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The Top Vacuum Cleaners for Hardwood Floors

We tried dozens of top vacuum cleaners for hardwood floors to find the best one for your individual needs.

Published by: Katherine Frame

& Last updated:

Top Vacuum Cleaners for Hardwood Floors

When it comes to improving your hardwood floors, what goes hand-in-hand with a good vacuum? Clearly, it’s a good vacuum. If you don’t already own a vacuum for hardwood floors, you’re in luck.

We’ve done the research and testing for you to find the top vacuum cleaners for hardwood floors, and we believe that the BISSELL CrossWave 3-in-1 Multi-Surface Cleaner is the best vacuum you can use for hardwood floors.

EDITOR’S CHOICE

BISSELL CrossWave 3-in-1 Multi-Surface Floor & Vacuum Cleaner

— Best vacuum for hardwood floors

This BISSELL CrossWave simultaneously vacuums and wash the floors in your home in one easy step.

With over 1300 5-star ratings, BISSELL CrossWave is capable of vacuuming, mopping, and drying multiple floor types in one go!

It works simultaneously to vacuum and washes the floors with a clean capacity of 828ml and digital touch controls for intuitive and convenient control of cleaning.

Our Pick

Dyson V11 Torque Drive Vacuum

— Best vacuum for hardwood floors

Dyson V11 is a cordless vacuum that uses high torque cleaner head that intelligently adapts to different floor types in Auto mode.

This is another great vacuum cleaner for hardwood floors by Dyson. It is a cordless vacuum with an Intelligent Auto mode that adapts to different floor types automatically.

Dyson V11 captures 99.97% of microscopic dust particles leaving the floor and house super clean. You can also use this device as a handheld vacuum to reach under low furniture and hard-to-reach places.

Everything we recommend…

Editor’s choice

BISSELL CrossWave 3-in-1 Multi-Surface Vacuum Cleaner

This BISSELL CrossWave simultaneously vacuums and wash the floors in your home in one easy step.

our pick

Dyson V11 Torque Drive Vacuum Cleaner

Dyson V11 is a cordless vacuum that uses high torque cleaner head that intelligently adapts to different floor types in Auto mode.

Budget Pick

Miele Cat and Dog PowerLine Bagged Vacuum Cleaner

Miele PowerLine bagged vacuum cleaner uses high suction power of 900 watts to efficiently clean floors.

How we tested…

We have tested 30+ vacuum cleaners to find out the best ones for you.

Manufacturer, Capacity, Dimensions, Suction power, Included components, and Customer reviews.

All the vacuum cleaners were bought from online stores with some standard filters like at least 1,000+ customer reviews, good suction power, vacuuming type, and a high overall warranty by the manufacturer.

BISSELL CrossWave 3-in-1 Multi-Surface Vacuum Cleaner

EDITOR’S CHOICE

BISSELL CrossWave 3-in-1 Multi-Surface Floor & Vacuum Cleaner

— Best vacuum for hardwood floors

This BISSELL CrossWave simultaneously vacuums and wash the floors in your home in one easy step.

The CrossWave is a highly advanced appliance that has the facility of being able to vacuum and wash hardwood flooring concurrently. This means that owners will be able to conserve time by using the same product to clean floors both ways in a single straightforward step.

The wastewater is stored in a completely different tank than the clean water through the use of a two-tank build so that it is not unintentionally blended with the fresh mix.

The dual-action brush roll is what enables the Bissell models to remove debris while also mopping in an approach that has been scientifically proven to be more exceptional than a sponge mop that might otherwise be an undesired lower-cost alternative.

The cleaning is ideal for solid hardwood flooring, but it can also deliver the same results on many other surfaces such as everything from tile to laminate and beyond. There are multiple models that all weigh in at a mere 11.5 pounds so that it is sure to be painless to maneuver around the home or building for users of all builds.

The base model and Pet Pro version all are equipped with 25-foot cords for a healthy range, and there is also the Cordless Max model that has a 36V Lithium-Ion Battery allowing for no cord restraints.

