Imagine this: you just finished cleaning your floors, and they look amazing. But then you notice a few stray crumbs on your carpet and dust bunnies peeking out from under the sofa on your hardwood. It’s frustrating when your vacuum can’t quite get the job done on every surface, right? Many people face this exact problem when trying to find a vacuum cleaner that works well for both soft carpets and smooth hardwood floors.
The struggle is real when you’re trying to pick an upright vacuum that can tackle both. You worry about scratching your beautiful hardwood, or maybe the vacuum just doesn’t pick up enough dirt from your rugs. It feels like you need two different machines! But what if you could have one powerful vacuum that does it all?
In this post, we’ll help you understand what makes an upright vacuum perfect for both carpet and hardwood. We’ll look at the features you need to keep an eye out for, and share some tips to make sure you get the best clean for every inch of your home. Get ready to say goodbye to your vacuuming woes!
Our Top 5 Upright Vacuum For Hardwood And Carpet Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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Shark Upright Vacuum | 9.3/10 | Check Price |
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Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright Bagless Vacuum with Swivel Steering | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
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Eureka Lightweight Powerful Upright Vacuum Cleaner for Carpet and Hard Floor | 8.8/10 | Check Price |
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Bissell CleanView Compact Upright Vacuum | 8.8/10 | Check Price |
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Shark | 9.0/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Upright Vacuum For Hardwood And Carpet Detailed Reviews
1. Shark Upright Vacuum
Rating: 8.7/10
Tired of dust bunnies and pet hair taking over your home? The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe NV360 is here to help! This blue upright vacuum cleaner is designed to make cleaning easier and more effective. Its powerful suction can handle all sorts of messes, from deep-pile carpets to hard floors. Plus, with its special Lift-Away feature, you can easily clean areas above the floor, like furniture and stairs.
What We Like:
- It has powerful suction that cleans carpets and bare floors really well.
- The Lift-Away pod lets you clean under furniture or detach the nozzle for cleaning stairs and furniture.
- The Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology with a HEPA filter traps dust and allergens, which is great for people with allergies.
- It comes with special tools, like an upholstery tool, that are perfect for picking up pet hair.
- Swivel steering makes it easy to move around furniture and in tight spaces.
- The brushroll shutoff lets you switch between carpet and bare floor cleaning easily.
- The dust cup is large, so you can clean for longer without stopping to empty it.
- It includes helpful tools like an upholstery tool and a crevice tool.
What Could Be Improved:
- The filters need to be rinsed and air-dried for 24 hours, which takes time.
This Shark vacuum is a fantastic tool for keeping your home clean and healthy. Its strong suction and handy features make it a great choice for any household.
2. Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright Bagless Vacuum with Swivel Steering
Rating: 8.9/10
Tired of pet hair taking over your home? The Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright Bagless Vacuum is here to help! This vacuum is designed with pet owners in mind, making it easier than ever to keep your floors clean and fresh. Plus, every purchase supports the BISSELL Pet Foundation’s mission to save homeless pets, so you can feel good about your clean too.
What We Like:
- Swivel steering makes it super easy to zoom around furniture and tight spaces.
- The Triple Action Brush Roll really digs in to grab embedded pet hair.
- Multi-surface cleaning with scatter-free technology means no more spreading kibble or litter around on hard floors.
- Edge-to-edge cleaning gets those pesky hairs and dirt along walls and in corners.
- It has a large dirt tank, so you don’t have to empty it as often.
- Emptying the dirt tank is a breeze.
- It comes with specialized pet tools to tackle different cleaning challenges.
- An airflow indicator lets you know when the tank might need emptying.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s good for pet hair, some users might find it less effective on very deep carpets compared to more specialized carpet cleaners.
- The cord length, while decent, might require switching outlets for larger rooms.
Overall, the Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel is a fantastic vacuum for pet parents. It tackles pet hair effectively and makes cleaning a much simpler task.
