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Best Vacuums for Hardwood Floors

Updated June 2022
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Dyson V7 Fluffy Hardwood Cord-free Stick Vacuum
Dyson
V7 Fluffy Hardwood Cord-free Stick Vacuum
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Cordless Option
Bottom Line

A powerful and easy-to-use stick vacuum designed specifically to clean hardwood floors without scratching them.

Pros

The soft bristles of the head ensure that your floor stays scratch-free while you suck up crumbs, pet hair, and other debris. The slim head easily reaches under furniture and appliances, and the vacuum can be used in upright or handheld mode. Provides reliable power.

Cons

The short battery life means you can only clean a couple of rooms before the vacuum needs charging.

Best Bang for the Buck
Shark APEX Stick Vacuum
Shark
APEX Stick Vacuum
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Best for Pets
Bottom Line

Our cleaning expert loves this pick thanks to its self-cleaning brush roll and lightweight, easy-to-maneuver design.

Pros

The brush roll's self-cleaning design keeps pet hair from getting tangled. Able to swivel quite a bit, allowing it to tackle compact areas. Can be converted into a hand vacuum if needed. The LED lights make it easy to see where you are cleaning. The dust cup has a good amount of capacity for a stick vacuum.

Cons

It won't stand up on its own, which can be annoying for some users.

Eufy BoostIQ RoboVac
Eufy
BoostIQ RoboVac
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Most Self-Sufficient
Bottom Line

This robotic vacuum conveniently cleans on its own, and our cleaning expert loves that is thin enough to glide under furniture.

Pros

Requires no effort on your part—just turn on and go. Many reviewers say this is the best vacuum they've owned. Features BoostIQ technology that seamlessly transitions from hardwood to carpet. Senses and pivots around stairs, walls, and other hazards. Extremely quiet. Large dust box.

Cons

You can only program this to start at the same time every day. It can't be scheduled for use on alternate days, weekly, or another schedule.

Shark Vertex Powered Lift-Away Upright Vacuum
Shark
Vertex Powered Lift-Away Upright Vacuum
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Bottom Line

An expert-recommended vacuum with plenty of suction power and a large-capacity dust cup.

Pros

It has a self-cleaning brush roll for picking up more pet hair without wrapping and a soft roller that makes it suitable for all floors. The detachable pod lets users clean underneath tight spaces and easily access hard-to-reach areas such as corners.

Cons

It's loud, and some users find it too heavy.

Tineco Floor ONE S3 Cordless Hardwood Floors Cleaner
Tineco
Floor ONE S3 Cordless Hardwood Floors Vacuum Cleaner
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All-In-One
Bottom Line

One of our expert's top picks thanks to its ability to both vacuum and mop hardwood floors without too much hassle.

Pros

Has a 5-in-1 cleaning system that can handle most aspects of hardwood floor maintenance. Adjusts suction power automatically depending on the surface that needs cleaning. Runs for 35 minutes on battery power. Has 2 tanks to separate clean and dirty water.

Cons

Takes quite a bit of time to fully charge.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Buying guide for Best vacuums for hardwood floors

The floors in many homes were once covered wall to wall with carpeting, and vacuums were designed to suck out all the dust and debris hidden in the fibers. However, features useful for freshening up rugs and carpets are useless on hard floors. Worse, some carpet-specific vacuum components can damage delicate hardwood floors. That doesn’t mean you can’t vacuum hardwood. It’s perfectly safe as long as you choose an appropriate vacuum cleaner for the job.

BestReviews wants to help you find the right vacuum so you can keep your hardwood floors clean and shiny. The right vacuum should suck up nearly every speck of dirt, be easy to empty, and not leave nicks and scratches in the wood.

Our shopping guide examines the unique needs of wood flooring, your vacuum options for wood surfaces, and tips to help keep your floors looking sharp.

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Choose the right size vacuum. Make sure you have enough storage space to hide it away.

