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In This Guide: Our Testing Experience | Top 6 | Buyer’s Guide | FAQs | How We Selected | Our Testing Process | Why Trust This Old House
Hardwood floors must be cleaned regularly and require a quality vacuum cleaner to eliminate dust, dirt, pet hair, and other debris. However, using an inefficient vacuum cleaner isn’t just a hassle — besides not fully cleaning your floors, it could cause harmful pollutants to linger in the air. To ensure you’re giving your floor a full clean every time, we researched and tested six of the best vacuums available for hardwood floors to find the product that fits your needs.
Our team’s favorite by far was the Samsung Bespoke Jet Cordless Vacuum, which not only performed the best in all of our tests, but was also just really pleasant to use. Learn more about all of our top picks below.
Compare Top Vacuums for Hardwood Floors
| Product | Cordless | Wattage | Capacity | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Bespoke Jet Cordless Vacuum | Yes | 210 watts | 1.62 pounds | 11.8 x 11.8 x 45.9 inches |
| Bissell ICONpet Turbo Vacuum | Yes | 700 watts | 8 pounds | 7.8 x 11 x 44.3 inches |
| iRobot Roomba i3 EVO Robot Vacuum | Yes | N/A | 7.44 pounds | 13.3 x 13.3 x 3.6 inches |
| Eureka Lightweight Cordless Vacuum Cleaner | Yes | 450 watts | 2.2 pounds | 10.9 x 9.1 x 45.7 inches |
| Kenmore Bagged Canister Vacuum | No | 120 watts | 20 pounds | 25.9 x 16.2 x 13.6 inches |
| iwoly V600 Stick Vacuum Cleaner | No | 500 watts | 4.8 pounds | 4.7 x 10.2 x 44.9 inches |
| Product | Cordless | Wattage | Capacity | Dimensions |
Our Testing Experience
Our team has been reviewing products, conducting testing, and creating resources for homeowners for over six years. We take pride in our testing process, which we carefully customize to produce the most helpful information for homeowners. For hardwood floors, we examined the following factors:
- Performance: The most important part of a vacuum is how it performs. We tested each vacuum’s performance by examining its suction power for glitter and cereal. We also tested its noise level.
- User experience: Vacuums should be easy to use and maneuver. For this feature, we examined how easy each vacuum was to set up, the emptying process, and overall handling.
- Additional features: Some vacuums we tested had extra features, including self-emptying stations, various attachments, and useability as a hand vacuum. We noted how many features each model had compared to other units.
- Warranty: We compared the length and accessibility of each vacuum warranty.
- Price point: While vacuums with more power and features will cost more than basic models, we looked at the price point of each model and assessed if we believed it was a good value for the consumer.
Overall, our choice for the top vacuum for hardwood floors was the Samsung Bespoke Jet Cordless Vacuum, which stood out due to its strong suction power, excellent handling and maneuverability, and self-emptying cleaning station for quick and efficient cleanup.
Top 6 Vacuums for Hardwood Floors
- Best Overall: Samsung Bespoke Jet Cordless Vacuum
- Best Value: Bissell ICONpet Turbo Vacuum
- Best Robotic Vacuum: iRobot Roomba i3 EVO Robot Vacuum
- Best Handling: Eureka Lightweight Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
- Best Canister Vacuum: Kenmore Bagged Canister Vacuum
- Most Lightweight: iwoly V600 Stick Vacuum Cleaner
Best Overall: Samsung BESPOKE Jet Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner
Performance: 5/5 | User Experience: 4/5 | Additional Features: 5/5 | Warranty: 2/5 | Price Point: 1/5
Samsung Bespoke Jet Cordless Stick Vacuum
- $849
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Our Testing Experience
This Samsung cordless vacuum stood out from every model we tested. We loved its highly maneuverable swivel head and sleek, skinny design that would be a standout in any home. It performed exceptionally well in our glitter and cereal cleaning tests. We were also impressed by its self-cleaning feature.
Pros and Cons
✔ Performed excellently in both suction tests
✔ Is easy to maneuver and pivot
✔ Is self-cleaning, so you don’t need to empty the canister
✘ Is challenging to set up
✘ Takes up a significant amount of floor space
What Customers Are Saying
Satisfied customers said this vacuum was lightweight and had highly powerful suction. Others were impressed with its self-cleaning feature. However, customers who had more mixed things to say about this product found that the canister was smaller than they expected. Others were disappointed it didn’t come with a spray sweeper.
Best Value: Bissell ICONpet Turbo Vacuum
Performance: 4/5 | User Experience: 4/5 | Additional Features: 2/5 | Warranty: 2/5 | Price Point: 2/5
Bissell ICONpet Turbo Vacuum
- $249.99
- $365.64
- 32% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Our Testing Experience
This cordless vacuum did well in most of our tests. It had a straightforward setup and suctioned up almost all of the glitter and cereal on its first pass, although some Cheerios required a second pass. Its cordless design was easy to maneuver, and it had a comfortable grip. However, we didn’t like its non-detachable battery.
