Hardwood floors lend an aura of classic elegance to a home, adding to its real estate value. However, the job of keeping hardwood floors clean and sanitized while preserving their attractiveness can present challenges.
For maximum effectiveness, many hardwood floor cleaners offer vacuum-suction action to remove dust, dirt, and debris from floors and allow users to mop wood floors to clean sticky messes and produce a shine. Ahead, learn about the optional features and attributes that comprise the best hardwood floor cleaning machine for your timeless and tasteful floors.
- BEST OVERALL: Bissell CrossWave All-in-One Wet/Dry Vacuum and Mop
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Bissell PowerFresh Scrubbing and Sanitizing Steam Mop
- UPGRADE PICK: Bissell CrossWave Max Multi-Surface Wet/Dry Vacuum
- BEST LIGHTWEIGHT: Shark Vacmop Pro Cordless Hard Floor Vacuum Mop
- BEST SPIN MOP: Bissell SpinWave Hard Floor Spin Mop
- BEST VACUUM: Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum
- BEST ROBOTIC: iRobot Wifi-Connected Braava Jet M6 Mop
- BEST FOR PETS: Bissell Symphony Pet All-in-One Sanitizing Steam Mop
- BEST CORDLESS: Tineco Floor One S3 Smart Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaner
- BEST MULTISURFACE: Bissell CrossWave Pet Pro Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaner
How We Chose the Best Hardwood Floor Cleaner Machines
Hardwood floor cleaning machines are able to get out tough stuck-on grime, grout haze, and dirt, and some models can even kill 99 percent of bacteria and germs. To narrow down the top hardwood floor cleaner machines on the market, we searched for functionality, ease of use, and versatility for a variety of cleaning tasks.
Hardwood floor cleaner machines are made to be wet/dry mop and vacuums, steam floor cleaners, robotic vacuums, spin vacuums, and classic vacuums. While the wet/dry mop and vacuum and robotic models are convenient for those that need all-in-one cleaning, the steam mops and spin vacuums are meant for task-specific mopping or vacuuming.
With this range in hardwood cleaning types and capabilities also comes added special features, including disposable mop pads, dual-tank functionality, smart-home connectivity, and even cleaning solutions and attachments for specific tasks.
Our Top Picks
Our top picks for the best hardwood floor cleaning machines are high-quality products from reputable manufacturers. The recommendations consist of both corded and cordless options for wet/dry mopping and vacuuming as well as a vacuum-only model. A robotic wet/dry floor cleaning machine is included, demonstrating how technology facilitates convenient automated cleaning.
Photo: amazon.com
Vacuum and wash sealed wood floors in one easy step with this dual-action wet/dry vacuum mop from Bissell. There’s no need to vacuum floors for loose-dirt removal before launching into the task of wet mopping. The multisurface brush roll employs a microfiber and nylon brush to mop floors while simultaneously picking up dry debris.
Meanwhile, a dual-tank system keeps the cleaning solution separate from the dirty water to ensure optimal efficiency. This vacuum mop is intended for use on both hard floors and area rugs, and the smart-touch controls on the handle allow users to switch the cleaning action for varying floor surfaces. Additionally, a trigger activates on-demand release of the cleaning solution, so the user is always in control of the process.
The CrossWave all-in-one floor cleaning machine measures 10.5 inches long by 12 inches wide by 46 inches tall and weighs 11.5 pounds. It safely and effectively cleans sealed wood floors as well as laminate, tile, rubber floor mats, linoleum, and area rugs.
Product Specs
- Type: Wet/dry vacuum and mop
- Corded vs. cordless: Corded
- Weight: 11.5 pounds
Pros
- Includes a multisurface brush roll made with microfiber and nylon construction
- A dual-tank system keeps clean and dirty water separate
- Suitable for a variety of surfaces, including most types of hard floors and area rugs
- Capable of vacuuming and mopping various types of floors simultaneously, saving time
Cons
- Available at an expensive price point compared with other hardwood floor cleaning machines
Get the Bissell CrossWave all-in-one hardwood floor cleaner machine at Amazon or Target.
