Best Vacuum For Hardwood Floors: Keep Your Hardwood Dust Free

Hardwood floors are deceptively thought to clean.

Best Vacuum Cleaner For Hardwood Floors

While it looks clean at the surface, try looking at it on ground zero with a bright light source like an LED then you’ll notice that there are a lot of dust mites and dust bunnies on it.

What makes it tougher is some types of wood are more prone to scratches when you use the wrong tool on it.

As an example, vacuums with motorized brushes are a no-no on hardwood.

Without further ado here’s the list of our picks as the best vacuums for hardwood floors…

Spec comparison

Rank12345
ModelDyson V6 Fluffy

Dyson V6 Fluffy
Shark Navigator Powered Lift Away NV752

Shark Navigator Powered Lift Away NV752
Eureka 3670G Mighty Mite

Eureka 3670G Mighty Mite
Sanitaire SC3683A

Sanitaire SC3683A
Bissell PowerGlide

Bissell PowerGlide
AttachmentsDusting brush

Crevice tool
Hard Floor Genie with one microfiber pad

Canister Caddy

TruePet Mini Motorized Brush

Dusting Genie

Dusting Brush

11" Crevice Tool

Pet Upholstery Tool
Hose

Extension wand

Floor tool

Crevice tool

Combination tool
1 1/2" diameter curved aluminum wand

bare floor tool

dusting brush

Crevice tool
Combination crevice and brush tool
Cord LengthUses a 22.2 volt Li-Ion battery30 feet20 feet20 feetUses a 36 volt Li-Ion battery
Auto Cord RewindNoNoNoNoNo
Motorized brushYesYesNoNoYes
Brush on/off switchNoYesNoNoYes
SwivelYesYesNoNoYes
HeadlightNoYesNoNoNo
Full bin indicatorNoNoNoNoNo
HEPA FiltrationYesYesNoYesNo
BaglessYesYesNoNoYes
Multi-surfaceNoYesYesYesYes
Net weight8 pounds15.7 pounds8.6 pounds10 pounds11 pounds
Hose lengthN/A15.4 feetN/A7 feetN/A
Cleaning Path9.8"11.5"Approx. 10"10"13.5"
Power25 air watts (normal)

100 air watts (max)
1,200 Watts12 amps10 ampsN/A
Warranty2 yearsVIP Lifetime Warranty1 year2 years2 years

What makes a good hardwood vacuum?

Has enough power

First off, you’ll need a vacuum that has good enough suction to pick up small debris like dust bunnies and larger debris like crushed biscuits or cheerios.

Lightweight

Second, it has to be light enough to carry around the house. Hardwood does not require any deep cleaning like carpet so you don’t need a hulking upright vacuum that weighs over 20 pounds.

In fact a cordless stick vacuum may be enough to fill your need if your home is small enough.

Versatility

Third, it has to be versatile enough to be able to reach nooks and crannies and be capable of cleaning above the floor areas like ceiling vents, air conditioning vents, upholstery and such.

Our Pick: Dyson V6 Fluffy

OurPickDysonV6FluffyThe Dyson V6 Fluffy is on top of this list because it passes all 3 points that I’ve set for a good hardwood cleaner with flying colors.

First it has power and more than enough thanks to the V6 digital motor that produces as much as 100 air watts. It’s one of the most powerful cordless vacuums right now.

Lightweight and versatile

Second, it only weighs 4.3 pounds with an extension wand and interchangeable tools, reach isn’t a problem.

You can use this not just on floors but also on upholstery all the way up to the ceiling.

Tools

Third, it comes a variety of tools such as the soft roller head, combination brush tool, crevice and mini turbo brush.

One of my favorite tools is the soft roller head that works extremely well on hardwood.

Instead of using bristles, Dyson opted for a soft, fabric-like exterior that will literally grab dirt.

In short for cleaning hardwood, this machine has it all.

Since it does not have a cord, it allows you to clean anywhere inside the house without worry about outlets.

Now that we’ve talked all about the good points, let’s go to the not so good points.

Some issues

Biggest issue for this would be price. At close to $330, this is one of the most expensive on the list.

Run time is rather short if you turn on the max. But in most cases you will not need the extra power. The main cleaning tool is so good that it’ll pick up everything even on normal mode.

It’s also a bit top heavy since the motor and bin are in the same location as the handle. Cleaning above the floor areas will be a little bit challenging with the wand.

Lastly, emptying this will be messy because dust will stick on the plastic inner walls. You’ll need to use your fingers to dislodge it.

Bottom line: This stick vacuum is a beast in terms of cleaning performance and versatility but it won’t come cheap. However, performance will be great thanks to the soft roller cleaning head. It will not scratch hardwood.

For Large Homes: Shark Navigator NV752

For Large Homes: Shark Navigator NV752The Eureka is on top of this list because it is a very good performer that works best in small to medium size homes.

