Top 9 Vacuum Cleaners for Carpets and Hardwood Floors

Cleaning is part and parcel of everyday activities. However, it can sometimes become a hell of a task if you don’t employ the ideal tool. This majorly becomes a challenge for those with hard to clean surfaces made of hardwood. The best vacuum cleaners for hardwood floors and area rugs are powerful enough to clean deep into rug fibers while being gentle enough to avoid scratching the wood.

Hardwoods are unique, and they not only add beauty, charm, and warmth to your home or office, they can also increase the value. This means that you need to invest in a versatile machine powerful enough to take on any floor type and area rugs yet gentle enough to avoid any damage for proper maintenance.

Therefore, if you have area rugs well scattered on top of beautiful hardwood floors and you need a rugged vacuum cleaner that will keep both spotless, you are at the right place. In this article, I have researched and provided an in-depth review of the top 9 vacuums for area rugs and hardwood floors. You will also look at the pros and cons, the most important characteristics to consider when purchasing, and why you need one of these tools.

Here’s the List of the Top 9 Vacuum Cleaners for Carpets and Hardwood Floors

1. BISSELL Crosswave Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner, 1785A

Furniture made of hardwood is often reliable and durable. However, cleaning can sometimes be a nightmare. BISSELL Crosswave Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner, 1785A, will help you get your hardwood floors and area rugs cleaner than you have ever imagined. This powerful machine has dual functionality.

You can use it for its primary purpose to vacuum and at the same time use it to wash your floor. This eminent tool is safe for tile, sealed wood floors, laminate, linoleum, rubber floor mats, pressed wood floors, area rugs, and more.

The 1785A comes with advanced technology that makes your work easier. This includes the two tank technology that separates the cleaning solution from the dirty water. With this, you rest assured that your floor is always cleaned with a fresh mix of formula and water.

Unlike the traditional sponge mop and bucket, the BISSELL crosswave combines a dual-action brush roll and an innovative multi-surface cleaning solution. The brush roll rotates at 3000 RPM, enabling the machine to clean better in less time.

The 1785A performance peak is how you can seamlessly switch from cleaning hard floors to vacuuming and washing your area rugs with a mere touch of a button. The BISSELL designers made it easy for you to clean your CrossWave, place your brush rolls to dry, and store your machine by incorporating the docking tray. Besides, you will experience comfort while working, thanks to the ergonomically designed grip that feels tender on your hands.

Lastly, the handle on this tool can comfortably accommodate most of the heights. Hence it enables you to work precisely with no need of bending your back. The Crosswave 1785A manufacturers politely challenge you to save pets with every purchase of a BISSELL product. This company proudly supports the BISSELL pet foundation with its primary mission to help protect homeless pets. They are so proud to design products that help make the odors, pets messes, and pet homelessness a story of the past.

For quality assurance, this machine passed the hard floor soil cleaning test measured by BTP0257.

Summary of the key features 

• Dual-action brush roll.
• Vacuum and wash at the same time.
• Multi-surface cleaning.
• Two tank technology.
• Dual-action brush roll.
• It supports the BISSELL pet foundation.
• Smart touch control.
• Demand solution trigger.

Pros

• Durable.
• It’s easy switching between hard floors and area rugs.
• Always clean with a fresh mix of water and formula.
• It cleans better than a sponge in less time.s
• Save pets in every BISSELL product purchase.

Cons

• It only has a power rating of 4.4 amps.

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2. Shark AZ2002 Vertex 

The Shark AZ2002 Vertex is the shark’s most excellent vacuum cleaner, featuring incredible suction and innovative technology, including the duo clean powerfins. In this combination, there is a powefin roller and a soft roller that work simultaneously to ensure no dirt remains on your floor or area rug.

These features also help your machine have a continuous cleaning contact that will enable it to dig deep into confined spaces such as carpets. The tool will also directly engage the hardwood floors and pick up more in every pass.

Do more with the vertex upright vacuum cleaner since it also incorporates a self-cleaning brush roll that powerfully picks up all pet hairs with no hair wrap. This tool is engineered with the powered lift away technology, which allows you to lift out the pod for motorized cleaning under furniture and other confined places. Besides, you can detach the nozzle to handle some cleaning duties above the floor.

Undoubtedly, this tool will elevate your cleaning process. It integrates an anti-allergen complete seal technology designed to emit cleaner air into your vacuum and out of your air. To psych it up is the wholly sealed HEPA filter system that captures and traps 99.9% of dust particles, keeping them out of the air you breathe. It can capture small particles that are up to 0.3 microns or larger.

