Best Vacuum for Hardwood Floors and Pet Hair: Top Picks for 2024

Hardwood floors and pets can be a challenging combination for any homeowner. Pet hair and dander can quickly accumulate on the floor, making it difficult to keep clean. Traditional brooms and mops may not be enough to remove all the pet hair and dirt from hardwood floors. That’s where a vacuum cleaner designed specifically for hardwood floors and pet hair comes in.

A good vacuum for hardwood floors and pet hair should have strong suction power, be easy to maneuver, and have attachments that can reach tight spaces. One critical thing to consider when purchasing a vacuum cleaner for this purpose is the type of brush roll. A vacuum cleaner with a brush roll that is too aggressive can scratch and damage hardwood floors. Therefore, it’s essential to choose a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush roll that can gently clean hardwood floors without causing any harm.

At our testing facility, we spent hours researching and testing various vacuum cleaners to identify the best vacuum for hardwood floors and pet hair. We tested each vacuum’s suction power, maneuverability, and ability to pick up pet hair and dirt. We also looked at the quality of the attachments and how well they worked on tight spaces and furniture.

After extensive testing, we have identified the top vacuum cleaner for hardwood floors and pet hair. Keep reading to find out which vacuum cleaner made the cut and how it can make your cleaning routine more manageable.

Best Vacuums for Hardwood Floors and Pet Hair

We know how difficult it can be to find the perfect vacuum for your hardwood floors and pet hair. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best vacuums on the market that are specifically designed to tackle this challenge. Our team has thoroughly researched and tested each product to ensure that they meet our high standards for performance, durability, and ease of use. Whether you have a small apartment or a large house, we’ve got you covered with our top picks. Check out our list below to find the perfect vacuum for your needs.

BISSELL CleanView Swivel Pet Upright Vacuum

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly vacuum that can handle pet hair and hardwood floors, the BISSELL CleanView Swivel Pet Upright Vacuum is a great option.

Pros

• The TRIPLE ACTION Brush Roll lifts and removes embedded pet hair, while the Scatter-Free Technology keeps debris contained.
• Swivel Steering makes it easy to maneuver around furniture and other obstacles.
• The vacuum comes with specialized pet tools, including a Pet TurboEraser tool for cleaning stairs and upholstery.

Cons

• The dirt tank is on the smaller side and may need to be emptied frequently.
• The vacuum can be noisy during use.
• Some users have reported issues with the suction power decreasing over time.

We’ve been using the BISSELL CleanView Swivel Pet Upright Vacuum for several months now, and it has held up well to regular use. The TRIPLE ACTION Brush Roll does an excellent job of picking up pet hair and other debris from both carpets and hardwood floors. We also appreciate the Swivel Steering, which makes it easy to navigate around furniture and other obstacles.

One downside to this vacuum is that the dirt tank is relatively small and may need to be emptied frequently, especially if you have multiple pets or a particularly dirty home. Additionally, the vacuum can be quite noisy during use, which may be a concern for some users.

Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable vacuum that can handle pet hair and hardwood floors, the BISSELL CleanView Swivel Pet Upright Vacuum is a solid choice. Just be prepared to empty the dirt tank frequently and deal with some noise during use.

Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum

If you’re looking for a powerful vacuum that can handle pet hair and hardwood floors, the Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum is a great choice.

Pros

• The Lift-Away functionality allows you to detach the pod for cleaning under furniture or detach the nozzle to clean above the floor, on upholstery, furniture, stairs, and more.
• The Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology works with a HEPA filter to trap dust and allergens inside the vacuum cleaner, making it a good choice for those with allergies or asthma.
• The Swivel Steering feature makes it easy to maneuver the vacuum in and out of tight spaces, in corners, around furniture, and more.

Cons

• The vacuum can be a bit heavy to carry around, especially when using the Lift-Away function for extended periods of time.
• Some users have reported that the vacuum can be a bit loud, which may be an issue if you’re sensitive to noise.
• The dust cup capacity is only 0.9 quarts, which means you may need to empty it frequently if you have a large space to clean.

Overall, we think the Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum is a great choice for those looking for a powerful vacuum that can handle pet hair and hardwood floors. With its Lift-Away functionality, Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology, and Swivel Steering feature, it’s a versatile and effective cleaning tool.

