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The Best Vacuums for Hardwood and Carpet

Last Updated on October 8, 2024 by Sharaj

If you’ve got both hardwood floors and carpets, a good multi-floor vacuum is a must. These vacuums handle different surfaces without the need for separate machines. Whether it’s hard floors or rugs, the right vacuum makes cleaning easier and more efficient.

Here are some of the best options to consider.

Our Top Picks 2024

1
Miele Classic C1 Pure Suction Bagged Canister Vacuum, Graphite Grey - Portable, Household
Miele Classic C1 Pure Suction Bagged Canister Vacuum, Graphite Grey - Portable, Household
9.9
Amazon.com
2
Samsung Jet 90 Cordless Stick Vacuum Long Lasting Battery and 200 Air Watt Suction Power, Complete with Telescopic Pipe, Titan Silver
Samsung Jet 90 Cordless Stick Vacuum Long Lasting Battery and 200 Air Watt Suction Power, Complete with Telescopic Pipe, Titan Silver
9.6
Amazon.com
3
BISSELL CrossWave X7 Cordless Pet Pro Multi-Surface Wet Dry Vacuum with WiFi Connectivity, 3279
BISSELL CrossWave X7 Cordless Pet Pro Multi-Surface Wet Dry Vacuum with WiFi Connectivity, 3279
9
Amazon.com
4
Shark Vertex Pro Powered Lift-Away Cordless Vacuum with IQ Display, DuoClean PowerFins, Includes Crevice Tool, Pet Multi-Tool & Anti-Allergen Dusting Brush, 60min Runtime, Electric Blue
Shark Vertex Pro Powered Lift-Away Cordless Vacuum with IQ Display, DuoClean PowerFins, Includes Crevice Tool, Pet Multi-Tool & Anti-Allergen Dusting Brush,...
8.4
Amazon.com
5
Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum with Wide Upholstery and Crevice Tools, Lavender
Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum with Wide Upholstery and Crevice Tools, Lavender
7.5
Amazon.com
6
Kenmore BC7005 Friendly Crossover Bagged HEPA Canister Vacuum Cleaner 2-Motor Power Suction with Pet PowerMate, Extended Telescoping Wand, Retractable Cord, and 4 Cleaning Tools, Rose Gold
Kenmore BC7005 Friendly Crossover Bagged HEPA Canister Vacuum Cleaner 2-Motor Power Suction with Pet PowerMate, Extended Telescoping Wand, Retractable Cord,...
7.1
Amazon.com
7
Shark AZ1002 Apex Powered Lift-Away Upright Vacuum with DuoClean & Self-Cleaning Brushroll, Crevice Tool, Upholstery Tool & Pet Power Brush, for a Deep Clean on & Above Floors, Espresso
Shark AZ1002 Apex Powered Lift-Away Upright Vacuum with DuoClean & Self-Cleaning Brushroll, Crevice Tool, Upholstery Tool & Pet Power Brush, for a Deep Clean...
7
Amazon.com
8
Miele Boost CX1 PowerLine SNRF0 Bagless Canister Vacuum Cleaner in Lotus White
Miele Boost CX1 PowerLine SNRF0 Bagless Canister Vacuum Cleaner in Lotus White
7
Amazon.com
9
Shark NV752 Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet Upright Vacuum with HEPA Filter, Large Dust Cup Capacity, LED Headlights, Upholstery Tool, Pet Power Brush & Crevice Tool, Perfect for Pets, Bordeaux
Shark NV752 Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet Upright Vacuum with HEPA Filter, Large Dust Cup Capacity, LED Headlights, Upholstery Tool, Pet Power Brush &...
7
Amazon.com

1. Shark NV752 Upright Vacuum

Shark NV752_Best Upright vacuum for hardwood and carpet

If you need a powerful vacuum for both hardwood floors and carpets, the Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away NV752 is our best choice. It’s designed to clean multiple surfaces and comes with the “Hard Floor Hero” attachment, which makes it easy to pick up debris from bare floors.

The fingertip controls let you switch between hardwood and carpet modes effortlessly. With advanced swivel steering and a low-profile nozzle, it’s perfect for cleaning under furniture and reaching tricky spots.

This vacuum is also great for pet owners. The TruePet mini motorized brush and pet multi-tool handle pet hair on hardwood floors and carpets with ease. It comes with a HEPA filter and Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology, which effectively captures dust and allergens, making your home cleaner and fresher.

