Navigating the world of vacuum cleaners can feel a bit like a jungle, especially when your home boasts a beautiful mix of hardwood floors and plush carpets. You need a cleaning machine that can glide effortlessly across delicate wood without scratching, then dive deep into carpet fibers to pull out embedded dirt and pet hair. It’s a tall order, but definitely achievable!
Finding the best vacuum cleaner hardwood and carpet combination is crucial for maintaining a pristine home without needing multiple specialized gadgets. We’re here to cut through the noise and help you discover the perfect all-rounder. We’ve scoured the market for top-performing models that excel on both floor types, bringing you a curated list of the 7 best options. Get ready to transform your cleaning routine from a chore into a breeze!
Our Top Picks: Best Vacuum Cleaners for Hardwood and Carpet
Let’s dive into the detailed reviews of vacuums designed to handle your diverse flooring needs.
1. Eureka NEU10AE5 Powerful Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner
This Eureka upright is a true gem for anyone seeking a lightweight yet robust cleaning solution for their entire home. What really makes it stand out is its incredible portability โ weighing in at just 7.7 pounds, it’s one of the lightest full-size uprights you’ll find, making it super easy to carry up stairs or maneuver around furniture. Don’t let its featherlight design fool you, though; it packs a powerful punch, tackling dirt and debris on both hard floors and carpets with surprising efficiency. Plus, its quick-release handle quickly transforms it for above-floor cleaning, proving that sometimes, less weight means more versatility.
- POWERFUL ALL FLOOR SUCTION: Effortlessly extracts dirt and hair from hard floors and carpets.
- QUICK RELEASE HANDLE FOR ABOVE FLOOR CLEANING: Attach crevice tool and dusting brush for upholstery, windows, and hard-to-reach spots.
- LIGHTWEIGHT & EASY STORAGE: Weighs only 7.7 pounds, compact design for easy storage.
- EASY MAINTENANCE & ENVIRONMENTAL FRIENDLY: Washable filter reduces maintenance costs and is eco-friendly.
- ALL TOOLS ON BOARD: Crevice tool and dusting brush snap onto the vacuum for easy access.
Pros:
– Extremely lightweight and easy to maneuver.
– Strong suction power for both carpets and hard floors.
– Washable filter offers cost-saving and eco-friendly maintenance.
– Convenient onboard tools for versatile cleaning.
– Affordable price point for its performance.
Cons:
– Corded operation means needing to plug and unplug.
– Upright design might be less nimble for very tight spaces compared to stick vacuums.
User Impressions: Customers frequently commend the NEU10AE5 for its incredible lightness and powerful performance. Many are surprised by how effectively it cleans pet hair and general debris from various floor types, often noting it feels much more substantial than its weight suggests. The easy-to-empty dust cup and simple maintenance are also big wins.
2. Eureka PowerSpeed Lightweight Upright with Upgraded Cyclone System
The Eureka PowerSpeed continues to impress with its upgraded cyclone system, making it a fantastic choice for homes with mixed flooring and diverse cleaning challenges. This model is engineered to handle not just everyday dirt, but also larger debris, microscopic dust, and pet dander with greater efficiency. Its powerful pick-up penetrates deep into carpet fibers, ensuring no hidden nasties are left behind, while its smooth-gliding wheels protect your delicate hardwood. With five height settings, you’re always ready to transition seamlessly from a thick shag rug to a sleek tile floor.
- Upgraded Cyclone System: Handles larger debris, smaller dirt, and microscopic dust.
- Powerful pick-up: Penetrates deep into carpets to extract embedded dirt and debris.
- Lightweight: Performs powerfully without being cumbersome.
- 5 Height Settings: Works well on carpets, shag rugs, and hard floors, with smooth wheels to prevent scratches.
- Multiple accessories included: Quick-release handle, 7-inch crevice tool, dusting brush, and upholstery tool.
- Traps 99.9% of dust, dander and allergens: Improved air quality for allergy sufferers.
Pros:
– Excellent for diverse debris and dust thanks to the upgraded cyclone system.
– Deep cleaning capability for carpets.
– Versatile with 5 height settings for different floor types.
– Effective allergen trapping, beneficial for sensitive individuals.
– Comes with useful attachments for above-floor cleaning.
Cons:
– Requires regular cleaning of the roller brush and belt to prevent clogging and maintain performance.
– Corded operation limits reach without changing outlets.