Unique needs of hardwood floors

Hardwood looks lovely, clean, and modern. It’s a versatile flooring option that’s perfect for a variety of interior styles, but it comes with its own unique challenges that require a particular type of vacuum.

Avoid vacuums with brush rollers

Hardwood scratches easily, so it’s best to avoid vacuums with brush rollers to prevent damage. Rollers with thick bristles are designed to scrape up dust sitting deep inside carpets, but you don’t need a brush to pick up dirt on hardwood. It’s tough for debris to hide on hardwood, so a sturdy roller brush isn’t necessary.

Look for vacuums with powerful suction

Dust settles easily into the nooks and crannies of hardwood floors. Without a brush to help scoop up particles, suction is the primary way debris gets from your floor into the vacuum. You need a vacuum with powerful suction to make sure everything gets picked up. Fortunately, it’s easier to spot dirt on hardwood floors, so targeting messy spots is no trouble at all.

Types of vacuums for hardwood floors

Canister and upright vacuums are excellent choices for cleaning hardwood floors because they offer powerful suction action and often come with attachments. The next best thing? Robotic vacuums. These are great for daily sweeps and keeping your home tidy between more thorough vacuuming jobs. Lightweight stick vacuums aren’t as powerful as other types but will do the trick for light cleaning jobs.

Upright vacuums

These stand on their own, so you can use attachments and pause to dust without having to worry about your vacuum tipping over. Upright vacuums are heavier than other types but usually have the strongest suction. Avoid models with permanently attached hard bristle brushes that can scratch your floor.

Canister vacuums

These have a hose attached to a big canister. Canister vacuums have good suction power but aren’t the best choice for multi-level homes. Avoid models with plastic or metal wheels that can damage wood flooring.

Stick vacuums

These are skinny versions of upright vacuums. Typically cordless and lightweight, stick vacuums are great for small jobs and tight spaces but not usually designed for use on carpet. If you have several types of flooring in your home choose a model that comes with the appropriate attachments.

Robotic vacuums

These do all the hard work for you, but the canisters aren’t as big as those on other vacuum types, and the battery life is highly variable depending on the model you choose. Robotic vacuums can also get stuck, some models more than others. If you have carpets or rugs in your home, keep in mind that not all robotic vacuums are capable of cleaning them. These are great for homes with pets that shed a lot, and some models can also sweep and mop hardwood floors.

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Expert Tip
If you choose a robotic vacuum, consider running it when you’re not home. This way, you stay out of its way and you come home to a clean house.
BestReviews Cleaning Expert

Vacuuming factors to consider

Consider the following when shopping for a vacuum that can efficiently sweep the dust and dirt off your hardwood floors.

Flooring

You’ll need to be more careful in selecting a vacuum model if your home has floors of soft uncoated wood. Delicate floors? Opt for a lighter vacuum. Pets already wreaking havoc on your hardwood? Limit further damage by choosing a vacuum without a brush. Do you also have carpeting in your home? Choose a versatile unit that can do a good job on either surface.

Pets

Roller brushes aren't the most effective tool for picking up pet hair. Hair gets tangled up in the bristles and is hard to extract. If you’re looking for a hardwood-compatible model, you’ll want to avoid thick bristle brushes that may damage your flooring. Homeowners with pets should look for a vacuum with powerful suction to ensure all that the fluff gets picked up.

Weight

A lighter vacuum is easier to carry around the home. If you’re climbing a flight of stairs each time you vacuum, choose a model that you can comfortably tote. A heavy vacuum could also leave marks on your wood floors if it’s dropped.

Canister size

This is important regardless of flooring type. How much dirt does it hold? Will you need to empty it frequently? Robotic vacuums are great for regular cleanups, but the canisters are small. If you have a large home filled with kids and shedding pets, an upright holds more debris at once. You’ll pick up just as much dirt on hardwood as you might on carpets, so choose a vacuum with a decent canister size.

