Imagine this: You just finished a big cleaning session. Your floors gleam, and your home smells fresh. But wait, is that dust still clinging to your carpet? Or did tiny scratches appear on your beautiful hardwood? Choosing the right vacuum for both hardwood and carpet can feel like a puzzle with missing pieces. You want a vacuum that’s tough on dirt but gentle on surfaces. Finding that perfect balance can be tricky, and the wrong choice can lead to frustration and even damage.
This is where we come in. We understand the struggle of juggling different flooring types and the confusion that comes with endless vacuum cleaner models. That’s why we’ve put together this guide. By the time you finish reading, you’ll know exactly what to look for to keep both your carpets plush and your hardwood floors scratch-free. Get ready to discover the secrets to a spotless home, no matter your floor type!
Our Top 5 Vacuum For Hardwood And Carpet Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Vacuum For Hardwood And Carpet Detailed Reviews
1. Shark Upright Vacuum
Rating: 9.2/10
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe NV360 is a powerful and versatile vacuum cleaner designed to make your cleaning routine easier. Its bright blue color adds a touch of style to your home, and its many features ensure a thorough clean on all surfaces. This vacuum is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and effective way to keep their home spotless.
What We Like:
- It has super strong suction that cleans carpets really well and also works great on hard floors.
- The Lift-Away feature lets you take off the pod for cleaning under furniture or the nozzle for cleaning stairs and furniture.
- It has Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology with a HEPA filter that traps dust and allergens, which is great for people with allergies.
- It’s awesome for homes with pets because it picks up pet hair easily with special tools.
- Swivel steering makes it easy to move around furniture and into small spaces.
- You can turn off the brushroll for gentle cleaning on bare floors.
- The large dust cup means you can clean for longer without stopping to empty it.
- It comes with 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.
Overall, the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe NV360 is a fantastic vacuum that tackles dirt and allergens with ease. It’s a smart investment for a cleaner, healthier home.
2. Bissell CleanView Compact Upright Vacuum
Rating: 9.1/10
Tired of bulky vacuums taking up too much space? The Bissell CleanView Compact Upright Vacuum, model 3508, is designed just for you! It’s a game-changer for small living spaces like dorm rooms and apartments. This vacuum is super light, weighing under 8 pounds, making it a breeze to carry from room to room. Don’t let its small size fool you; it packs a punch with powerful suction to tackle messes. Plus, it comes with a handy extension wand to reach those tricky spots.
What We Like:
- Saves Pets: Every purchase helps homeless pets through the BISSELL Pet Foundation.
- Scatter-Free Tech: It cleans hard floors without sending dirt flying everywhere.
- Powerful Suction: It cleans effectively, making your space spotless.
- Lightweight & Maneuverable: At less than 8 pounds, it’s incredibly easy to move around.
- Easy Empty Dirt Container: Cleaning out the dirt is as simple as pushing a button.
What Could Be Improved:
- Cord Length: The power cord could be longer for bigger rooms.
- Carpet Height Adjustment: It doesn’t have adjustable height settings for different carpet types.
This Bissell vacuum is a fantastic option for keeping small homes clean. It’s easy to use, powerful, and supports a great cause!
3. Eureka Lightweight Powerful Upright Vacuum Cleaner for Carpet and Hard Floor
Rating: 9.1/10
Meet the new Eureka PowerSpeed, a lightweight and powerful upright vacuum cleaner designed to tackle messes on both carpet and hard floors. This new model boasts an upgraded cyclone system that captures everything from big chunks of debris to tiny dust particles, making your cleaning routine a breeze.
What We Like:
- The upgraded cyclone system grabs all sorts of dirt, big and small, and even microscopic dust.
- It powerfully cleans carpets, pulling out stuck-on dirt and dust.
- This vacuum is super lightweight, so it’s easy to carry and use around your home.
- With 5 height settings, it works great on different floor types, from plush carpets to smooth hardwood, and it won’t scratch your floors.
- It comes with handy tools like a crevice tool, dusting brush, and upholstery tool to clean tricky spots.
- You can easily clean above your floors with the stretch hose and quick-release handle.
- It traps 99.9% of dust, dander, and allergens, which is great for allergy sufferers.
- All the extra tools store right on the vacuum, so they’re always handy.