Eureka PowerSpeed Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner, Pet Turbo, Black Blue PowerSpeed NEU181A with Pet Tool

If you’re looking for a lightweight and versatile vacuum cleaner to keep your home clean and free of pet hair, the Eureka PowerSpeed Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner is a great option.

Pros

• With 5 height adjustment settings, this vacuum cleaner can easily adapt between hard floors and deep carpets, making it a versatile choice for any home.
• The pet turbo tool, crevice tool, dusting brush, and upholstery tool that come with the vacuum make it easy to tackle pet hair and dander on any surface.
• The washable filter and bagless design make the PowerSpeed easy to maintain and prolong the life of your vacuum.

Cons

• The warning that the floor brush may be clogged by hairs and dirt can be a bit of a hassle, as you need to clean the roller brush and belt every 2 weeks to avoid malfunctions or even risk of smoke and belt broken.
• The 2.6L dust cup is not the biggest in the market, so you may need to empty it more frequently if you’re cleaning a larger space.
• The noise level of 88 dB can be a bit loud for some people, especially if you’re using the vacuum for an extended period of time.

We were impressed by the Eureka PowerSpeed Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner’s ability to clean carpets, rugs, and hardwood floors with ease. The pet-friendly tools that come with the vacuum, including the pet turbo tool, crevice tool, dusting brush, and upholstery tool, make it easy to tackle pet hair and dander on any surface. The washable filter and bagless design are also great features that make the PowerSpeed easy to maintain and prolong the life of your vacuum.

However, the warning that the floor brush may be clogged by hairs and dirt can be a bit of a hassle, as you need to clean the roller brush and belt every 2 weeks to avoid malfunctions or even risk of smoke and belt broken. The 2.6L dust cup is not the biggest in the market, so you may need to empty it more frequently if you’re cleaning a larger space. Additionally, the noise level of 88 dB can be a bit loud for some people, especially if you’re using the vacuum for an extended period of time.

Overall, the Eureka PowerSpeed Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner is a great option for those looking for a lightweight and versatile vacuum cleaner to keep their home clean and free of pet hair.

Eureka PowerSpeed Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner

If you’re looking for a lightweight and powerful vacuum cleaner that can handle pet hair and hardwood floors, the Eureka PowerSpeed Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner is a great option.

Pros

• With its 5 height adjustment settings, this vacuum cleaner can easily transition between different surfaces, from hardwood floors to deep carpets.
• The large 2.6L dust cup means you can clean for longer before needing to empty it, making it great for larger homes.
• The included pet turbo tool, crevice tool, dusting brush, and upholstery tool make it easy to tackle pet hair and dander on any surface.

Cons

• The vacuum cleaner can be quite loud, which may be a concern for some users.
• The floor brush may get clogged with hair and dirt, so it’s important to clean the roller brush and belt every two weeks to prevent malfunction.
• The vacuum cleaner may not be as effective on thicker carpets as it is on hardwood floors and thinner carpets.

We recently tested out the Eureka PowerSpeed Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner in our own home, and we were impressed with its performance. The vacuum cleaner is lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it a breeze to clean even hard-to-reach areas. We appreciated the included pet-friendly tools, which made it easy to tackle pet hair and dander on furniture and other surfaces.

One thing to keep in mind is that the vacuum cleaner can be quite loud, so it may not be the best choice for those who are sensitive to noise. Additionally, while the vacuum cleaner is effective on hardwood floors and thinner carpets, it may struggle with thicker carpets.

Overall, we would recommend the Eureka PowerSpeed Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner to anyone looking for a powerful and versatile vacuum cleaner that can handle pet hair and hardwood floors with ease.

Shark SV1106 Navigator Freestyle Upright Bagless Cordless Stick Vacuum for Carpet, Hard Floor and Pet with XL Dust Cup and 2-Speed Brushroll, White/Grey

If you’re looking for a lightweight, cordless vacuum that can handle both hardwood floors and pet hair, the Shark SV1106 Navigator Freestyle Upright Bagless Cordless Stick Vacuum might be the one for you.

Pros

• Lightweight and easy to maneuver around the house.
• Two-speed brush roll for efficient cleaning of both carpets and hard floors.
• XL dust cup capacity for extended cleaning without interruption.

Cons

• Battery life could be longer, especially when using the high-speed setting.
• Not as powerful as a full-size plug-in vacuum.
• The charging base can be a bit finicky to use.