Photo: amazon.com
Combine the money-saving value of a modestly priced floor cleaning machine with the environmentally friendly option of using steam power to lift away dirt and messes. The PowerFresh Scrubbing and Sanitizing Steam Mop from Bissell does not require a cleaning solution, so there are no chemicals involved in the cleaning process. As a bonus feature, the steam eliminates 99.9 percent of germs and bacteria found on floor surfaces.
This machine is power rated at 1,500 watts, so water in the 16-ounce-capacity tank heats quickly to produce steam in only 30 seconds. The smart digital settings allow users to select low, medium, and high steam flow for diverse cleaning tasks. Additionally, this steam cleaner includes a washable microfiber soft pad, a washable microfiber scrubby pad, two spring breeze fragrance discs, and a carpet glider.
Maneuvering is easy with the swivel steering system on this steam cleaner and the 23-foot power cord. This floor cleaning machine measures 11.6 inches long by 7.1 inches wide, stands 28.6 inches tall, and weighs 6.2 pounds.
Product Specs
- Type: Steam mop
- Corded vs. cordless: Corded
- Weight: 6.2 pounds
Pros
- No cleaning solution is required, so users save more money over time
- Eliminates 99 percent of germs and bacteria found on a home’s floors
- A 12-ounce tank capacity means water heats up quickly for steam cleaning
Cons
- Recommended for wood floors only; not suitable for other floor types
- No cleaning attachments are included with this floor cleaner machine, limiting its functionality
Get the Bissell PowerFresh hardwood floor cleaner machine at Amazon or Bissell.
Photo: amazon.com
Forget the hassle of manipulating a power cord while cleaning floors. The rechargeable 36-volt lithium-ion battery in this wet/dry vacuum from Bissell delivers 30 minutes of cordless cleaning power. As an added bonus, it provides efficient performance on both carpet and wood floors. Laminate flooring, rubber mats, tile floors, rugs, and linoleum also benefit from the cleaning power of this cordless hard floor cleaner.
The Bissell CrossWave Max employs advanced technology to deliver convenient and effective cleaning results. It performs wet-mop floor washing along with simultaneous vacuum suction to pick up dry debris. With two tanks, the cleaning solution mixed with clean water remains separate from the dirty water. A self-cleaning cycle maintains the machine’s cleaning efficiency.
The three-in-one docking station stores the machine, recharges the battery, and runs the self-cleaning cycle all at the same time. An app provides user support, helpful cleaning tips, and a dashboard for reordering brushes, filters, and formula.
Product Specs
- Type: Wet/dry vacuum
- Corded vs. cordless: Cordless
- Weight: 11.5 pounds
Pros
- A long 30-minute runtime allows users to clean larger portions of their homes
- Suitable for a variety of hard floors as well as area rugs and carpets
- A dual-tank system keeps clean water and dirty water separate
- The self-cleaning cycle means that users don’t need to worry about cleaning the device frequently
Cons
- Available at an expensive price point compared with other hardwood floor cleaning machines
- Unlike other models, this one is not designed for homes with pets
Get the Bissell CrossWave Max hardwood floor cleaner machine at Amazon, Best Buy, Target, or Bissell.
Photo: amazon.com
For ultimate ease while cleaning hardwood floors, Shark’s Vacmop is both lightweight and cordless. Powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, it performs both wet-mopping and vacuuming actions at the same time.
The vacuum mop sprays cleaning solution onto the floor and suctions up dirt simultaneously. A disposable pad traps the dirt and debris. Then, the no-touch disposal system allows users to release the soiled pad into a trash receptacle without touching it. The refillable Shark Vacmop includes multisurface cleaning solution in spring clean scent and hardwood cleaning solution in citrus clean scent. Extra disposable mop pads are also included.
