Best Wood Floor Vacuum Cleaner Reviews

Keeping a clean floor is an essential aspect of maintaining hygiene in your home. This is why you need the right weapon of choice to combat the brunt of pollution that normally comes to this area of the house. You won’t find a better tool for this purpose than a vacuum cleaner.

Although most vacuum cleaners are designed to clean most surfaces, they may not be suitable for certain floor types.

Wooden floors often require specialized vacuums not just because they have a distinct look but because there’s a huge chance of damaging them if you use a multi-floor cleaner.

So when looking for the best wood floor vacuum for your home, you should aim for a unit that will be able to deliver the power you need without scratching the surface of your floor.

In this article, we hope to clear up all the confusion that comes with purchasing a wood floor vacuum so that you can make the best use of your time and money. After researching and testing several products, we were finally able to compile a list of the best hardwood floor vacuum in the market at the moment.

Editor’s Recommendation: Top 5 Wood Floor Vacuum

Features to Look for Before Buying a Hardwood Floor Vacuum Cleaner

To help you make an informed decision, here’s a guide on the key things to look out for when purchasing a wood floor vacuum for your home.

Portability

One of the first things you should consider when shopping for a wood floor vacuum is how portable it is. This will largely depend on the weight of the machine.

A bulky unit is usually very difficult to move around, so it’s generally recommended to go for a lightweight model. This is very important, especially if you have a staircase in your home.

Power Source

Vacuum cleaners may either be powered by electricity or battery. The units that run on electricity need to be connected to a power source via a cord; these are the corded models.

Cordless vacuum cleaners do not need to be connected to an external power source; rather, they are powered by batteries.

The major advantage corded units have is that they don’t run out of power like the cordless units do when they have a low battery. However, they have limited mobility because of their cords. You have to use them close to an electric outlet.

If you’re considering a corded model, make sure it has a long cable. For a battery-powered model, ensure it has a long battery life and charges very quickly.

Versatility

To maximize the efficiency and utility of your cleaner, we advise going for a unit that allows you to use attachments. A vacuum cleaner that provides space for attachments is usually more versatile than a unit that doesn’t offer this feature.

For instance, a crevice attachment can help you access tight areas while a squeegee will be useful against stains.

With these attachments, you can also convert the vacuum and use it to clean your upholstery, drape, window sills, and other areas above your floor.

Some key attachments you should look out for include brushes, crevice tool, edging wand, and squeegees.

Budget

Price is something you must always consider when purchasing any item for your home, not just a floor vacuum. Like most products, vacuum cleaners have a wide price range, so you’re most likely to find something that falls within your budget.

However, if you don’t mind spending extra, you can opt for a pricier model. But a high price tag is not always an indication of superior quality.

Padding

This is something often found in some of the best hardwood vacuum cleaners, usually on the sides and around the bottom of the machine. You may also find it on the wheels.

Padding is important because it helps to protect your floor against accidental scratches as you move the vacuum around. Rubber is the most common material used for padding.

5 Best Wood Floor Vacuum Reviews

Below is a review of the top wood floor vacuums currently available in the market.

1. Bissell Hard Floor Expert Multi-Cyclonic Bagless Canister Vacuum

To kick off our list of the best wood floor vacuum cleaners is the Bissell Multi-Cyclonic Bagless Canister Vacuum. This unit is very popular for its incredible suction and excellent performance on the hardwood floor. It comes with many interesting features you will not normally find in an average model.

Top on the list is its Multi-Cyclonic technology, which is responsible for its huge suction power. This makes the vacuum highly effective for removing dust, debris, and other particles.

There are very few units that can rival its degree of thoroughness. So whether it’s your home or office that needs a thorough wipe, you will find this Bissell Canister very sufficient.

Another thing you will like about this unit is its compact and lightweight design, which makes it quite easy to carry around. It is also perfect for cleaning raised places and other areas you might not be able to reach ordinarily with many other vacuum cleaners.

And like many high-end models, it is suitable for both domestic and commercial use. So whether you’re purchasing the machine for business or home use, you can rest assured it won’t disappoint.