The climax of it all is that you can never feel uncomfortable working in a low visibility room, thanks to the powerful LED lights that are well located on the nozzle. They help reveal the hidden debris around your home.

Summary of the key features

• Duoclean powerfins.
• Powered lift-away.
• Hypervelocity accelerated suction power.
• Self-cleaning brush roll.
• Anti-allergen complete seal.
• Dusting brush.
• Pet crevice tool.
• Self-cleaning pet power brush.
• Powerful LED lights.

Pros

• Easy to use.
• Powerful suction.
• Compact and lightweight.
• Ideal for both floor and above the floor cleaning.
• It traps 99.9% of dust and allergens.

Cons

• It only has a 1-quart dust cup capacity.

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3. Miele Blizzard CX1

Are you seeking a high-quality bagless vacuum? It will help if you look no further because Miele Blizzard CX1 has all you need in the best vacuum cleaners for hardwood floors and area rugs. This rugged machine handles an abundance of dirt and dust without the hassles of a bag. That’s not all with the pure suction CX1, as it also features an SBB 300-3 parquet twister that provides profound clean results with the soft bristles on delicate floors.

This unit also incorporates a washable HEPA air clean lifetime filter that will save you the extra cost of regular replacement. The filter can trap up to 99.999% of small particles since it’s built-in for the cleanest air possible.

The Miele blizzard further has a 33-foot cleaning radius reducing the hassles of continually changing the electrical sockets. This incredible unit comes with additional accessories, including the crevice and the upholstery tool.

Another outstanding feature is the dusting brush built into this powerful machine’s back, making it straightforward to use. The telescoping stainless steel wands enable you to adjust the handle to different heights with the touch of a button. What makes it an icon among other vacuum cleaners is its adaptability to handle smooth flooring and very low pile carpeting.

The metal glide sole allows you to clean all hardwood floors and rug types since it’s gentle even on the most sensitive flooring. Another highlight is the rotary dial, which lets you switch between four different suction power settings depending on the surface that you are cleaning. The click to open hygienic emptying ensures that the cloud of fine dust that comes to the air when emptying does not reach your face.

Summary of the key features

• Maintainance free HEPA lifetime filter.
• SBB 300-3 parquet twister floorhead.
• Dusting brush.
• Upholstery tool.
• Crevice tool.
• SBD 285-3 pure suction combination floorhead.
• Click to open hygienic emptying.
• Powerful vortex technology.
• Telescoping stainless steel wands.

Pros

• Ideal for delicate hard floors.
• It provides the most in-depth cleaning possible.
• Top-notch filtration.
• Adjustable height.
• Metal glide sole.
• It filters 99.999% of small particles. 
• It has an extended cleaning radius.

Cons 

• It doesn’t have LED lighting.

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4. Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute Lightweight Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner

The Dyson Cyclone V10 has immense suction power but with cordless versatility. This has rendered it compact and lightweight and, therefore, ideal for both floor and overhead functioning. With its powerful Lithium Polymer battery, this fantastic machine has a run time of up to 60 minutes when using a non-motorized tool.

It also incorporates an instant release trigger that lets the battery be used when it’s only cleaning. However, you should note that it’s mandatory to charge for a minimum of 3.5 hours before the first use.

With three power modes, you can choose the one that suits the demands of your floor type. The reason is that Dyson Cyclone V10 provides up to 40 minutes of fade-free power when connected in suction “mode one” with the soft roller cleaner head. With this mode, it can pick up both large debris and fine dust. However, if you set it “mode two,” you will enjoy up to 20 minutes of fade-free run time—the V10 archives this by driving stiff nylon bristles into carpets to capture the deep-down dirt.

This machine also boasts the Dyson digital V10 motor that produces up to 115 watts of power to enable it to work continuously without the need to charge. It also has a sealed filtration system, which can trap up to 99.97% of small particles with an approximate size of 0.3 microns—thus expelling cleaner air. What makes it much better is how it quickly transforms into a handheld for easy cleanups, especially in difficult places.

Storage is more straightforward since this unit comes with a wall mount that diminishes the need to squeeze up your home’s storage room. You will also complete your cleaning on time, thanks to the 9.84″ cleaning path width.

Summary of the key features

• 14 concentric cyclones.
• Whole system filtration.
• Robust V10 motor.
• Cordless.
• Three power modes.
• 9.84” cleaning path width.
• Instant release trigger. 