This lightweight and cordless machine measures a slender 5.38 inches long by 9.5 inches wide and stands 47.86 inches tall. The unit includes a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
Product Specs
- Type: Wet/dry vacuum and mop
- Corded vs. cordless: Cordless
- Weight: 3.34 pounds
Pros
- Comes with 2 disposable pads and a 12-ounce bottle of multisurface cleaner
- A no-touch pad disposal system allows users to keep their hands clean
- Available at an affordable price point compared with other hardwood floor cleaning machines
Cons
- This model may not be capable of pulling stains from grout between tiles
Get the Shark Vacmop hardwood floor cleaner machine at Amazon, The Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Target.
Photo: amazon.com
Bissell’s corded SpinWave electric floor mop features two spinning mopheads that perform a scrubbing action to keep sealed hardwood floors and tile floors in spotless condition. It safely brings out an attractive shine on hard floors as the spinning pads scrub away soils and spills.
Bissell’s on-demand spray system gives users precise control over the quantity of cleaning solution released onto the floor. The included multisurface floor cleaning formula provides sanitizing action with the help of two included soft-touch pads and two included scrubby pads. As the spinning pads do the work for the user, dirt, grime, and stuck-on messes disappear from hardwood and other sealed flooring materials.
This electric floor mop can scrub and shine hardwood floors without scratching or gouging the surfaces, and it features a low-profile and swivel steering system to facilitate cleaning under furniture, in corners, and along baseboards. The unit measures 16.1 inches long by 7.5 inches wide by 26.8 inches tall and weighs 9.5 pounds.
Product Specs
- Type: Spin mop
- Corded vs. cordless: Corded
- Weight: 9.5 pounds
Pros
- The on-demand spray system gives users more control over how much cleaning solution is dispensed
- Includes 2 bottles of multisurface cleaning solution, making this a more economical choice
- Swivel steering system makes this spin mop easy to use
Cons
- At 9.5 pounds, this model is heavier than many other floor cleaning machines
- This model may not be capable of pulling stains from grout between tiles
Get the Bissell SpinWave hardwood floor cleaner machine at Amazon or Best Buy.
Photo: amazon.com
Remove dust, dirt, and allergens from hardwood floors, laminate, tile, carpeted floors, and rugs with this powerful vacuum from Shark. The completely sealed anti-allergen system features a high-efficiency particulate air filter that traps dust mites, pollen, mold spores, and other dirt and debris inside the vacuum. It is certified by the American Society for Testing and Materials to meet Standard F1977 for air-filtration efficiency, trapping particles as small as 0.3 microns (a micron is less than 1 millionth of a meter).
This vacuum cleans efficiently on both hard flooring and carpeted surfaces, adapting with a quick flip of the brush roller shut-off switch. Additionally, the lift-away detachable pod allows users to clean stairs, furniture, and other above-floor surfaces easily. Use the included crevice tools, extension wand, and upholstery tool to clean furniture, light fixtures, walls, ceilings, and other hard-to-reach places.
Weighing in at only 13.9 pounds and operating on a swivel steering system, this vacuum cleaner is lightweight and maneuverable. It measures 15 inches long by 11.4 inches wide and stands 45.5 inches tall.
Product Specs
- Type: Vacuum
- Corded vs. cordless: Corded
- Weight: 13.9 pounds
Pros
- Works on multiple floor types including hardwood floors, laminate, tile, carpeted floors, and rugs
- An anti-allergen system makes this model ideal for households of allergy sufferers
- Has a lift-away detachable pod that’s perfect for small spaces
- Comes with multiple attachments, making this vacuum even more versatile
Cons
- Available at an expensive price point compared with other hardwood floor cleaning machines
- Some users have reported manufacturing defects in their product reviews
Get the Shark Navigator hardwood floor cleaner machine at Amazon.