But if you’re looking for something with a longer power cord with more reach then the Shark Navigator NV752 is a great option.

Though, it is a lot more expensive than Eureka.

At first glance this vacuum looks like an upright. But it has a neat feature that allows you to detach the body from the handle and main floor cleaning tool.

Lift Away

Shark calls this the “lift away” that was first seen in the Shark NV352.

What make this a great option for large homes is its long 30 foot power cord.

Unfortunately there is no cord rewind. But none of the full sized uprights in the market that has a 30 foot cord has this feature (yet).

This machine weighs just 15.7 pounds and it takes up some space.

Great for medium and large homes

Definitely not for small homes. But if you have a medium sized home with a mix of hardwood and carpet, this is a no-brainer choice.

It gives you great bare floor cleaning coupled with the deep cleaning capabilities on carpet.

Also this is capable of above the floor cleaning with the 11″ crevice tool, dusting genie and a turbo mini pet brush which is a great tool to have on upholstery.

Bottom line: This tool is great for medium to large sized homes with a mix of carpet and hardwood. It is capable of cleaning pet hair on upholstery thanks to its mini turbo pet brush. One of the more versatile machines in this list.

Light & Versatile: Eureka 3670G Mighty Mite

Light Versatile: Eureka Mighty MiteThis lightweight canister may not be able to deep clean carpet. But what it lacks deep cleaning it makes up for in nimbleness and versatility.

Eureka is know for their lightweight canisters and the 3670G Mighty Mite fits the bill.

Let’s look at features and see how it may help you cleaning all your hardwood.

If you think this sucker lacks power, think again.

Small but powerful

Powering this little beast is a 12-amp motor that has more than enough suction to clean up every nook and cranny of your home.

It comes with a long flexible plastic hose with two extensions wands.

Based on the photos, these wands are long enough to reach the ceiling of your home, unless your home has ridiculously high ceilings.

In that case you would be living in a mansion where you should be able to afford a maid and not read this review (just kidding).

Lightweight

It is light at just under 9 pounds but the power cord is short – only 20 feet which could be an issue if you live in a large home but for small to medium sized homes, this shouldn’t be a problem.

In terms of reach and versatility, this machine has it in spades.

Tools

In addition to the flexible hose and two extension wands, it comes with a floor tool, crevice tool, a brush tool and a dusting brush.

All of it will allow you to clean almost every part of your home.

No beater bar

It does not have any tool with a motorized brush so this will not be able to clean fabric upholstery efficiently.

Other downsides

Big downside would be fit and finish. These tools don’t have any lock. It only relies on friction.

That’s the price you pay for buying a cheaper vacuum, unlike more expensive brands like a Dyson were the attachments lock in place.

Plastic may crack

In the long run the plastic on this vacuum may crack you push too hard. And since it comes with a short warranty, you won’t be able to replace these parts. But you’ll have to buy them separately or use duct tape.

Oh one last note this is a bagged vacuum so there will be some additional expense as far as operating costs is concerned but it is minimal.

If you suffer from allergies, this is a good option.

When you look at the features, you’ll get a lot for the 60 bucks you pay for. These include a strong motor, enough attachments to clean your whole home and a lightweight vacuum that will not strain your back.

Bottom line: If you suffer from allergies, this is a great option to have because it has a bag. So there is no allergen exposure when you empty it.

Commercial Quality: Sanitaire SC3683A

Commercial Quality: Sanitaire SC3683ALike the Eureka Mighty Mite, the Sanitaire SC3683A is a versatile and lightweight vacuum that uses a bag.

This is great for people who have allergies because there is minimal allergen exposure.

Optional HEPA filtration

Unlike Eureka, Sanitaire has an optional HEPA filter (that you can buy separately).

This will help filter out fine allergens from going back out.

This machine is also advertised as a commercial grade vacuum. So you can use this to clean hardwood floors inside commercial establishments.

Lightweight and powerful

This lightweight canister only weighs 10 pounds (a couple of pounds heavier than the Eureka). And has a generous dry dirt capacity of 2.6 quarts (close to 2.5 liters).

This has a larger capacity when you compare it to the Eureka which probably explains why it is heavier.

Power wise it has a slightly lower power output than the Eureka – 10 amps versus 12 amps. But in terms of efficiency in cleaning bare floor surfaces like hardwood the difference is negligible.

Tools

It comes with a flexible the following:

  • 7 foot plastic hose
  • telescopic wand
  • crevice tool
  • brush tool
  • floor tool
  • upholstery tool

With those additions this machine will cost a little bit more than the Eureka which is a pretty good deal if you ask me. The warranty is also longer at 2 years.

This machine is a little bit more versatile versus the Eureka because of the addition of the upholstery tool that will allow you to clean fabric upholstery more efficiently.

