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Out of the nearly 300 vacuums we’ve tested, these stand out for their performance on hardwood flooring specifically.
As beautiful as hardwood floors are, they can be a hassle to keep clean, especially if they’re placed in a room that gets frequent use. Having the right cleaning tools is vital, including a vacuum designed specifically to tackle hardwood floors.
“Hardwood floors optimally need a vacuum with a soft bristle brush to avoid scratching the surface,” says Whitney White, Airbnb cleaning specialist. “When sweeping hardwood floors, dust tends to go up in the air and come back down, while with vacuuming you are tackling dust and dirt on the spot.”
We’ve tested approximately 290 vacuums to date both in our testing Lab and in our homes. To determine which are the best for hardwood floors, we evaluated them on how effective they are at cleaning hardwood floors specifically, in addition to their maneuverability, portability, noise level, ease of emptying, and value. For expert insight we spoke with White, as well as Jeff Meltzer of the Flooring Detective.
Dyson Omni-Glide+ Cordless Vacuum
Best Overall Vacuum for Hardwood Floors
Who it’s for: People who want a lightweight vacuum that glides over hardwoods without scratching them.
Who it isn’t for: People who want a vacuum they can use on carpet in addition to hardwood.
For a highly effective and easy-to-use vacuum that’ll do wonders on your hardwood floors, we recommend this option from Dyson. It’s a compact, lightweight vacuum that’s far more powerful than its design lets on: It proved fast and effective at picking up hair and debris in our testing. The Omni-Glide+ doesn’t come with a beater brush of any kind, so it’s not going to scratch your hardwoods (just keep in mind that this means it won’t be effective on carpet).
This vacuum comes with multiple helpful attachments, including a mini motorized tool ideal for small surfaces and a light pipe precise tool that’s great for narrow spaces. The primary cleaning head is designed to swivel and glide easily across hardwood—it comes covered in a soft nylon to capture large debris, while the anti-static carbon fiber filaments simultaneously remove fine dust. And because the vacuum is so lightweight, it takes almost zero effort to lift, even to reach a high shelf on a bookcase.
Additionally, the vacuum moved very smoothly over the stairs and was not too loud, either. Plus, it’s fairly simple to assemble, despite its many parts. This vacuum is on the pricier end, though, which might be a deterrent to some shoppers, especially if they only want to splurge for a vacuum that has a super long battery life and a high-capacity dustbin, both of which this device lacks.
Price at time of publish: $500
Product Details:
Type: Cordless stick
Weight: 4.2 pounds
Cord Length: N/A
Battery Life/Runtime: 20 minutes
Dustbin Capacity: 0.2 liters
Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum
Best Budget Vacuum for Hardwood Floors
Who it’s for: People who want an affordable yet powerful vacuum that works well on both hardwood and carpets.
Who it isn’t for: People who want a vacuum that’s light and easy to use on steps.
You can’t go wrong with a classic upright vacuum, and we’re big fans of this option from Shark. It’s a reasonably priced, easily assembled device with powerful suction and swivel steering, making it a great tool to have at your disposal.
This vacuum comes with a detachable pod and nozzle so you can get into hard-to-reach areas, as well as an upholstery tool and a crevice tool, both of which did an excellent and quick job getting rid of debris and hair. You can go from carpet to hardwood and vice versa, thanks to the brushroll shutoff feature. Plus, the dust cup is large enough for fairly long cleaning sessions. And despite its large size, the vacuum was still easy to maneuver around and under furniture. Still, that size does make it a heavy vacuum and thus difficult to move around steps, and there’s no portable attachment to help with reaching those more awkward areas. But if you’re okay with the device’s weight, then you’ll be glad you picked up this affordable vacuum.
Price at time of publish: $220
Product Details:
Type: Upright
Weight: 16 pounds
(Video) TOP 3 Best Vacuums for Hardwood Floors - Early 2022Cord Length: 25 feet
Battery Life/Runtime: N/A
Dustbin Capacity: 0.9 liters
Samsung Jet 75 Cordless Stick Vacuum
Best Cordless Stick Vacuum for Hardwood Floors
Who it’s for: People who want a lightweight and cordless vacuum with a long runtime.
Who it isn’t for: People who want a vacuum with many helpful attachments.
Love the ease and feel of a cordless stick vacuum? This lightweight and portable vacuum from Samsung has seriously strong suction, among several other perks.
