The Best Hardwood Floor Vacuum Cleaner of 2019 | Best 4 Your Home
Wondering what the best hardwood floor vacuum cleaner is right now? You’ve come to the right place!
Using a broom to clean hardwood floors may sound like a good idea, but using a traditional broom can kick up dirt and allergens into the air. This dust can get into your lungs and make it hard to breathe.
It is understandable that you would want to use your existing vacuum for your hardwood floors, especially if it is still in good working order. However, if your current vacuum was not created to clean hardwood flooring, it is possible using it might actually damage your floors. The best vacuum for hard wood floors does not have a bristle bar, or it has a bristle bar that can be removed or shut off when cleaning hardwood. The vacuum will also have rubber wheels, vacuums with plastic wheels can damage the hardwood surface.
It is best to purchase a vacuum that is made specifically for hardwood floors. This will help keep the air quality in your home clean and safe. It will also be easier for you to keep your house tidy on a daily basis.
Hardwood floors are very popular because they are an eco-friendly option, a modern décor top pick, and they reduce allergens inside the home.
The best vacuum for wood floors can vary widely in price. Investing a little more money can get you a better system that has more features, is better built, and may even be easier on the ear drums. Here is a quick list of the top products available:
Testing out vacuums in store is a good idea if you are concerned with the amount of noise the vacuum with produce. It is also good to see how heavy a vacuum is in person, especially if you have a large area to clean. Even if you test out vacuums in the store, you can always buy the vacuum online. Often vacuums have better pricing online, and all of our vacuum choices offer free shipping.
Only looking at the price of hardwood floor vacuums is not the best way to purchase a good quality vacuum. You must also consider the type of floor you have, the features you need, and any accessories that will make cleaning easier. Choose a vacuum that fits your specific needs. It may or may not be the most expensive vacuum on the list. It is important to purchase a vacuum that fits your budget. Invest in a vacuum that has a high-quality sealed system, corded for extra suction, and is lightweight enough to carry around for daily cleaning.
When purchasing a vacuum for your hardwood floors, you will need to consider the type of hardwood your currently have or will be installing. Different kinds of hardwood such as solid, engineered, and laminate can require different levels of care depending on the make and surface structure.
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Hardwood Floor Options
Hardwood floors can come in different hardness levels such as solid, engineered, and laminate. Most people would love to have solid hardwood floors in their home, but it is also the most expensive.
If you have solid hardwood, it can be refinished so you do not have to worry about surface scratches and blemishes as much. Solid hardwood is also the most durable of the three, but you should still be careful about spills since solid hardwood can swell and discolor. If your solid hardwood is already naturally distressed, small scratches and dings will only add to your flooring’s character.
Engineered hardwood has a durable surface but is not solid all the way through the plank. Therefore, it cannot be sanded as many times as solid hardwood. You will need to choose a vacuum that has rubber wheels and is gentler on your flooring to prevent damage and scratches.
Laminate is the most delicate of the hardwood options. It is also the least expensive. They are easy to scratch and damage, so you will want to take that into consideration when choosing a vacuum. Although laminate floors cannot be refinished, some laminate flooring is water-resistant, which can prevent damage when you have spills.
Once you have determined your hardwood floor options, you will need to research what type of surface coating your floor has. The sealant will determine the amount of maintenance needed.
Hardwood Floor Finishes
Before you purchase a vacuum for your hardwood floors, it is important to know what kind of floor finish you are working with.
If your floor has a top coat of urethane, polyurethane, or polyacrylic, your flooring is surface-sealed. Congrats on picking a low maintenance hardwood. Surface-sealed floors are stain and water resistant. These floors are super easy to clean and vacuum.
If your floor has a matte finish, it is possible you have a seal-treated or oil-treated floor. This type of hardwood requires regular maintenance, and you will need to protect the floor with liquid or paste wax.
You will also need to treat your floor with liquid or paste wax if the floor is lacquered, shellacked, varnished, or untreated. These floors are not stain and water-resistant, so keep this in mind if you are looking at installing this type of flooring.
If you are having trouble deciding what kind of hardwood floor you have, rub your finger on a highly visible piece of your flooring. If it smudges, you have a high maintenance floor, if no smudge appears, your flooring is sealed.
Also take into consideration the surface of your hardwood. Is the surface smooth, or does it have grooves or cracks? If the surface of the hardwood flooring is textured, you will want to choose a vacuum that has a higher suction power to get into all of the crevices.
