Best Hardwood Floor Vacuum Cleaner?
Buying a hardwood floor vacuum cleaner has everything to do with
the actual "head" of the vacuum cleaner and nothing
to do with the style. Whether it is cordless, built-in or drag
along is really irrelevant, at least as far as the conversation
goes related to its suitability for a wood floor.
The best vacuum cleaner for hardwood floor is designed to be
nonabrasive to the new floor finish. This is the essential issue.
- No sharp edges to scratch the surface
- no turning bristles, buffing heads or rotating brushes that
might do the same (think of the power nozzles they sell for
carpet cleaning, they are just too abrasive for polyurethane
finishes) That being said some of the more versatile models
put out by companies like Hoover Vacuums, have a way to lift
up the brush when it is not needed. This is an acceptable option
and gives you the versatility to use the brush when desired
for carpet or ceramic.
- No automatic water flushing, cleaning or water application.
You don't want water to be forced down into the seams between
the individual boards that will cause swelling and discolouration
of the wood. Use it on vinyl, not on wood!
Some might suggest that the suction capabilities are strong
enough to remove any residual moisture, but I don't agree. In
the dry season once the water has been forced between the boards
during the cleaning cycle, my experience suggests they can't
suck it back out again. I'd rather not take the chance.
First narrow down your essential requirements in a tool to clean
your hardwood floor. Vacuous cleaner sales documents seems to
have an endless list of features, but once you have determined
the head is suitable for your hardwood you may want to consider
the following:
- Corded or cordless, mostly a question of ease of use.
- Weight.. this may be an important issue if you must go up
and down a lot of stairs with this vacuum cleaner, for hardwood
floors are rarely only on the main level.
- Filter bags. Does this vacuum use such a beast?
If so it is an added cost, and you've got to remember to buy them,
but they do serve a purpose and catch finer lint that baskets
just don't seem to get.
- Suction power. Essential if you need to pick up a lot of animal
hair, less relevant if it is only occasional dust bunnies. Lifting
dirt from a solid surface like hardwood is not nearly as challenging
as sucking it up from the depths of carpet fibers :)
- Body profile? Will it get under the sofa and around the toilet?
- Price. Is this a life time tool or only until you move into
a house with a built-in?
Buying a hardwood floor vacuum cleaner doesn't have to be stressful.
Just remember the price of your hardwood floor! Vacuum cleaners
are cheap relative to the cost of refinishing your wood.
The best vacuum cleaner for hardwood floor is one that will be
gentle on your wood finish. Follow best practices for
hardwood floor care and enjoy!