When used on both stairs and hardwood floors, this vacuum moved smoothly over both surfaces and was 100 percent effective at picking up pet hair and coffee grounds. It comes with a mini motorized tool as well as a long-reach crevice tool to reach tight corners, and its lightweight, swiveling design makes it easy to change up the angle. It also features a digital display where you can check on airflow issues, power levels, noise settings (it comes with three) and more, and the vacuum’s battery life can last an impressive 60 minutes.
This is a fairly high-priced vacuum, especially since it doesn’t come with any other attachments or an extra battery, and it’s also a bit difficult to set up. But power-wise, it more than does the trick, and its ergonomic design means that you won’t get too tired while using it unlike with many other vacuums.
Price at time of publish: $399
Product Details:
Type: Cordless stick
Weight: 6 pounds
Cord Length: N/A
Battery Life/Runtime: 60 minutes
Dustbin Capacity: 0.8 liters
Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra
Best Upright Vacuum for Hardwood Floors
Who it’s for: People who want a heavy-duty vacuum that can pick up hair without it getting tangled around the brush roll.
Who it isn’t for: People who want a vacuum for cleaning stairs.
If you’re willing and able to splurge on your vacuum, consider this upright model from Dyson. We like it for its strong suction and hair detangling ability, making it a great choice for anyone with pets, in particular.
This vacuum thoroughly collects and removes all different types of debris, sucking them instantly into the dust cap without tangling them in the roller. Whether coffee grounds, cereal, corn kernels, hair or lint, the Dyson removed these with ease in just a few passes. The vacuum transitions easily from hardwood floors to carpets, too, and it comes with a range of height settings so you can adjust it as needed. It also features a detachable hose, stair tool, and tangle-free turbine tool, among other attachments.
The vacuum’s dust cup is capacious enough to complete an entire cleaning session without requiring you to stop to empty it. The device maneuvers well around furniture and into corners, thanks to Dyson’s Ball technology. As for negatives, setting up the vacuum can be complicated, and it did spit some larger debris. It’s also fairly large and heavy, making it less than ideal for stairs.
Price at time of publish: $500
Product Details:
Type: Upright
Weight: 17.3 pounds
Cord Length: 35 feet
(Video) Best Vacuum Cleaners for Hardwood Floors In 2023Battery Life/Runtime: N/A
Dustbin Capacity: 1.7 liters
Shark Canister Pet Bagless Corded Vacuum
Best Canister Vacuum for Hardwood Floors
Who it’s for: People who want a vacuum that moves smoothly and can get into tight spaces.
Who it isn’t for: People who prefer a canister vacuum with a bag.
Canister vacuums can be great options for hardwood floors, because they’re less likely to disperse dust. This pick from Shark is a particularly strong choice, thanks to its long, flexible wand, compact yet spacious canister, and smooth wheels that make it easy to use and maneuver, even underneath furniture and in tight crevices. It was especially effective on hardwood, yet it still transitions smoothly to carpet, so you can anywhere in your home.
This vacuum is easy to assemble, too, and is fairly lightweight, despite the attached canister (which can be removed for emptying). It features LED headlights to help you see debris, as well an LED display panel so you can switch between cleaning modes and suction levels. The vacuum also comes with both a pet crevice tool and an upholstery tool, for even more precise cleaning.
While this vacuum isn’t ideal for long, heavier carpets, it moves smoothly across hardwood, and the canister is very easy to empty once it fills up. Just keep in mind that, while convenient, the bagless design doesn’t seal in dust and allergens as well as bagged canister vacuums. But overall, this vacuum’s ease of use, plus its powerful suction, make it absolutely worth its price.
Price at time of publish: $400
Product Details:
Type: Canister
Weight: 9 pounds
Cord Length: 25 feet
Battery Life/Runtime: N/A
Dustbin Capacity: 1.8 liters
Hoover ONEPWR Evolve Pet Cordless Vacuum
Best Pet Vacuum for Hardwood Floors
Who it’s for: People who want a lightweight vacuum for quickly cleaning hair, litter, food crumbs, and more.
Who it isn’t for: People who want a vacuum that comes with attachments for upholstery or dusting.
If you’re constantly finding pet hair on your hardwood floors, consider opting for a vacuum like this one from Hoover, which is specifically designed for pet hair. The sleek, lightweight stick vacuum picks up hair, cat litter, and pet food crumbs really well, and the large dustbin (which automatically shuts off the vacuum when it fills up) means that you won’t have to constantly empty it out during use.