Take a minute to note how many rooms in your home have hardwood flooring. Will you need to carry the vacuum upstairs? Will you need the vacuum to clean other surfaces in your home? What about corded or cordless? All of these questions are important to ask yourself when searching for the perfect vacuum.
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What Kind of Vacuum
There are many types of hardwood floor vacuums on the market. The most sought-after vacuum for hardwood floors is a canister vacuum. A canister vacuum has an oval brush that can get into all the places a traditional vacuum falls short. It is great for sucking out the dirt and getting into all of the cracks and crevices on the surface and joints of your floors.
While a canister vacuum is ideal for hardwood floors, it is not the best choice for people who live in multi-level homes. The canister can get very heavy and bulky, especially with a cord and long hose, to carry up and down stairs.
An upright vacuum can be used to clean hardwood floors, but it needs to be created specifically for wooden floors. If it has a rotating brush, you will need to make sure it is turned off. If the rotating brush is used, it could cause damage to your floor or wear down the surface coating, resulting in a dull finish.
Upright vacuums can also stand on their own. They are at a standing height and do not require you to bend over to use.
If you prefer an upright over a canister vacuum, you are in luck. Many vacuum manufacturers have created upright vacuums specifically for wood floor use. Special brushes and increased suction can clean hardwoods just as quickly and efficiently as a canister vacuum.
Other vacuum types include stick, handheld, robot, and cordless. Each of these vacuum types has its pros and cons. For deep cleaning hardwood floors on a regular basis, a canister or upright vacuum is ideal.
No matter what style you choose, be sure to research if the vacuum is built for hardwood floors. You will want a light-weight model that is easy to lift and store. If you have more than hardwood in your home, such as tile or carpet, you will want to purchase a vacuum that can easily handle the different surfaces. Ideally, you’ll want one that can switch with an automatic button or quick change using only one hand. The easier it is to switch between floor styles, the more likely you are to make your new vacuum your go-to cleaning machine.
The options that your vacuum features can be personalized to your lifestyle. If you vacuum frequently or have delicate hardwood floors, you will be able to find a vacuum that has all the right features. Take note of any unique features that the best vacuum for hard floors has and see which ones are most important to you. Knowing which features are must-haves will help you narrow down your list of options.
Vacuum Features
A hardwood floor should state on the packaging and product description that it is built to be safe to use on hardwood floors. If the product does not clearly state that it is recommended for hardwood floors, look for some telltale signs.
The vacuum should have adjustable features including brushes and suction control. It should also have a height adjustment that can be manually or automatically controlled to clean your hardwood floors.
The bristles on the brushes should be soft. If the bristles are hard, then you should be able to disable the brushes when you are using the vacuum on hardwood. If you cannot disable the brushes with a quick button touch, you probably will spend a good amount of time trying to adjust the vacuum for your hardwood floors.
Also, consider the material the wheels are made out of. Rubber wheels are best for hardwood since they have a bit of give and are soft on the wood’s surface. If the wheels are made of plastic or metal, you could damage the surface of the floors with repeated vacuuming. This type of damage is hard to gauge. Before you know it, you could have track marks all over your flooring. There is no easy way to correct this. Make sure your vacuum’s wheels glide easily and do not leave marks.
Once you have found a vacuum with a large suction head and no brush (or the option to turn the brush off), you will want to think about attachments. You should have a slim edging wand attachment to clean the perimeter of your home and soft brush heads to vacuum drapes, blinds, lampshades and more.
If you will be using your vacuum a lot, the level of noise it produces is critical. It is a huge advantage if your vacuum runs quietly and can make cleaning a more pleasant experience. If the vacuum you choose is loud, it will be very difficult to make the vacuum quieter. It is best that you try out a few vacuums in order to find the right vacuum for your needs. Listening to the sound each vacuum makes can help you make an informed decision.
Vacuum Noise
Most people choose vacuums that have the most suction power. You want a vacuum that will pick up as much dirt and debris as possible to keep your home clean and tidy. However, some high-powered suction vacuums are very noisy, so it is best to try out the vacuum before you buy it.
Is it too loud? If it sounds like a jet engine, you might not want to purchase, unless you like wearing ear plugs when you vacuum. If the vacuum is battery-operated or is a cordless model, there should be a decrease in noise.