Photo: bestbuy.com
While this one isn’t exactly a Roomba, it’s certainly in the family. Meant for use on hardwood, tile, or stone floors, the M6 is perfect for cleaning spills, pet waste, and other messes. Similar to iRobot’s vacuums, this automated M6 mop features smart mapping and coordinated app control. Users can pair the app to voice-control devices to direct the bot quickly to clean up specified areas. Sensors allow it to navigate obstacles easily and avoid stairs.
For a true hands-off cleaning experience, this bot can connect to select Roomba models to trigger mopping automatically after a vacuum cycle. It comes with dry-sweeping as well as wet-mopping pads. The robot will automatically adjust its cleaning cycles to whichever type of pad is attached.
Product Specs
- Type: Robotic
- Corded vs. cordless: Cordless
- Weight: 4.85 pounds
Pros
- Comes with both mopping and dry-sweeping pads for added versatility
- This model can clean pet waste, mud, or spills as well as everyday messes
- Smart mapping and Roomba app control are both included with purchase
Cons
- This model may require vacuuming before use for the best results
Get the iRobot hardwood floor cleaner machine at Best Buy, The Home Depot, Target, or iRobot.
Photo: amazon.com
Pet owners know how difficult it can be to keep their floors clean. The Bissell Symphony all-in-one steam mop, however, acts as both a vacuum and sanitizing steam cleaner for hardwood and tile floors, getting the job done quickly. A powerful vacuum is specifically designed to pick up pet hair, while the steam-clean function will make hardwood floors shine.
This Bissell model features a Drop-IT tank emptying system, which prevents pet owners from having to get their hands dirty when they empty the tank. The cleaner comes with both disposable and reusable cleaning pads, allowing users to throw away pads used for particularly unpleasant messes.
Product Specs
- Type: Wet/dry vacuum and mop
- Corded vs. cordless: Cordled
- Weight: 10.6 pounds
Pros
- Comes with both disposable and washable cleaning pads for added versatility
- Vacuums and steam-cleans simultaneously, saving users time and energy
- Vacuum is designed to pick up pet hair, making it perfect for pet owners
Cons
- This model features corded operation, which isn’t as convenient as using a cordless device
Get the Bissell Symphony hardwood floor cleaner machine at Amazon or Best Buy.
Photo: amazon.com
Cordless models ultimately make cleaning the floors quicker and easier. The Tineco Floor One S3 is one of the best options on the market because it’s lightweight, powerful, and functions as both a mop and vacuum. It detects messes and automatically adjusts suction power and water flow accordingly.
It’s capable of running for up to 35 minutes at a time on a single charge and features a self-cleaning cycle that flushes out dirt, hair, and debris after each use. Despite its powerful functionality, this model operates quietly, allowing users to clean while other members of the household are working or sleeping. It’s suitable for cleaning sealed hard floors.
Product Specs
- Type: Wet/dry vacuum and mop
- Corded vs. cordless: Cordless
- Weight: 9.9 pounds
Pros
- Automatically adjusts suction power and water flow based on smart functionality
- Features a self-cleaning cycle so users don’t need to clean the device frequently
- Quiet operation means users don’t need to worry about disturbing other household members
Cons
- Expensive price point compared with other hardwood floor cleaning machines
Get the Tineco hardwood floor cleaner machine at Amazon or Tineco.
Photo: amazon.com
For those with small homes or limited storage space, owning multiple floor cleaners for different surface types may not be an option. That’s where the Bissell CrossWave Pet Pro vacuum cleaner comes in. It functions as both a mop and vacuum and is suitable for tile, sealed wood, laminate, linoleum, and vinyl flooring, as well as area rugs and more. Like other models in the Bissell CrossWave line, this one features two tanks to keep clean and dirty water separate.
What sets this model apart, however, is that it’s designed specifically for pet owners. It comes with a tangle-free brush roll, which is perfect for picking up long pet hairs, as well as a pet hair strainer and a multisurface formula that masks pet odors.