User Impressions: Users consistently praise this PowerSpeed model for its strong suction and ability to refresh carpets, often commenting on how much dirt it picks up. The upgraded cyclone system is a highlight, as it manages to keep performance high even with a variety of messes. Pet owners, in particular, find it highly effective.
3. Eureka PowerSpeed Lightweight Upright with Extra-Large Dust Cup
Here’s another fantastic Eureka PowerSpeed that truly shines for those who need heavyweight cleaning power in an ultra-light package. What sets this particular model apart is its combination of a mere 10-pound weight with a robust 960-watt motor, delivering consistent suction across various floor types from hardwood to wall-to-wall carpeting. But the real game-changer is its extra-large 2.6-liter dust cup. This means fewer interruptions to empty the bin, allowing you to clean larger areas or tackle multiple rooms in one go โ a dream come true for busy households!
- Lightweight Yet Powerful: Just 10 pounds, but with a 960-watt motor for strong suction.
- Strong Suction Across Surfaces: Consistent power for hardwood, tile, area rugs, and wall-to-wall carpeting.
- Extra-Large Dust Cup for Fewer Empties: 2.6-liter capacity for uninterrupted cleaning, with a mess-free, bag-free design.
- 5-Height Brush Roll Adjustment: Precision cleaning for thick carpet or bare floors.
- Pet-Ready Attachments Onboard: Includes a Pet Turbo Brush, crevice tool, and dusting brush.
Pros:
– Remarkably powerful for its lightweight design.
– Huge dust cup minimizes emptying, perfect for larger homes.
– Excellent suction and versatility across all floor types.
– Specific pet attachments are a boon for pet owners.
– Easy and mess-free dust bin emptying.
Cons:
– Still a corded model, requiring power outlet management.
– While lightweight, it’s an upright and not as compact as a stick vacuum.
User Impressions: Reviewers frequently highlight the powerful suction and the sheer convenience of the extra-large dust cup, especially if they have pets or a larger home. Its ability to clean deeply while remaining easy to push around is a major plus, making it a strong contender for the best vacuum cleaner hardwood and carpet for many.
4. Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum Cleaner
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away is an absolute powerhouse, celebrated for its incredible versatility and deep-cleaning prowess. Its standout feature is the innovative Lift-Away functionality, which allows you to detach the canister with a simple button press. This transforms your upright into a portable pod, making it a breeze to clean stairs, upholstery, and high-up corners that a traditional upright simply can’t reach. Combined with its Anti-Allergen Complete Seal and HEPA filter, it’s a dream come true for allergy sufferers and pet owners alike, trapping 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum.
- LIFT-AWAY FUNCTIONALITY: Detachable pod for easy above-floor cleaning on stairs, furniture, and more.
- ANTI-ALLERGEN COMPLETE SEAL + HEPA FILTER: Traps 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum.
- BRUSHROLL SHUTOFF: Instantly switch from deep carpet cleaning to gentle bare floor cleaning.
- PERFECT FOR PET OWNERS: Picks up pet hair and powerfully deep-cleans dander from upholstery.
- SWIVEL STEERING: Easy maneuverability in tight spaces and around furniture.
- EXTRA-LARGE-CAPACITY DUST CUP: 0.87L capacity for longer cleaning sessions.
Pros:
– Exceptional versatility with the Lift-Away feature.
– Superior allergen filtration for cleaner air.
– Brushroll shutoff ensures safe and effective cleaning on all floor types.
– Outstanding performance on pet hair.
– Excellent maneuverability with swivel steering.
Cons:
– Can be a bit heavier than basic upright models when fully assembled.
– The dust cup, while large, is slightly smaller than some other uprights reviewed.
User Impressions: Pet parents and those with allergies consistently laud the Shark Navigator Lift-Away. They often comment on how much pet hair and fine dust it captures, dramatically improving indoor air quality. The Lift-Away feature is a game-changer for many, making formerly difficult cleaning tasks incredibly easy.
5. Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright Bagless Vacuum with…
For pet owners who dread scattered kibble and stubborn hair, the Bissell CleanView Swivel is an absolute lifesaver. Its defining feature is the combination of Swivel Steering with a Triple Action Brush Roll. The swivel steering makes navigating around furniture and obstacles feel like a dance, while the Triple Action Brush Roll is specifically engineered to loosen, lift, and remove embedded pet hair from carpets and prevent scattering on hard floors. Not only does it leave your floors sparkling, but every purchase also proudly supports the BISSELL Pet Foundation, helping save homeless pets โ so you’re cleaning for a cause!