Key Features at a Glance

  • Gentle hard floors cleaning and deep clean carpets
  • Very easy to use & control
  • Easy fingertip control
  • Clean up hard to reach and difficult corners of your home/office
  • Lightweight, Portable & Versatile
  • It is easy to keep clean

2. Shark NV356E Upright Vacuum

Shark Navigator NV356E Multi surface vacuum

If the Shark Rotator NV752 is out of your budget, the Shark Navigator NV356E is a great alternative under $200. It’s versatile, lightweight, and powerful enough to clean both carpets and hardwood floors. With the push of a button, you can lift the canister to easily clean hard-to-reach areas like stairs, upholstery, and ceiling fans. This makes it a great choice for anyone needing a deep cleaning hardwood floor solution throughout the home.

The vacuum does a fantastic job picking up surface litter and debris stuck on the floor, providing thorough deep cleaning on both carpets and hard floors. It’s also an excellent anti-allergen vacuum cleaner with its Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology and a HEPA filter, trapping 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum. This makes it a strong option for homes with allergy concerns.

You can easily switch between deep carpet cleaning and pet hair removal on hardwood floors thanks to its brush-roll shutoff feature. The vacuum comes with attachments like the Hard Floor Hero for hardwood floors, a pet power brush for tackling pet hair, a dusting brush, and an 8-inch crevice tool for those tricky spots.

For a budget-friendly option, the Shark NV356E provides excellent cleaning performance on both hard floors and carpets, while also being a reliable anti-allergen vacuum cleaner.

The Cons:

Some reviewers noticed that this vacuum tends to be little noisy while cleaning.

3. Shark HV302 Stick Vacuum

shark rocket lightweight corded stick vacuum hv302

The Shark Rocket HV302 is a great option if you’re looking for a lightweight vacuum for elderly users, especially if you have arthritis. It’s easy to use on hardwood floors, area rugs, and carpets, and at under $150, it’s one of the best corded stick vacuums available right now.

Weighing less than 8 pounds, this vacuum is light enough to handle easily and can convert into a hand vacuum for more flexibility when cleaning everything from floors to ceilings. The fingertip controls make it simple to switch between hard floors and carpets, and the swivel steering gives you full control as you move around furniture.

For storage, you can either attach the hand vacuum to the bottom of the wand or hang it on the wall mount. It also comes with a home and car detail kit to clean tight spaces and a dust-away hard floor attachment that picks up large debris and fine dirt, leaving bare floors clean and neat.

The Shark HV302 offers ease and efficiency in one package, making it a fantastic choice if you want a lightweight vacuum that does a great job on all surfaces.

The Pros of Shark Rocket HV302

  • Lightweight and portable vacuum
  • It is versatile and can easily switch from floor to ceiling
  • It comes with two storage options you can choose from
  • The fingertip control allows you to easily switch from hard floor to carpet
  • It can pick out dirt from even the tiniest spaces with its home and car detail kit
  • Easy to store and transport from home to office

The Cons of Shark Rocket HV302

  • The dirt container it comes with is quite small

4. Dyson Ball Upright Vacuum

best dyson for hardwood and carpet

If you’re looking for a high-quality vacuum that can clean both hardwood floors and carpets, the Dyson Ball Multi Floor 2 is a great choice. It’s considered one of the best Dyson upright vacuums for hardwood, carpet, and even tile floors.

What makes this model stand out? The technology. It features a self-adjusting cleaner head that seals in suction on different floor types. With 250 AW of suction power and radial root cyclone technology, it picks up even the tiniest dust particles, leaving your floors super clean.

The Dyson Ball Multi Floor 2 is easy to maneuver, making cleaning much less of a hassle. Despite its power, it’s lightweight and comes with a long 31-foot cord, so you can vacuum large areas without needing to switch outlets. The wand easily releases, letting you clean under furniture without bending, and it has a push-button dump bin for quick, mess-free emptying.

With its powerful suction and versatility, this vacuum is one of the best options for cleaning all types of floors. If other vacuums haven’t worked for you, this one is definitely worth trying.

5. Miele Electro+ Canister Vacuum For Hardwood & Carpet

Miele Compact C2 Electro Plus Vacuum review

If you prefer a canister vacuum, the Miele Electro+ Compact C2 is an excellent choice for cleaning all floor types, including carpet, hardwood, and area rugs. Unlike noisy vacuums, this one operates quietly, making cleaning less of a hassle. It’s the best canister vacuum for hardwood floors and is also great for deep cleaning heavy-duty carpeting.

While it’s a bit pricey, the power and quality you get make it worth the investment. The Miele Electro+ has a tight seal that ensures dust and debris stay inside, keeping your bare floors and rugs clean. It’s lightweight, has rolling coasters, and comfort handles, making it easy to move around your home. It also comes with additional tools to make vacuuming even easier.