Product Specs
- Type: Wet/dry vacuum and mop
- Corded vs. cordless: Corded
- Weight: 11.5 pounds
Pros
- Includes a tangle-free brush roll, which is ideal for trapping pet hair
- Dual-tank system keeps clean water and cleaning formula separate from dirty water and debris
- Suitable for a wide variety of hard floors as well as area rugs
Cons
- Expensive price point compared with other hardwood floor cleaning machines
Get the Bissell CrossWave Pet Pro hardwood floor cleaner machine at Amazon or Target.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Hardwood Floor Cleaner Machine
Manufacturers offer an abundance of viable options for machines that preserve and clean hardwood floors. Some models provide wet-mopping as well as vacuum-suctioning actions to produce spotless results. Others use only dry-suction vacuuming. Some utilize rotating mopheads that perform a scrubbing action.
Robot floor-cleaning machines offer cutting-edge technology to automate household chores and allow users to clean their floors remotely. Read on for information regarding the various types, sizes, weights, power sources, and cleaning functions of high-quality hardwood floor cleaner machines available on today’s market.
Type
Hardwood floors exude a feeling of natural warmth in a home. Diverse types of hardwood floor cleaner machines function in various ways to keep floors clean and lustrous. Here is an overview of several types.
- Standard vacuums employ suction to lift soil and debris from floor surfaces, but they do not use water or cleaning solutions.
- Wet/dry vacuums dispense cleaning solution dissolved in water followed by suctioning action to lift the soil and the dirty water from the floor.
- Robotic vacuums and mops move automatically throughout the home, performing both wet-mopping actions and vacuuming in response to remote controls, apps, or voice commands.
- Steam mops contain heating elements that heat water to produce pressurized steam, eliminating the need for cleaning solutions or chemicals.
- Spin mops dispense cleaning solution onto floors and scrub the surface with rotating pads on dual spinning mopheads.
Corded vs. Cordless
Although most hardwood floor cleaner machines operate on corded electricity from household outlets, the cordless models offer convenience and easy maneuvering. Cordless machines operate on power from rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Robotic floor cleaner machines and some cordless upright models include recharging docks for storing the units and recharging the batteries.
Many corded hardwood floor cleaner machines feature cords measuring 20 to 25 feet long. The long cords allow users to navigate around furniture and access hard-to-reach corners.
Both types of floor cleaners perform well and display specific advantages. Corded models provide greater suction power; cordless ones tend to be lighter in weight and more portable. Users of corded machines never need to worry about recharging times and runtimes; a cordless unit can reach places far from any power outlet.
Power and Runtime
The power that runs corded floor cleaner machines derives from regular 110-volt household electricity. Cordless machines typically run on lithium-ion batteries, and they include specialized recharging docks designed to recharge them safely without mishap.
Runtimes for fully charged batteries vary from one machine to another. Typically, a 36-volt lithium-ion battery produces 30 minutes of runtime for an upright floor cleaner machine. Alternatively, a 2,600 milliampere hour lithium-ion battery in a robotic floor cleaner machine delivers 120 minutes of runtime.
Lithium-ion batteries are environmentally safe, and they are quick to recharge. However, over time deterioration results in a quicker discharge of power causing decreased runtime.
Cleaning Settings
Many of the floor cleaner machines that work well for hardwood floors also function on carpets and rugs. Users can adjust the settings for carpeted or hardwood surfaces.
Brush rollers perform a vital role in cleaning carpets, but they may scratch hardwood flooring. With diverse surfaces in mind, engineers design switching systems to activate or deactivate the rotating brushes. With the flip of a switch, users can change from the hard-floor setting to the carpet setting, activating the brushes for carpet and rugs and then retracting them when moving to hardwood floors.
A steam cleaner employs steam from heated water to provide natural cleaning with zero chemicals from cleaning solutions. This type of floor cleaner machine offers low, medium, and high settings to regulate the amount of steam pressure released onto the floor surface.
Mop/Brush Head
The effectiveness of many hardwood floor cleaner machines derives from their ability to perform a wet-mopping function while simultaneously removing the dirty water (along with soil and debris) via a vacuum-suctioning action.