It takes just the single click of a button to switch operation mode from hard floors to area rugs in a moment. After the chores are complete it can all be placed on the docking tray in order to clean and dry the brush rolls and then store the machine until needed at a later time.

For personal use, there is an included 2-year warranty that will ensure free repair or replacement when necessary.

Quick facts

Manufacturer: BISSELL

Model name: BISSELL CrossWave

Power / wattage: 560 watts

Capacity: 0.8 litres

Weight: 5 kg

In the box: Crosswave floor cleaner, filter, multi-surface brush roll, 236ml sample bottle of cleaning formula, and storage tray.

Pros: Dual-action mop + dry, two tank build, supports BISSELL pet foundation, and cleans multiple surfaces.

Cons: Not ideal for carpets.

Dyson V11 Torque Drive Vacuum

Our Pick

Dyson V11 Torque Drive Vacuum

— Best vacuum for hardwood floors

Dyson V11 is a cordless vacuum that uses high torque cleaner head that intelligently adapts to different floor types in Auto mode.

This Dyson handheld vacuum outrivals many of the alternatives in its range because of the torque component that has much more suction than traditional models. It is said to transcend the suction of all other cord-free vacuums by at least twice as much and even gives 40% more suction power than their own Dyson V8 cord-free product.

There is an auto mode that allows for a smart adaptation of the cleaner head so that it best handles different floor types without any irk. That technology is termed the Dyson Dynamic Load Sensor (DLS) and it tracks the resistance of the brush bar some 360 times per second in order to properly tailor run time and power.

The fine dust on hardwood floors is best handled with the carbon fiber filaments of the brush bar and stiff nylon bristles are there for the deeper dirt in carpets.

In many less meticulous vacuums, there can still be lingering dust particles, but the V11 utilizes the whole machine for filtration so that 99. 97% of microscopic pieces are eliminated meaning that everything down to 0.3 microns is eradicated.

It can be used for an average runtime of about 60 minutes before the included lithium metal batteries need recharging, and this is done with 14 cyclones to get everything unwanted into the bin. It can easily be switched over to a handheld so that even the more hard-to-reach places and low furniture can be tackled.

With a moderate weight of around 6.68 pounds, it holds 3.15 fluid ounces that making it a copacetic tool for all ages. The battery has nickel cobalt aluminum cathodes that give it the preponderant suction ability and allow it to adjust for the smallest pet hair or dirt in carpet and upholstery as well.

Quick facts

Manufacturer: Dyson

Is cordless?: Yes

Suction power: 185 AW

Bin volume: 0.76 L

Weight: 2.97 KG

Charge time: 4.5 hrs

Run time: Up to 60 min

In the box: Dyson V11 Torque Drive vacuum cleaner, torque drive motorhead, mini motorized tool, combination tool, crevice tool, wand storage clip, docking station, charger, and quick-release mini soft dusting brush

Pros: Twice as much suction, extra battery for longevity, intelligent suction adjustment, LCD screen run time, and performance.

Cons: Smaller dust bin capacity.

Miele Cat and Dog PowerLine Bagged Vacuum Cleaner

Also Great

Miele Cat and Dog PowerLine Bagged Vacuum Cleaner

— Best for cleaning pet hair from floors

Miele PowerLine bagged vacuum cleaner uses high suction power of 900 watts to efficiently clean floors.

The motor on these Complete C3 products gives a powerful 890 watts of suction with the C3 Silence utilizing only 550 watts in order to provide a quieter operation mode.

There is powerful suction dispersed along the reeling brush bar so that it can not only sufficiently handle the dust particles across hardwood floors, but also remove lint and hair that can so often find a misfortunate home in low-pile carpets as well.

The adjustment of the telescopic suction wand is effortless and then it uses a practical locking system in order to secure itself with the handle at whatever working height is necessary for the area being addressed. The floorhead and tube can then be parked into the canister for storage or to merely take a break in the work.

