There is an accident in a small corner when vacuuming a hardwood floor. Using the wrong vacuum brush can result in scratches or streaks on delicate floors. However, this can be prevented with a parquet brush or a multi-surface brush. Soft bristles ensure that the vacuum cleaner brush does not stand directly on the floor, while there is still an enormous suction power.
To ensure that you make the best choice, we have researched the best vacuum cleaner for hardwood floors. We searched for the best choice per vacuum cleaner model: from a cordless stick vacuum to a lightweight bagless vacuum cleaner on wheels.
Best vacuum cleaner for hardwood floors in Singapore
Philips FC9745/09 Power Pro Expert
Philips Performer Silent FC8780/09
Dyson Omni Glide
What is important in a vacuum cleaner for hardwood floors?
When you are looking for a vacuum cleaner for a vulnerable floor, it is important to pay attention to the degree of protection that the suction brush offers. For example, a parquet brush is provided with long, soft bristles, which minimize the risk of scratches. The squeegee is raised a little more from the ground, which is very different from a brush for a vacuum cleaner for carpet, for example.
But not only a soft parquet brush is an important requirement. The wheels of a vacuum cleaner are perhaps just as important: if they do not have a rubber edge, this can quickly cause streaks or scratches on your hardwood floor. The manoeuvrability of a vacuum cleaner also plays a major role here: if it can make bends less easily, this can cause damage.
If the wheels of the vacuum cleaner do not have a rubber edge, this can quickly cause streaks or scratches on your hardwood floor
For these floors, choose a vacuum cleaner with a parquet brush
Although we focused this research on wood floors, there are many other floors that are prone to scratches and marks. We label the following floor types as vulnerable:
- PVC floors
- Laminate floors
- Parquet and wooden floors
In our view, it is necessary to use a parquet brush or a multi-surface brush when vacuuming with the above floors. Please note the following when using a multi-surface brush: if you forget to switch it when you go from the carpet to a hardwood floor, you can still scratch it. Our preference is therefore a parquet brush.
How we research the best vacuum cleaner for hardwood floors
In our research into the best vacuum cleaner for hardwood floors, we look much further than just the presence of a parquet brush. For example, we also check what kind of wheels are under a canister vacuum cleaner and how manoeuvrable it is. Does it easily follow you or are the wheels unable to handle a sharp turn, resulting in a stripe on your floor?
Research Factors
In order to arrive at the best choice for vulnerable wooden floors, we have examined the factors below.
- Supplied suction brushes: does a vacuum cleaner come with a soft parquet brush? Almost every vacuum cleaner has a combi nozzle, with which we can also vacuum hardwood floors, but this is not our preference.
- Suction power on hard floor types: of course there must also be very good suction power on hard floor types. What is the suction performance in terms of dust pick-up on hardwood floors?
- Maneuverability: how easily does a vacuum cleaner follow us? Can it bend easily and is it also easy to use to vacuum under a cupboard?
- Weight: the weight of the vacuum cleaner is also important here. The lighter a vacuum cleaner is, the less chance of damage if it accidentally falls over on the floor.
In addition to the above factors, we also check characteristics such as the noise level and dust emissions of a vacuum cleaner.
A stick vacuum or a vacuum cleaner on wheels?
In our research into the best vacuum cleaner for hardwood floors, we highlighted three models: a vacuum cleaner with a dust bag, a bagless vacuum cleaner and a stick vacuum. Every vacuum cleaner has its own unique advantages, also when we look at the application on sensitive floors.
If we look at a stick vacuum cleaner, then you don’t have a canister vacuum cleaner that you have to drag behind you. This means that there is no chance of wheels that can cause damage or that leave a rubber stripe on your floor if you turn too sharp. In addition, with a cordless stick vacuum you can vacuum much more mobile and you can also use it as a hand vacuum for the small corners.
However, if you opt for a vacuum cleaner on wheels, you don’t have to worry about maximum battery life and charging time. You simply put the plug in the socket, after which you can vacuum endlessly. However, you can also consider a choice: do you go for a model with or without a pocket. With a canister vacuum cleaner with a bag you have to constantly buy new vacuum cleaner bags, but emptying is a lot more hygienic. A better choice for people with a dust allergy.
On the other hand, with a bagless vacuum cleaner you no longer have to buy vacuum cleaner bags and you enjoy constant suction power. Even if the dust container becomes full.
Robbert Tigchelaar
Robbert Tigchelaar is the founder of Vacuumtester.com and is a true vacuum cleaner guru. With more than 10 years of experience in the world of electronic devices, he knows better than anyone what is important in a vacuum cleaner. When a new vacuum cleaner appears, he is eager to test it extensively.
