The 5 Best Vacuums for Hardwood Floors and Pet Hair (Tested & Reviewed)

As a pet owner, you know how challenging it can be to find the right vacuum cleaner that can handle both hardwood floors and stubborn pet hair. Fortunately, our comprehensive review of the top five vacuums in this category offers a promising solution. From the versatile BISSELL CrossWave to the powerful Eureka models, each option brings unique features that cater to your specific cleaning needs. Whether you prioritize suction strength, maneuverability, or air quality, you'll discover a vacuum that ticks all the right boxes. But the real question is, which one will emerge as the clear winner for your home?

BISSELL CrossWave OmniForce Multi-Surface Hard Floor Cleaner Wet Dry Vacuum (3882)

If you're looking for a versatile vacuum that can handle both hardwood floors and pet hair, the BISSELL CrossWave OmniForce Multi-Surface Hard Floor Cleaner Wet Dry Vacuum (3882) is a compelling choice.

This powerful machine not only vacuums but also mops, making it an efficient all-in-one solution. With its Tangle-Free Technology and Two-Tank Technology, you can expect effective cleaning without the hassle of hair wrap or clogging.

The cordless design provides up to 30 minutes of runtime, while the self-cleaning cycle ensures the brush roll stays fresh.

While some users have noted occasional streaking, the BISSELL CrossWave excels at picking up pet hair and delivering impressive dirt removal.

With BISSELL's commitment to pet welfare initiatives, this vacuum is a practical and socially conscious option for your home.

Best For: Homes with hardwood floors and shedding pets that need a versatile wet-dry vacuum.

Pros:

  • Effectively cleans various surfaces including luxury vinyl plank and carpets
  • Powerful suction and dirt removal performance, especially for pet hair

Cons:

  • Some users reported occasional streaking, recommended to clean with the grain
  • Device is on the louder side and may disrupt conversation during use

Eureka Lightweight Powerful Upright Vacuum Cleaner (Blue, Black/New Model)

For pet owners seeking a powerful yet lightweight vacuum for their hardwood floors, the Eureka Lightweight Powerful Upright Vacuum Cleaner (Blue, Black/New Model) stands out with its effective pet hair extraction and 5-height settings for optimal performance on various surfaces.

Weighing just 11.5 pounds, this vacuum's upgraded cyclone system tackles larger debris, smaller dirt, and microscopic dust, trapping 99.9% of allergens. Its large 1.9-liter dustbin reduces the frequency of emptying, while the washable filter ensures convenient maintenance.

Customers praise the vacuum's powerful suction and ease of use, though some note challenges navigating on tile floors.

With a competitive price point around $78 and a 2-year limited warranty, the Eureka is a compelling choice for pet owners who want a versatile, high-performing vacuum for their hardwood floors.

Best For: Pet owners seeking a powerful yet lightweight vacuum for their hardwood floors.

Pros:

  • Effective pet hair extraction
  • 5-height settings for optimal performance on various surfaces

Cons:

  • Challenges navigating on tile floors
  • Shorter cord length

BISSELL CleanView Swivel Upright Bagless Vacuum (2252)

The BISSELL CleanView Swivel Upright Bagless Vacuum (2252) is the perfect choice for pet owners seeking a powerful and versatile solution to tackle pet hair and debris on hardwood floors.

This vacuum boasts a pet-focused design, with a specialized Triple Action Brush Roll that effectively loosens, lifts, and removes embedded pet hair. Its Scatter-Free Technology prevents messes during cleaning, while the swivel steering allows for easy maneuverability around furniture.

With a large capacity dirt tank and multi-level filtration system, you'll enjoy thorough cleaning and improved air quality.

Weighing just 12.5 lbs, this lightweight vacuum makes it a breeze to clean stairs and other hard-to-reach areas, thanks to the included Pet TurboEraser tool.

Backed by a 4.6-star customer rating and excellent value for money, the BISSELL CleanView is a standout choice for pet-friendly homes with hardwood floors.

Best For: Pet owners with hardwood floors seeking a powerful, versatile, and pet-friendly vacuum cleaner.

Pros:

  • Specialized for pet hair removal with Triple Action Brush Roll
  • Swivel steering and lightweight design for easy maneuverability

Cons:

  • Some isolated incidents of motor failure reported
  • Potential for mess during cleaning (despite Scatter-Free Technology)

Shark HV322 Rocket Deluxe Pro Corded Stick Vacuum

The Shark HV322 Rocket Deluxe Pro Corded Stick Vacuum is an excellent choice for pet owners seeking a powerful and versatile vacuum that effectively tackles pet hair across various surfaces.