This vacuum features a swivel head that makes maneuvering it around the house a breeze, and you can switch from hardwood to carpet mode with one click of a button (no need to bend over and adjust the height yourself!). It also has a removable antimicrobial brush roll and pet filter to prevent odors from getting out, and the light weight of the vacuum made it easy to carry up and down the stairs. And unlike most cordless vacuums, which need to be mounted or propped up against the wall, this one can stand upright on its own.
Unfortunately, this vacuum doesn’t come with any attachments (like a wand or upholstery tool), so you’ll need to buy those separately if you want more than it currently offers. But on the upside, it’s fairly low-priced, and its ease of use and lack of cord will make it your go-to for quick clean-ups.
Price at time of publish: $203
Product Details:
Type: Upright cordless stick
Weight: 8.6 pounds
Cord Length: N/A
Battery Life/Runtime: 35 minutes
Dustbin Capacity: 1 liter
eufy by Anker HomeVac H30 Infinity Cordless Vacuum
Best Lightweight Vacuum for Hardwood Floors
Who it’s for: People who want a handheld vacuum that doubles as a stick vacuum.
Who it isn’t for: People who want a quiet vacuum with a large dustbin capacity.
To avoid straining your back while cleaning, pick up a lightweight vacuum such as this stellar option from Eufy. The handheld vacuum weighs under two pounds, which makes it easier to carry and allows you to tackle small spaces and high shelves with minimal effort.
On hardwood stairs, the vacuum picked up 100 percent of the Cheerios, popcorn kernels, and coffee grounds we dispersed within 10 seconds. The included crevice tool and pet brush are also quite helpful in getting debris off trickier areas, like furniture, and you can transition the device into a stick vacuum if you need a longer reach.
On the downside, this vacuum is pretty loud, and you might have to empty the dustbin multiple times due to its relatively small size. Also, it isn’t uncommon for hair to get wrapped around the roller in the pet brush, requiring manual removal. But for low-key jobs, this vacuum will more than do the trick, and it costs less than many other options on the market.
Price at time of publish: $200
Product Details:
Type: Cordless stick/handheld
Weight: 1.8 pounds
Cord Length: N/A
Battery Life/Runtime: 20 minutes
Dustbin Capacity: 0.25 liters
iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum
Best Robot Vacuum for Hardwood Floors
Who it’s for: People who want to spend less time vacuuming.
Who it isn’t for: People who want a robot vacuum with smart mapping capabilities.
Why spend time cleaning your home yourself when a robot vacuum can do it for you? The Roomba 694 will self-sufficiently move around every room and pick up tons of dirt, hair, and crumbs as it goes, automatically docking itself once it’s finished its task.
We found this vacuum to be very agile and to move very quickly, picking up even more debris than many stick vacuums with far less effort. Setting up the vacuum is super simple, with an app that lets you control the device from afar and go through its settings. Additionally, emptying the dustbin and cleaning hair out of the brushroll are also very easy, and hair doesn’t often get tangled up in the brushes, either.
It’s true that this vacuum doesn’t come with extra features (other than connecting to WiFi), and it could benefit from a mapping capability that would allow it to focus on specific areas of your home, especially if you live in a larger space. But for those with open floor plans and/or smaller homes, the device will make cleaning so much easier.
Price at time of publish: $275
Product Details:
Type: Robot
Weight: 6.8 pounds
Cord Length: N/A
Battery Life/Runtime: 90 minutes
Dustbin Capacity: 0.35 liters
Shark VacMop Pro Cordless Hard Floor Vacuum Mop
Best Vacuum Mop for Hardwood Floors
Who it’s for: People who want to clean wet and dry messes on hardwood floors.
Who it isn’t for: People who want a vacuum with a long runtime and large dust capacity.
You can’t go wrong with a cleaning device that pulls double duty, like this vacuum-mop hybrid from Shark. The compact, cordless tool features both powerful suction and spray mopping, so you can give your home the deep cleaning it deserves without expending too much effort.
We found the vacuum easy to move around and glide across hardwood floors. There are also LED headlights attached to the device to help you see debris clearly as you go, and despite its power, the vacuum is very quiet. The vacuum comes with four disposable pads, as well as a large bottle of cleaning solution that has a fresh scent. Dry debris is sucked directly into the disposable pad, which you can dispose of over the trash can with the press of the button.
Just keep in mind this means the dry dirt capacity is relatively small and the battery only lasts for 12 minutes, making this model best for smaller cleanups. And you’ll also have to press the on button continuously as you vacuum, which can be a pain. But these are small prices to pay for what’s otherwise a handy, time-saving cleaning tool.