What Could Be Improved:
- The floor brush might get clogged with hair and dirt, so you need to clean it and the belt every two weeks.
- If you don’t clean the roller brush and belt regularly, the vacuum might not work correctly, and in rare cases, it could even smoke or break the belt.
The Eureka PowerSpeed is a solid choice for keeping your home clean. It offers great cleaning power and versatility for its price.
4. Bissell CleanView Swivel Vacuum with Triple Action Brush Roll
Rating: 9.3/10
Get ready for a cleaner home with the brand new 2024 Bissell CleanView Swivel Vacuum! This powerful vacuum is designed to tackle messes, especially those left behind by our furry friends. It features a special Triple Action Brush Roll that works hard to lift dirt and pet hair from carpets and floors. Plus, with its Swivel Steering, you can easily guide it around furniture and into tight corners. The new Active Extension Wand makes cleaning those hard-to-reach places a breeze. And for all the pet lovers out there, every purchase helps save homeless pets through the Bissell Pet Foundation!
What We Like:
- The Triple Action Brush Roll does a fantastic job lifting embedded dirt and pet hair from different floor types.
- Swivel steering makes it super easy to move around furniture and corners, which is a big help.
- The new Active Extension Wand is a game-changer for cleaning high shelves or cobwebs.
- Scatter-Free Technology is great for hard floors, it really does keep the mess from flying everywhere.
- Knowing that your purchase helps save pets through the BISSELL Pet Foundation feels really good.
- The Easy-Empty Dirt Tank makes cleanup quick and simple.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s good for everyday messes, some users might want a bit more power for very deep cleaning on thick carpets.
- The cord length might be a little short for very large rooms, requiring you to switch outlets more often.
This Bissell vacuum is a solid choice for pet owners and anyone looking for a user-friendly vacuum. It makes keeping your home tidy a much more manageable task.
5. Eureka NEU10AE5 Powerful Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner Carpet and Floor
Rating: 9.5/10
Tired of lugging around a heavy vacuum? The Eureka NEU10AE5 is a powerful, bagless upright vacuum cleaner designed to make cleaning your home a breeze. It tackles dirt and pet hair on both carpets and hard floors with its AirSpeed technology. This lightweight wonder weighs just 7.7 pounds, making it super easy to carry from room to room.
What We Like:
- Powerful Suction: It cleans carpets and hard floors really well.
- Wide Cleaning Path: The 10.5-inch path means you clean bigger areas faster.
- Above-Floor Cleaning: The handle detaches easily for cleaning furniture and windows.
- Super Lightweight: At only 7.7 pounds, it’s easy to move and carry.
- Easy Storage: Its small size makes it simple to store anywhere.
- Washable Filter: Save money and help the environment with a filter you can wash.
- Tools Included: Crevice tool and dusting brush are right on the vacuum for quick access.
What Could Be Improved:
- Corded Operation: It needs to be plugged in, so you’re limited by the cord’s length.
- Smaller Dustbin: For larger homes, you might need to empty the dustbin more often.
The Eureka NEU10AE5 is a fantastic option for those seeking a lightweight yet effective cleaning solution. It simplifies your chores and is easy to maintain, making it a smart choice for any home.
Your Guide to the Best Vacuum for Hardwood and Carpet
Finding the right vacuum cleaner can make a big difference in keeping your home clean. This guide will help you choose a vacuum that works great on both your shiny hardwood floors and your cozy carpets.
What to Look For in a Vacuum for Both Surfaces
When you shop for a vacuum, keep these important features in mind.
Key Features to Look For:
- Adjustable Height Settings: This is super important. You need a vacuum that can change its height. A lower setting is best for hard floors. It helps the vacuum get close to the ground and pick up dust. A higher setting is better for carpets. It allows the brush roll to dig into the carpet fibers.
- Brush Roll On/Off Switch: Some vacuums let you turn the spinning brush roll off. This is a lifesaver for hardwood floors. If the brush roll is on, it can scratch or scuff your wood. Turning it off protects your floors. For carpets, you want the brush roll on to lift dirt.
- Strong Suction Power: Good suction is key for picking up dirt, dust, and pet hair. Look for vacuums with powerful motors. This helps them clean both surfaces well.