We recently got our hands on the Shark SV1106 Navigator Freestyle Upright Bagless Cordless Stick Vacuum and were impressed with its overall performance. The vacuum is lightweight and easy to move around the house, making it a great option for quick cleanups. The two-speed brush roll is optimized for both carpets and hard floors and does a great job of picking up pet hair.

The XL dust cup capacity is a nice feature that allows for extended cleaning without interruption. However, we did find that the battery life could be longer, especially when using the high-speed setting. If you have a larger house or a lot of ground to cover, you might find yourself having to recharge the vacuum more frequently than you’d like.

One thing to keep in mind is that the Shark SV1106 Navigator Freestyle Upright Bagless Cordless Stick Vacuum is not as powerful as a full-size plug-in vacuum. While it does a great job of picking up pet hair and other debris, it might not be the best option for deep cleaning or heavy-duty tasks.

Overall, we think the Shark SV1106 Navigator Freestyle Upright Bagless Cordless Stick Vacuum is a great option for anyone looking for a lightweight, cordless vacuum that can handle both hardwood floors and pet hair. While it might not be the most powerful option out there, it gets the job done and is a great value for the price.

Buying Guide

When looking for the best vacuum for hardwood floors and pet hair, there are a few key features to consider. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Suction Power

One of the most important factors to consider is suction power. You’ll want a vacuum that is powerful enough to pick up pet hair and debris from your hardwood floors. Look for a vacuum with strong suction and a motorized brush roll to help loosen and remove dirt and pet hair.

Filtration

Another important feature to consider is filtration. If you or anyone in your household suffers from allergies or asthma, you’ll want a vacuum with a high-quality filtration system. Look for a vacuum with a HEPA filter, which can trap small particles and allergens.

Maneuverability

When it comes to hardwood floors, maneuverability is key. You’ll want a vacuum that is easy to maneuver and won’t scratch or damage your floors. Look for a vacuum with rubber wheels and a swivel head, which can help protect your floors and make it easier to clean around furniture and other obstacles.

Accessories

Finally, consider the accessories that come with the vacuum. Look for a vacuum with a crevice tool and upholstery tool, which can help you clean tight spaces and furniture. You may also want a vacuum with a pet hair tool, which can help you remove pet hair from upholstery and other surfaces.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can find the best vacuum for your hardwood floors and pet hair needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What features should we look for in a vacuum to handle both pet hair and hardwood floors effectively?

When selecting a vacuum for pet hair and hardwood floors, there are some key features you should consider. Look for a vacuum with strong suction power, a motorized brush roll, and a filtration system to capture pet dander and allergens. Additionally, a vacuum with adjustable suction power and height settings is ideal for cleaning hardwood floors without causing damage.

Which vacuum cleaners are recommended by experts for homes with pets and hardwood flooring?

Experts recommend several vacuum cleaners for homes with pets and hardwood flooring. Some of the top choices include the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional, Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute, and Bissell PowerEdge Pet Hardwood Floor Corded Vacuum. These vacuums have powerful suction, effective filtration, and specialized attachments for pet hair.

How do cordless vacuums perform compared to corded ones for pet hair on hardwood floors?

Cordless vacuums are convenient and easy to use, but they may not have the same suction power as corded vacuums. However, some cordless vacuums like the Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute and Shark ION F80 have powerful motors and can effectively clean pet hair on hardwood floors. Keep in mind that cordless vacuums may have shorter battery life and may not be as effective on carpets.

What are the best vacuum models for preventing scratches on hardwood floors while picking up pet hair?

To prevent scratches on hardwood floors, look for a vacuum with soft bristles or rubberized wheels. The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional and Bissell PowerEdge Pet Hardwood Floor Corded Vacuum are both designed to be gentle on hardwood floors. Additionally, vacuums with height adjustments can prevent the brush roll from scratching the floor.

Can the same vacuum be efficient for both carpet and hardwood floors when dealing with pet hair?

Yes, some vacuums are designed to be effective on both carpet and hardwood floors. Look for a vacuum with adjustable suction power and height settings to transition between different surfaces. The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional and Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute are both versatile vacuums that can handle pet hair on different types of flooring.

Are there any vacuums specifically designed to avoid clogging from long pet hair?

Yes, some vacuums are designed to prevent clogging from long pet hair. The Bissell PowerEdge Pet Hardwood Floor Corded Vacuum has a unique V-shaped brush roll that can easily pick up pet hair without getting tangled. The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional also has a self-cleaning brush roll that can prevent clogging.