|
The Best Vacuum Cleaners for Hardwood Floors
Running a vacuum cleaner on a hardwood floor is quite different than sweeping a carpet or even tile or linoleum. Ensure that you are protecting your floor's beauty by choosing a vacuum that properly meets your unique needs. Not all vacuums are created equal so consider the following attributes before selecting the model perfect for your house! WheelsVacuum cleaners roll differently on carpet, tile, linoleum and hardwood floors, and affect each surface differently. When choosing the perfect cleaner for your house, look for a model with soft wheels. Not only will soft wheels reduce the sometimes harsh rolling sound that occurs when vacuuming hard surfaces, they also protect against scratches that can occur with hard wheels. Brush / BristlesMany vacuum cleaners, especially older models, feature coarse, hard bristles or fast-rotating hard brushes. Beware! These are like poison to your hardwood floor. When shopping around, you have a few alternatives to select between. First, some newer models feature extra-soft bristles, specially designed for hardwood floors and other hard flooring surfaces. These gently sweep while ensuring your finish remains unmarred. A second option features brushes that can be removed or turned off while the vacuum is turned on. For these models, ensure that there is no loss of suction when you disable or remove a part. Third, try out a vacuum cleaner with a straight suction novel no brushes or bristles come with these models, as they rely simply on suction to clean. Finally, unless your hardwood floor is sealed exceptionally well with a thick coat of polyurethane, do not attempt to use a wet / dry vacuum. Although certain wet / dry models cater specifically to hardwood surfaces, using water on untreated hardwood can lead to nasty, lasting stains. If you use a wet vac, always use a solution, never water, and dry quickly. PositionUnlike thickly piled carpeting, hard flooring surfaces are generally fairly level and flat. Many vacuums, especially older models, fix the cleaning head at a position designed for the higher and variable surfaces of carpeting. These types of sweepers will prove very ineffective for hardwood and other hard flooring surfaces. Instead, look for a model with variable positioning. Unless you have all hard flooring in your home, a model with lower fixed positioning will not be practical. With a variable positioning option, always choose the lowest position when vacuuming your hardwood floor. Many Models, Many ChoicesThere are many vacuum brands with many styles of cleaners ? the options you have to select between are nearly endless. Knowing what options are best for your needs will put you on the right track to buying the best vacuum cleaner for your hardwood floor. |