Best Wood Floor Cleaner 2024: Top Recommendations and Reviews

Choosing the right vacuum cleaner and cleaning solution is crucial for maintaining hardwood floors. In this guide, we'll recommend top vacuums designed to protect and clean your floors effectively. Additionally, we'll share homemade cleaning solutions and tips to keep your hardwood in top condition while avoiding common cleaning mistakes. Get ready to make your floors shine!

Part 1: Our Vacuum Cleaner Top Picks in 2024

Part 2. Why the Right Cleaner Matters

Any vacuum can literally suck dust, pet hair, and food crumbs off your precious hardwood floor. But some models do it better than others. When choosing a vacuum for wood floor cleaning, choose a brand with enough suction power to pick up big food crumbs and dirt particles. Ideally, you would want to clean the floor thoroughly without wasting time in the same spot.

According to Paul Henthorn, the founder of the California-based Slaughterbeck Floors, a wood vacuum must have soft rubber wheels. He says this prevents the vacuum from marring the wood floor. Henthorn advises using vacuums with soft brushes instead of canister vacuums with power brushes. Power brushes, he says, can potentially remove wood finish and fibers.

Our review focuses on vacuums that won't cause wear and tear to your floor. We also select these vacuums based on your unique needs and convenience. For example, cordless vacuums are best for mopping large areas and preventing accidental trips over power cords. You might also want to consider a robot vacuum that offers unparalleled convenience without sacrificing efficiency.

Part 3. Top 4 Wood Floor Cleaners| Comparison and Reviews

1. eufy S1 Pro – Best Overall Hardwood Floor Cleaner

If you want an efficient yet effective high-end robot vacuum that canauto-clean itself, eufy S1 Pro is the best one. With groundbreaking floor washing feature, the machine is perfect for hardwood floor deep cleaning.

Likes:

• Cleaning mop while washing floors.
• Best obstacle avoidance tech. 
• 8,000 Pa suction.
• Futuristic Design.

Dislikes:

• Price.

"I’m a Kickstarter pledger and very happy to be a part of the pledge…well worth it! I have owned and seen several Robovacs and all-in-one Robovacs over the years. The S1 Pro is by far the best all-in-one Robovac that I have ever used and seen and I want no other. Thank you eufy!"

– Real uer review

2. eufy X10 Pro Omni – Best Overall Robot Vacuum

If you're not a fan of canister vacuums, consider using premium-grade robot vacuum like the X10 Pro Omni. It's a full-featured D-shaped robot mop with all the features of robovacs double its price tag. Its multi-functional dock allows it to self-clean, dry, and refill. In short, it's a self-maintenance vacuum with convenient hand-free cleaning.

The X10 Pro Omni has a hidden roller brush for scrapping hair and dust off your wooden floor before depositing it in the onboard dust bin. The gentle roller brush is made using a sturdy combination of bristle and rubber. It also has two pentagon-shaped plates holding the thick and soft mopping pads. The mopping pads can auto-lift when the vacuum senses your carpets and rugs.

eufy specifies that the all-in-one station houses a 2.5L self-emptying dust bag and a 3L clean water tank. The developer says this water capacity is enough to clean wooden surfaces up to 150 square meters two or three times. Let's not forget the impressive 8,000 Pa of suction power that will suck any stubborn dust and debris on your floor. This robot vacuum is one of the best options for under $1,000.

Likes:

• Adaptive pressure mops for deep cleaning.
• Soft roller brush material.
• RGB camera for object avoidance.
• Self-cleaning capabilities.
• Self-empty the dust bag.

Dislikes:

• Small auto-emptying bag.
• Complex app setup.

"I found the clean on hardwood floors was decent, but it wasn't fantastic on carpets, as I found debris and fluff still lingered. However, this all changed once I dove into the settings in the app." – Review comment on UK.

eufy also offers another robot vacuum with cutting-edge floor washing features:

3. Dyson Omni-Glide – Best Mopping Large Areas

The Dyson Omni-Glide is a highly versatile and maneuverable cordless vacuum with an omnidirectional soft roller head that allows it to move in any direction, making it ideal for cleaning various surfaces. Its slim design features an articulating neck and 360-degree casters for exceptional maneuverability, and its ergonomic handle has adjustable performance settings. Although it may have less suction power compared to some competitors, its mechanical design ensures effective dirt pickup, potentially revolutionizing hard floor vacuuming.

