When there is a wide choice of vacuums on the market, it can be tough to make a choice. In order to get as much satisfaction as possible from your purchase, you need to make an informed decision.

Below, you’ll see some key points concerning different vacuum types. Hopefully, they will help you choose the most appropriate device for your hardwood floors.

Types of Vacuums

• Cordless stick vacuums

When it comes to choosing between cordless and corded vacuums, the main factor to consider is not the surface you are going to clean. It is usually convenience.

Comparing a cordless stick vacuum with a corded one, there are several advantages to point out:

• Usually, cordless cleaners weigh 2-3 kg, while corded ones weigh 6-7 kg. So, with the former one, you do not need physical power to perform cleanings in hard-to-reach places.
• You are not limited by the cord length, meaning you do not have to look for a socket, no matter where you are doing the cleaning.
• It is easier to store, as it needs less space.
• It can be used in a car or premises without electricity.

However, there are also some cons when you use cordless vacs to clean your hardwood floors:

• Usually, you can only clean for no more than 60 minutes, meaning cordless models cannot be used for big spaces.
• The capacity of a dust bowl is low, so you will have to clean it more often.
• Compared to corded vacs in the same price category, cordless models are less reliable.

Thus, a cordless stick vacuum would be a good choice for small homes and small cleanings on the regular basis.

• Canister vacuums

Canister vacuums are called so because the dust bag is separated from the cleaning nozzle. There are many models available on the market, each with a different power and dust bag capacity.

But generally, the capacity of the dust bowls is big enough. So, you can make long cleanings in a big house.

Canister models for hardwood floor are usually more expensive than their alternatives with a similar cleaning power and bag capacity. Also, they are more convenient.

When it comes to cleaning, you can pull the bag with you anywhere and use a lightweight cleaning nozzle. Canister vacuums make an excellent choice for hardwood floors. However, you need to make sure that the wheels do not damage the floor surface.

• Upright vacuums

Upright vacuums usually have less capacity for the dust than the canister ones. They also are louder, but, in the meantime, come at a lower price.

They provide a wider cleaning path, helping you finish the cleaning faster. However, upright models are quite heavy to use. You need to push both the nozzle and the dust bag, while bagless, cordless, and canister vacuums require you to only push the nozzle.

Now, if you’re looking for an option to use on hardwood floors, an upright vac isn’t the best choice. The reason is it tends to somewhat spread the dust and debris across the surface when sucking it in. To learn more about upright models, read these reviews: 4 Best-Rated Upright Vacuums for Hardwood Floors

• Bagless vacuums

When it comes to bagless vacs, there is one advantage that made this kind of cleaners so popular – easier and cheaper maintenance compared to other models. You can save a bit, as you won’t have to buy dust bags. And emptying the dust cup is a very simple process.

Another great feature that might make you go for a bagless model is the suction. The thing is, such vacuums typically provide an equally powerful suction during the whole cleaning process, while other types might lose the power when the bag is close to being full.

What to Consider Before Buying a Vacuum Cleaner for Hardwood Floors?

Before you decide which type of the cleaner to choose, answer the questions below:

• How large is the surface area you are going to clean? How much time will it take to finish the cleaning?
• Are there any hard-to-reach places?
• Will you be able to easily carry the vacuum around and operate for more than 10 minutes?
• Do you need to use the cleaner outside your home? Are there sockets in the places you will use it?

When you answer the questions above it will be easier for you to choose the most optimal type of cleaner for your hardwood floors.