Best Dyson Vacuum For Hardwood Floors Reviews
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Short on time? These are the top picks for the best Dyson for hardwood floors:
A Dyson is an investment because it costs a lot of money. Add in the fact that hardwood floors are scratch-prone, you need to choose the right vacuum wisely. The wrong Dyson can scratch your expensive wood floors.
So, which is the best Dyson for hardwood floors?
The best Dyson vacuum for hardwood floors is the Dyson Ball Multi Floor 2. Thanks to the self-adjusting cleaner head, it is able to automatically raise and lower itself to seal in suction across all floors, including hardwood floors and low-pile carpet. It is easy to maneuver too.
If your house has plenty of hardwood floor area to clean, you need the right vacuum cleaner for the job. In this post, let’s find out the best Dyson vacuum cleaner for wood floors that does not scratch the surface.
The perfect Dyson tool for hardwood floors
If you already have a Dyson vacuum and you feel like it’s not doing the best job on hardwood floors, but you are hesitant to spend more money on another vacuum, I might have the solution for you.
Instead of buying a new Dyson vacuum, all you need is a new tool.
Introducing the Dyson soft cleaner head. It is designed for hardwood floors and is perfect for all types of wood flooring. Not only does it pick up dust, but it does so without scratching the oil finish on your floors.
The Dyson soft fluffy cleaner head for hardwood floors:
- If it does not have a genuine dyson sticker on box (as pictured) it is either a counterfeit or used item that will not as original and may damage your...
- Fluffy Soft Roller
- If it does not have a genuine dyson sticker on box (as pictured)
The soft fluffy cleaner head is for Dyson V6, V7, V8, V10, and V11. It is easy to install (clicks into the wand immediately) and very simple to use. Unlike the standard motorhead, the soft fluffy motorhead does a great job of cleaning hardwood floors without kicking bits of pieces around and damaging the surface.
Top 4 Dyson Vacuums For Wooden Floors
Below are the best Dyson vacuums for hardwood floors. I have included 4 Dyson vacuums that I have personally tested, all of which can clean wood floors without damaging or scratching the surface.
1. Best Overall: Dyson Ball Multi Floor 2
Maybe the name is a giveaway, but the Multi Floor 2 is designed to pick up dust from a variety of surfaces including carpet, wood floors, vinyl, linoleum, and tile. It adjusts the suction power according to the surface.
I like how easy it is to switch between floor surfaces. At the push of the gray button it turned on the roller bars to get into the carpeted areas and easily switched back to hardwood floors with the push of a button.
It is so easy and there are no issues with different floor types, especially hardwood floors.
Powerful suction for all floor types, especially hardwood
What makes the Dyson Ball Multi Floor 2 work is the self-adjusting cleaner head. The active base plate automatically raises and lowers to seal in suction across all floors, be it carpet or hardwood.
To test its performance on hardwood floors, I scattered dog food, sand, and salt.
The Dyson Ball Multi Floor 2 was able to move over the sand, salt, and dog food. However, it was not able to drive completely over the dog food. While it was able to pick up most of the dog food, some of it was pushed forward across the wood floors and did not get picked up by the vacuum.
Based on my eye test, about 75% of the dog food was vacuumed up. However, I was able to remove the hose and use it to suck up the remaining dog food. So, even if the main cleaning head cannot suck up all of the debris on hardwood, you do have options with the hose and cleaning attachments.
Easy to maneuver
Another aspect of the Dyson Ball Multi Floor 2 that I like is the Ball technology. It is light to maneuver and steers easily into difficult places. The cleaner head instantly changes direction with a turn of the wrist.
Sure, it's heavier than a stick vacuum and can’t navigate stairs like a portable handheld. But this upright vacuum also provides more suction power than all handheld or stick vacuums that I’ve tested so far.
So, while the Dyson Ball Multi Floor 2 is heavier than the average vacuum, it makes up for it in suction power and maneuverability. It turns on a dime and rotates easily even on carpet or hardwood floors.
2. Runner-up: Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute
Coming in at second place is the Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute. It is equipped with the instant release trigger which means the battery power is only used while it’s cleaning. This Dyson vacuum requires charging for 3. 5 hours minimum before first use, however, it boasts up to 60 minutes of run time.
The soft roller cleaner head is perfect for wood floors
After using the Dyson V10 several times, it does not disappoint. While it's weird to get used to holding this tiny piece of machinery, it really does an amazing job. I vacuumed the floors downstairs, the carpeted stairs and all carpeted rooms upstairs on one charge and will still be left with 1 light lit on the "battery" charge.
I love all the attachments too, they are all top notch and well made. I feel like I can tackle my entire house with the Dyson V10, including my hardwood floors without worrying about scratches.