Likes:

• Soft Omni-directional rollers.
• Conveniently designed handle.
• Side-to-side cleaning motion.
• Extremely lightweight design.
• Pocket-friendly price.

Dislikes:

• It cannot clean carpets and other fabrics.
• Short battery power.

"Easy to use, easy to charge. The wireless vacuuming is a great change from your standard vacuum. It is small which is a good thing if you want something simple." – Verified Amazon review.

4. Bissell 3061 Featherweight Cordless Stick Vacuum – Best Budget Vacuum Cleaner

You don't have to break your budget to get a hard floor vacuum that gets the job done. With this vacuum from Bissell, you'll enjoy a premium-class vacuuming experience at a pocket-friendly price tag. You will be glad that this cordless vacuum performs nearly as well as other winners on this list.

Straight out of the box, the Bissell 3061 Featherweight Cordless Stick Vacuum has a multi-surface brush with soft bristles. This makes it ideal for vacuuming your wood floors without leaving any scratches. Once connected, experience the incredible side-to-side motion for flexible and effective cleaning. However, occasionally clean up any hair or fabric entangled on the roller.

Another feature you'll like is the two-way folding handle for seamless maneuverability. You can adjust it to vacuum hard-to-reach surfaces under the table or bed. Thanks to the two attachment tools, you can also detach it and use it as a handheld vacuum. It's a tempting vacuum for cleaning tiny houses and spaces.

Likes:

• Folding handle.
• Lightweight design.
• Easy to set up and use.
• Flexible swivel design.
• Removable hand vacuum.

Dislikes:

• Medium suction power.
• Short battery runtime.

"This is great. So lightweight, so easy to steer and maneuver and get under furniture, and I got a big ball of fluff when I emptied the canister so it did pick up well." – Verified Amazon review

Part 4. DIY Natural Wood Floor Cleaner Recipes

Let's continue this interesting rundown by listing the best wood floor DIY cleaners. These natural cleaning solutions will leave your floor spotless without damaging the wood finish. Most importantly, you don't need to spend a dime on commercial floor cleaners with harsh chemicals that can cause allergic reactions.

Below are some DIY wood floor cleaners to try out:

1. Water and Vinegar

Most people consider white vinegar to be an effective natural hardwood cleaner. You only need to dilute it with a bit of water to create the perfect cleaning solution for your wood floors and walls.

Apply the following steps:

• Mix one gallon of clean water with half a cup of vinegar.
• Test the solution on a separate wood before cleaning the floor. Vinegar can react with specific wood finishes.
• If you are satisfied with the results, use the solution to mop and clean your floor.

2. Water, Vinegar, and Orange/Lemon Essential Oil

Sometimes, mixing vinegar and water only may not produce the intended cleaning solution. I'm also sure you may not like the smell of white vinegar. In that case, mix the solution with a few drops of essential oil. Lemon and orange are my preferred choices, although cedar, lavender, and rose are great alternatives.

Follow these steps:

• Mix one gallon of clean water with half a cup of vinegar.
• Add a few drops of essential oil to the solution.
• Test the solution on a separate wood surface.
• Use a sponge mop to clean the house using this solution.

3. Water, Vinegar, Olive Oil, and Essential Oil

This is more of a complete package than the first two solutions. Adding olive oil to the mixture can create the perfect wood floor cleaner/polish. This will leave your hardwood floor clean and shiny.

Here are the steps:

• Add two spoons of olive oil to a clean jar or bottle.
• Add one tablespoon of vinegar.
• Add 10-15 drops of essential oil to the solution to add fragrance.
• Lastly, add two cups of warm water and shake the solution.
• Use it to thoroughly clean and polish your precious hardwood floor.

4. Vegetable Oil and Vinegar

Vegetable oil cleanser will do the magic if you don't want to clean the hardwood floors using water. This should preserve the floor finish and keep it shiny.

Let's list the steps below:

• Mix two cups of white vinegar with two cups of vegetable oil.
• Spray this solution on the hardwood floor and clean the surface using a sponge mop.
• Use a separate cloth to buff and dry off the solution.

5. Black Tea

Black tea has been doing a fantastic job of cleaning and preserving hardwood floors for years. However, this solution isn't best for laminate floors.

