Wood floors have always been high in demand and the trend is only rising. They are definitely pleasing from an aesthetic point of view but cleaning them, especially without proper tools, can be painstakingly difficult. These are relatively more delicate and have grooves, so running just any sweeper or vacuum may not pick all the hidden dirt and worse, even damage your floor.
Top 10 Best Vacuum for Wood Floors Comparison Table
| Picture | Name | Features | Rating (1-5) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | HOOVER FloorMate Deluxe Hard Floor Cleaner | Detachable body 3 modes: vacuum, wash and dry Interchangeable SpinScrub brushes Clean Boost fingertip control Separate tanks for clean and dirty water | 2.5 | $$ |
 | Eureka Mighty Mite Corded Canister Vacuum Cleaner | Adjustable height Powerful suction Extra-large dust bag On-board tools 1-year warranty Low price | 2.5 | $ |
 | Devil Simpli-Stik Lightweight Corded Bagless Stick Vacuum | Compact, lightweight design 3-in-1 functionality Detachable body 2-year warranty Low price | 3 | $ |
 | Bissell Zing Rewind Bagless Canister Vacuum | Adjustable height Adjustable suction power 3-stage filtration system On-board tools 1-year warranty Low price | 3 | $$ |
 | Shark Speed Vacuum with DuoClean | Advanced swivel steering Upright & Lift-Away modes Integrated dual-brush roll system High filtration system with HEPA filter LED headlights on nozzle | 3.5 | $$$$ |
 | Kenmore Elite Pet & Allergy Friendly Upright Vacuum | Powerful suction Adjustable height On-board tools High filtration system with HEPA filter Dirt sensors with LED headlights 1-year warranty Heavy online discount | 3.5 | $$$$ |
 | HOOVER Linx Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner | Cordless design WindTunnel technology Cyclonic filtration system Bottom release dirt cup 2-year warranty Heavy online discount | 3.5 | $$$ |
 | Dyson V7 Motorhead Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner | Cordless design Compact, light-weight body 15 two-tier radial cyclones Bottom release dirt cup Heavy online discount | 4 | $$$$$$ |
 | Miele Compact C1 Pure Suction Canister Vacuum | AirClean filtration system Bare Floor and Carpet modes Adjustable suction On-board tools 7-year warranty | 4.5 | $$$$$$ |
 | Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional | Upright & Lift-Away modes On-board tools Powerful cyclonic motors Advanced swivel steering High filtration system with HEPA filter 1-year warranty | 5 | $$$ |
You need a vacuum that’s designed specifically to work on wood floors so that your newly-finished wooden flooring stays beautiful forever. These vacuum cleaners are power-packed, versatile and can save you a lot of time when cleaning.
However, with so many different styles and models being introduced into the market, finding the right one for your home can be challenging. It’s important to understand what makes a vacuum more efficient, what are the types and features to look for and what to avoid.
This guide answers all these questions and features some of our favorite wood floor-friendly vacuums. So, keep reading to find the best vacuum for wood floors…the one which does not make you overspend or regret the purchase afterwards!
What Types of Vacuums for Wood Floors Are There?
Not all vacuum cleaners are alike. Broadly speaking, they can be differentiated into upright, canister and handheld types.
Upright vacuums are heavy-duty one-piece machines which are taller and heavier than others. Due to this design, they can easily stand on their own when not being used. They have a very powerful suction, offering superior cleaning efficiency. However, the beater brushes on their main vacuum head have harsh bristles which can scratch some of the more delicate surfaces. This type of vacuum is ideal for homes which have only wood flooring.
Unlike upright vacuums, canister vacuums come with interchangeable brush heads and suction attachments which allow cleaning every part of home. This also allows avoiding brushes that might harm the floors. Canister vacuums feature two detachable parts (head and body), which makes them relatively easier to carry around and use.
Also, because their engines are positioned low, closer to the ground, they are easier to pull along. The suction power is also good enough, making them ideal all-purpose vacuum cleaners for home.
Handheld vacuums are small, portable devices designed to clean small messes. And because most of these are cordless, their portability is further enhanced. However, due to their small size, they lack powerful suction.