Pros and Cons
✔ Has excellent suction power
✔ Features excellent maneuverability and grip
✔ Is more affordable than some other high-end cordless models
✘ Has less range than other cordless models
✘ Doesn’t have a replaceable battery
What Customers Are Saying
Customers who left positive reviews for this vacuum liked that it had a variety of useful attachments, was lightweight, and was easy to maneuver. Those who left unsatisfactory reviews said they felt it lacked suction power. Others were disappointed in the inability to replace the battery.
Best Robotic Vacuum: iRobot Roomba i3 EVO Robot Vacuum
Performance: 4/5 | User Experience: 5/5 | Additional Features: 2/5 | Warranty: 1/5 | Price Point: 1/5
iRobot Roomba i3 EVO
- $392
- $549.99
- 29% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Our Testing Experience
This robotic vacuum is excellent for cleaning large rooms and has a surprisingly easy setup right out of the box. It also featured the lowest dBA rating of any vacuum we tested and had several versatile features. However, this vacuum struggled with cleaning performance on a straight line of cereal. It veered off in different directions before cleaning the entire mess, indicating that it is ineffective for small spaces.
Pros and Cons
✔ Operates on its own and can be controlled via a smartphone app
✔ Features automatic dirt disposal
✔ Has a low 65 dBA rating
✘ Performed poorly in the glitter test, leaving a considerable amount behind
✘ Isn’t suitable for small messes
What Customers Are Saying
Customers liked this vacuum’s easy-to-use smartphone app, long-lasting battery, and cleaning effectiveness. Those who didn’t like this vacuum said its mapping function was inconsistent and its bumpers often stuck.
Best Handling: Eureka Lightweight Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Performance: 2/5 | User Experience: 4/5 | Additional Features: 2/5 | Warranty: 2/5 | Price Point: 2/5
Eureka Lightweight Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
- $135.99
- $204.81
- 34% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Our Testing Experience
This vacuum had an easy setup during our testing, and it was ready to go out of the box in less than 10 minutes. As for performance, it picked up almost all of the Cheerios on the first pass during the cereal test, but it struggled to get all of the glitter. It had smooth handling and was easy to operate at a reasonable noise level.
Pros and Cons
✔ Features smooth, easy handling
✔ Has a user-friendly, easy-to-read LED display
✔ Involves easy assembly
✘ Performed poorly when picking up glitter
✘ Runs out of power quickly on high setting
What Customers Are Saying
Customers who liked this vacuum said that it was long-lasting, easy to operate, and particularly effective on pet hair. However, others found the runtime to be inefficient, and some felt it didn’t handle deep cleaning well.
Most Lightweight: iwoly V600 Stick Vacuum Cleaner
Performance: 2/5 | User Experience: 3/5 | Additional Features: 2/5 | Warranty: 1/5 | Price Point: 3/5
iwoly V600 Stick Vacuum Cleaner
- $54.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Our Testing Experience
This lightweight upright vacuum was less effective than other models during the cereal test, but it performed well during the glitter test. It was easy to set up and featured a convenient battery indicator. The handling was decent, but the machine let off a bad smell during our tests.
Pros and Cons
✔ Performed well in some tests for a lightweight model
✔ Has a battery indicator that tells you how much time you have remaining
✔ Features self-standing capability
✘ Emits a bad odor during operation
✘ Isn’t ideal for heavy-duty use
What Customers Are Saying
Reviewers said that this vacuum was lightweight and easy to use. A few customers specifically mentioned the convenient air filter. However, unhappy reviewers said it didn’t have much suction power and was difficult to push.
Best Canister Vacuum: Kenmore Bagged Canister Vacuum
Performance: 3/5 | User Experience: 3/5 | Additional Features: 1/5 | Warranty: 1/5 | Price Point: 2/5
Kenmore Bagged Canister Vacuum
- $188.66
- $249.99
- 25% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Our Testing Experience
This canister vacuum from Kenmore performed well in the glitter test, wiping out almost all of the material on the first pass. It also did well in the cereal test, especially on its highest setting. However, we found the setup to be confusing, and it was not as easy as other models to operate.
Pros and Cons
✔ Has good suction, especially on its highest setting
✔ Features four different height adjustments
✔ Is relatively straightforward to clean the canister
✘ Is clunky and takes up a lot of space
✘ Involves a confusing and unintuitive setup
What Customers Are Saying
Customers who liked this vacuum were pleased with its easy-to-dispose canister, strong power level, and stylish orange design. However, others found it to be heavy and difficult to move.
Buying Guide for Vacuums for Hardwood Floors
There are many factors to consider when determining which hardwood floor vacuum is right for you. Before making a purchasing decision, think about how often you vacuum, how much foot traffic you have, and the size of your home. You should also consider what type of vacuum you prefer and if you prefer corded or cordless. Read our buying guide below for more information.