Larger bin

The larger dirt capacity allows you to clean longer before having to replace the bag. And it also comes with a shoulder strap to free up your hands.

It still has the same 20 foot cord and non-locking attachments. So long term durability could be an issue.

Bottom line: The large 2.5 dirt capacity will allow you to clean more before needing to empty the bag. It also has an optional HEPA filtration just in case you don’t want allergens coming back out. It is marketed as a commercial grade vacuum so use this in your office with confidence.

Cordless Option: Bissell PowerGlide Cordless Upright

Cordless Option: Bissell PowerGlideGone are the days when cordless vacuums would only run for 10 minutes and take a whole day to charge.

Improvements in lithium battery technology have allowed manufacturers to increase run time while also decreasing charge time.

The Bissell PowerGlide gives consumers an option to purchase a cordless vacuum that will run for around 45 minutes. And only take 2 hours to fully charge.

Long run time

Now 45 minutes is a pretty long time especially when cleaning bare floor surfaces since you don’t need to constantly go back and forth.

This vacuum is great for folks who live in mobile homes or condos with hardwood. It does not have a cord so there’s more freedom.

Versatile

Combine it with the canister mode, you can even use this inside the vehicle.

Yes you heard that right, this vacuum converts from an upright to a canister vacuum. It followed in the steps of the Shark Navigator and Hoover Air Cordless Lift and added a “lift” feature to its product that looks like this.

Lift Mode

Unfortunately the wand that comes with this vacuum isn’t extendable. So reach isn’t very good. It’ll only be great on low ceiling hows.

It also comes with one attachment, a brush tool that will work in most cleaning applications except cleaning pet hair off fabric upholstery.

The main floor tool has a beater bar with an on/off feature which is great again for hardwood.

Bottom line: If you don’t like dealing with cords, this is one of the best options available. It has a 45 minute run time and will only take 2 hours to recharge. Great for hardwood floors and above the floor dusting.

Budget Option: VonHaus 2-in-1

Budget Option Von Haus 2-in-1In most of my guides, I like to give consumers a budget option just in case they are a bit strapped for cash.

So I’ll continue with that here in this list and recommend the VonHaus 2-in-1 stick and hand vacuum will only less than $40.

Take note while this vacuum looks like a cordless cleaner, it isn’t.

Not a cordless

It actually has a 16 foot cord. This vacuum comes with a telescopic wand that you can attach when you want to clean floors. Or detach if you need to clean upholstery.

Adjustable wand

The telescopic want is adjustable which make this a great option for cleaning bare floor stairs. It does not have any motorized brush which is why it’s in this list.

The 600 watt motor will provide more than enough suction for bare floor.

When you detach the wand, this converts into a hand vacuum and it comes with a bevy of tools that make this one of the more versatile machines in the market.

Tools

It comes with a flexible hose, combination crevice/brush tool and a brush tool.

The downside to these attachments is these are prone to cracking because it doesn’t have any lock to hold it in place. It only relies on friction so if you attach one of these too tight, cracks will develop.

But it’s hard to argue with the price. Even with the short warranty and sub-standard plastics, this machine still performs and will do the job at a discount if you don’t mind the limitations.

Bottom line: Despite being the cheapest of the bunch, this vacuum still performs. On bare floor surfaces like hardwood, its 600 watt motor has enough suction to pick up dust and other debris off this surface. Just don’t expect Dyson type quality because the plastics used here aren’t high quality.

To Wrap Up

These five vacuums will work great on bare floor surfaces.

All will combine power and versatility that should keep hardwood dust free.

Before buying one, you’ve got to set a budget so that you’ll be able to pin point exactly what variant you want.

Please share this guide with your friend and family if you find it useful and actionable.

And share your experiences below if you’ve tried any of the vacuums feature.

About the author: Garrick, the visionary behind Cordless Vacuum Guide, brings over a decade of hands-on expertise in cordless vacuum testing to his insightful reviews showcased on this platform. Beyond his passion for empowering consumers with informed choices, he cherishes precious moments with his family, exploring global cuisines and exploring different horizons with his beloved wife and son. Follow him on Youtube, Tiktok, Facebook, and Instagram.

2 comments… add one
  • Gwendolyn Jan 23, 2016 @ 23:24

    The Roomba 562 Per Series comes with an additional large bin specifically for picking up extrra pet hair, annd it does a
    good joob for what it is designed to do. When people thjink of
    a vacuum cleaner, they usually think of the
    upright style. One off the easiest ways to track in anything that
    could damage your floor is to walk in from outside the homje without wiiping
    yur feet.

  • Vicky Aug 17, 2016 @ 1:06

    Hi Garrick, I heard vacuums are not good for marble floors. What do you think is a good option because I honestly prefer to just vacuum than sweep most of the time (plus its a rental so I’m not so invested into the floors).

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