Vacuum for Hardwood Floors

Canister vacuums and suction-only models work best because they won't scratch or scuff delicate surfaces. Look for soft-bristle floor tools or felt-padded attachments.

Top picks for hardwood:

• Miele Classic C1 Pure Suction: No motorized brush, ideal for all hard floors.
• SEBO Airbelt K2 Kombi: Combination floor tool switches between hard floors and carpet.
• Riccar R70 Smart Mop and Vacuum: Vacuums and mops in one pass for deep hard floor cleaning.

Yes, but choose carefully. Uprights with spinning brush rolls can scratch hardwood if the bristles are too stiff or the height isn't adjustable. Models with a brush shutoff or hard floor mode are safer. For regular hardwood cleaning, a canister vacuum with a smooth floor tool is the better choice.

The motor and dust bin stay on wheels behind you, so only a lightweight floor tool touches the surface. This reduces scratching and allows for gentler contact. Canisters also offer interchangeable floor tools, making it easy to switch between a soft brush for hardwood and a motorized head for carpet.

It can if the vacuum has hard plastic wheels, stiff brush bristles, or a beater bar that contacts the floor. Prevent scratches by using vacuums with rubber wheels, soft floor brushes, or suction-only operation. Empty the dustbin regularly since trapped debris can scratch when dragged across the surface.

Key features to consider:

• Brush shutoff or suction-only mode: Prevents scratching from spinning bristles.
• Soft or felt floor tool: Glides smoothly without scuffing.
• Rubber or padded wheels: Protects floors when moving the vacuum.
• Strong suction: Picks up fine dust and debris without agitation.
• HEPA filtration: Traps fine particles instead of blowing them back onto floors.

A vacuum removes dry debris like dust, dirt, and hair. A mop uses water or cleaning solution to remove sticky residue and sanitize surfaces. For complete hard floor care, vacuum first to remove loose particles, then mop. The Riccar R70 combines both functions in a single machine.