Pros

• Compact and lightweight. 
• Sixty minutes run time on a non-motorized tool.
• It is scientifically proven to capture small particles.
• Suitable for any task on any floor type.

Cons 

• It requires a 3.5 hours minimum charge before the first use.

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5. Miele Compact C1 Pure Suction Powerline Canister Vacuum

The Miele Compact C1 Pure Suction Powerline Canister Vacuum has unbeatable power with a compact and lightweight design. It cleans powerfully with a 1200 W motor from the Miele vortex. This motor works unconditionally to increase power efficiency depending on the power level you select using the suction control mechanism. 

This mechanism works effectively by letting you adjust the suction power relative to the surface you are cleaning with the six rotary setting rotary dial. The compact C1 also flaunts the combination floorhead that works best on both hard floor and low-pile carpet.

With the footswitch on the floorhead, you can readily switch from a hard floor to carpeting. While the rubberized wheels prevent scratches on the flooring, the metal soleplate ensures you have easy gliding across surfaces.

Clean all corners of your hardwood floors with the stainless steel wand that lets the vacuum reach an impressive cleaning radius of up to 29.5 feet. You can also attach either of the three additional accessories, including the dusting brush, upholstery, and crevice tool, if you want to clean the above-ground, like on blinds or ceiling fans. You can also use this attachment to clean the hard to reach shelvings.

What makes it stand out is the air clean sealed filter system, which includes a genuine Miele dust bag, motor protection filter, and air clean exhaust filter. All these mechanisms ensure maximum filtration. Additionally, it has a self-sealing collar that prevents dirt and dust from escaping once vacuumed into the dust bag.

Summary of the key features

• Stainless steel wand.
• Miele dust bag.
• Motor protection filter.
• Asseccories on vario clip. 
• Miele-made vortex motor.
• Suction control.
• Combination floorhead.

Pros

• Large cleaning radius.
• Six stage variable speed.
• Optimal cleaning results.
• No scratches on floors.
• Compact design.
• Maximum filtration.
• It also cleans the hard to reach areas.

Cons

• It has a cleaning radius of only 25 feet.

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6. Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner, AlfaBot T30 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

Unlike other best vacuum cleaners for hardwood floors and area rugs, the AlfaBot T30 is an all in one wet dry vacuum cleaner. Therefore, it lets you vacuum, mop, and wash simultaneously, leaving your floors instantly dry and streak-free. Besides, you have full control of the entire cleaning process since you can add the solution to the wet dry vacuum cleaner and control how much formula you want using the water spray button.

Apart from its exceptional performance, the AlfaBot T30 has diminished the hassles with cords that may limit your cleaning radius. Thanks to its 3000mAh lithium battery, this machine has an extended runtime of up to 25 minutes with intelligently optimized suction. Furthermore, the battery is detachable. Thus, you can effortlessly charge and replace.

This incredible machine outshines other vacuums with its multi-surface floor cleaning mechanism. It is integrated with a soft microfibre roller brush that’s ideal for area rugs, hardwood, tile, marble floors, among others. The roller brush also prevents scratches while picking up pet hair, kitchen mess, and removing sticky spills.

To top it all is the self-cleaning system with dual tank technology. This lets you keep your hands free as it’s no longer necessary to clean the roller brush manually. Instead, you can do it with a single button. The two-tank system ensures the cleaning solution and dirty water never mix. Therefore, you rest assured of always cleaning with a fresh mix.

The alphabet T30 has simplified the entire cleaning process with its sweet voice assistant and service. It alerts you when to empty the dirty water tank, add water, and recharge. It also reminds you to turn on the self-cleaning function after its fully charged on the station.

Summary of the key features

• It’s an all in one wet dry vacuum cleaner.
• Cordless.
• Multi-surface floor cleaning.
• Dual tank technology.
• Sweet voice assistance.
• Detachable battery.
• Soft micro brush roller.

Pros

• It vacuums, mops, and washes at the same time.
• Regulate the formula with the water spray button.
• Long runtime.
• No scratches on floors.
• It cleans with a fresh mixture of water and formula.

Cons

• It requires recharging.

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7. Shark WS620 Wandvac System

Shark WS620 Wandvac System is the most rigorous hand vacuum under 2.1 pounds that lets you enjoy the versatility of its cordless nature. It comes with a portable charging base that can fit almost anywhere in your house. The two unique storing and charging setups enable you to match the amount of power you require depending on the way you clean.

