Anyone who has had hardwood flooring installed in their home will tell you that it is both beautiful and elegant. However, they may also mention that they can be incredibly difficult to keep clean. Sweeping may remove dust bunnies, dirt and other debris, but as soon as that mess is cleaned up, more grime seems to appear out of nowhere. On the other hand, you can use an upright or canister vacuum but run the risk of damaging the hardwood surface with the beaters or tools. So how do you solve this dilemma? Consider investing in a hardwood floor vacuum, which is specifically engineered to remove all the debris – without the damage.

Cordless Hardwood Floor Vacuums for a Quick Clean
Does your hardwood floor only need a quick clean, or do you need to do some spot cleaning before your guests arrive? Cordless products designed specifically for wood flooring are miniature versions of upright vacuums or are styled similar to the “dust busters” of the past. Either type performs what is known as a dry clean, where the goal is to remove dust, crumbs, pet hair and other accumulations from the floor surface. And because they are cordless, it adds and extra bit of convenience for those who are constantly on the go. Just place the battery pack in the charger, and install after it is at full capacity. Also, these battery operated versions are better than those of the past – allowing the hardwood vacuum to run for hours without ever having to be recharged. However, they do have one disadvantage. While your wood flooring will appear clean, it will not regain its original polish and shine using this method of cleaning.

Want Shine? Choose a Hardwood Floor Wet Vacuum
Unlike the name suggests; a wet vacuum does not use water to clean the surface of the floor. A specially designed reservoir holds cleaning fluid that will add a beautiful polish to the surface, and restores its luxurious shine. Depending on the product, it can be the same size or smaller than a traditional upright. However, because they carry a hardwood floor cleaner they may be slightly heavier and difficult to maneuver. Despite this issue there is one distinct advantage. Most products created for “wet” cleaning have a combination of wet and dry features, allowing you to easily switch back and forth. In other words, you are getting two hardwood floor vacuums in one!

Finding the Best Vacuum for Hardwood
While no one manufacturer stands out as creating the best product on the market, there will be products that cater to your needs more than others. Before you buy make sure to:

Examine the bottom of the vacuum to ensure it lies flush with the floor if you are considering an upright. The flatter the surface, the better the contact with the flooring equals a better clean.

Ask yourself what you want the hardwood floor vacuum to accomplish in your home. If you only need something for spot cleans a cordless cleaner will be perfect, but if you are going for a like-new shine go for the wet or combination version.

Can you handle the weight? Wet vacuums created for hardwood flooring can be heavy, especially if they are the size of a traditional upright. If they are too heavy consider a smaller or “stick” variety.

Keep Your Wood Flooring Beautiful
Regular hardwood floor cleaning doesn’t have to be a hassle, and doesn’t have to be backbreaking work. There are a variety of vacuums to fit your every need ranging from quick pick-ups to renewing its elegant appearance. So if you already have a hardwood floor or about to install one, one of these products can keep it looking like new – even years later.