The price of the vacuum dictates the amount of noise as well. Higher priced vacuums are sealed well and are frequently built with padding that helps quiet motor noise.
Cordless vacuums are good for new parents, scared pets, and apartment dwellers. Keep in mind that battery-operated and cordless vacuums do need to be charged often. These vacuums also generally do not have the best suction power.
If you need convenience, you might have to sacrifice a little noise. Corded vacuums are generally more powerful and do not need to be charged. Corded vacuums are just as easy to store as cordless and have been known to last longer too.
Once you have taken into consideration the noise that your vacuum makes, you will want to look for vacuums that have a closed system and supply allergy friendly filters such as HEPA. The more sealed your vacuum system is, the less dirt that will float back into the air in your home. If you purchase a vacuum that is not well made, it is possible that dirt will leak out of the vacuum when you are using the vacuum. If this happens, you are not saving any time by using this style of vacuum and it is not any better than using a traditional broom. Especially if you struggle with allergies, look for vacuums that advertise HEPA filtration systems. HEPA is an advanced filter that blocks over ninety-nine percent of common dust and allergens.
Dirt Collector and Filters
When buying a vacuum, you should also consider the size of the cannister. Is the vacuum meant for small or large spaces? If the vacuum has a small canister, you will spend a lot of time emptying out the canister in order to use the vacuum at its top efficiency. If you have a larger cannister, you may be able to vacuum all the hardwood floors in your house and only empty the canister once.
The vacuum you choose should also have a filter on board if you are cleaning up a lot of pet hair or dander. The filter, which can be regularly changed out fairly easily and inexpensively, will keep the air in your house cleaner and make it more pleasant for you to vacuum on a frequent basis.
There are two types of filters: bag and bagless. Some prefer a bag vacuum so that they can change out the bag when it is full and there is virtually no mess. While others prefer a bagless vacuum. A bagless vacuum uses a dirt collection container that can easily be emptied into a trash can. A bagless vacuum is a great eco-friendly option since the container can be used over and over again and even cleaned with soap and water. It is also most cost-effective since you will not have to replace disposable bags.
Some vacuums include a second filter that can be found near the air exit point of the vacuum. This filter catches smaller dust particles that may not stay in the bag or container. This is a great feature to prevent excess dust from re-entering your home.
If you have allergies, choose a vacuum that has an advanced filter such as a HEPA filter. This filter will catch more dust and debris. Also, choose a vacuum that has a bag to fully contain all the dirt you vacuum up. This type of setup is only suggested if you have allergies or breathing problems, as the cost can add up. Both HEPA filters and bags are disposable and will need to be replaced frequently to benefit.
If you are shopping exclusively for the best vacuum for wood floors, you must purchase a vacuum that does not have a bristle bar or has a button that can easily stop the bristle bar from spinning. Using a harsh bristle bar on hardwood floors is a no-no. Hard bristle bars were designed for carpet to move fabric strands and lift dirt that has fallen to the bottom of the carpet. Using a bristle bar on hardwood can damage the surface and make the vacuum hard to maneuver.
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Bristle Bars
A bristle bar is a familiar part on standard vacuums. The bristle bar usually has tough bristles that fluff up the carpet and suck up hair and debris. It is great for giving carpet that just cleaned look.
Using a vacuum that has a bristle bar on hardwood is a different story. The hard bristles rotate quickly, causing them to scuff the hardwood and peel away at the surface layer over time. Bristles can cause damage to your flooring and make your hardwood look dull.
The best option is to choose a lightweight vacuum that does not have a bristle bar when purchasing a vacuum for your hardwood floors. This will ensure that your floors will not get damaged because the lighter the vacuum, the less pressure you will be putting on your floors. Depending on the strength of your hardwood, it can be very easy to damage if you are not careful.
If you cannot afford or find a vacuum that is lightweight and does not have a bristle bar, consider purchasing a vacuum that has a hardwood mode. This is a great option if you have multiple floor styles in your home and need to switch easily back and forth. Just remember to engage hardwood floor mode to prevent any damage to your floors.
Tired of going over the same spot when you are vacuuming? See debris on your floor even after you have made multiple passes? It is possible you need a stronger suction vacuum. Cordless vacuums often do not have enough suction power for hardwood floors, especially if your flooring has grooves or natural surface cracks.
