachments:
This vacuum doesn’t come with any extra attachments, but being both a vacuum and a mop, it has an additional scrubber, making it really versatile.
Dust holding capacity:
This vacuum has easy to clean tanks, brushes, and nozzles. They are simple to remove, so you can clean them out quickly and easily.
Special features:
The Floormate comes with a great wash/dry mode. It is a mop, a scrubber, and a vacuum. The wash mode uses brushes to clean whilst sucking up water, and the dry mode improves the drying time. Its dual tank technology means clean and dirty water is separated, ensuring clean water only ever goes on your floors.
Pros:
- Long power cord
- Unique spin scrubber technology
Cons:
- No extra attachments
Verdict:
This vacuum could be classified as a mop and a vacuum. It does the job and works well on hardwood floors in particular.
No. 7: Hoover BH50020PC Linx Signature Stick Vacuum Cleaner Review
Cordless Cleaner
HOOVER BH50020PC Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner
Everyday choice for the home
HOOVER BH50020PC Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner
This Hoover is another reliable big brand choice. It is really easy to move around a large home, because it is both lightweight and cordless. A good option for a big family home.
Suction power:
This vacuum boasts its own ‘WindTunnel’ technology to create great suction power. It works by creating streams of suction which get down to the dirt that is hard to reach. Some complained about WindTunnel overheating issue, which you can solve yourself.
Type:
In this product, Hoover has made a classic stick vacuum with lots of useful features.
Size and portability:
This vacuum is only 7.3lbs, so it is a great lightweight option. This, coupled with it being cordless, make it easy to move around your home.
Cord and Hose:
This vacuum comes with a battery system, which enables it to be cordless. The batteries are interchangeable, so it can clean, and be a great scrubber, without being plugged into the wall. Great news for you!
Padding:
This vacuum can be used on both carpet and hardwood, so has padding to ensure both floor types will be protected.
Versatile attachments:
This vacuum doesn’t come with any extra attachments, but it does have a recline handle. This means it can get a lot further under your furniture, compared to a normal stick vacuum. It also has edge cleaning brushes which help it to reach crevices and small gaps.
Dust holding capacity:
This vacuum has a normal dust bag, which can hold a reasonable amount of dust. Dust cups are generally preferable, but a bag isn’t a huge problem. You may need to change it a bit more frequently.
Special features:
This vacuum is another 2 in 1 – it can clean lots of floor types, including tile, and can be easily moved about your home from hardwood to carpet.
Pros:
- Cordless
- Lightweight
- 2 in 1 for carpet, hardwood, and tile
Cons:
- No extra attachments
Verdict:
This vacuum is a standard, everyday model. It will suit most of your needs. If you’ve got a normal sized home, and deal with an average level of mess, then this vacuum will suit you just fine.
No. 8: Oreck Commercial XL2100RHS XL Commercial Upright Vacuum Review
Best cord
Oreck XL2100RHS Commercial XL
Great entry-level choice
Oreck XL2100RHS Commercial XL
A perfect choice if you are looking for a model with the best and longest cord going! This model has good suction, and is one of the best entry-level vacuum picks.
The Oreck Commercial XL2100RHS XL Commercial Upright Vacuum is a vacuum that isn’t necessarily designed for hardwood floors, but it does a neat job cleaning and has a good amount of features.
Suction power:
This vacuum has a brush roll with double helix bushes, meaning it operates at 6,500rpm. Its quick speed means it is good at picking up dirt and moving debris towards the suction.
Type:
This upright vacuum is quite heavy to push. It isn’t self-propelled, so that makes it trickier to move easily around your home.
Size and portability:
This vacuum is 8lbs, so it is not too heavy. You’ll be able to lift it easily around your home. It is also really streamlined, so is easy to store in a small cupboard.
Cord and Hose:
This vacuum comes with a huge cord! It is 35ft long, so can be moved around your home with ease.
Padding:
This vacuum can be used on both carpet and hardwood. It comes with non-marring bumpers which will help protect your hardwood floor.