Expert Tip
Keeping your filters clean allows your vacuum to run longer and stronger.
BestReviews Cleaning Expert

Noise

Carpeting dampens sound better than hardwood. If you’re worried about making a racket when passing your vacuum over your hardwood floors, choose a cordless model. These are usually quieter, but keep in mind that cordless vacuums might not provide as much suction as other types.

Wheels

Avoid wheels made of metal or plastic. They’ll scratch up your hardwood floors, especially when those wheels are attached to a heavy vacuum. Rubber is gentler on hardwood.

"A cordless vacuum is convenient for quickly moving from room to room without having to unplug and replug a cord. Check the battery life to make sure it will be up to the task of vacuuming your home on a single charge."
STAFF
BestReviews

Vacuum features to consider

You don't need a device with many special functions to vacuum hardwood floors. Here are the main features to look for as you shop.

Attachments

For cleaning hardwood, crevice tools are the most useful for reaching dirt trapped under furniture or in awkward places your vacuum can’t reach. You don’t need a brush attachment unless your home has carpet in addition to hardwood. If you do have carpet, choose a vacuum with a detachable roller brush or a model that comes with a brush attachment.

Adjustability

If your home has different types of flooring, look for a vacuum with adjustable height. High-pile carpeting requires a bigger gap between the vacuum and floor, but on hardwood, too big a gap can reduce suction.

Expert Tip
Rinse your canister with water when cleaning your vacuum. Allow the canister to dry for a full 24 hours prior to putting your vacuum back together.
BestReviews Cleaning Expert

Mop and sweep

Some robotic vacuums have additional functions, such as mopping and sweeping. These are great extra features for cleaning hardwood floors.

Tips

  • Have a “no shoe” rule. Don’t wear sneakers, clogs, or boots in the home. You wouldn’t believe the amount of dirt that’s tracked in on footwear. Keep your floors cleaner by removing your shoes and asking guests to do the same. Use a doormat, too.

  • Vacuum often. If you don’t have time to vacuum, choose a robotic model that can run every day and help you keep floors free of dust and pet hair.

  • If you see dirt, clean it up. Mud, spilled drinks, and water will damage your hardwood floors if left to dry. Wipe up and dry the mess right away.

  • Use floor protectors. Put felt or rubber protectors under your furniture to prevent scratches on the hardwood floor.

  • Don’t use a steam cleaner on hardwood. The steam from these mops can cause dirt to settle in cracks and crevices ruining the sleek look of your hardwood floors.

  • Bust out the mop. Mop after vacuuming and don’t overspray the surface, it should dry quickly.

Vacuum prices

The cost of a vacuum for hardwood floors depends on the type of vacuum, how powerful it is, and its array of features. Depending on how advanced the unit is, expect to pay from less than $150 to $800.

A lightweight cordless stick vacuum is easy to find for under $150, while powerful upright models may cost well over $300 and robotic vacuums as much as $800.

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Before running a robotic vacuum over hardwood floors, move thick rugs, cables, cords, and other obstacles out of the way to prevent your little robot helper from getting stuck.

FAQ

Q. Can’t I just sweep my hardwood floors?

A. Sure. A quick sweep will do the trick for a localized mess, but sweeping your entire house is a chore. Vacuuming is faster and will pick up more without spreading dust back into the air.

Q. I have a home with hardwood and carpeting. What are my options?

A. Choose a vacuum that comes with a roller brush attachment for cleaning your carpets. When you’re finished with the carpeting, you can remove the brush so that it won’t damage your wood floors.

Q. Is vacuuming enough to keep my hardwood floors looking clean and shiny?

A. You’ll also need to mop your floors from time to time. Vacuuming helps to get at the dust that’s settled there, but it won’t remove stains and stuck-on dirt.

Q. Is hardwood better than carpet?

A. Carpet might feel soft underfoot, but it’s a haven for dust mites and dirt. High-pile carpets are tough to clean thoroughly, and even a low pile tends to hold onto odors. Stains are easy to spot and tough to get out. Hardwood is more hygienic, easier to clean, and looks sleek. Craving that cozy feel under your toes? Buy an area rug to soften up your space.