Despite its lightweight nature, the WS620 integrates a hypervelocity accelerated suction power that provides exceptional cleaning performance in an ultra-lightweight frame. Your desired ambiance is not compromised since this tool features a one-touch hygienic empty. Thus, you can quickly empty the dust cup with no mess with only a single quick touch.

In case your floor or area rug has tougher messes, worry not since the Shark WS620 comes with a power boost. You can easily use this feature by pressing the boost button, which results in an extra burst of strong suction power to clear up the mess. This unit is fully automated as it also has a one-touch easy transition cleaning mode.

It has innovative powerfins technology that facilitates continuous cleaning contact. This enables the brush roller to dig deeper into the carpets for any small dust or dirt particles and directly engage all floor types.

Summary of the key features

• Battery-powered.
• It is the most powerful cordless hand vacuum under 2.1 pounds.
• Portable charging base.
• Unique storing and charging setups.
• Hypervelocity accelerated suction power.
• Ultra-lightweight frame.
• One-touch hygienic empty.

Pros

• Power boost
• Easy transition.
• Powerfins technology.
• Lightweight.
• It converts to a handheld.

Cons

• It does not have a duo clean mechanism.

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8. Dyson (214730-01) V8 Absolute Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner

Dyson (214730-01) V8 Absolute Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner produces 150% more brush power than Dyson V6. However, like all Dyson cord-free vacuums, this machine quickly converts to a handheld facilitating quick cleanups, spot cleaning, and cleaning the hard to clean floors. Additionally, no cord restricts you from reaching most corners of your home. 

The whole machine HEPA filtration mechanism ensures that no allergens, dirt, and dust particles dominate the air you breathe. It does this by expelling cleaner air after trapping all the unwanted. The appreciation goes to the 2 tier radial cyclones that hold 15 cyclones arranged in parallel across tiers to increase the airflow, which is ideal for capturing fine dust.

The (214730) is powered with the new lithium-ion battery to deliver up to 40 minutes of fade-free suction. However, if you attach a motorized floor tool, this rugged machine produces a whopping 25 minutes of powerful fade-free suction. The V8 also boasts its hygienic dirt ejector that ejects all dirt from the bin with a single action.

With the convenient docking station, you can store and charge your machine with ease. Besides, this feature can hold additional attachments. The conveniently located maximum power mode switch lets you slide switch to select the Max power mode. This provides up to seven minutes of higher suction power for demanding tasks.

Summary of the key features

• 2 tier radial cyclones.
• Max power mode.
• Convenient docking station.
• HEPA filtration.
• Forty minutes of fade-free suction.
• Cordless.
• Hygienic dirt ejector.

Pros

• It transforms into a handheld.
• Powerful suction.
• Lightweight and versatile.
• It expels cleaner air.
• The Dyson digital motor V8 powers it.
• Hassle-free.

Cons

• It requires charging for a minimum of 4 hours before the first use.

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9. Miele Complete C3

The Miele Complete C3 delivers the ultimate in cleaning power. It comes with five level height adjustments and an independent motor, making it a perfect choice for medium-deep pile carpeting rooms. This tool also features a parquet twister providing you with up to 180 degrees rotation to handle the agile while caring for the smooth surfaces.

Additionally, the Miele Complete C3 comes with an active air clean filter that has active charcoal layers. This helps in neutralizing and absorbing unwanted pet odors. The combined effort of the stainless steel wand and long electrical cord fitted with a one-touch automatic rewind allows you to have a total cleaning radius of approximately 36 feet.

Integrated with a deluxe comfort grip handle, the Miele C3 ensures that you use the correct power level. This is facilitated with the six-speed settings controlled via the +/- footswitch controls. Another advanced feature of this tool is the STB 101 mini turbo brush that effortlessly removes pet hair from furnishings. It is also suitable for vacuuming cut-pile carpets and delicate upholstery.

Miele’s sealed air clean filtration system captures and retains up to 99.9% of all small dirt particles. What’s more, it’s the robust motor that provides powerful suction and precise adjustments. Having tested for quality, the Complete C3 can remain functional every day for a period of up to 20 years. A genuine reason why it couldn’t miss among the best vacuum cleaners for hardwood floors and area rugs.

Summary of the key features

• Six-speed settings are controlled via the +/- footswitch control.
• STB 101 mini turbo brush.
• Air cleaned system.
• SBB300-3 parquet twister.
• SEB 228 electro plus electro brush.
• Active air clean filter.
• Dusting brush.
• Upholstery tool.
• It comes with Miele’s original air clean filter bag type GN.