With 120 watts of cleaning power, it delivers strong suction and perfect airflow for efficient cleaning, even at lower settings. Its Electro Powerhead is designed to leave floors and carpets spotless. The vacuum’s swivel neck allows for easy navigation, and the brush roll has an on/off switch for added convenience.

The Miele Electro+ features pre-motor and exhaust filters, along with 3D Efficiency Dust Bags, which trap dust and dirt particles safely. Unlike many vacuums that let particles escape, this one ensures everything stays sealed in. It’s perfect for hardwood floors and rugs, and the quiet operation makes it a favorite among homeowners.

The Pros

• Silent operation
• Easier to store as it features a pack system on both sides
• Comes with airflow indicator that illuminates when dust bags are full
• Strong filtration

The Cons
• Carpet cleaner head feels a bit heavy
• Stiff hose

6. Kenmore Elite 31150 Canister Vacuum for Carpet and Hardwood

Kenmore 31150 Elite Features

The Kenmore Elite 31150 Canister Vacuum has a powerful inducer motor that provides up to 20% more air power than most vacuums. This model features five height adjustments for optimal airflow and effective pet hair cleaning on various surfaces.

With its Power Flow technology, it maintains suction and ensures no debris is left behind. The HEPA-certified filter captures dust, pollen, and pet dander, making it a great option for allergy sufferers.

The telescoping wand comes with three attachments, including the Pet Handi-Mate, to help pet owners achieve a thorough clean. This vacuum provides enough power to reach cobwebs on ceilings and clean pet hair from hard-to-reach areas.

It also has an infrared dirt sensor to help you spot dirt and dust. If you want an easy way to keep your home clean, the Kenmore Elite 31150 is an excellent choice.

The Pros of Kenmore Elite 31150

  • Powerful flow technology ensures efficient cleaning
  • 20% more powerful suction than other conventional vacuum motor
  • Great for people who suffer from allergies
  • 5 height adjustments which you can choose from
  • Easily reach places that are normally tough to reach
  • It works great both for Carpets and bare wood floors
  • It comes with a dirt sensor to help you find dirt easily
  • Easy to use

The Cons of Kenmore Elite 31150

  • The hose doesn’t stretch out even with time

Final Verdict: Whether you are cleaning carpets or wood floors & rugs, this vacuum cleaner with a perfect suction has five height adjustments to allow for the best flow of air and the best cleaning.

7. Roomba 980 Robot Vacuum For Hardwood & Carpet

iRobot Roomba 980_best robot vacuum for hardwood and carpet

Cleaning has become much easier with a robot vacuum. The iRobot Roomba 980 is a great option for hardwood floors and carpets. With the iRobot Home app, you can schedule cleanings and control the vacuum right from your smartphone. It runs for up to 120 minutes and will recharge itself automatically when needed.

This model features an AeroForce cleaning system that loosens dirt with up to 10 times more air power. Its high-efficiency filters capture 99% of pollen and other dirt particles, making it a strong choice for allergy sufferers. For homeowners who love clean area rugs and floors but have little time, the app lets you monitor cleaning progress and receive updates.

Here you can find some cheap roomba alternatives, if you are looking more budget friendly option.

The Roomba 980 comes with tangle-free brushes that work well on different surfaces, and it automatically boosts cleaning performance on carpets. You can also use Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant to start, stop, or dock the vacuum.

It’s versatile enough to clean floorboards, tiles, and other hard surfaces. Thanks to its circular design and rotating body, it can easily navigate narrow spaces.

 

8. Shark NV501 Upright Vacuum

Shark Rotator Away NV501_Multi Floor Vacuum

The Shark Rotator Lift-Away NV501 is a standout vacuum that’s making waves in the market. Like the Shark Rotator NV752, this 3-in-1 vacuum offers powerful upright, canister, and portable lift-away options for superior cleaning on multiple surfaces.

Whether you need to tackle pet hair or dust, this vacuum is perfect for hardwood floors and area rugs. It’s lightweight and features a detachable canister for easy portable cleaning. Just push a button to lift the canister and reach tricky spots.

The vacuum nozzle has LED lights and advanced swivel steering for better control around furniture. It comes with an XL dust cup and a HEPA filter to trap dust and allergens. With its complete seal technology, it captures 99.9% of dust and allergens.

The Premium Pet Power Brush makes it easy to pick up hair and debris. The Shark Rotator NV501 has strong suction to clean all types of floors and can lift pet hair from carpeted stairs and upholstery while gently removing dust from bare floors.