It’s also worth noting that many advanced vacuum cleaners are a combination of two or three types, so there is no strict classification.
Benefits of Best Vacuum for Wood Floors
Just like wooden flooring, wood floor vacuum is also an investment. You do not want to settle with a low quality vacuum cleaner and then hate it because it destroyed your precious wood floor. When looking for the best vacuum for wood floors, there are a few considerations to make.
Look for models having rubberized or padded bottom so as to prevent scratching or any other sort of damage to floor. Similarly, if it has a beater brush or brush roller feature for cleaning carpets, it should also have an option to shut off this function when needed.
Else, it can cause damage to wood floor and also spread debris around. The best vacuums come with versatile attachments such as slim edging wand and soft, different sized suction brush heads to help clean every area of home.
Floors with very deep lines or grooves often have a lot more accumulated dust, which is especially problematic for people having dust allergies. For these floors, you can opt for vacuums having higher suction power as these offer superior deep-cleaning.
Best vacuums also have adequate filtration measures to prevent every sucked-up particle from leaving the system. People suffering from any type of dust allergies or breathing disorders must ensure that their vacuum cleaner has the best possible filtration system.
This comprises of certified HEPA filters and closed dust bags rather than dust cups. There are HEPA-like or HEPA-type filters also which come for a much lower price but the performance is not same. The best models offer superior suction, filtration, versatility and, of course, ease of use.
Downsides of Vacuums For Wood Floors
The only downside is that most of the wood floor vacuums are fairly noisy. Though there are many advanced models on market, the powerful ones are still bulkier and they also produce more noise.
10. HOOVER FloorMate Deluxe Hard Floor Cleaner, FH40160PC – Corded
The Hoover FloorMate Deluxe vacuum cleaner is designed to clean while gently scrubbing sealed surfaces like hardwood, laminate, marble and more. Measuring 14.4 x 12.8 x 32.8 inches and weighing 13.8 pounds, it is easy to lift and carry, even up and down stairs.
Also, it’s also easy to rinse and store, thanks to its detachable design. Unlike most conventional cleaners, it uses cleaning solution and water along with its spinning brushes to efficiently clean wood floors. The brushes, which use patented SpinScrub Technology, safely wash and scrub floors in a counter-rotating motion from all angles.
The cleaner has a set of interchangeable brushes with varying degree of softness, so you can find one for almost anything. To enhance performance, the manufacturer has also incorporated three modes into the appliance: vacuum, wash and dry. The ‘Wash Mode’ makes the vacuum release cleaning solution and scrub the surface.
Thanks to its Clean Boost fingertip control, you can apply extra detergent to those stubborn stains and heavy traffic areas anytime in-between. Once the stains have been scrubbed off, you can then switch the appliance to ‘Dry mode’ which suctions excess water and improves drying time.
The ‘Vacuum Mode’ is basically for dusting. Based on Dual Tank Technology, the appliance has two separate tanks for clean and dirty water, which means you’ll not have to push dirty water back on your floors. The Hoover FloorMate Deluxe is a cleverly designed corded vacuum cleaner and if you are looking one for all-purpose cleaning, this one will be definitely useful.
Pros:
- Detachable body
- 3 modes: vacuum, wash and dry
- Interchangeable SpinScrub brushes
- Clean Boost fingertip control
- Separate tanks for clean and dirty water
Cons:
- The suction power is not adjustable.
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9. Eureka Mighty Mite Corded Canister Vacuum Cleaner, 3670G
Eureka’s 3670G is a powerful canister vacuum cleaner on budget. It may lack some convenience features but it’s good at picking up minutest dust particles and even pet hair. Equipped with a 12 amp motor, it creates powerful suction. However, there is no suction control to increase or decrease the output.
The high filtration dust bag used on this appliance is also relatively large and can hold up to 96 ounces of dirt in one time. Another good thing is that it comes with a complete set of tools like upholstery dusting brush, crevice tool and brush rolls for specialty cleaning.
For brush roll function, there is an option to turn it off so as to lower the risk of damaging hardwoods. This machine can also double as a blower for added convenience. It measures 18.2 x 13.6 x 13.6 inches and clearly, has a ton of suction considering the small size.