For the wet-mopping portion of the job, floor cleaner machines include mopheads with removable pads. Some mop pads are smooth and soft, while others provide texture for scrubbing action. The disposable pads can be replaced when they become fully saturated with dirt and debris.
As an alternative to mop pads, some machines feature nylon and microfiber brushes for the wet-mopping function. Users should avoid using metal brush heads on hardwood floors as they may scratch the surface.
For a scrubbing action, some machines offer dual spinning mopheads with pads. Due to their rapid rotations, the mopheads scrub hardwood floors, removing sticky messes and leaving behind a shiny surface appearance.
Tank Capacity
Hardwood floor cleaner machines that perform wet-mopping functions include water tanks. Liquid cleaning solution mixed with water goes into the clean-water tank. The machines dispense the clean water onto the floor and, in most cases, suction it up with the vacuuming function.
The used, dirty water is funneled into a separate tank to keep it from contaminating the clean water. Users must empty the dirty-water tank when it becomes full. Water tanks in wet-mopping machines typically hold up to 28 ounces of water.
Some machines utilize disposable mop pads to absorb the dirty water, rather than empty it into a dirty-water tank. Other machines forgo water altogether, spraying undiluted liquid cleaning solution onto the floor and absorbing it in the mop pads. Standard vacuum cleaners rely on air filters for trapping dirt and debris rather than water tanks or pads.
Weight and Maneuverability
Lightweight hardwood floor cleaning machines offer convenience, portability, and easy maneuvering. Typically, cordless machines weigh less than corded ones. In a survey of available options, corded electric hardwood floor cleaner machines range in weight from 9 to 14 pounds while cordless models weigh from 5 to 11.5 pounds.
In addition to the lighter weight, floor cleaner machines powered by rechargeable batteries offer enhanced maneuverability because they don’t have cords. Many users prefer to eliminate the hassle of tethering to an electrical outlet and manipulating a cord while cleaning. However, some corded machines provide increased maneuverability by offering long cords of 20 to 25 feet, allowing users to reach areas far away from electrical outlets.
Several available hardwood floor cleaner machines feature swivel steering systems. This feature facilitates maneuvering the machines around and under furniture, reaching into corners and along baseboards for thorough cleaning results.
Accessories/Attachments
An essential shopping consideration involves the number and types of accessories and attachments included with various hardwood floor cleaner machines. These add-ons contribute to the functionality and versatility of the machines.
Some models include liquid cleaning solution along with replacement mop pads in both smooth and textured varieties. Disposable pads accompany some machines, while others utilize washable mop pads. Additionally, some models include nylon and microfiber brushes to clean hardwood floors.
A high-quality vacuum cleaner includes a crevice tool for cleaning narrow places as well as an extension wand for reaching ceilings, walls, and light fixtures. It also features a portable, detachable-pod design that facilitates cleaning stairs and other above-floor surfaces.
FAQs
Cleaning, sanitizing, and bringing out the luster of hardwood floors can pay off in preserving the value these floors add to a home. The answers to the following common questions might be helpful when beginning to use a new hardwood floor cleaner machine.
Q. Does my hardwood floor require a specific cleaner?
Yes. Use a pH-neutral cleaner formulated for sealed hardwood floors. Do not use a cleaner made for vinyl or tile floors.
Q. Can a vacuum scratch hardwood floors?
It is possible for stiff rotating brushes to scratch hardwood floors. In many machines, the brushes that work well on carpet can be retracted or shut off by flipping a switch when the machine moves to hardwood flooring.
Q. How often should I vacuum hardwood floors?
The answer to this question depends on traffic volume and usage. In general, hardwood floors should be vacuumed at least once each week.
Q. How often should I clean my hardwood floors?
Wet mop hardwood floors with appropriate cleaning solution every 1 to 2 months. Increase or decrease frequency depending on traffic and usage.
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