This vacuum has all the features you want for keeping your home shiny and clean, making it easy to use and effective.

 

The Pros of Shark Rotator NV501

  • It is lightweight
  • It is easy to use
  • It is easy to clean
  • Easy to control while you manoeuvre through furniture
  • It comes with LED lights
  • It can reach into and clean tough areas
  • It keeps out allergens with its HEPA filter
  • It is easy to empty
  • Very easy to assemble

The Cons of Shark Rotator NV501

  • The LED light  is a bit too focused and does not diffuse

9. Eureka NEU192A Inexpensive Vacuum For Hardwood & Area Rugs

Eureka Airspeed AS3030A_Multi Floor Vacuum

The Eureka NEU192A Swivel Plus upright vacuum is a solid and inexpensive option for both carpets and hardwood floors, including engineered hardwood floor cleaning. Priced under $100, this multi-surface vacuum offers great value for its performance.

What sets it apart is its strong suction power, making it effective for deep cleaning rugs and carpets. The design is lightweight, and it comes with onboard tools that are easy to switch between. The adjustable floor nozzle height helps you clean different surfaces, while the scuff-resistant furniture guard keeps your furniture safe from scratches.

For an affordable price, the Eureka NEU192A delivers excellent cleaning performance across various floor types, including engineered hardwood, making it a practical choice for your home.

Eureka Airspeed AS3030A_hardwood floor vacuum-min

10. Dirt Devil UD20015 Cheapest Vacuum For Hardwood & Carpet

Dirt Devil UD20015_vacuum for hardwood and carpet

The Dirt Devil UD20015 can be a good option if you are looking for an affordable wood floor vacuum under $50 budget.

It is one of the best items in its super low price point, offering excellent suction strength, compact design, and beautiful design.

It comes with an 8-foot premium stretch hose and an 11-inch cleaning path, guaranteeing that it can get the cleanup job done effectively.

Ease of use is also a popular point for this product, as it employs a step on the power button and an easy to remove dirt chamber for fast cleanups. It’s also lightweight so everyone can use it. Assembly is also a breeze and uncomplicated.

Extra Recommendation:


11. Dirt Devil Vibe 3-in-1 Cheap Vacuum For Hardwood & Area Rugs

Dirt Devil Vacuum Cleaner Vibe 3-in-1

Ideal for those who live in smaller spaces, the Dirt Devil Vibe 3-in-1 SD20020 vacuum cleaner offers practical functionality for homeowners.

It is an upright vacuum with its detachable handle but doubles as a handheld upholstery vacuum sans the accessories.

It also comes with an on/off brush roll, which makes it an effective cleaner for both area rugs and hard floors.

Lightweight, affordable, and with a 2 amp motor, it has the real power to clean apartments and other small spaces. It’s a pretty great choice for first-time homeowners who are still getting the hang of buying appliances and learning the ropes of investing in home items.

The Caution on Hardwood Floor Vacuuming

When it comes to vacuuming any hardwood floor, you must take some extra care, like cleaning gently and calmly.

This type of floor tends to get scratched and damaged very quickly, so it is always a great choice to go for vacuums that are gentle on surfaces.

Remember that wood floors require special treatment, not the softest or the gentlest out there – but you need to be careful to avoid common issues.

Yet, wood surfaces are made with polyurethane finishes, which means they are slightly more resistant and reliable than other options. This, eventually, makes it easier to use a vacuum.

The best vacuum for hardwood floors, however, must have a soft brush and provide enough vacuuming power to get dirt and fine debris from the deepest cracks on the floor.

For this, a useful crevice tool and an oval brush would be perfect. And of course, canister, stick, and upright vacuums will always be more comfortable to use for this type of application.

The Summery List

ModelTypePrice
Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away NV752Upright
Shark Navigator Lift-Away Pro NV356EUpright
Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Upright HV302Stick
Dyson Ball Multi Floor 2Upright
Miele Compact C2 Electro+Canister
Kenmore Elite 31150 Pet FriendlyUpright
iRobot Roomba 980Robotic
Shark Rotator Pro Lift-Away NV501
Upright
Hoover Cordless BH51120PCCordless
Eureka Airspeed AS3030AUpright
Dirt Devil UD20015Upright
Dirt Devil Vibe 3-in-1Stick

The Buyer’s Guide

There’s no doubt that vacuum cleaners are some of the best home appliances. So, if you’re in the market for a new one, here are our recommendations for upright vacuum cleaners.

Vacuum cleaners some of my most favorite home appliances ever as they make the most tedious chore much more comfortable. Cleaning is a taxing task, and having a handy tool to is always welcome in many households.