The cleaning width of the vacuum is around 11-inches; this allows you to cover a significant portion at one-go, thereby making your work faster. You will like the easy empty dirt tank, which allows you to dispose of dirt without creating any mess.

Apart from wood, the machine also works for carpet floors. Overall, this is a pretty decent vacuum that comes highly recommended. Despite having a low price point, it’s still one of the best cleaners for hardwood.

Pros

• Quiet operation
• Compact and lightweight
• Easy dirt disposal
• Telescoping wand

Cons

• Not suitable for delicate carpets

2. Shark Navigator NV356E Lift-Away Professional Vacuum Cleaner

In terms of power and functionality, the Shark Navigator is one of the best upright vacuums you will find in the market.

Apart from the incredible power it provides, the NV356E prides itself as a lightweight and user-friendly model. This makes it a perfect fit for homeowners who have little or no experience with vacuum cleaners.

The machine is incredibly popular, and it’s not difficult to see why. It is one of the more effective utilitarian upright vacuums you will ever come across (at least for now).

Apart from its compatibility with hardwood floors, it also works for carpets and stairs and does an amazing job on each surface, reaching into very tight spaces to remove dirt.

In addition to its powerful suction, the vacuum comes with an excellent filtration system, which ensures all pollutants are retained in the dirt canister. This consists of a HEPA filter and an Anti-Allergen Complete Seal technology, which helps to hold back all the pollens, dust, and allergens trapped into the system.

As a result, people with asthma or allergy can use the machine without putting their health at risk. In other words, the Shark Navigator is a cleaning vacuum for everyone.

This unit also prides itself on being very versatile. You can easily transit from carpet to hardwood cleaning – thanks to its brushroll shutoff feature. Sadly, the machine doesn’t come with height adjustment, so cleaning high pile carpets can be a problem.

The vacuum also offers a few useful cleaning attachments – crevice tool, dusting brush, and pet power brush. It also features a Lift-Away technology that makes it easy to reach into tight spots.

Overall, the Shark Navigator is an affordable upright vacuum that you can rely on for superior cleaning experience. It is highly recommended.

Pros

• Great suction
• Easy to maneuver
• Affordable price
• Excellent filtration
• Large dust cap

Cons

• A bit heavy
• No height adjustment

3. Miele Complete C2 Hard Floor Canister Vacuum Cleaner

This is another high performing canister vacuum that works for hardwood and other bare floor surfaces. The major advantage of using a Canister vacuum is that they are super easy to clean, and this is mainly because the issue of bag replacement doesn’t come up.

Apart from easy maintenance, the Meile C2 offers some really good features to make your life easier. But you should also know that it has a high price point, which shouldn’t be much of a surprise given what it brings to the table.

First is the power suction it provides, which you won’t get from many bagged models. The vacuum also has a fairly lightweight design, which makes it easy to maneuver.

It operates quietly, so you don’t have to worry about agitating your pets or family. A noisy vacuum is always a pain to work with, not just because of its vibration but because of how annoying it can be for those around.

Apart from being great for wooden floors, the Meile C2 can also be used on short carpets. So if you have such carpet flooring anywhere in your home, then you can put this cleaner to even more use.

The vacuum comes with six different speed settings for cleaning different surfaces like drapes, bare floors, and rugs. It also includes attachments for cleaning other areas above the floor.

Pros

• Large cleaning radius
• Solid construction
• Great suction
• Portable

Cons

• Expensive

4. Eureka NEN110A Whirlwind Bagless Canister Vacuum Cleaner

Opting for Canister vacuum means you won’t have to spend your money on dirt bags. But even then, a canister vacuum with a small cup capacity can be a pain to use since you’ll need to empty the canister all the time.

The Eureka NEN110A tops our list of hardwood canister vacuums with the best dust cup capacity. So if you need something that you won’t be emptying very often, then this is the model to for.

We like the fact that this unit is very portable and comes equipped with many user-friendly features.

As earlier indicated, it has a dust cup that is not only large but also super easy to empty. It only takes a button press to empty the can after cleaning. This ensures you don’t create a lot of mess as the case is with many canister models.