The Miele comes equipped with an ActiveAirClean filter system which incorporates a charcoal layer so that even the lowest odors of pets or related to smoking can be neutralized in order to restore fresh air throughout the space. Foot controls are easily reached so that there is no need to lean down and stretch to change the suction level.

Also, there is a footswitch that allows for a foot tap that will rewind the cable into the casing for more convenient storage. A cable rewind test was given importance so that it can be expected to hold steady for over 10,000 rewinds which is related to approximately 20 years of steady use.

Quick facts

Manufacturer: Miele

Model name: Complete C3 Cat & Dog PowerLine

Power / Wattage: 890 watts

Capacity: 4.5 liters

Bin volume: 0.76 L

Weight: 7.26 kg

In the box: Upholstery nozzle, crevice nozzle, dusting brush with synthetic bristles, and turbobrush STB 305-3.

Pros: High power suction, emote floor head, active air clean filter, foot controls, and 12-meter radius.

Cons: Smaller bag capacity.

Vax H85-GA-B10 Gator Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner

Budget pick

Vax H85-GA-B10 Gator Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner

— Best handheld budget vacuum

This vacuum by Vax is a cordless handheld vacuum cleaner perfect for quicker, and effortless cleaning.

Everyday messes and spills can be handled with no problem using this Vax Gator model. It is very portable with a weight of only around 2.73 pounds meaning that it can be taken wherever it needs to go and then provide up to 15 minutes of vacuum power.

Whether the need is to get spot cleaning within vehicles or on stairs that so many of the larger full-scale vacuums are not totally appropriate for it can get the job done. The capacity is 0.3L so that it can handle more moderate messes throughout the home or business as well with its ideal cordless design giving it a win in corners or other areas with the built-in crevice tools.

It is easy to empty because of the gator mouth design that keeps the mess in the cleaner and is bagless so that there is no need to worry about constantly replacing and purchasing those. This means that there is no need to worry about even getting your hands dirty when it is time to expel the debris.

A 1-year long warranty can insure that the product is able to deliver the expected use or else Vax will repair and replace it for something that is capable. Also, the orange and white color makes for a very high-class-looking variation that goes with the modern appeal.

This is a reasonable powered model for the budget price that can be hard to outdo, but it cannot be expected to handle larger commercial-type situations and messes but rather household-type chores.

Quick facts

Manufacturer: Vax

Is cordless?: Yes

Capacity: 0.3 litres

Weight: ‎1.24 kg

Weight: 12 hours

Run time: 15 minutes

In the box: Vacuum cleaner, charger, and user guide.

Pros: Light 1.24 kg body, 15-minute battery life, cordless gator mouth, and 1-year guarantee.

Cons: Longer charging time of the battery.

Are Vacuums Safe for Hardwood Floors?

There are a number of features that can make vacuums more appropriate to be used with solid hardwood flooring, but if a model has these then it should not be a worry to use without leaving scratches along the way. This gentle cleaning can be achieved through some key features like rubberized or felted wheels.

Also, many models such as the ones reviewed above now have an automatic suction adjustment that makes them easily readjust and there is often an adjustable height setting as well that can be varied.

There can be “suction-only” models that will be specially contrived for bare floors because they will not come equipped with the brush roll that many others will have.

Sometimes this brush roll can be manually turned off or there might be a soft-bristle variation that will take on the bareness without damaging or scattering the debris that it is able to handle.

However, strong suction and airflow can still be a liberating factor that will keep the number of necessary passes to a minimum in order to handle the type of cleanliness that a user is likely to hope to be able to achieve.

What to Look for in Vacuum Cleaners for Hardwood Floors

The easiest way to keep your hardwood floors looking beautiful is with a vacuum that’s designed for the job. Here are three things you should look for in a hardwood floor vacuum.

1. Lightweight and Cordless

One of the most pertinent features when it comes to selecting a vacuum cleaner that is especially apt for hardwood flooring is its overall weight.