Pros

• 3-year manufacturer warranty on all vacuum components.
• Gentle clean on hard floors.
• It’s designed especially for pet owners.
• Neutralizes pet ordor.
• Five level height adjustments.
• It has a long-lasting shelf life of up to 20 years.
• Effortlessly adapts to the cleaning tasks at hand.

Cons

• It only has a 3-year warranty on vacuum components.

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Best Vacuum Cleaners for Hardwood Floors and Area Rugs Buyers’ Guide

Vacuum cleaners play an essential part in daily cleaning in most homes. However, not all models can perform exceptionally on the cleaning tasks since most floors do not have the same texture. 

This drives all the attention to the best vacuum cleaners for hardwood floors and area rugs. They can easily handle most flooring tasks and at the same time cleans the air around your home or office. For this and more reasons you need these tools, kindly read on because you will also find a detailed guide. It has all the fundamental features that you should contemplate before choosing your favorite machine.

Why You Need the Best Vacuum Cleaners for Hardwood Floors and Area Rugs 

• Compact and lightweight. With only a few pounds, most of these tools are effortless to carry around and do the cleaning in all rooms of your house.
• Cordless/corded. You have the liberty of selecting the type of machine you want between the cordless one that is hassle-free and the corded one that does not limit the amount of power you use.
• Ergonomic grip. The ergonomically designed handle provides comfort, especially that you have to use your hands throughout the cleaning process.
• Advanced filtration. Most of these units have an advanced filtration system that captures up to 99.9% of dirt, dust, and allergens, which might be harmful to your respiratory system.
• Additional accessories. The additional standard accessories like the upholstery tool, crevice tool, among others, provide versatility when cleaning difficult places.
• Powerful suction. These vacuums are embedded with vigorous motors that provide an immense suction power that leaves no particle up to 0.3 microns.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Vacuum Cleaners for Hardwood Floors and Area Rugs 

• Power source

Indeed this is a very crucial factor of consideration. You have to choose between a corded or cordless vacuum cleaner. The corded ones will limit your movement, and you have to deal with the hassles of plugging in and out, especially when cleaning in a large room. However, corded vacuums do not limit the amount of time you can spend cleaning since you won’t depend on batteries. 

On the other hand, cordless vacuums provide versatility since you can move around while cleaning. Besides, they are powered with strong batteries that give a prolonged run time.

• Filtration system

The filtration system ensures that you breathe in clean air. Most of these units have advanced HEPA filtration systems that trap up to 99.9% of dust, dirt, and allergens. Other vacuums like the Miele Complete C3 have active air clean filters containing active charcoal that neutralizes pet odor. 

• Parquet Twister

Not all products have this feature, but I recommend that you go for the one with the parquet twister. This will enable your machine to perform agile cleaning for all the cleaning tasks.

• Metal soleplate and rubberized wheels

The metal soleplate allows your machine to glide on all floor types while the rubberized wheels prevent scratching on the floor.

• Add-ons

Additional features increase the functionality of your vacuum. Some of the features include the demand control trigger that enables you to regulate your solution. The smart touch control on the handle lets you switch between hard flows and area rugs.

Some tools have a self-cleaning brush roll and a power lift away that allows you to lift out the pod for motorized cleaning and furniture. You will also find the detachable nozzle an essential feature since it enables you to clean above the floor.

Additionally, the click to open hygienic emptying will prevent dust from reaching your face while emptying. Lastly, it’s the adjustable stand that is suitable for any height. However, all these features differ from one product to the next. Therefore, it all depends on what you find interesting.

Conclusion

As you conclude the read, I hope you are informed and have confidence going into the market for vacuum cleaners for your hardwood floor and area rugs. Having used a majority of these tools before, I still consider the BISSELL Crosswave Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner, 1785A as the overall Best Vacuum Cleaners for Hardwood Floors and Area Rugs. This product washes and cleans at the same time. Besides, it has a two-tank technology and smart touch control, among other incredible features.

Our home needs might not be the same which is why you have the freedom to go for the tool that works best for your need. One thing for sure is that any of the vacuum cleaners above will work just best for you. So go for the one you prefer the most.

In case you have a question, opinion or suggestion, you can share it with me in the comment section below and I will get back to you with the right answers in cases of questions. Meanwhile, have the best shopping experience.