Type
Some of the most common types of vacuums for hardwood floors are:
- Canister: Canister vacuums have a long hose that attaches to the head on one end and the canister body on the other. They typically roll across your floor with built-in wheels.
- Handheld: Handheld vacuums are small, making them ideal for cleaning hard-to-reach areas, such as in corners or behind furniture. These vacuums are typically lightweight and cordless.
- Robotic: Robotic vacuums do all of the work for you. After programming them and turning them on, these vacuums automatically clean your floors in a zigzag motion, picking up debris as they encounter it.
- Stick: Stick vacuums have motors and dust containers at the top of the device near the handle. They’re often cordless, which makes for easy cleaning in tight areas.
- Upright: This is the standard vacuum that most people use in their homes. These vacuums stand straight when they’re not in use and tilt back when they’re in use.
Learn More: The Best Vacuum Cleaners
Power
Vacuums are electric, powered by a cord or a rechargeable battery. Corded vacuums are more powerful, but they must be positioned near a wall outlet. Choose a power cord that’s at least 15 feet long to limit how often you have to pause to plug the cord into a new outlet.
Cordless vacuums can be used anywhere. However, you have to recharge their batteries. If you want to clean all of the hardwood floors in your home without pausing to charge the battery, look for a vacuum with a runtime of at least 30 minutes.
Maneuverability
Hardwood floors are often found in kitchens, dining rooms, bathrooms, and bedrooms. Find a vacuum that can maneuver easily around appliances, tables, beds, sinks, tubs, and other items you typically find in these spaces.
Tips To Maintain Your Hardwood Floors
Regularly vacuuming your hardwood floors is a must to ensure they remain free of debris, dust, and other allergens that prevent them from looking their best. There are other steps you should take to keep your hardwood floors in pristine condition, including the following:
- Sweep or dust regularly: Vacuuming should not replace sweeping and dusting your floors. In addition to vacuuming, use a broom to clean up small spills and remove dust and other small debris.
- Mop heavily used areas: Mop your hardwood floors in areas with heavy foot traffic, such as your living room, kitchen, and entryway. You can try using a spray-and-mop product or a disposable pad.
- Use pads to prevent scratching: Scratches from furniture can ruin your floor if you aren’t careful. To help keep your floors scratch-free, use pads on the bottom of kitchen tables, couches, chairs, TV stands, and any other items you have directly on a hard surface.
- Use hardwood floor cleaner to refresh your floor: Once a month, use a hardwood floor cleaner to freshen up your floors.
- Re-finish your floors when needed: Every few years, it may be time to re-finish your floors to give them a newer look. This is especially true if you have old floors. To re-finish your floors, apply a coat of wood floor finish.
Watch the video below for more information on how to refinish your hardwood floors:
Frequently Asked Questions About Vacuums for Hardwood Floors
Is sweeping a hardwood floor the same as vacuuming it?
Sweeping a hardwood floor is not the same as vacuuming it. Sweeping your floors can push dirt into hard-to-reach areas or kick it into the air. Vacuuming is typically faster and more efficient than sweeping, and it allows you to reach difficult spots with specialized crevice tools.
How often should hardwood floors be vacuumed?
Hardwood floors should be vacuumed weekly. However, if an area gets heavy traffic, you may want to clean it twice or three times a week.
What kind of attachment works best for hardwood floors?
Soft-bristled brush roller attachments work best for hardwood floors. If you choose a multipurpose vacuum, make sure it has multiple attachments that differentiate between hardwood and carpet cleaning. You can also purchase a separate vacuum for carpet or upholstery.
Who This Guide Is For
This guide is designed for homeowners who are looking for a vacuum for their hardwood floors. We looked at various models, including a straightforward machine that can navigate small spaces, a heavy-duty model that can clean your whole home, and a robotic vacuum that does the work for you.
How We Selected Vacuums for Hardwood Floors
To provide our readers with the best product recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial research: Our research process began by generating a list of vacuums for hardwood floors with a significant number of verified-buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4-5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
We also took into account how durable each product type should be to serve its intended purpose for several years or more. Finally, we used that information to help us evaluate whether each manufacturer’s warranty coverage was adequate and trustworthy.
Expert insights: Through our years of experience, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is key to building accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final product selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we pared the list down further by comparing each model’s feature-set and selecting the best-in-class options for a variety of buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Our Testing Process
Our reviews team rigorously tested each vacuum for hardwood floors in our final lineup to recommend products that provide our readers with the best overall user experience in a fair, balanced, and transparent way.
During testing, we evaluated each item for the following:
- Initial setup/installation
- Clarity of instructions from the manufacturer
- User-friendliness
- Overall performance
- Bonus features and components
- Areas for improvement and potential deal-breakers
Why You Can Trust Us
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIY-ers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content.
The This Old House Reviews Team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home space, from doorbell cameras and dining room decor to circular saws and snow blowers.
Once we conclude the research and testing phases, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.
Questions or Comments?
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