Here's how to go about it:

• Boil a few cups of water.
• Add up to six black tea bags to the hot water.
• Let the water settle for 10 minutes.
• Pour the mixture into your mopping bucket and mix with cold water if necessary.
• Mop the hardwood floor as usual.

Part 5. Choosing the Right Hardwood Cleaning Tools

When selecting a vacuum cleaner for wood floors, it's important to choose one with features tailored for delicate surfaces to prevent scratches. Look for a vacuum with a soft brush roll designed for wood and sufficient suction power to handle both large debris and fine dust. Even robot vacuums, like the X10 Pro Omni with its 8,000 Pa suction, can be effective. For cleaning solutions, opt for water-based products without ammonia or bleach, avoiding multi-purpose cleaners that could damage the wood.

Part 6. FAQs About Wood Floor Cleaning

What is the best vacuum for cleaning wood floors?

Choosing the best wood floor cleaner might depend on a lot of factors. Consider the brush type, suction power, price, and more. Ensure the brush roll and mop pads are soft and gentle to avoid damaging your floor. It must also have enough suction power to clean up stubborn dirt and pet hairs. Other advanced capabilities found in premium-grade robot vacuums are great additions.

Are homemade cleaning solutions effective on hardwood?

Yes, homemade solutions have proved effective, safe, and cost-friendly alternatives to overprized commercial cleaning products. Essential oils like lavender, lemon, and tea tree oil have antibacterial cleaning properties and can add a pleasant scent to your vinegar solution. Use vegetable oil and vinegar to leave your floor spotless and shiny.

What is the best method to clean wood floors with pets?

If you're a pet owner, cleaning a hardwood floor doesn't always feel straightforward. But this doesn't always have to be the case. Use homemade cleaning solutions to clean the floor without affecting your pet's health. There are also numerous pet-friendly commercial products to clean your floors safely. Before anything, thoroughly vacuum the floor and carpets to remove any pet hairs. An all-in-one vacuum like X10 Pro Omni should be handy.

Part 7. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Hardwood Floor

Hardwood floors require special care to ensure they maintain their timeless elegance. Knowing how to clean your hardwood floor correctly can ensure it remains beautiful and durable for years. This begs the question: what mistakes do we often make when cleaning hardwood flooring?

• Using water-based cleaners: There are some wood floor finishes where water isn't recommended. So, use vegetable oil and vinegar. This solution effectively removes dirt and brings back the shine of your hardwood floor.
• Sweeping with any broom: Only clean your wood floor using a soft-bristled broom. This will not only remove those big dust particles but also protect the floor from scratches.
• Using excess water: Most homeowners clean their wood floors with soaking wet mops. However, this can lead to floor warping and water stains. Remember that wood absorbs water and swells. So, wring your mop thoroughly before cleaning.
• Steam cleaning: This type of cleaning may not be as effective on your wood floor as on your carpets. The steam cleaning moisture can lead to dumping or denting.

Part 8. Maintenance Tips for Hardwood Floor Cleaning

Learning to clean your hardwood floor is one thing, and caring for it effectively is another. But don't worry because maintaining your precious wood floor isn't an energy-supping experience. Below are some regular care tips:

• Leave all the dirt outside: Place rugs and mats on your door to leave out dust and sand, which can act as sandpaper. If possible, leave your shoes outside.
• Vacuum and clean regularly: Have a cleaning schedule to ensure the wood floor is always clean and fresh. Wipe out any moisture immediately to prevent wood absorption.
• Trim pet nails: Your furry friend in the house can be an enemy to your wood floor. Regularly trim the sharp nails they might use to scratch the wood floor.
• Don't slide furniture: Always lift the furniture when rearranging the house. Dragging or rolling heavy objects can lead to dents and scratches. We also recommend using a carpet to prevent surface compression.
• Maintain optimal room temperature: Maintain an average indoor temperature of 60 to 80 Degrees Fahrenheit to minimize the contraction and expansion of wood.

The Summing Up

Cleaning and maintaining your hardwood floor can be tasking and time-consuming. But it's nothing complex once you get the hang of it. Always know the type of wood floor finish you have before buying or making a homemade cleaning solution. Homemade solutions are best for this job because they don't use aggressive chemicals. Ultimately, you'll discover that maintaining wood floors doesn't cost a fortune. Time to get to work!