Suction Power
Powerful suction (minimum 1000 watts) is needed when vacuuming hardwood floors. There are a lot of nooks and crannies that a traditional broom or low-grade suction vacuum just cannot pick up without multiple passes. A high suction vacuum will save you time and does a better job of keeping your house clean.
Generally, you will want to purchase a corded vacuum for hardwood floors. A corded vacuum has more power and will be able to capture more dirt and debris. Although cordless vacuums are convenient, they commonly lack sufficient suction power to get dirt from cracks and gaps in hardwood flooring. A cordless vacuum also has to be recharged often, which may prevent you from using the vacuum as much as you would like to.
Better suction power is often found in more expensive vacuum brands and models. It is important to weigh the pros and cons of cost versus suction power. If you are going to spend a little more money on a vacuum, you should spend it on a vacuum that has increased suction power. It will save you time and pick up all the dirt in one pass.
With increased suction power comes more uses. Use the suction power to not only clean your floors, but also your furniture, window blinds, ceiling, and more.
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Crevice Tools
Crevice tools are a must-have if you want the best hardwood floor vacuum. They often come as an included accessory to your vacuum and are easily stored on the vacuum or near it. It can get underneath furniture, in-between walls and flooring, and more.
If the vacuum does not come with crevice tools, and this is important to you, you will want to do a bit of research to see if these tools can be purchased separately for your vacuum. If no accessories are available, you may want to choose another vacuum that is equipped with crevice tools.
Especially if crevice tools are important to you, and you will be cleaning in multiple areas of your home, get a vacuum that comes with crevice tools. Often the vacuum will be able to house the accessories on the body of the unit, making it convenient to find the tools and put them away.
Now that you have learned about the different things to look for when buying the best vacuum for hardwood, we have listed our favorite options below.
Best Vacuum for Wood Floors
There are many vacuums to choose from, but it can get confusing when you are looking for a vacuum that specializes in hardwood floors. We have chosen our top eight and think that you will find your next vacuum from the list below.
Keep in mind that you will want to purchase the best hardwood floor vacuum if you have any wood flooring in your home or are planning on installing one.
Whether you have ties to a brand or a particular feature, hardwood floor vacuums are worth the investment. For a under a few hundred dollars, you can get a vacuum that will not damage your floors and keep them looking clean.
The following eight vacuums will work great on your hardwood floors. If you have additional styles of flooring in your home such as tile or carpet, pick a vacuum that works on multiple surfaces. This is a great option to save you money and space in your home. Also look for a vacuum that can switch between floor surfaces with a touch of a button. The easier it is to switch your vacuum from one mode to another, the more you will be adept to clean your floors on a regular basis.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
1. Dyson Ball Multi Floor 2 Upright Vacuum
Buy Dyson Ball Multi Floor 2 Upright Vacuum
The Dyson Ball Multi Floor 2 is super lightweight and easy to carry. The vacuum turns on a dime with ball technology with its impressive steering capabilities. Simply turn your wrist and the vacuum will follow. It is a multi-floor vacuum and works best on hardwood, tile, vinyl, and carpets. The Multi Floor 2 features Dyson suction power and a cleaner head that can easily self-adjust to multiple floor types with an active base plate. The radial root cyclone technology sucks up even microscopic dust better than any other vacuum. A smooth releasing wand and hose allow you to clean between your blinds and under your couch.
A push button release puts the dirt from the sealed suction container in the trash with one motion. It features a whole-machine HEPA filtration system that keeps allergens and bacteria inside the machine and not in the air in your home. This vacuum is certified asthma and allergy friendly andincludes a five-year warranty that is all-inclusive (parts and labor and shipping back and forth for repair).
Product Dimensions: 15.6 x 13.4 x 41.9 inches
Item Weight: 15.6 pounds[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
2. BISSELL PowerFresh Steam Mop, Floor Steamer, Tile Cleaner, and Hard Wood Floor Cleaner, 1940
Buy BISSELL PowerFresh Steam Mop, Floor Steamer, Tile Cleaner, and Hard Wood Floor Cleaner
The BISSELL Power Fresh Steam Mop features a flip-down scrubber brush for easily breaking up dirt and grime on floors and grout. Cleaning with steam eliminates nearly all germs and bacteria. The Bissell provides a chemical-free way to enjoy your floors again. You can customize the steam setting with three levels; choose a higher level for big spills and messes and a lower level for everyday cleaning. Use only with the recommended microfiber pads. Works best on sealed hardwood, ceramic, linoleum, granite, and marble floors.