Cordless vacuum cleaners are most often able to handle a number of different floor types, but their lightweight design means that they are even better than full-scale models.

The compactness of these tools can also help with reducing the abrasion and wear that might otherwise be dealt to the wood planks and finishes.

2. Multi-use and Surfaces

Some of the models that are able to vacuum and wash at the same time can be a more ideal solution so that even annoying wet and dry messes will be cleaned with less effort and time.

When pets are living in the same space it can be a good decision to get one of the models that is specifically made to address the pet hair that might otherwise not get sucked fully.

3. Gentle Brush Rolls

Also, there are tangle-free brush rolls such as the Bissell Crosswave that keep hair from wrapping around and creating a mess within the head of the appliance. A multi-surface formula can be most optimal no matter what type of wood manufacturing style it is rolled onto.

Tips for Cleaning Floors with Vacuum Cleaners

Keep your home neat and clean with these tips on how to vacuum floors…

  • Vacuum Regularly: This keeps the debris from building up or finding its way into deeper and darker crevices so that the task will be more manageable each time.
  • Frequent Canister Emptying: The vacuum cleaner has to work harder when it is pushing through larger levels of debris, and so it can lose suction power without frequent keeping an empty canister
  • First Clean The Floor: While some models are better able to handle wet and dry combinations, it is best to clean all of this and dry the floor properly first if you are using a regular variety
  • Vacuum After Other Cleaning: It is not good to vacuum beforehand and then simply dump dust and crumbs back onto the surface that valuable time was spent on. Clean other surfaces first and then dust by using a specific order
  • Professional Cleaning Occasionally: The need for a full-on deep and professional solution can be necessary every three to six months because even the higher end vacuum models are only able to reach so much before hitting their upper limit and capacity. This can help the flooring last longer too.

Conclusion

Hardwood flooring has long been a preference for homeowners over the years, and for that reason, there are scores of various options to select from when one is ready to place a permanent covering on the floor.

Overall BISSELL CrossWave is a pretty good option for cleaning hardwood floors with a vacuum cleaner.

EDITOR’S CHOICE

BISSELL CrossWave 3-in-1 Multi-Surface Floor & Vacuum Cleaner

— Best vacuum for hardwood floors

This BISSELL CrossWave simultaneously vacuums and wash the floors in your home in one easy step.

FAQs

Is it better to mop or vacuum hardwood floors?

A microfiber dust mop or vacuum can both be equivalent solutions when it comes to removing debris and allergens that would only be getting tossed around when sweeping hardwood flooring. In many cases, it can be best to vacuum prior to a wet cleaning so that this dirt is not smeared across leaving a dirtier floor than before.

Do vacuums damage hardwood floors?

Vacuum cleaners that are not derived for a function on hardwood flooring are able to damage the layers of the planks or the finish. This is because the brush roll may have a higher rotational rate that might be exemplary when it comes to getting deep into carpeting, but will scratch and leave blemishes when used too roughly.

Do I need a vacuum if I have hardwood floors?

A vacuum may not be an absolute necessity if you are going to handle much of the mopping and remove debris in that manner. In order to save time this can all be handled in a synchronous manner so that there will not be a need for as many passes or the need for as many tools.

When is it better to vacuum, rather than sweep, hardwood floors?

A broom and dustpan may be the cheaper alternative, but it is still slower and more time-consuming than the newer vacuums on the market today. If someone in a home is bothered with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory troubles then it may be best to opt for a heavier duty vacuum that can get more of the allergens and filter as needed.

Will a robotic vacuum clean hardwood floors?

The bare and even surface that hardwood floors deliver allows for the best action of robot vacuums. Some models are better at getting over pet hair and larger debris with ease, but it is definitely something that can be handled by robotic tools with some even able to empty bins or mop now.

Photo of author

Article by:

Katherine Frame

Katherine Frame is a professional writer and reviewer who worked in higher education for eight years before working on The Hardware Hub. She has written for multiple home magazines and blogs.

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