The working height is adjustable as it comes with 2 extension wands. This provides easy access to hard-to-reach places such as under car seats and high ceilings. Weighing about 9 pounds, it is also easy to carry and maneuver.
Its extra long 20-foot power cord allows you to clean an entire room or set of stairs without needing to unplug the appliance. And all this comes at a very reasonable price. Moreover, there is a one year warranty on this product for lasting peace of mind.
Pros:
- Adjustable height
- Powerful suction
- Extra-large dust bag
- On-board tools
- 1-year warranty
- Low price
Cons:
- The suction power is not adjustable.
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8. Devil Simpli-Stik Lightweight Corded Bagless Stick Vacuum, SD20000RED
The Devil Simpli-Stik is the lowest priced option on our list. So, if you do not want to spend much, this is the best vacuum for wood floors. It is essentially a three-in-one vacuum which can be conveniently transformed into stick vacuum, hand vacuum or utility vacuum.
The stick vacuum can be used for cleaning rugs and hard floors, the hand vacuum for tight spaces and the utility vacuum for furniture, counters, shelves and upholstery.
With the Devil Simpli-Stik, you do not need to buy additional vacuums for cleaning different areas of your home. Measuring 6.1 x 3.3 x 21.9 inches and weighing about 3.8 pounds, the appliance is compact, lightweight and easy to maneuver.
It has a 16 feet long cord, so that gives you a large working radius. Its smooth-rolling wheels and cord wrap further improve ease of use. Equipped with a 1.25 amp motor, it does a decent job of cutting through messes.
With dirt cups in place of sealed dust bags, the filtration system is not fool-proof but that shouldn’t be an issue unless anyone in family has dust allergies. Overall, it is great for multi-purpose cleaning. You do not get a ton of features or attachments at this price but it does all the basics. Moreover, it’s backed by a two-year warranty.
Pros:
- Compact, lightweight design
- 3-in-1 functionality
- Detachable body
- 2-year warranty
- Low price
Cons:
- Some users have complained that it blows too much air to the front, posing difficulty in grabbing dust or hair.
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7. Bissell Zing Rewind Bagless Canister Vacuum
The Bissell Zing Rewind Bagless Vacuum cleaner has numerous convenience and performance features to offer. Measuring 16.2 x 10.9 x 11.8 inches and weighing 6.2 pounds, it is easy to maneuver and carry around the house, especially because it has a carrying handle and 15 feet cord.
The included extension wand allows height adjustment and vacuuming attachments such as crevice tool and dusting brush allow cleaning all areas of home. It features a moderately powerful motor but unlike many other vacuum cleaners, its suction power is adjustable.
The brushes move in cyclonic action, so the cleaning is always thorough and effective. Also, it has a three-stage filtration system that captures the finest dust particles in air.
This comprises of washable dirt cup filters and a post-motor filter. Overall, this is a basic, easy to operate vacuum cleaner that offers impressive power for the price. It is aesthetically designed, works well and is also backed by a one-year warranty for lasting peace of mind.
Pros:
- Adjustable height
- Adjustable suction power
- 3-stage filtration system
- On-board tools
- 1-year warranty
- Low price
Cons:
- Some users have complained that the extension parts are of low quality.
6. Shark NV800 Rotator Powered Lift-Away Speed Vacuum with DuoClean
The Shark NV800 is a compact 2-in-1 vacuum with Upright and Lift-Away modes for portable cleaning. It is an advanced upright vacuum but thanks to its Powered Lift-Away technology, it transforms to a canister when needed, that too with a single touch of button.
This gives you a lot of versatility and vacuuming attachments for every day cleaning. The appliance also features DuoClean Technology, which means that soft and bristle brush rolls work in unison to pull in stuck-on dust on carpets and floors.
Usually, the bristles of a rotating brush are too coarse for hardwoods and soft brushes aren’t quite effective for carpets. But with the integrated dual-brush roll system, the NV800 provides the right amount of scrubbing and suction while maintaining the power of motor.
Measuring 32 x 13.5 x 11.5 inches and weighing 21.4 pounds, it is big and heavy. But also note that it has stronger suction and offers a more comprehensive solution for cleaning all types of flooring.