Versatile attachments:
This vacuum doesn’t come with any extra attachments, but it does have side edge brushes which mean it cleans the edges of your rooms really well.
Dust holding capacity:
This vacuum comes with a dust bag. You can fill the dust bag from the top, so this design makes it easy to remove and empty. The bags are also really cheap to replace, and hold up to 11 qt. of dust, which is a big capacity.
Special features:
This vacuum is a 2 in 1, so it can be used on carpets, tile, and hardwood, without you having to adjust any settings at all. It has a great handle, and well located on/off switch, meaning you don’t have to do too much bending whilst vacuuming.
Pros:
- Great suction power
- 2 in 1 for carpets, tile and hardwood floors
- Really long cord!
Cons:
- No extra attachments
Verdict:
This vacuum has an array of positive features. Its cord length is long, and the fact it can be used on carpet and hardwood is really efficient for homes with both.
No. 9: Shark Rotator Professional Lift-Away (NV501) Review
King of Clean
Shark Rotator NV501 Upright Vacuum
Everything you’d ever need
Shark Rotator NV501 Upright Vacuum
The Shark Rotator comes with a HEP filter, dust cup, 2 in 1 option and a long cord. It is packed full of features, that you need anything else to clean!
Suction power:
This vacuum has a good level of suction power. It does a good job cleaning on both carpet and hardwood floors, and I would recommend it.
Type:
This vacuum is a standard upright option. It has everything you need to clean your home well. At just under $200 it is a little pricey for what you get, but watch online and buy it when it is on sale!
Size and portability:
This vacuum has an advanced swivel steering system which means it enables you to move it easily around furniture.
Cord and Hose:
The cord on this vacuum is 30ft long, so definitely one of the longer length cords compared to other products we’ve looked at. This is really useful as it enables you to move from room to room without unplugging. It makes vacuuming quicker and easier.
Padding:
This vacuum is 2-in-1 and lacks any specific padding designed for hardwood floors. But if your home has tile, carpet, and hardwood, then it will be a good choice for you.
Versatile attachments:
This vacuum comes with an extra pet power brush, which cleans deep into surfaces and picks up all the pet hair you may have loitering around your home. This is great for you if you know how to vacuum pet hair. It also has a lift-away feature, which enables you to move the canister away, making it easier to reach into small crevices.
Dust holding capacity:
This vacuum has an extra large dust cup, meaning it will retain lots of dust before you have to empty it.
Special features:
This vacuum comes with a HEPA filter and anti-allergen technology. It claims to trap 99.9% of dust inside, meaning it is great for those of you with allergies and sensitivities. It is also a 2 in 1 vacuum for all surfaces, meaning it is portable and easy for you to clean your home with both hardwood and carpet.
Pros:
- HEPA filter
- 2in1 for carpet, tile, and hardwood
- Large dust cup
- Long cord
Cons:
- Pricey
Verdict:
This vacuum is everything you need. It is great for homes with both carpet and hardwood. The price is a little steep, but if you have a pet, this could be the one for you.
No. 10: Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Upright (HV302) Review
Pocket Rocket!
Shark Rocket HV302 Upright Vacuum
A light & portable dream
Shark Rocket HV302 Upright Vacuum
The main selling point of this pick is how easy it is to move around. Its slim and light design make it the easiest of all the picks to move around your home.
Suction power:
This vacuum has a really good level of suction power. Over hours of cleaning, it won’t decrease or lose its suction power. When I used it, it never left a bit of dirt on the floor but sucked everything up cleanly and efficiently.
Type:
This vacuum is a slim upright option. You can use it on hardwood and carpet, and its finger controls enable you to switch between each floor type at the touch of a button.
Size and portability:
This vacuum weighs in at under 8lbs, so is one of our more lightweight options. It really does live up to its ultra-lite name!
Cord and Hose:
The cord on this vacuum is 25ft long, which is fine. You’ll be able to move it around your home, without constantly unplugging.
Padding:
Like others I’ve looked at this vacuum is 2 in 1, so lacks any extra padding to protect hardwood.