The BISSELL features a spring breeze fragrance disc to provide fragrance in the room while you sanitize the floors with steam. You can choose from eucalyptus mint or citrus scents. Adding fragrance discs are optional and are not required for the floor steamer to work.
Accessory kit includes (1) washable soft mop pad, (1) washable scrubby mop pad, and (2) Spring Breeze fragrance discs.
Product Dimensions: 11.6 x 7.1 x 28.6 inches
Item Weight: 9 pounds[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
3. Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional NV356E
Buy Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional NV356E
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional is a lightweight upright vacuum that has a detachable canister for flexible cleaning. With a quick push of a button, you can remove the canister to clean hard to reach areas. The Shark features a completely sealed system, to prevent dust from re-entering the air in your home, and a HEPA filter, to combat common allergens. It features a brush shut-off button when you need to switch from carpet to your hardwood or tile floors.
Product Dimensions: 15 x 11.4 x 45.5 inches
Item Weight: 13.7 pounds[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
4. Bissell Spinwave Powered Hardwood Floor Mop and Cleaner, 2039A
Buy Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional NV356E
BISSELL SpinWave Powered Hard Floor Mop works on sealed, hard-surface floors like tile, linoleum, vinyl flooring, and hardwood floors. The BISSELL includes a set of soft touch cleaning pads for daily cleaning and durable scrubby pads for hard to clean messes. The power spin pads make cleaning your floors a breeze and keep them looking brand new. Use the on-demand sprayer to easily clean your floors. You can easily fill the solution tank with water and multi-surface formula (8 oz. bottle included). Then just give it a few sprays and start mopping. This hardwood floor mop moves and turns easily around and under furniture and weighs less than ten pounds. Includes a 2-year limited warranty.
Product Dimensions: 8 x 16 x 45 inches
Item Weight: 9.5 pounds[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
5. Shark Rocket DuoClean Ultra-Light Corded Bagless Vacuum for Carpet and Hard Floor with Lift-Away Hand Vacuum (HV382), Charcoal
The Shark Rocket with DuoClean Technology allows you to clean your floors and carpets with three different settings: large, small, and stuck-on dirt. At under 10 pounds, the vacuum is easy to carry and maneuver. It also converts to a hand vac to clean both high and low. LED lights make settings easy on the hand vac and nozzle, brushrool (bristle and soft) access and a handy pet tool to get rid of all of the embedded pet hair on couches and bedspreads. The Shark Rocket features powerful suction to not only suck up microscopic dust, but with no front wall, can capture piles of dirt as well.
Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 9.8 x 46.4 inches
Item Weight: 9.9 pounds[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
6. Bissell 1650A Pet Hair Eraser Vacuum
Buy Bissell 1650A Pet Hair Eraser Vacuum
The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Vacuum has a patented system that separates hair and fur from dirt particles, allowing you to remove the spooled hair for a hands-free empty. Its size makes it super easy to move around the house. The vacuum work on carpets, hard surfaces, upholstery and more. Features a smart seal allergen system to prevent dust and dander from re-entering your home. Power edge to edge suction picks up more dust and dirt with the first swipe, saving you time when cleaning. A built in Febreze Pet Oder Eliminator filter continually freshens your vacuum. Accessory tools help you to get all of the dirt out of your home, And you can use an accessory tool using only one-click. It’s so easy to do you, will be reaching for this vacuum no matter what the spill.
Product Dimensions: 13.5 x 12.4 x 46.8 inches
Related: Best Vacuum for Pet Hair
Item Weight: 18 pounds[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
7. Eureka Mighty Mite Canister Vacuum with Pet Attachments, 3684F
Buy Eureka Mighty Mite Canister Vacuum with Pet Attachments
The Eureka Mighty Mite Canister Vacuum is lightweight at less than nine pounds and is easy to navigate around obstacles. The vacuum is equipped with HEPA filtration, catching 99.97% of dust and allergens. It also includes a high filtration dust bag that eliminates pesky pet odors. Convenient extra-long cord helps you clean in a twenty feet radius without moving the plug. Great for stairs and long hallways. This vacuum features cleaning accessory tools that are stored on the top of the cannister for easy grab and go. Use the two extension wands and two specialty accessories to dust furniture, reach high ceilings and get under furniture.