Weighing under 10 pounds, this lightweight and maneuverable vacuum easily navigates around furniture, thanks to its advanced swivel steering.

The powerful suction effectively removes embedded pet hair from carpets, rugs, and hard floors, while the specialized pet multi-tool and crevice tool ensure you can tackle those hard-to-reach areas.

The XL dust cup allows for extended cleaning without frequent interruptions, and the bright LED headlights illuminate hidden debris.

While the vacuum's operation may be a bit noisy, the five-year limited warranty provides peace of mind.

Overall, the Shark HV322 is a top pick for efficient pet hair removal and whole-home cleaning.

Best For: Pet owners seeking a powerful and versatile vacuum for effectively removing pet hair from various surfaces.

Pros:

  • Powerful suction for deep cleaning carpets and pet hair
  • Lightweight and maneuverable design for easy navigation

Cons:

  • Relatively loud operation
  • Occasional hair wrap on the rotator head

Eureka PowerSpeed Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner, Pet Turbo, Black

Pet owners seeking a powerful yet affordable vacuum for their hardwood floors will find the Eureka PowerSpeed Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner, Pet Turbo, Black to be a compelling choice.

Weighing just 10 lbs, this lightweight yet durable vacuum delivers impressive 960-watt suction power to tackle pet hair and ground-in dirt.

With a spacious 2.6-liter dust cup, you'll spend less time emptying the canister.

The included pet turbo tool, crevice tool, dusting brush, and upholstery tool make it a versatile cleaning companion.

Backed by a 2-year limited warranty, the Eureka PowerSpeed offers excellent value and performance, earning a 4.3-star rating from over 18,000 customers.

Whether you have hardwood, carpets, or rugs, this bagless upright vacuum will deliver reliable, efficient cleaning at an affordable price point.

Best For: Pet owners seeking a powerful yet affordable vacuum for their hardwood floors.

Pros:

  • Impressive 960-watt suction power for tackling pet hair and ground-in dirt
  • Lightweight and portable design at just 10 lbs

Cons:

  • Shorter cord length compared to some competitors
  • Lack of retractable cord feature

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Vacuum Cleaner for Hardwood Floors and Pet Hair

When searching for the best vacuum for your hardwood floors and pet hair, you'll need to consider several key factors.

Evaluate the vacuum's cleaning capability on hardwood, its suction power for picking up pet hair, and its maneuverability and versatility around your home.

Additionally, look into the maintenance requirements and filter quality, as well as the runtime and battery life if it's a cordless model.

Hardwood Floor Cleaning Capability

Specialized brush rolls that prevent scratching and are designed to clean hardwood floors without scattering debris are essential when selecting a vacuum cleaner.

Look for models that utilize multi-surface cleaning technologies, allowing them to adapt seamlessly to different floor types while efficiently picking up dirt and pet hair. A lightweight design enhances maneuverability, making it easier to navigate around furniture and tight spaces on your hardwood floors.

Additionally, consider vacuums equipped with tangle-free technology to minimize hair wrap, ensuring they can effectively pick up pet hair without clogging.

Models with a two-tank system or bagless design facilitate easy disposal of collected dirt and pet hair, helping you maintain the pristine appearance of your hardwood floors.

Suction Power for Pet Hair

Robust suction power is paramount when selecting a vacuum cleaner capable of effectively removing stubborn pet hair from your hardwood floors. Look for models boasting high-powered suction, as this will be crucial for deep cleaning and thoroughly extracting embedded pet hair. Upright vacuums often excel in this area, providing the strong pick-up capabilities needed to tackle the challenge.

Investing in a vacuum with specialized pet hair technology, such as a TRIPLE ACTION™ Brush Roll, can significantly improve the efficiency of hair removal on both hardwood and carpeted surfaces. Additionally, adjustable height settings allow you to optimize suction power for various floor types, ensuring thorough cleaning of your hardwood floors without risking damage.

While cordless models offer convenience, be mindful that some may sacrifice suction power for extended battery life. Prioritize models with advanced cyclone filtration systems, as these can trap up to 99.9% of dust and allergens, making them a smart choice for homes with pets and hardwood flooring.