3. Eureka Lightweight Powerful Upright Vacuum Cleaner for Carpet and Hard Floor
Rating: 8.7/10
Get ready to tackle messes with the new Eureka PowerSpeed vacuum! This lightweight yet powerful upright cleaner is designed to make your cleaning routine a breeze. It works on both carpets and hard floors, so you can clean your whole house with one machine. The new cyclone system grabs even the smallest dust and biggest debris.
What We Like:
- The upgraded cyclone system handles everything from tiny dust to large debris.
- It powerfully picks up dirt and dust from deep within carpets.
- The vacuum is lightweight, making it easy to carry and maneuver.
- With 5 height settings, it adjusts to clean carpets, shag rugs, and hard floors without scratching.
- It comes with helpful tools like a crevice tool, dusting brush, and upholstery tool for cleaning cars, furniture, and hard-to-reach spots.
- The vacuum traps 99.9% of dust, dander, and allergens, which is great for people with allergies.
What Could Be Improved:
- The floor brush might get clogged with hair and dirt, so it needs regular cleaning (every 2 weeks recommended) to avoid problems.
The Eureka PowerSpeed is a fantastic option for keeping your home clean. It offers powerful performance and versatile cleaning for almost any mess.
4. Bissell CleanView Compact Upright Vacuum
Rating: 8.7/10
Tired of lugging around a heavy vacuum cleaner? The Bissell CleanView Compact Upright Vacuum is here to make your life easier! This little powerhouse is designed for small spaces like dorm rooms and apartments, proving that good things really do come in small packages. It’s super light, making it a breeze to move from room to room, and it tackles dirt and messes with impressive strength.
What We Like:
- Saves Pets: Every purchase helps the Bissell Pet Foundation save homeless pets!
- Scatter-Free Technology: It cleans hard floors without sending dirt flying everywhere.
- Powerful Suction: Don’t let its size fool you; this vacuum packs a punch.
- Lightweight and Maneuverable: Weighing less than 8 pounds, it’s incredibly easy to carry and steer.
- Easy Empty Dirt Container: Cleaning out the dustbin is as simple as pushing a button.
- Removable Extension Wand: Reach those tricky spots under furniture or up high.
What Could Be Improved:
- Corded Design: It requires a power outlet, so no cordless freedom here.
- Bagless Capacity: For very large messes, you might need to empty the dirt container more often.
This Bissell vacuum is a fantastic option for anyone needing a compact, effective cleaning solution. It’s a smart choice for keeping your small living space tidy while also supporting a great cause.
5. Shark
Rating: 9.4/10
Tired of battling pet hair and dust bunnies? The Shark Rotator Lift-Away LA502 is here to make your life easier! This silver upright vacuum cleaner is designed to tackle all your home cleaning needs, from plush carpets to smooth hardwood floors. It’s lightweight and packed with features to make cleaning less of a chore.
What We Like:
- DuoClean PowerFins Technology cleans carpets and hard floors deeply.
- The self-cleaning brushroll means no more annoying hair wrap.
- It’s engineered to pick up more hair without tangles.
- The Lift-Away pod lets you easily clean stairs and furniture.
- A HEPA filter and Anti-Allergen Complete Seal trap 99.9% of dust and allergens.
- It’s lighter than other Shark Lift-Away models but has strong suction.
- Bright LED headlights help you see hidden dirt and pet hair.
- Smooth swivel steering makes it easy to move around furniture.
- Comes with useful tools like a crevice tool and a pet power brush.
What Could Be Improved:
- While lightweight, some users might find longer cleaning sessions require a bit more effort.
- The dustbin capacity might need emptying more frequently in larger homes or during heavy cleaning.
This Shark vacuum is a powerful and versatile cleaning companion, especially for pet owners. It offers effective cleaning and smart features that simplify your routine.
Choosing the Best Upright Vacuum for Your Floors
Finding the right upright vacuum cleaner can make a big difference in keeping your home clean. You want a vacuum that works well on both your shiny hardwood floors and your cozy carpets. This guide will help you pick the perfect one.
Key Features to Look For
Powerful Suction
This is the most important thing. Good suction pulls up dirt, dust, and pet hair from all your floor types. More powerful suction means a cleaner home.