Price at time of publish: $100
Product Details:
Type: Cordless stick
Weight: 3.3 pounds
Cord Length: N/A
Battery Life/Runtime: 12 minutes
Dustbin Capacity: .09 liters
Final Verdict
Our top pick is the Dyson Omni-Glide + because it’s lightweight, effective, and designed without a beater brush so as to not scratch delicate hardwood floors. For a great lower-priced option, the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum moves easily across floors and has a strong suction.
Our Testing Process
To date, we’ve tested approximately 290 different vacuums through in-depth Lab tests and months of at-home use. Each vacuum was evaluated on its effectiveness at cleaning different floor types (including hardwood floors), as well as its maneuverability, ease of emptying, portability, noise level, setup, and value.
In our Lab testing, each vacuum was used to clean different floor surfaces after we added a pre-portioned debris mix to it. The debris we used in testing includes Cheerios, popcorn kernels, coffee grounds, and wig hair. For vacuums designed for pet owners, we tested each model’s ability to clean real pet hair. We also made sure to test special features, such as mop functions for vacuum-mops hybrids and object avoidance technology for robot vacuums.
After completing our Lab tests, we brought the vacuums home and provided feedback on how well they held up over time. We are still in the process of long term testing many vacuums and will continue to update this piece as we gain new insights.
How to Shop for Vacuums for Hardwood Like a Pro
Vacuum Type
There are numerous types of vacuum cleaners, including upright, stick, handheld, canister, and robotic. Upright vacuums are known for their power and heaviness and need to be plugged into an outlet; stick vacuums are broom-shaped and best for quick cleanings and narrow areas, due to their small size; handheld vacuums are ultra portable and usually inexpensive; canister vacuums are motor-powered and feature dust receptacles with long, attached wands; and robotic vacuums are cordless, autonomous devices that tend to be fairly pricey.
Choosing the best vacuum should come down to the price you’re willing to pay, the size and shape of the space you’re vacuuming in, and the amount of effort you want to put into the cleaning process each time.
Brush Roll
A vacuum’s brush roll refers to the spinning roller that picks up debris during use. If you’re planning on using your vacuum primarily on hardwood floors, “look for a vacuum with a soft bristle brush to avoid scratching your hardwood flooring,” says Airbnb cleaning specialist Whitney White. Some vacuums also feature an on/off switch for the brush roll, so you can turn it on when vacuuming carpets and then turn it off when vacuuming hardwoods to avoid scratching.
Our top pick, the Dyson Omni-Glide+, doesn’t come with bristles at all, but instead features a soft nylon to capture debris and carbon fiber filaments to remove fine dust. Just note that this means it’s not going to be effective on carpet.
Dustbin Capacity
The dustbin capacity of a vacuum can vary greatly, with compact, lightweight devices typically having far less capacity than large, heavy vacuums. In general, though, “the larger the better” when it comes to dustbins,” says White. “With a smaller dustbin, you’re going to fill it up more quickly, and they also tend to get clogged more easily,” she adds.
Attachments
While vacuums that come with multiple attachments tend to be pricier, it’s often worth the cost, due to the help these extra features can provide. A pet crevice tool, for instance, is great for getting pet hair out of tough areas, while an upholstery tool allows you to easily get dust and crumbs out of couches and furniture. When deciding which (if any) attachments to prioritize, think about the type of cleaning you plan to do most often and what challenges you usually face while cleaning (i.e. reaching high spaces, removing pet hair, and so on).
More Vacuums for Hardwood to Consider
Bissell Hard Floor Expert Canister Vacuum: This canister vacuum features a retractable cord and a large brushroll, but the suction power is so strong that it makes it difficult to push the vacuum around surfaces.
Hoover Elite Swivel XL Pet Vacuum: This upright vacuum has a powerful motor and sucks up debris quickly, and the dustbin capacity is larger than average. That said, it’s not easy to maneuver due to its size, and we found it to be obnoxiously loud.
Questions You Might Ask
Should you sweep hardwood floors before you vacuum?
“Yes, it is recommended to remove larger debris with a broom before vacuuming,” says Jeff Meltzer of the Flooring Detective. White adds “sweeping hardwood floors before vacuuming is best to remove large debris and particles that your vacuum may not be able to pick up.”
What type of vacuum won’t scratch hardwood floors?