Product Dimensions: 17.5 x 9 x 11.3 inches
Item Weight: 8.6 pounds[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
8. Hoover FH40160PC FloorMate Deluxe Hard Floor Cleaner
Buy Hoover FH40160PC FloorMate Deluxe Hard Floor Cleaner
The Hoover Floor Mate Deluxe Hard Floor Cleaner works great on sealed hardwood, vinyl, ceramic tile, laminate, and marble. Brushes are uniquely designed with spin scrub technology to tackle dirt from all angles. The Hoover is super lightweight with high-tech controls, including wash and dry mode selector, fingertip solution control, clean boost control, and dual tank technology.
Stop using a traditional mop that leaves dirty water behind. With the Hoover FloorMate Deluxe, you can keep clean and dirty water separate. Floors dry with one motion, leaving your floors like new.
All of the tanks, brush, and nozzle can be easily removed for easy rinsing. Keep your accessories clean for the best efficiency. Easy button can apply extra detergent for hard to clean stains and high traffic areas. Safe for use on all sealed surfaces like hardwood, vinyl, ceramic tile, laminate, marble, and more.
Product Dimensions: 14.4 x 12.8 x 32.8 inches
Item Weight: 13.8 pounds[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Leave Your Shoes at the Door
To keep your floor looking great, take your shoes off as soon as you enter your home. If you have a mudroom, this is the perfect place to store the shoes you wear outdoors. If you do not have a mudroom, consider using the entryway of your home and a rubber mat or shoe organizer to keep everything organized. By keeping your shoes by the front door, you can prevent damage from outside dirt and pebbles that can get trapped in your shoes from damaging your hardwood floors.
Plus, you will be eliminating excess chemicals from reaching your furniture and flooring. Outside debris can get stuck in the cracks and crevices of your hardwood floor causing premature damage that, in some cases, can only be remedied by refinishing the floor.
You can even ask your guests to leave their shoes at the door by politely asking them to respect your home rules. If you are serious about doing this, purchase a shoe tray from a local home improvement or department store so people can feel comfortable leaving their shoes near your front or back door. Most people will be delighted to comply. Not wearing shoes throughout the home will keep your floors looking new.
Even with keeping your shoes near the entryways of your home, dirt and debris can still get inside. Vaccuuming on a daily basis will also help keep any dirt from damaging your floors.
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Vacuum Frequently
If you want to keep your hardwood floors looking new, you will need to be diligent about vacuuming your floors. The more frequently you vacuum, the less dirt that can scratch the surface of the hardwood. Vacuuming will also remove the debris that is in between the planks of hardwood and the space between the hardwood and the wall.
Hardwood floors should always be vacuumed before any mop or cleaning solution is used. Vacuuming ensures that the dirt has been removed. Failure to vacuum will result in your mop picking up the debris and possibly scratching or dulling the surface.
Making vacuuming part of your daily routine will ensure a good return on your investment. When maintaining or selling your home, guests, and buyers appreciate a hardwood floor that looks brand new. Hardwood floors that are well maintained also have fewer problems with water damage, plank movement, and dulling of the surface finish.
Plus, cleaning your hardwood floors daily allow existing spills to sanitized. Spills that are not cleaned up quickly can cause your floors to become sticky and dirty looking. Clean up spills as fast as you can to prevent any damage that could be costly to repair.
Clean Up Spills Quickly
Have a spill on your hardwood floors? Getting to the spill quickly will prevent any damage to the flooring. If the spill is liquid, use a cloth that will absorb the liquid and prevent the spill from seeping into the cracks between the planks of hardwood. You will also want to make sure the liquid does not stain the hardwood. Use a slightly damp cloth to remove any residue or dullness. If a liquid spill is allowed to sit on hardwood, the hardwood could swell or discolor.
If the hardwood swells or discolors, it will have to be replaced. This can be costly depending on what type of floors you have, so it is best to take care of any spills as soon as possible.
If the spill is solid food or debris from outdoors, use a slightly damp cloth to pick up the large pieces of debris, and then use a vacuum to suck up the smaller pieces. Failure to take care of food spills can result in additional debris sticking to the spot on the floor or worse insects such as ants may start to gather at the spill spot.
Most furniture is fairly heavy, especially for one person, to move around. Most people change their furniture layout a couple times a year. Heavy surfaces that can scratch hardwood floors are best when they can be moved without dragging on the surface of your floors. Felt pads are a great way to prevent any furniture legs or debris under the furniture legs from scratching the floor.