Adjustable Height Settings
Different floor types need different vacuum heights. You want to be able to lower the vacuum for hard floors and raise it for thicker carpets. This helps the vacuum clean effectively without damaging your floors.
Brush Roll Control
Some vacuums let you turn the brush roll on or off. For hardwood floors, you usually want to turn the brush roll off. This stops it from scratching the wood. For carpets, you want the brush roll on to agitate the carpet fibers and lift dirt.
Bagged vs. Bagless
Bagless vacuums have a bin you empty. This is convenient and saves money on bags. Bagged vacuums trap dust in a bag, which can be better for people with allergies because it seals the dirt away.
Filtration System
A good filter traps tiny particles like dust mites and pollen. Look for HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters. These are great for allergy sufferers.
Weight and Maneuverability
You’ll be pushing this vacuum around, so it shouldn’t be too heavy. Easy steering and a low profile (so it can go under furniture) are also helpful.
Important Materials
The materials used in a vacuum affect its durability and how well it cleans.
- **Brush Roll:** Look for brush rolls with a mix of bristles and softer materials. This helps clean both carpet and hard floors without damage.
- **Hose and Attachments:** Durable plastic is common. Make sure they feel sturdy and won’t break easily.
- **Body:** Most vacuums are made of strong plastic. Higher-end models might have some metal parts for extra toughness.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Vacuum Great
- Strong motor: This means powerful suction.
- Good sealing: When the vacuum seals well, no dirt escapes.
- Easy-to-clean parts: Being able to wash filters or empty the bin easily makes life simpler.
- Long power cord: This lets you clean larger areas without switching outlets.
What Can Make a Vacuum Less Good
- Weak suction: Dirt gets left behind.
- Poor build quality: Parts might break or feel cheap.
- Difficult to maneuver: Makes cleaning a chore.
- Clogging: If the vacuum easily gets clogged, it’s frustrating.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you’ll use the vacuum. Do you have pets? Do you have allergies? Do you have a lot of stairs?
- Pet Owners: Look for vacuums with strong suction and special tools to pick up pet hair.
- Allergy Sufferers: HEPA filters and bagged systems are your best friends.
- People with Large Homes: A longer cord and a lighter vacuum will be more comfortable.
- Apartment Dwellers: Compact and easy-to-store models are ideal.
A good upright vacuum will make cleaning feel less like work and more like a quick way to a spotless home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can upright vacuums clean both hardwood floors and carpets well?
A1: Yes, many upright vacuums are designed to do just that. Look for adjustable height settings and brush roll control.
Q2: What is the best type of vacuum for pet hair on hardwood and carpet?
A2: Vacuums with strong suction and good brush rolls that can be adjusted for different surfaces are best for pet hair.
Q3: Should I choose a bagged or bagless vacuum for my home?
A3: Bagless vacuums are convenient and cost-effective. Bagged vacuums can be better for allergies as they trap dirt more securely.
Q4: What does HEPA filtration do?
A4: HEPA filters trap very small particles like dust and pollen, making the air cleaner. This is great for people with allergies.
Q5: How do I prevent my hardwood floors from getting scratched by an upright vacuum?
A5: Use the vacuum’s brush roll control to turn off the spinning brush when cleaning hardwood floors.
Q6: Is a heavier vacuum always more powerful?
A6: Not necessarily. While motor power is important, a vacuum’s weight doesn’t always mean it’s more powerful. Maneuverability is also key.
Q7: What attachments are useful for an upright vacuum?
A7: Crevice tools are good for tight spots, and upholstery tools help clean furniture and stairs.
Q8: How often should I clean or replace the vacuum’s filter?
A8: Check your vacuum’s manual, but generally, filters should be cleaned monthly and replaced every 6-12 months.
Q9: What is the benefit of adjustable height settings?
A9: Adjustable height lets you set the vacuum to the right level for your carpet or floor type, ensuring better cleaning and preventing damage.
Q10: How can I tell if an upright vacuum has good suction power?
A10: Look for vacuums with high wattage motors or check reviews that specifically mention strong suction performance.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!