To avoid hurting your hardwood, look for vacuums featuring brushes that are “flat with non-moving bristles,” says White, since these types are “best for picking up dust on hardwoods without scratching the surface.”
Meltzer adds “vacuums with beater brushes or rotating brushes are not recommended for hardwood flooring” since they can cause scratches. When possible, he adds, choose vacuums that come with “attachments with felt pads and a wide head,” since these can help prevent damage to the hardwood.
How often should you vacuum hardwood floors?
That depends on how much use they get! If you (and your pets) are always walking around those rooms, “it is best to vacuum your hardwood flooring quickly once per day to cut down on build up and dust,” advises White. But if the hardwood isn’t getting a ton of regular use, Meltzer suggests just vacuuming as needed, usually about once per week.
Take Our Word for It
This article was written by Rachel Simon, a writer for Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, The New York Times, and many other publications. We’ve tested approximately 290 vacuums to date both in our Lab and in our homes. To determine which are the best for hardwood floors, we evaluated them on how effective they are at cleaning hardwood floors in specific, in addition to their maneuverability, portability, noise level, ease of emptying, and value. For expert insight, Rachel spoke to Airbnb cleaning specialist Whitney White and Jeff Meltzer of the Flooring Detective.
What Is Real Simple Selects?
Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company.
Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.
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Read the original article on Real Simple.
FAQs
What is the best vacuum for hardwood floors and pet hair 2023? ›
more details The Dyson V11 Animal Vacuum ties for the No. 1 spot in our Best Vacuum Cleaners of 2023 rating. It's a cordless stick vacuum that's designed to be used on hard floors and carpets.
What is the best stick vacuum cleaner for hard floors? ›The Samsung Jet 90 Complete is the best vacuum for hardwood floors we've tested. This cordless stick vacuum can easily handle a wide variety of debris on bare surfaces like hardwood floors with no significant loss in suction performance as its dustbin fills up.
What is the best vacuum for pet hair and sand hardwood floors? ›Based on our rigorous testing process, the Dyson v15 Detect vacuum stood out as the best vacuum for tackling pet hair on a variety of different surfaces, including carpet and hardwood floors.
What makes a vacuum good for hardwood floors? ›But what makes a vacuum great for hardwood floors? For starters, you'll want a vacuum with soft bristles that won't scratch wood — and you can even get away with a vacuum with no brush roller at all since you're not digging deep into carpet fibers.
What is the best thing for pet hair on hardwood floors? ›Hardwood floors: Vacuuming won't do much for a per hair problem on hardwood floors, blowing the fur around rather than picking it up. Instead, try an electrostatic or microfiber dry mop, which will trap particles.
Is it better to vacuum or mop hardwood floors? ›In fact, vacuums are superior to mopping practices when it comes to your hardwood, because they suck up the debris and dirt straight away, rather than just spreading those scratch-causing particles around.
Why don't you vacuum hardwood floors? ›The biggest concern when you vacuum your hardwood floors is that you might scratch them. Your best and safest choice is a canister vacuum that has a floor brush attached. If you don't have this kind of vacuum, you can use your upright model.
Is it better to vacuum or Swiffer hardwood floors? ›Be sure to use a vacuum that has a setting for hardwood flooring. Or pull the plug on the vacuum altogether and use a Swiffer SweeperVac. It's great for sucking up dirt in between grout lines missed by other traditional cleaners.
What is the best Shark vacuum for hardwood floors? ›Best for hardwood floors and carpets: Shark AZ1002 Apex Power Lift-Away. Most vacuum cleaners are either best for hardwood floors or best for carpet. However, the Shark AZ1002 Apex Power Lift-Away is ideal for both floors. It has two brush rolls for triple particle cleaning: large, small, and even stuck-on particles.
How often should you vacuum a hard floor? ›However, the basic rule of thumb is that carpeted floors and rugs should be vacuumed at least twice weekly and hard surface floors like tile, hardwood, laminate, and vinyl should be vacuumed at least once per week.
Do upright vacuums scratch hardwood floors? ›
Do vacuums scratch hardwood floors? If it's real hardwood, scratches are rare unless the vacuum itself is damaged. On softer types of stone, tile, or wood flooring, though, a brush roll with abrasive bristles or hard plastic wheels can cause damage.
How often should you vacuum hardwood floors with pets? ›Vacuum Daily if You Have Pets
Pets shed and drop fleas and dander that can aggravate or cause allergies and disease. Not to mention what they bring in on their paws! No matter what type of floors you have, if you have dogs, cats and/or other furry friends running loose in your home, vacuum every day.