- Good Filtration System: A HEPA filter is a big plus. It traps tiny particles like dust mites and allergens. This makes the air in your home cleaner, especially if you have allergies.
- Attachments and Tools: Different cleaning jobs need different tools. Look for a vacuum that comes with crevice tools, dusting brushes, and upholstery tools. These help you clean corners, furniture, and stairs.
- Maneuverability: You want a vacuum that’s easy to push and turn. Swivel steering makes it simple to get around furniture and tight spaces.
- Bagged vs. Bagless: Bagless vacuums have a bin you empty. Bagged vacuums use disposable bags. Bagless can be more convenient, but you might have to clean the filter more often. Bagged vacuums can be good for allergy sufferers because you don’t touch the dust when emptying.
Important Materials and Design
The materials used in a vacuum can affect how well it cleans and how long it lasts.
Materials Matter:
- Durable Plastics: Most vacuums use strong plastic. Look for thick, sturdy plastic that won’t crack easily.
- Metal Components: Some parts, like the wand or handle, might be metal. Metal parts are usually stronger and last longer.
- Brush Roll Bristles: The bristles on the brush roll can be made of nylon or other materials. Softer bristles are better for hardwood. Stiffer bristles are good for digging into carpet. Many vacuums have a mix.
What Makes a Vacuum Great (or Not So Great)?
Several things can make a vacuum a winner or a loser.
Factors Affecting Quality:
- Build Quality: A well-built vacuum feels solid. It doesn’t wobble or feel cheap. This usually means it will last longer.
- Motor Power: A stronger motor means better suction. This is crucial for deep cleaning carpets and picking up all the debris on hard floors.
- Ease of Maintenance: How easy is it to clean filters, empty the dust bin, or untangle hair from the brush roll? A vacuum that’s hard to maintain can be frustrating.
- Noise Level: Some vacuums are very loud. If you’re sensitive to noise, look for models that are quieter.
User Experience and When to Use Your Vacuum
How a vacuum feels to use and where you’ll use it are important.
User Experience and Use Cases:
- Daily Cleaning: For quick cleanups of crumbs or pet hair, a lightweight, easy-to-maneuver vacuum is best.
- Deep Cleaning: For carpets, you need a vacuum with strong suction and a good brush roll. For hardwood, you want a vacuum that won’t scratch.
- Pet Owners: If you have pets, look for a vacuum with strong pet hair removal features and good filtration.
- Allergy Sufferers: HEPA filters and sealed systems are vital for trapping allergens.
- Homes with Stairs: A vacuum that’s not too heavy and has good attachments will make cleaning stairs much easier.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use any vacuum on both hardwood and carpet?
A: Not all vacuums are designed for both. Some are only for carpet, and others are only for hard floors. You need one made for both surfaces.
Q: What is the most important feature for hardwood floors?
A: The most important feature for hardwood is the ability to turn off the brush roll or have very soft bristles. This prevents scratches.
Q: How does a vacuum handle different carpet heights?
A: Vacuums with adjustable height settings let you change how high the vacuum sits. This helps it clean low-pile and high-pile carpets better.
Q: Is a bagged or bagless vacuum better for my mixed floors?
A: Both can work. Bagless is easy to empty. Bagged can be better if you have allergies because you don’t touch the dust.
Q: Will a vacuum with strong suction damage my hardwood floors?
A: Not if it has the right features. You need to be able to turn off the spinning brush roll or use a vacuum with specialized hardwood settings.
Q: What if I have a lot of pet hair?
A: Look for vacuums that are specifically advertised for pet hair. They usually have stronger suction and special tools to get hair out of carpets and off furniture.
Q: How often should I clean my vacuum’s filters?
A: This depends on the vacuum and how often you use it. Check your manual, but usually, you should clean or replace filters every 1-3 months for best performance.
Q: Are robot vacuums good for both surfaces?
A: Many robot vacuums can handle both. They often have settings to adjust for different floor types. However, they might not offer the same deep cleaning power as a full-sized vacuum.
Q: What does “swivel steering” do?
A: Swivel steering means the vacuum head can turn easily. This makes it simple to steer around furniture and tight corners.
Q: How much should I expect to spend on a good vacuum for both surfaces?
A: Prices vary widely. You can find decent vacuums for around $150-$300. Higher-end models with more features can cost $400 or more.
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!