Versatile attachments:
This vacuum comes with a lot of versatile attachments, including a dust-away hand attachment and a washable microfibre pad. It also converts into a hand vacuum tool, so is good at cleaning your whole home. It comes with a home and car kit as well, giving you some useful extra tools.
Dust holding capacity:
This vacuum has a dust cup that you can easily empty. It holds 42 dry quarts which is quite a lot of volume, so you won’t be changing it too often. When it does need changing, the cup design makes it simple and quick to do.
Pros:
- Lots of attachments
- Lightweight
Cons:
- No padding
Verdict:
This vacuum’s special selling point is how light and portable it is. If you want a vacuum that you can easily carry from room to room, and also reaches all of the crevices in your home, then choose the Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Upright (HV302).
A List of Some Other Products We Tested
- Dirt Devil Power Air Corded Bagless Stick Vacuum for Hard Floors SD20505>>> 9 Positive Features as seen on our research report
- Hoover Vacuum Cleaner Linx Bagless Corded Cyclonic Lightweight Stick Vacuum SH20030>>> 7 Positive Features as seen on our research report
- Eufy RoboVac 11>>> 10 Positive Features as seen on our research report
- Shark Rocket TruePet Corded Ultra-Light Upright (HV322)>>> 7 Positive Features as seen on our research report
- Bissell 1132A Symphony All-in-One Vacuum and Steam Mop>>> 2 Positive Features as seen on our research report
- Dyson V6 Cord Free Vacuum>>> 1 Positive Features as seen on our research report
- Dyson V6 Motor Head Cord-free Vacuum>>> 2 Positive Features as seen on our research report
- Dyson 206900-01 Ball Multi Floor Upright Corded Vacuum>>> 5 Positive Features as seen on our research report
- ECOVACS DEEBOT N78 Robotic Vacuum Cleaner, Tangle-free Suction for Pet Hair, Hard Floor>>> 9 Positive Features as seen on our research report
- Hoover Vacuum Cleaner Air Steerable WindTunnel Bagless Lightweight Corded Upright UH72400>>> 1 Positive Features as seen on our research report
Caring for Your New Hardwood Floor Vacuum
So now you’ve got all the information you need on the top-class hardwood floor vacuums on the market. Once you’ve settled on one of our picks and parted with the cash, you need to know how to care for your new toy. The last thing you want to do is fail to maintain it. Soon it won’t work to the best of its ability. Here at The Soothing Air we’ve racked our brains and come up with our top tips on caring for your new hardwood floor vacuum:
- Check the bag or dust cup often:
If your new vacuum has a dust bag or cup, you must keep checking it and change it when it get’s full. You’ll be surprised to know the vacuum will work best when it is 1/3 full, so keep checking it regularly to get the best results.
- Clean the brush or brush roll:
Clean out the brush regularly. Don’t let it get full of hair, dust or other bits. Use your hand to remove any loose bits to make sure you can vacuum to 100%.
- Check the hose and belts
Sometimes the vacuum hose will have really bad suction. If this happens, check the hose since there may be something stuck inside that you have to fish out. Regularly have a look at the brush belt as well. If it has a break or is loose, buy a new one.
- Check your filter
Your filter will depend on the vacuum you buy, but check your manual and follow the instructions on how to replace or clean the filter.
Your Search Is Over!
Here at The Soothing Air we embarked on a journey to help you choose the best hardwood floor vacuum for you. Like you, we faced utter confusion when moving from carpet to hardwood. That’s why we set out to compare products on the market and bring that information back to you. This guide has given you lots of detail on what features these vacuums have, and the what things to consider in your home. We’ve gone into depth with information on each product, and also give you an array of reviews. Now you’re up to speed on vacuums, why not think about home decorating, our houseplant article will give you loads of amazing ideas. We really hope our guide has helped you in your search to find your new vacuum. Hopefully, you’ve already bought one of our picks and are eagerly awaiting its first use! Thanks for reading our guide!