It is equipped with advanced swivel steering and powerful LED headlights on nozzle, so you can easily spot and capture hidden debris.
With its completely sealed filtration system with HEPA filter, it traps 99.99% dust and allergens. For families wanting powerful cleaning and air purification, this one is a good option to consider.
Pros:
- Advanced swivel steering
- Upright & Lift-Away modes
- Integrated dual-brush roll system
- High filtration system with HEPA filter
- LED headlights on nozzle
Cons:
- High price
5. Kenmore Elite 31150 Pet & Allergy Friendly Upright Vacuum in Silver
The Kenmore Elite 31150 is a very powerful upright vacuum cleaner with one of the best filtration systems. Its inducer motor delivers 20% more air power than standard and the power flow technology ensures that there is constant suction.
And it’s not just good on bare floors but also on carpets and drapes. Its HEPA filtration system removes 99.9 percent of dust particles from indoor air, which is why it is certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
Interestingly, it also features infrared dirt sensors, so the machine automatically detects dirt and then directs you to where the dirt is using an inbuilt LED light. This light only goes off once the entire spot has been cleaned.
So, if you need a powerful vacuum cleaner that can handle your wood floors without making you sniffle or sneeze, the Kenmore Elite is a good option. Measuring 14.2 x 13.8 x 45.8 inches and weighing 20 pounds, it is clearly big but since it’s meant for use on various surfaces, the height can be adjusted to 4 different levels.
The telescoping wand features a Pet Handi-Mate attachment, so it also helps remove pet hair from couches. Other attachments include a dusting brush, an upholstery tool and a crevice tool.
The Kenmore Elite 31150 is all about versatility, superior suction and air purification. Moreover, it’s backed by one-year warranty. For such high value, the price is also high but you can get good discount on online purchase.
Pros:
- Powerful suction
- Adjustable height
- On-board tools
- High filtration system with HEPA filter
- Dirt sensors with LED headlights
- 1-year warranty
- Heavy online discount
Cons:
- High price
4. HOOVER Linx Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner, BH50010
The HOOVER Linx measures 10.6 x 8 x 25 inches, so it is sleek and can fit under almost any furniture for cleaning without even needing to move the furniture. The convenience offered by its low profile base is further enhanced by the fitted recliner handle.
Being a cordless cleaner, it is portable, lightweight and very maneuverable. Other than convenience, it also offers superior air cleaning capabilities, thanks to the WindTunnel technology it uses.
The device performs a strong cleaning action on the air passing through it, which is further enhanced by a cyclonic filtration system. The HOOVER Linx has powerful suction and can lift deeply embedded dirt from floors, rugs and carpets.
It has angled cleaning bristles for edge-to-edge cleaning and a wide cleaning path to cover more surface area in less time. Also, since it’s fitted with a bottom release dirt cup, you can clean any surface without getting your hands dirty.
For charging, it requires cordless Fade-Free lithium-ion batteries which are interchangeable and last for a long time.
It comes with a 2-year warranty but you may not really need it as users have all praises for this product. It’s not expensive but it’s better to buy it online to avail discount.
Pros:
- Cordless design
- WindTunnel technology
- Cyclonic filtration system
- Bottom release dirt cup
- 2-year warranty
- Heavy online discount
Cons:
- No brush attachments
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3. Dyson V7 Motorhead Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner
The Dyson V7 is again a sleek stick-like appliance with the convenience of cordless operation. Measuring 8.2 x 9.8 x 49 inches and weighing just 5.3 pounds, it is compact enough for easy cleaning under furniture but the suction isn’t very powerful.
However, with its stiff nylon bristles and 15 two-tier radial cyclones for airflow, it can capture even the minutest dust particles. Overall, it is good for quick daily pick-ups but not for deeper cleaning.
The dust cup (0.14 gallons) is also relatively small, so you’ll have to stop and empty it more often. The good thing is that the dust cup has bottom release function, so you won’t need to touch the captured dust.
And it has a long telescopic wand for cleaning drapes and other things besides floors. It quickly transforms to a handheld vacuum when needed, allowing convenient use for home and car.