The vacuum weighs only 8.3 pounds, which makes it easy to move around. Besides being lightweight, it is very easy to use. Even if this is your first time handling such a device, you will still do well.

Maintenance is easy and quick. The individual parts are connected via a lock fit and can be easily taken apart for easy washing.

We also like the automatic cord rewind, which saves you the stress of manually rewinding the cord yourself after use.

Pros

• Efficient cyclone filtration system
• Suitable for multiple surfaces
• Highly portable
• Great price

Cons

• Not ideal for carpets

5. Hoover Linx Bagless Corded Cyclonic Lightweight Stick Vacuum Cleaner

The idea of working with a 12 to 25 pounds weight vacuum might not sound like a big deal to a muscular person but definitely not for the rest of us. For a cleaning tool you use every day, such amount of weight can easily expose you to back pain, especially if you’re advanced in age.

This is one of the areas an upright vacuum like the Hoover SH20030 has the upper hand. With around 8 pounds, this stick is undoubtedly one of the lightest upright vacuums out there that is suitable for heavy use. This makes it a great choice for cleaning areas with high traffic such as your living space or kitchen.

The stick is designed for multi-surface cleaning, including wood floors. It features a brush roll that you can put on when cleaning hard floors. Like the previous model, this one also uses Cyclonic technology to ensure consistent cleaning performance with no suction loss.

Furthermore, the motorized brush roll also ensures complete removal of pet hair and litter from your floor. However, regular cleaning is required for the machine to prevent clogging.

Sadly, no hose or attachment is provided with the stick. So to get into very tight spaces or clean any area above your floor, you will need a separate handheld vacuum.

Pros

• Multi-floor cleaning
• Lightweight
• Excellent suction
• Great value for your money

Cons

• No automatic cord rewind

How to Use a Wood Floor Vacuum?

Vacuuming your wooden floor is one of the best ways to keep it neat and fine. However, considering how delicate hardwood is and the type of finishing often used on such floors, it is very easy to leave scratches behind when you don’t use the machine properly.

Below are some tips to help you make the most use of your vacuum cleaner without damaging your floor:

• Before you start vacuuming, make sure you remove every large furniture around that might get in your way. Dragging them while cleaning can damage your floor.
• Make sure you don’t wear any shoes that can potentially scratch the floor while vacuuming. We recommend cleaning barefoot or wearing something that is light and won’t absorb moisture.
• Avoid using strong brushes that could scratch your floors.
• Before using an upright vacuum on hardwood, make sure the beater bar is switched off. Leaving it on could damage your floor.
• Choose a vacuum that is easy to carry around if you plan to use it around the house. Also, you want the wheels to be padded.
• Don’t apply too much force on the vacuum wand or nozzle as this can cause scratching.
• If you must increase power, let it be on dirty areas of the floor.
• Small spaces or corners should not be cleaned with a larger nozzle. Instead, change to a different nozzle.

Apply all the tips above to handle your vacuum and floor with care.

How to Clean Wood Floor Vacuum After Using? – Step by Step Guide

To ensure the longevity and proper functioning of your vacuum cleaner, it’s extremely important to take care of it. You want to clean the device on a regular basis, especially after using it.

Not cleaning regularly can cause blockages inside the vacuum and thus reduce its suction power. Other issues may arise, such as overheating and slow operation.

Below is a step by step guide on how to properly clean a wood floor vacuum:

• Select a Suitable Area

Choose an area that is open and well-ventilated to do the cleaning. Make sure you keep the user manual close. If no manual is provided with the machine, you can always check online. Once you get your space ready, then you are ready to start cleaning.

• Disassemble

Unplug the machine from the power supply if you haven’t done so already. Then start by taking it apart. Take out all the replaceable parts for washing and empty the dust bag or canister.

• Cleaning out the Filter

Next, clean the filter since it has the most dirt. If your filter is washable, make sure to rinse in cool water after scrubbing with a brush, then dry it under the sun for a day. However, if the filter is not washable, remove dirt and dust by slightly hitting it against a surface.

Then wipe with a clean cloth. In some cases, you might need to replace the filter. You can check your manual for more info on this.