(i) Upright vacuum cleaner
It is ideal and most powerful for cleaning large carpeted surfaces. It has a sensor that sucks the debris from carpet strands effectively. It also has a different setting for cleaning of bare floors where the brush roll is turned off.
BISSELL® stick vacuums are perfect for quick pickups of pet hair and everyday dirt. They work as area rug, hard surface, and hardwood floor vacuums and are lightweight and easy to maneuver throughout your home.
Should vacuum brush be on or off for hardwood? ›When vacuuming hard surfaces, the brush roll can often push dust and debris away from the vacuum before it can be suctioned. Turning off the brush roll switches the vacuum to “suction-only” for quick and easy cleaning of hard floors.
What is the best way to clean hardwood floors? ›Dry mopping, sweeping, and/or vacuuming on a weekly basis are the best ways to rid hardwood floors of light dust, dirt, and pet hair accumulation. This routine works on floors with either surface or penetrating finishes.
What is the toughest vacuum for pet hair? ›- Dyson Outsize + Best vacuum for tackling pet hair. ...
- Shark Stratos Upright Vacuum. ...
- Samsung Bespoke Jet Cordless Stick Vacuum with All in One Clean Station. ...
- Dyson Ball Animal 2. ...
- Dyson Ball Animal 3. ...
- iRobot Roomba j7+ ...
- Bissell ICONpet. ...
- Miele Classic C1 Cat and Dog Canister.
Periodically cleaning your vacuum's filter, hoses, and brushes will also help to ensure your tools are hair-free and will prevent your vacuum from clogging and overheating while you use it.
Is Hoover or Bissell better for pet hair? ›You can also use it in a semi-handheld configuration, which is nice if you want to reach into crevices. While the Hoover is better on bare floors, the BISSELL can pick up more debris and pet hair, especially on high pile carpet. However, the Hoover has easier maintenance needs with less recurring costs.
What is the best cleaner for wood floors and pet urine? ›White vinegar works to neutralize the ammonia in urine, and it's also a deodorizer. The typical recommended mixture contains 1/4 cup vinegar to 1 gallon of warm water. You can use this mixture on many others surfaces throughout your home in addition to hardwood floors—even for messes your pet didn't make.
What picks up dog hair from hardwood floors? ›
Microfiber Mop or Duster
Using a microfiber mop like a Swiffer or other mop works great for removing dog hair from hardwood floors because they'll pick up the dust and dirt and take the hair along with it. You can use a mop with disposable pads or reusable ones that you can wash between uses.
Don't use straight ammonia, alkaline products or abrasive cleaners. They'll dull or scratch the finish. Don't rely on lemon juice or a vinegar-and-water solution to clean hardwood floors. "I don't recommend using vinegar or lemon juice, at least not in large quantities, as these can damage the floor's seal," said Wise.
Should you vacuum or wash floor first? ›Floors should be vacuumed regularly to eliminate dust and debris from all areas including cracks and crevices. Vacuuming should always be followed by wet mopping to eliminate any bonded soils. Wet mopping should also be used on an as-needed basis to clean up spills.
Should you mop hardwood floors every week? ›Once a week, wood floors should be cleaned in high traffic areas with a damp mop. Low traffic areas can be done less frequently, like once a month or once a quarter. Unsealed wood floors are more susceptible to water, so make sure that the mop is just slightly damp.
Should you sweep hardwood floors? ›Tips for Caring for Hardwood Floors
Sweep wood floors often with a soft, fine bristle broom. Vacuum once or twice a week to remove dirt and sand. Use a soft brush attachment to minimize scratching. Since water is one of the wood floor's worst enemies, get rid of water right away!
2. Electric Steam mop. While made of plastic, steam mops come with pads that can be reused time and time again and are a great non-toxic Swiffer alternative. Plus, you don't need any fancy cleaner or toxic chemicals to disinfect your floors… just add water!
Is Bissell better than Shark? ›Our Verdict. The Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away is a more well-rounded vacuum than the BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Turbo. The Shark is slightly easier to maintain with a lot fewer recurring costs, and its dirt compartment holds more too. It also has a better performance on all surface types too.
Is Shark Genius good on hardwood floors? ›Shark S5003 Genius steam pocket mop benefits
The lowest level works well for hardwood and other types of flooring that are more easily damaged by high temperatures. The higher settings offer greater cleaning power for floors that can take it.
- Remove Your Shoes and Keep Dust at the Door. ...