For full-charge, the batteries require 3.5 hours of time and can last for up to 30 minutes. The battery life is clearly less but then we need to remember that the product is designed exclusively for small spaces. In small space segment, this is probably the best vacuum for wood floors.
Pros:
- Cordless design
- Compact, light-weight body
- 15 two-tier radial cyclones
- Bottom release dirt cup
- Heavy online discount
Cons:
- High price
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2. Miele Compact C1 Pure Suction Canister Vacuum
The Miele Compact C1 is a small canister vacuum measuring 16.9 x 9.8 x 9.1 inches. And it’s not just compact and beautiful but also high on features that make your vacuuming task easier and thorough.
To begin with, it gives the efficiency of AirClean filtration system which captures and retains over 99.9% of all dust particles. This is especially beneficial for people suffering from respiratory disorders or dust allergies.
Also, it is fitted with a mounted lever to switch it between Bare Floor and Carpet modes. Once switched to the Bare Floor mode, a brush strip pops out to provide gentler, no-scratch cleaning.
And when switched to the Rug mode, the brush strip is concealed and the channeled sole plate comes into contact with the rug for scrubbing. Another fascinating aspect is that the vacuum has electronic speed control.
This means that you can adjust the speed of motor to six different settings. Because speed settings govern the rate of air flow through vacuum, this feature gives you more control over suction power.
Run by 1200-watt Vortex Motor, the Compact C1 provides powerful suction and precise adjustment. Other than that, it also comes with three accessories: a dusting brush, upholstery tool and crevice nozzle for multi-surface cleaning.
It is a powerful vacuum cleaner and quite popular too. Also, it is backed by a 7-year warranty, which is much longer than what most manufacturers offer.
Pros:
- AirClean filtration system
- Bare Floor and Carpet modes
- Adjustable suction
- On-board tools
- 7-year warranty
Cons:
- High price
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1. Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional NV356E
This is another great vacuum cleaner on our list from Shark. Measuring 15 x 11.4 x 45.5 inches, it is a compact upright vacuum with a detachable canister for portable cleaning.
Though relatively lightweight (weighs 13.7 pounds), it offers a performance that’s on par with many heavier upright models. This 2-in-1 appliance is also equipped with a completely sealed filtration system with HEPA filter, which traps over 99% of all dust and allergens.
With swivel steering mechanism, it is easily maneuverable and can be controlled by a simple twist of wrist. Also, it has a stainless steel extension wand and an extra long 30-inch cord to cover more surface area in less time.
Talking of attachments, it comes with patented Dust Away, pet power brush, 8-inch crevice tool and a brush roll attachment. The Dust Away attachment is for deep cleaning wood floors.
The pet power brush is for removing pet hair from furniture and floor while the crevice tool is for cleaning hard-to-reach places. The brush roll attachment is for cleaning carpets but it’s also equipped with a shutoff button so that you can easily switch between carpet and bare floor cleaning.
It also features Hard Floor Hero technology to help clean any stuck-on debris or litter on floor. With its innovative cyclonic motors, it delivers 1200 watts of power and there is no suction loss.
The cyclonic action also prevents dirt from clogging the filter. The Shark Navigator is a very powerful vacuum and can clean anything from floors to drapes. Moreover, it is backed by a one-year warranty to protect user’s investment.
Pros:
- Upright & Lift-Away modes
- On-board tools
- Powerful cyclonic motors
- Advanced swivel steering
- High filtration system with HEPA filter
- 1-year warranty
Cons:
- High price
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Editors Choice of Best Vacuum for Wood Floors
All the above options are good but if we have to choose one, it would be Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional NV356E. In our opinion, it is the best vacuum for wood floors. It combines the functionality of upright and canister vacuums with convenience. Its filtration system, attachments – all are pretty good for complete house cleaning.
But most importantly, it has the most powerful suction, which makes it one of the very few cleaners that can remove pet hair from couches effectively. This is also why, despite its high price, it’s the best selling vacuum cleaner on market. We rate it 9/10 and happily recommend it.
Have you used any of these cleaners? Which one do you think is the best vacuum for wood floors? Share your views or experiences by leaving your comments in the box below. Like always, we would love to hear back from you.
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