- EVERY PURCHASE SAVES PETS: Supports BISSELL Pet Foundation.
- SWIVEL STEERING FOR MAXIMUM MANEUVERABILITY: Easy cleaning around furniture and obstacles.
- TRIPLE ACTION BRUSH ROLL: Loosens, lifts, and removes embedded pet hair.
- MULTI-SURFACE CLEANING WITH SCATTER-FREE TECHNOLOGY: Stops scattering dry pet messes on hard surfaces.
- EDGE-TO-EDGE CLEANING: Tackles pet hair, dirt, and debris along edges and in corners.
Pros:
– Exceptional maneuverability for effortless cleaning.
– Highly effective at removing pet hair from various surfaces.
– Scatter-Free Technology prevents messes on hard floors.
– Cleans right up to edges and into corners.
– Supports a noble cause (BISSELL Pet Foundation).
Cons:
– Corded design means managing the power cord.
– May be overkill for homes without pets or significant pet hair issues.
User Impressions: Pet owners are particularly vocal about their love for this Bissell, highlighting its unparalleled ability to pick up pet hair without the usual frustration of scattering. The swivel steering also receives high marks for making cleaning much less of a chore, and many appreciate the philanthropic aspect of their purchase.
6. Eureka Cordless Vacuum Cleaner Lightweight, Stick Vacuum…
Stepping into the world of cordless convenience, the Eureka Cordless Stick Vacuum offers a remarkable blend of power and freedom. Its major draw is the 20.3 kPa powerful suction, which, for a cordless model, is incredibly impressive, making it highly effective across hardwood, tile, and low-pile carpets. Weighing a mere 5.5 lbs and effortlessly converting into a handheld, it’s the ultimate versatile tool for quick clean-ups, stairs, cars, and tight spots. Plus, with its long-lasting detachable battery and advanced 5-stage filtration, it’s a standout for pet owners and allergy sufferers looking for untethered cleaning.
- 20.3 kPa POWERFUL SUCTION: High-efficiency BLDC motor delivers strong suction on multiple floor types.
- LONG-LASTING: Up to 50-minute runtime (15 mins in High Mode) with a detachable lithium-ion battery.
- LIGHTWEIGHT & VERSATILE: Weighs 5.5 lb, converts to handheld for stairs, cars, and tight spaces.
- PET-READY PERFORMANCE: Tangle-resistant brush and strong airflow handle pet hair without clogs.
- Allergy-Friendly: 5-stage filtration system captures 99.99% of particles as small as 0.1ฮผm.
Pros:
– Freedom of cordless cleaning with robust suction power.
– Very lightweight and easy to maneuver.
– Highly versatile, converts into a handheld vacuum.
– Excellent for homes with pets, thanks to its tangle-resistant design.
– Advanced filtration system is great for allergy-sensitive households.
Cons:
– Shorter runtime in high-power mode (15 minutes).
– Requires battery recharging, which might interrupt larger cleaning tasks.
– Dust cup capacity is smaller than traditional uprights.
User Impressions: Many users are pleasantly surprised by the powerful suction for a cordless stick vacuum, often noting how well it picks up pet hair and fine dust. The lightweight design and ease of conversion to a handheld make it a favorite for quick, daily clean-ups and reaching tricky spots. The long battery life in standard mode is also a consistent positive.
7. Bissell CleanView Compact Upright Vacuum, Fits in Dorm…
If space is at a premium or you simply need a powerful yet remarkably compact cleaning solution, the Bissell CleanView Compact Upright is your go-to. Weighing less than 8 pounds, it’s incredibly lightweight and maneuverable, making it a breeze to transport from room to room or even between different living spaces like a dorm room and an apartment. Don’t let its size fool you; it delivers powerful suction and features Scatter-Free Technology to neatly capture messes on hard floors. Itโs perfect for those who appreciate convenience and powerful performance in a minimal footprint. And, like other Bissell products, it contributes to saving homeless pets.
- EVERY PURCHASE SAVES PETS: Supports BISSELL Pet Foundation.
- SCATTER-FREE TECHNOLOGY: Captures messes on hard floors with less scatter.
- POWERFUL SUCTION: Convenient, powerful cleaning in one machine.
- LIGHTWEIGHT AND MANEUVERABLE: Weighs less than 8 pounds, easy to transport.
- EASY EMPTY DIRT CONTAINER: Dispose of debris with a push of a button.