Maneuverability and Versatility

Maneuverable vacuums often simplify navigating around furniture and tight spaces on hardwood floors, a crucial factor when tackling stubborn pet hair. Look for models with swivel steering, which allow you to effortlessly change direction and clean every nook and cranny. Lightweight vacuums, typically weighing 10-12 pounds, make the task less physically demanding, preventing fatigue during longer cleaning sessions.

Versatility is also essential when dealing with the diverse surfaces in a pet-friendly home. Opt for a vacuum that can seamlessly transition between upright and handheld modes, allowing you to clean hardwood floors, upholstery, and even stairs with equal ease. Attachments like pet hair tools and dusting brushes further enhance this versatility, ensuring you can address every cleaning challenge, from embedded fur to hard-to-reach areas.

Additionally, a wide cleaning path can speed up the process when tackling larger open spaces, maximizing efficiency on your hardwood floors. By prioritizing maneuverability and versatility, you'll find a vacuum that simplifies the chore of keeping your home clean and fur-free.

Maintenance and Filter Quality

Alongside maneuverability and versatility, maintaining your vacuum cleaner and considering the quality of its filters are crucial factors when choosing the right device for cleaning hardwood floors and pet hair.

Regular upkeep, such as cleaning the roller brush and filters every two weeks, will prevent clogs and ensure optimal suction performance. Opt for a vacuum with a washable filter to reduce long-term maintenance costs and minimize the need for disposable filters, which is both convenient and environmentally friendly.

Furthermore, high-quality multi-level filtration systems can trap 99.9% of dust, dander, and allergens, significantly improving indoor air quality, especially for households with pets.

A larger dust cup capacity of 2.6 liters or more allows for less frequent emptying during cleaning sessions, making maintenance more convenient, particularly in homes with shedding pets.

Some vacuum models even incorporate features to prevent hair wrap and clogs, enhancing performance and reducing the frequency of maintenance required.

Runtime and Battery Life

When shopping for a vacuum cleaner to tackle hardwood floors and pet hair, you'll want to consider the runtime and battery life of the unit. Cordless models typically offer around 20 to 30 minutes of use per charge, which may be sufficient for quick clean-ups but might require multiple charges for larger spaces.

Look for vacuums with power-saving modes that extend runtime by reducing suction power when full power isn't necessary, as this can be particularly useful for light cleaning tasks.

Battery life is critical for achieving thorough cleaning on hardwood floors and pet hair. A unit with a longer battery life can reduce interruptions and improve cleaning efficiency. Some vacuums come with removable batteries, allowing for quick replacements and extended cleaning sessions without waiting for a recharge.

On the other hand, corded vacuums offer unlimited runtime and consistent suction power, making them ideal for extensive cleaning tasks, especially in homes with multiple pets and large hardwood areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Difference Between Canister and Upright Vacuum Cleaners?

Canister vacuums offer more maneuverability and reach, while upright models provide better suction power. Canisters are better for stairs and tight spaces, but uprights are simpler to use and store. Consider your cleaning needs to choose the right vacuum for you.

How Do I Maintain My Vacuum Cleaner for Optimal Performance?

You can maintain your vacuum's optimal performance by regularly cleaning the filters, emptying the dustbin, and checking for any clogs or tangles in the hose or brushroll. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for specific maintenance requirements.

Can I Use My Vacuum Cleaner on Carpets as Well as Hardwood Floors?

Yes, you can use your vacuum cleaner on both carpets and hardwood floors. Most modern vacuum cleaners are designed to work effectively on a variety of floor types, providing thorough cleaning across your entire home.

How Do I Troubleshoot Common Vacuum Cleaner Issues?

Sure, to troubleshoot common vacuum cleaner issues, start by checking for clogs in the hose or dirt cup. Then, inspect the filter and brush roll for debris. If problems persist, consult the manufacturer's troubleshooting guide.

Are There Any Eco-Friendly or Energy-Efficient Vacuum Cleaner Options Available?

Absolutely! There are several eco-friendly and energy-efficient vacuum cleaner options available. Look for models with HEPA filtration, energy-efficient motors, and recyclable components. These vacuums can help reduce your environmental impact without sacrificing performance.

Conclusion

When it comes to keeping your hardwood floors and pet hair under control, you can't go wrong with any of these top 5 vacuum picks.

Whether you prefer the versatility of the BISSELL CrossWave or the lightweight power of the Eureka, you'll find a model that delivers impressive cleaning results and tackles pet hair effortlessly.

Choose the one that best fits your needs and enjoy a cleaner, hair-free home.