But it’s also essential to use the right cleaning tools for a better job. Let’s discuss how to find the right vacuum cleaner to clean your floors effectively and adequately.

Upright vacuum cleaners are great options for home use for many reasons. Some of which are the following:

  • They have potent motors giving stronger suction action for carpets.
  • The vacuum cleaner will always be in front of you, which is preferred by some folks.
  • Some units can handle hard to reach areas like stairs, spaces under bulky furniture, and other nooks and crannies outgo a flexible hose.
  • Perfect for rooms with large floor areas, especially carpeted ones.
  • It comes with useful attachments for more versatility and effective cleaning.

Yes, these appliances can be bulky, but it is often more affordable than canister-type vacuum cleaners, making it the practical option for home use. Choosing one can be tricky, though, so here are some of my suggestions on what to look for:

Ease of use

  • The most important thing when looking for a vacuum cleaner is whether they’re easy to use or not. Look for a product that:
  • Has an accessible on and off switch.
  • Long power cord. If it’s retractable, it’s even better for more accessible storage and tidying up.
  • It is lightweight, so you can lug it around easier.
  • Some upright vacuums also have hoses for cleaning hard to reach areas. These hoses should be long enough so it can be easy to hold and control as well as provide ample reach. A long vacuum hose will also provide easy maneuvering, allowing you more ease in using it.
  • Has a large dirt capacity, so you don’t have to change bags or empty dirt bins every so often. This might mean a bigger unit, though, so if you don’t have the space, you should also keep that detail in mind.

Attachments

Additional cleaning accessories come with upright vacuum cleaners to help you get the job done more effectively. The vacuum cleaner should have the following accessories to make it even more functional and convenient for use:

  • Dusting brush
  • Upholstery brush
  • Crevice tool
  • Pet hair removal brush
  • Extension wand

As not everything can be easily suctioned in by your vacuum cleaner, specialty brushes, tools, and vacuum heads are designed to serve various purposes to make your vacuuming a lot easier and effective. Make sure to look for them so you can get more function from your cleaning appliance.

Dirt Chamber

There are two popular types of dirt chambers for vacuum cleaners:

Bagged vacuum cleaners make use of bags to store the dust you’ve suctioned by your appliance. Once the container is full, you’ll need to throw it out and replace it with a new one. The great thing about this option is the availability of allergy bags, making your vacuum a lot more ideal for those with sensitivities to dust and other airborne allergens.

Bagless vacuum cleaners have plastic containers that store the dirt. When the chamber is filled, all you need to do is to remove the chamber and dump the dirt out. You are required to clean or replace filters regularly, though, so you can ensure the quality of your vacuum’s performance.

Choosing whether to opt for a bagged or bagless vacuum cleaner is essential as it can affect the maintenance of your appliance. Choose one that you think will work out best for your home.

The Budget

Upright vacuum cleaners are more affordable than canister vacuums, so you can be sure to find a great product with a modest budget. Checkout our recommendations for inexpensive vacuums under $40, $50, $100 & $200 dollars.

However, as these products can range from affordable to pricey in a flash, so your budget should also be a consideration when shopping for a canister vacuum cleaner.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


Can you Clean Mult Floor Types With These Vacuums?

Yes. Most vacuum even offers an additional multi-surface tool so you can clean different types of floors, including hardwood more easily.

What is the Best Thing to Use to Clean Wood Floors?

Soft mops and soft vacuum heads will always promote a much gentler performance on the hardwood, avoiding common problems. A robust device is also essential to keep wood floors clean.

Is it Safe to Vacuum Hardwood Floors?

Vacuuming is a safe experience that practically anyone can do. Especially on hardwood floors, using a vacuum not only offers a favorable result, but it also promotes a more comfortable & faster operation.

How to Fix Scratches in Hardwood Floors From a Dog?

Applying new finishes to the floor and using wood glue will surely help to eliminate common problems with pets and scratches in wood.

The Bottom Line

Vacuum cleaners are indispensable appliances in many homes today. Luckily, with our modern technology, a lot of affordable options are now available in the USA market.

If you’re still confused and overwhelmed with all of the options you have, I suggest you to try any of the recommended vacuum cleaners for hardwood and carpet from our list & start enjoying a clean home without having to spend too much.

Sharaj is a seasoned cleaning product reviewer. With over six years of experience reviewing products for Cleanthefloor, Sharaj has honed his skills in writing and editing to provide readers with insightful and helpful reviews. Sharaj likes to travel and explore new places during his spare time, especially when trying local dishes.