Pros:
– Extremely lightweight and highly maneuverable, ideal for small spaces.
– Effective suction power for both hard floors and carpets.
– Scatter-Free Technology prevents messes on hard surfaces.
– Easy and hygienic dirt container emptying.
– Supports a charitable cause.
Cons:
– Smaller cleaning path and dust cup compared to full-size uprights, meaning more emptying for larger homes.
– Corded operation.
– Fewer specialized attachments (implied by compact design).
User Impressions: Customers love the compact size and surprising power of this Bissell. It’s often praised as a fantastic “grab-and-go” vacuum for everyday spills and quick cleans, fitting easily into closets or smaller storage areas. Many find its performance on both hard floors and carpets impressive for such a lightweight unit.
Conclusion
Choosing the best vacuum cleaner hardwood and carpet doesn’t have to be a daunting task. The right vacuum can truly make a difference in how clean and fresh your home feels, no matter the flooring type. From the ultra-lightweight Eureka models to the versatile Shark Lift-Away and pet-friendly Bissells, each option on our list brings unique strengths to the table, ensuring excellent performance on both delicate hardwood and plush carpeting.
When making your final decision, consider your specific needs: Do you have a lot of pet hair? Are allergies a major concern? Do you prefer the freedom of cordless, or the consistent power of corded? Think about the size of your home and how frequently you clean. Any of these top contenders will do a fantastic job of keeping your mixed-floor home spotless, helping you conquer every crumb and keep your living space looking its best.
FAQ Section
Q1: How often should I vacuum my floors if I have a mix of hardwood and carpet?
A: Generally, it’s recommended to vacuum high-traffic carpeted areas 2-3 times a week, and low-traffic carpeted areas once a week. Hardwood floors can be vacuumed 1-2 times a week, or more frequently in areas prone to dust and debris. With a good dual-surface vacuum, you can often do both in one go!
Q2: What’s the main difference between bagless and bagged vacuums?
A: Bagless vacuums collect dirt in a reusable canister that you empty directly into the trash, saving you money on bags. Bagged vacuums collect dirt in disposable bags, which are often better for allergy sufferers as they seal in dust upon disposal, but require recurring bag purchases.
Q3: Are cordless vacuums as powerful as corded ones for cleaning hardwood and carpet?
A: Corded vacuums typically offer more consistent and often stronger suction power because they have an unlimited power supply. However, modern cordless vacuums have made significant advancements in battery technology and motor design, with many models now offering impressive suction that’s more than sufficient for everyday cleaning on both hard floors and low-pile carpets. High-pile carpets might still benefit more from a powerful corded upright.
Q4: What features are most important for pet owners cleaning mixed floors?
A: Pet owners should prioritize vacuums with strong suction, a specialized brush roll (like a tangle-resistant or triple action brush) that effectively picks up pet hair without clogging, and excellent filtration (HEPA filter is a bonus) to trap pet dander and allergens. Onboard pet-specific attachments are also a big plus for upholstery and pet beds.
Q5: How do I maintain my vacuum cleaner to ensure longevity and optimal performance?
A: Regular maintenance is key! This includes emptying the dust cup/changing the bag frequently, cleaning or replacing filters as recommended by the manufacturer, checking and clearing the brush roll of tangled hair and debris, and inspecting the hose for clogs. Wiping down the exterior also helps keep it looking good.
Q6: Can I use an upright vacuum with a rotating brush on delicate hardwood floors without causing damage?
A: Many modern upright vacuums designed for multi-surface cleaning, like those reviewed here, have a “brushroll shutoff” feature or adjustable height settings. This allows you to turn off the spinning brush or raise it, preventing scratches on delicate hardwood. Always ensure the brush is off or adequately raised when cleaning bare floors.
Q7: What does “HEPA filter” mean, and do I really need one?
A: HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air. A HEPA filter is designed to capture 99.97% of airborne particles 0.3 micrometers in size, including dust mites, pet dander, pollen, and other allergens. If you or anyone in your household suffers from allergies or asthma, a vacuum with a HEPA filter and a sealed system is highly recommended for improved indoor air quality.
Q8: How do I know the right height setting for my vacuum’s brush roll?
A: The general rule is to set the brush roll just low enough to make contact with the carpet fibers and allow the vacuum to move smoothly. For bare floors, the brush roll should typically be off or set to its highest position to avoid scratching. For different carpet pile heights, adjust until you feel good suction but the vacuum isn’t fighting you.
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