Felt Pads Under Furniture Legs
The furniture you place on your hardwood floors should have a decent surface area that comes in the contact with the floor. All furniture legs should be equipped with felt pads. The pads will prevent any scratches to the hardwood flooring. Felt pads should be checked frequently as they will degrade over time and need to be replaced. Old felt pads gather dust, sand, and pet hair. Failure to replace the felt pads can cause unwanted scratches to your hardwood flooring.
When moving furniture, always lift the furniture (preferably with multiple people helping you) instead of dragging it across the floor. Even if the furniture has felt pads on the feet, the pads can fail and cause damage to your floors. Once the furniture has been moved to its new resting point, check the felt pads again to make sure they are secure.
Even if you do not use your furniture very often, you will still need to replace felt pads every once in a while. Felt pads are fairly inexpensive and are a breeze to install. The payoff is totally worth the time and money spent purchasing felt pads.
Floor Mats
Floormats are very important for protecting your hardwood floors. You can use the mats both inside and outside. Place a door mat by your front and back doors, so that dirt and debris is not tracked into the house.
Floor mats, placed in high traffic areas and the kitchen, can prevent dirt from making it to your hardwood floors. The less dirt that touches the surface of your floors, the less chance that the dirt will scratch or dull your floors over time. Adding floor mats to the kitchen by the sink and stove can catch water, food, and debris and prevent damage to your floors. It will also save your time by only needing to clean the areas once at the end of the day instead of every time a spill is created.
Frequently vacuum your floor mats or throw them in the washing machine (if appropriate). Washing your floor mats will cut down on dust and dander (if you have pets). Dirt and dander can collect on high-traffic surfaces in your home, so it is important to keep these surfaces clean. This is especially beneficial if you suffer from allergies.
Floor Maintenance
When purchasing a hardwood floor, you may not be aware of the common cleaning schedule needed to properly maintain it. It is recommended that you sweep with a dust mop every day. This will help clean up the large debris and reduce overall wear on your floor. Vacuum weekly using the bare floor setting or without the bristle brush. Vacuuming is important for picking up small particles that can accumulate and cause damage to the surface of your floors.
Use a hardwood floor cleaner specifically for hardwood floors once a month. Do not use a vinyl or tile floor cleaner on your hardwood floors. Acrylic waxes in the vinyl and tile cleaner can cause the hardwood to become slippery and have a dull finish. If you prefer to use a natural based floor cleaner, vinegar is a great option. Mix one half cup of vinegar with one gallon of water. Vinegar is great at cleaning up stains and, at the same time, sanitizing your hardwood floors.
If you have a clear coated hardwood, consider adding a maintenance coating every three to five years. When your flooring has been installed for 20-30 years and it can be sanded, it is recommended that you sand and refinish to refresh your home’s flooring so it will last another twenty to thirty years. Keep in mind, most engineered and laminate flooring cannot be sanded and will need to be replaced.
As with any maintenance schedule, you should use your own judgement. Depending on how much your floor is subjected to foot traffic, spills, etc. will determine how quickly it needs refinished or replaced.
Stains
It is important not to panic when you see a stain on your hardwood floors. If you can determine the source of the stain, most of the time it can be removed with a little bit of elbow grease. However, research the best methods for stain removal based on if the stain is oil or water based. You should always test a small area of the stain before trying to remove the whole stain, just in case your method causes additional harm to your floors.
If you have a hardwood floor with a soft oil finish, you need to take extra care in cleaning stains. After removing the stain, you may need to put a coat of wood stain on the floor, and then wax and buff the affected area. This will ensure the stained area will match the rest of the floor and look as natural as possible.
If you have a dark spot caused by spills or pets, use a gentle steel wool and floor wax. This method also works for unsightly heel marks. If this method does not remove the darkness and the flooring is still two different colors, use vinegar to soak into the wood and help lighten the stain. Only leave on the wood for about an hour and then rinse to help remove any residual vinegar.
An oil-based stain may be the hardest to remove. Try using a cloth and dish soap to break down any grease that is left in the stain. Rinse with clean water. You may have to do several applications to fully remove the stain. Once the spot has had time to fully dry, smooth the surface of the hardwood with fine sandpaper.