- Wipe Away Dust with a Floor Mat. ...
- Use Microfiber Dust Mops for a More Efficient Clean. ...
- Dump Your Bags and Live Clean. ...
- Clean Your Home from Top to Bottom—Literally. ...
- Keeping Hardwood Floors Dust Free Means Keeping a Schedule.
Take your time. Vacuuming slowly will allow your machine to suck up more dirt and dust, and ultimately get your rugs and carpets much cleaner. Slow vacuuming allows the brush to agitate the carpet properly and suck up the unclean bits that emerge.
Can you steam clean hardwood floors? ›
Sealed hardwood floors can withstand the moisture and heat from a steam mop, and they clean really nicely with a streak-free finish. However, avoid using a steam mop on unsealed hardwoods, as they're more vulnerable and easily damaged by excessive moisture.
Why is my shark vacuum not working on the hard floor? ›Even if the vacuum has suction, power may not be reaching the brush at the bottom. Simply push down on the handle when the vacuum head is on the floor to fully complete the connection. If you are still having difficulties with this, something may be blocking the connection. Clear out any debris and try again.
Is a canister vacuum better than an upright? ›The choice of canister vs. upright vacuums depends heavily upon your usage, personal preference, and budget. Canister vacuums are usually quieter, provide better suction for bare floors, and cost more. Upright vacuums, on the other hand, are efficient carpet cleaners, less expensive, and easier to move and store.
Should you mop hardwood floors everyday? ›The best way to clean hardwood floors and keep them in shape is to stick to a regular schedule of maintenance. Sweep, dust or dry mop daily. Vacuum weekly. Clean heavy-traffic areas with a damp mop twice a month.
How often should you clean your toilet? ›Daily: Flush your toilet every day (even if it's not in use) to discourage the growth of bacteria. Weekly: Deep-clean your toilet once a week or biweekly—this includes the toilet bowl, exterior and toilet seat.
How often should you mop floors? ›But as a rule of thumb, you should mop your floors at least once a week—especially in areas that are more likely to get stains from drips and spills, like the kitchen and bathroom. “Of course, you need to vacuum or sweep the floor before mopping,” explains Leiva.
What is the best floor cleaner that doesn t leave residue? ›Best overall: Rejuvenate All Floors Cleaner
The floor cleaner's pH-balanced formula won't leave behind a residue, and it's gentle on your floor's finish. The shine-booster technology adds an extra glossy sheen to make floors look newer than they are.
What is a Good Suction Power for a Vacuum Cleaner? An upright cordless vacuum cleaner should have at least 100 air watts to effectively clean a variety of floor surfaces, with the best Samsung vacuum cleaner reaching up to 210W*.
Which BISSELL product is best? ›- Best overall: Bissell 2-in-1 Proheat 2X Lift-Off Pet.
- Best upright: Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Plus.
- Best for pets: Bissell Big Green Pet Pro.
- Best portable: Bissell Little Green Pro Portable.
- Best hands-free: Bissell SpotBot Pet Handsfree.
Should You Buy Dirt Devil Endura Max XL or Bissell 2254 Cleanview Swivel Rewind Pet? The Bissell 2254 Cleanview is the clear winner in terms of superior cleaning performance for both pet hair and carpets. However, the Dirt Devil Endura has proven to be a worthy opponent in terms of pricing and dust cup capacity.
What is the best vacuums for hardwood and carpet? ›
The best vacuum for hardwood and carpet we've tested is the SEBO Airbelt D4. This high-end canister vacuum has a very powerful 1250 W motor, enabling it to easily clear debris on bare floors and low and high-pile carpet, even with a basic straight-suction floorhead.
What kind of vacuum do you use on hardwood floors? ›| Vacuum | Price | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Shark - Apex | $$$$ | Convertible Upright |
| 2. Dyson - V15 Detect | $$$$ | Cordless Stick |
| 3. Shark - Rocket HV382 | $$ | Corded Stick |
| 4. Kenmore - Elite | $$$$ | Canister |
Common picks include commercial hardwood cleaners, oil soaps, or even dish soap. If you are looking for a green and natural option, white vinegar or castile soap are the way to go.
Can you use Dawn dish soap on hardwood floors? ›Dish soap is a gentle cleaner that won't damage the natural wood, and it's perfect for light jobs and daily upkeep alike. In a large bucket, mix two to three tablespoons of dish soap with one gallon of warm water. Dip your mop and wring it over the bucket, then gently mop the surface of your floors.