• Wash the Canister

Next, clean the canister. Empty the dirt into a dustbin. For additional cleaning, you can soak in soapy water and clean with a brush. Then, leave it the sun to dry for a day.

• Clean the Vacuum Inside

You can also clean the inside of the vacuum using a brush, then wipe with a clean, soft fabric. If you choose to use a wet cloth, make sure it’s only slightly wet and allow the unit to dry well before putting everything together. Another option is to blow the machine with compressed air.

• Powerhead

Next is to clean the powerhead to remove any stick hair or debris. A pair of scissors is perfect. However, you must be careful not to damage the bristles. For additional cleaning, disinfect the bristles with alcohol.

• Final Touch

Go ahead and clean the hose to remove any blockages. Also, clean the other attachments. Use warm water for this purpose; allow them to dry in the sun for a day or more depending on the weather.

Once all the parts are completely dry, you can assemble them again.

How Does Wood Floor Vacuum Work?

Have you ever wondered how do we drink soda with a straw? We sip it, right? In the simplest form, this is how a vacuum cleaner works, whether it’s a wood floor vacuum or multi-floor. Technically, this mechanism is what is called suction. Vacuums use suction to clean up dust and debris in your home.

Now back to our soda example.

What causes the soda to go into your mouth? Simple – the pressure difference between the top of the straw and the bottom. Since you are sucking with your mouth, there’s a greater fluid pressure at the straw bottom; this is what pushes the fluid into your mouth.

While this analogy seems super simple, this is exactly what plays out in a vacuum. A pressure difference between the front of the vacuum fan and behind it creates a suction that uses a flowing air stream to collect dirt from your floor into the intake port.

The fan is driven by an electric motor that is run by your power supply when you connect the vacuum to your electric outlet.

What’s the Difference Between Wood Floor Vacuum and Multi Floor Vacuum Cleaner?

There are different types of floors that can exist in a home – tile, rug, hardwood, and carpet. While a few homes usually have only one type of flooring, most residents usually have more than one floor-type. In order to get the most from a vacuum cleaner, it’s very important you choose one that will suit your floor type(s).

There are basically two categories of cleaners – those that are designed for specific floors and those that can be used for different floor types. The latter is commonly known as multi-floor vacuum cleaners and is the most common option available.

As earlier indicated, hardwood floors are delicate and thus often require their own vacuums. This is most evident in wood finishes like teak and mahogany, where conventional vacuuming could scratch or damage the flooring.

This type of floors often requires specialty brushes capable of vacuuming the floors without damaging their shape or function of the floors over time.

Sometimes, some cleaning attachment may need to be added to the vacuum machine for better results. Using a dedicated wood floor vacuum is the recommended way to clean hardwood floors.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best vacuum for tile and wood floors?

Our top pick here is the Bissell Multi-Cyclonic Bagless Canister Vacuum. However, any one of the items above would fit both floor types with the exception of the Eureka NEN110A, which only works great on hardwood.

2. Why is wood floor vacuum so expensive?

This is because the components parts are costly to make. The tax credit you can on purchasing such items also contributes to the high price point.

3. Which cordless vacuum is best for hardwood floors?

You can’t go wrong with any one of the cordless models above.

4. What vacuum has the best suction?

In terms of suction, the Shark Navigator is our favorite.

5. How do you clean really dirty wood floors?

We advise cleaning first with warm water and a soft cloth or a dedicated hardwood cleaner. Then clean with your vacuum cleaner.

6. Is it better to vacuum or sweep hardwood floors?

When it comes to floor cleaning, there’s no doubt vacuuming does a better job than sweeping. This is simply because brooms only push dirt and debris around, and pollute the air while doing that. They do not get into the nooks and crannies of the floor, and as a result, some dust and dirt are still left behind.

Vacuums remove dirt and dust from every crack and don’t pollute the air. For more thorough cleaning, you may consider sweeping the floor before vacuuming.

Final Words

There you have it – our top recommendation for the best wood floor vacuum.

Choosing the right vacuum will not only help you maintain proper home hygiene but also preserve your wooden floor.

We hope you enjoyed reading the article and we’ve made your job easier. You’re welcome to share your comment or experience or leave a question for us.