Water marks can be created when a liquid spill is not quickly attended to. Start by using steel wool and floor wax. If it is deeper than the surface, you will need to lightly sand the surface of the floor and clean with mineral spirits. Once the water ring is completely removed, you may have to apply a coat of stain to get the floor back to its original condition.
To keep your floor from getting stained, there are a few tips you can implement. By making sure your floors are sealed and high-traffic surfaces are covered with rugs, you can truly minimize having the possibility of dealing with any tough stains.
Harwood Flooring Tips
Throw rugs placed around your home and directly outside your exterior doors will help you not track in dirt and debris that can scratch or damage your flooring.
Use caution when using a wet mop or steam mop on your hardwood floors. The water and hot steam can damage porous wood over time and cause your floors to look older than they are. If you are using a wet mop, turn fans on after moping so the water will dry faster on the surface of the wood floors and you are sure to get the floors completely dry.
If your hardwood floor requires you to wax the surface, be careful not to over wax. Floors should be waxed once or twice a year with normal use. Over waxing can create build-up that can collect dust and debris that is hard to remove. If the wax coating on your hardwood floor has discolored, use a liquid hardwood floor cleaner to repair. If the surface of the waxed floor has a dull finish, try buffing the floor before adding more wax to restore luster. A damp or steam mop should never be used on waxed floors.
Do not walk on your floors with sport cleats or high heel shoes. The pressure from your weight and the small pointy area of the shoes will cause dents to appear. Dents can only be fixed by refinishing or replacing the effected plank. Dents or scratches collect dirt and do not look aesthetically pleasing.
If you live in a cold climate where the air gets dry in the winter, add a humidifier to your home. The humidifier will help minimize gaps between your flooring planks and prevent cracking in solid hardwood floors. De-icing agents can be particularly damaging to hardwood floors. In the winter, make sure to take off boots and winter gear right when you enter the home. Consider purchasing a plastic tray to place boots so that none of the salt or debris that can trapped in snow will touch the surface of your hardwood floors.
If you see a blemish on the floor, you can use a sock or an unused tennis ball to remove it. If the blemish is more noticeable, you can use baking soda and a damp cloth to gently remove it. If after cleaning, your floors still look dull and damaged it is time to call in a professional and have the floors refinished.
The better you take care of your hardwood floors, the longer they will last. Hardwood floors are timeless in interior design and will keep your home looking clean and modern.
Conclusion
Hardwood floors are classic. When they are maintained properly, they can last for many years. Hardwood floors need to be cared for to maintain their beauty and shine.
A lot of vacuums are built for carpet. These vacuums use tough bristles and suction to remove hair, dust, and debris from deep within the carpet, but hardwood floors are different. They have a flat surface that can be scratched easily.
Bristles are not a good option for hardwood floors. Bristles will cause damage to your hardwood and fling dirt and debris across your floor instead of sucking it up. Who wants to sweep multiple times? Choosing a vacuum that is built specifically for hardwood floors will save you time and money.
When purchasing a vacuum for your hardwood flooring, you will want to make sure it has strong suction to clean between the wood planks. It should also have a removeable bristle brush or no brush at all, rubber wheels, and be lightweight. If you have hardwood, carpet, and/or tile, ideally you want to own a vacuum that is good for multiple flooring surfaces.
Vacuums do require maintenance, but most are very manageable. You will want to clean filters or replace them regularly if they are disposable. Dispose of full dust bags and dump out dirt from bagless containers. If bags or containers get full and they are not taken care of, it can cause clogs in the vaccuum. It can also weaken the suction of your vacuum. Make sure to take care of the regular maintenance for your vacuum so you can extend its life.
Consult the manual to see what maintenance is needed for your specific vacuum. You may have LED indicator lights that tell you when maintenance is needed, or you may have to manually check the unit regularly to make sure it is running smoothly.
It is recommended that you use your hardwood vacuum daily to keep your hardwood floors in prime condition. Make sure you choose a vacuum that you are comfortable using on a frequent basis. The vacuum should be lightweight so you do not struggle physically with the daily task. The vacuum should also be able to stand up to the wear and tear of frequent use.
There are a good number of choices you can pick from when researching the best vacuum cleaner for hardwood floors. If you are looking for convenience, we recommend a bagless vacuum for its ease of use and cost effectiveness. Spend a little more for a sealed system with padding to decrease the noise. If you are primarily vacuuming hardwood floors, choose a corded vacuum for more suction power. Which one is right for you?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