What can I put on my hardwood floors to make them shine? ›Here's a secret: Tea's tannic acid makes for an excellent surface shine, according to HGTV. Boil a couple of teabags in some water and dump the tea into a bucket. Wring out a rag or mop in the solution and use it to mop the floors.
How often should you vacuum hardwood floors? ›However, the basic rule of thumb is that carpeted floors and rugs should be vacuumed at least twice weekly and hard surface floors like tile, hardwood, laminate, and vinyl should be vacuumed at least once per week.
Can vacuum damage hardwood floors? ›Do vacuums scratch hardwood floors? If it's real hardwood, scratches are rare unless the vacuum itself is damaged. On softer types of stone, tile, or wood flooring, though, a brush roll with abrasive bristles or hard plastic wheels can cause damage.
Is Swiffer safe for hardwood floors? ›Can you use Swiffer on hardwood floors every day? Absolutely! You can dust or sweep every day using the Swiffer Dry Cloth.
What is the best vacuum for pet hair and vinyl flooring? ›The Dyson V15 Detect is the best vacuum for pet hair we've tested. This high-end cordless stick vacuum has no problem dealing with pet hair on a wide variety of surface types, whether you're using the multi-surface floorhead or the soft-roller floorhead with an integrated laser light to help you see fine debris.
Is Hoover or BISSELL better for pet hair? ›You can also use it in a semi-handheld configuration, which is nice if you want to reach into crevices. While the Hoover is better on bare floors, the BISSELL can pick up more debris and pet hair, especially on high pile carpet. However, the Hoover has easier maintenance needs with less recurring costs.
How do I keep my hardwood floors dog hair free? ›
Use Microfiber Mop or Duster
The microfibers create an electrostatic charge and attract the hair when you move it on the hardwood floor. The best thing is, microfiber mops can collect fine dust particles along with short pet hairs easily. You can buy microfiber pads at any nearby stationary shop.
Nails scratch a typical hardwood finish.
Over just a few months, your wood floor will begin to look dull and worn just because of all the scratches on the finish from dog nails. Unlike cats, dogs do not fully retract their nails, so they are always clicking on the floor when they walk.
Hydrogen peroxide is the best cleaner for dog urine on hardwood floors if you're looking for a DIY fix. Fill a small bowl with 3% hydrogen peroxideand a squirt of dish soap. Soak your rag in this mixture and gently wipe down the area. Side note: This also works on cat urine and other types of pet urine, too.
How do I choose a vacuum for my pet's hair? ›Motorised rotating brush rolls, ideally with anti-tangle features, are a feature of most good pet vacuums but you should also check for accessories like turbo nozzles, crevice tools and dust brush tools designed for getting pet hair and dander out of upholstery, curtains and inaccessible corners.
What vacuum is good for picking up dog hair? ›After testing both types in our lab, we found that the Shark Navigator Zero-M Self-Cleaning Brushroll Pet Pro is the best upright vacuum for pet hair. We were very impressed by how easily this device sucked up pet food, fur, and debris alike from carpet and hard floors.
Should you vacuum first or dust first? ›We recommend dusting before vacuuming, this is because dust particles usually get moved around the room when you dust, meaning all your hard work will go to waste. A top tip is to wait at least 2 hours after dusting to get the vacuum out.
Is it better to mop or vacuum hardwood? ›Vacuums typically do a better job than mops at reaching dirt in cracks and corners. This is especially important with grouted floors. Mops tend to glide over the surface and miss dirt in the grout lines. Vacuums are also better suited for dried snow and salt, which would liquefy under a mop and create a film.
Is Shark or Bissell better? ›Our Verdict. The Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away is a more well-rounded vacuum than the BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Turbo. The Shark is slightly easier to maintain with a lot fewer recurring costs, and its dirt compartment holds more too. It also has a better performance on all surface types too.
Is it better to sweep or vacuum pet hair? ›A good vacuum with powerful suction is the number one tool, but you can also use a good dry mop in non-carpeted rooms, and you can do quick clean ups in high-traffic areas by using microfiber dust mops. Avoid using brooms whenever possible as they tend to kick more hair and dander into the air.
Which Bissell product is best? ›- Best overall: Bissell 2-in-1 Proheat 2X Lift-Off Pet.
- Best upright: Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Plus.
- Best for pets: Bissell Big Green Pet Pro.
- Best portable: Bissell Little Green Pro Portable.
- Best hands-free: Bissell SpotBot Pet Handsfree.