Whenever you plan to use the Dyson V10 on wood floors, just be sure to replace the motorhead with the soft roller cleaner head. It comes with the purchase. But if it doesn’t, you can buy the tool separately right here.
Even on the lowest setting, it still picks up a ton. I don't think I'll ever need the high or medium setting on wood floors. However, I did try the highest setting for a few seconds and literally felt like the vacuum was ATTACHED to the floor, that's how hard it sucked (in a good way)!
Lightweight and versatile
In addition to cleaning wood floors, one thing I like about the Dyson V10 is that it’s lightweight and versatile. Weighing only 5 pounds, you would have no trouble holding the machine and gliding it around.
Not only is it lightweight, the Dyson V10 also transforms into a handheld, ideal for cleaning stairs, cars, and furniture. The low profile cleaner head and slim design make it easy to clean low and awkward spaces.
The lightweight frame is also the difference between the number 1 Dyson on this list (Ball Multi Floor 2) and the V10. While the former works well on a variety of surfaces, the latter is easier to handle.
I would certainly recommend the Dyson V10 if you are planning to use it to clean hardwood floors and you need a vacuum that is not heavy. It’s perfectly lightweight and balanced, even your kids can use it.
The trigger is a bit uncomfortable
My only complaint with the Dyson V10 is that the trigger is a bit uncomfortable.
You have to hold it down the entire time you vacuum, which is nice because you don't need it on while moving the vacuum to a different spot (saving battery life), but it also kind of hurts your finger as you use it.
If there is one thing to improve the Dyson V10, I could see the company providing a soft grip cover for the trigger area just to make it more comfortable to hold.
Lastly, the Dyson V10 is expensive, although not as much as the Ball Multi Floor 2, but it doesn't bother me because I'm getting something that will last me years. Don’t worry, this is an investment for your wood floors.
3. Budget pick: Dyson V8 Absolute
Lightweight and versatile
A quick look at the Amazon reviews shows you one word that keeps popping up. Lightweight. And after using the Dyson V8 for several weeks, I have to agree. It is supremely lightweight and easy to use.
Not only is the Dyson V8 light, but it is also easy to empty with just a push of a button. And it actually picks everything up off of our hardwood floor thanks to the floor attachment (soft roller cleaner head).
Unlike most vacuum cleaners that are bulky and hard to store, the Dyson V8 comes with a convenient docking station. It stores and charges the machine and holds additional attachments so it’s always ready to go.
The best out of all the Dyson V8 series
The Dyson V8 series has two variants: the Animal and the Absolute.
If you are planning to use it to clean hardwood floors, I recommend getting the Dyson V8 Absolute. While both V8 vacuums come with the direct-drive cleaner head with 150% more brush bar power than the Dyson V6, only the V8 Absolute comes with the soft roller cleaner head for hardwood floors.
As long as you are using the soft roller cleaner head, the Dyson V8 Absolute is able to glide through wood floors effortlessly, picking up dust and debris, including pet hair along the way.
In addition to the soft roller cleaner head, the Dyson V8 also comes with a crevice tool. It is designed to pick up dirt from smaller areas and hard to reach places. You can use it on wood floors too.
Cheaper but smaller bin and less run time than V10
Just like the Dyson V10, the Dyson V8 Absolute is designed for wood floors. It is similarly lightweight and has a soft roller head to pick up dust without scratching hardwood floors.
But, compared to the Dyson V10, the Dyson V8 has a smaller bin and less run time. The medium sized bin is designed for everyday quick cleaning. It can only run for up to 40 minutes (the V10 can run up to 60 minutes).
This is why the Dyson V8 is the budget pick. It is basically the Dyson V10 with inferior features. If you have a smaller house and do not need to do whole-house cleaning, the Dyson V8 is better for you.
To give you an idea, I tested the Dyson V8 on a 2 1/2 story house with all wood floors and a couple of area rugs. With 25 stairs going from the first floor to the second floor into the attic, I have enough juice to vacuum all of these floors with the hardwood floor attachment. That’s how good it is.
4. Honorable Mention: Dyson V7 Animal
The Dyson V7 Animal is as good as any vacuum cleaner for cleaning wood floors. It is simply an amazing device. The fact that it’s cordless makes it all the better. However, it is only an honorable mention.
Make sure to use the soft fluffy cleaner head
Every purchase of the Dyson V7 Animal comes with the standard Dyson motorhead. It is designed to pick up dust and dirt from all types of surfaces including carpet and wood floors.
However, the soft fluffy roller cleaner head works better on wood floors. If your Dyson V7 Animal comes with the soft roller cleaner head, make sure to use it to capture both dust and dirt from hardwood floors.
I think that the bristles on the regular motorhead are pretty soft and won’t damage most hardwood floors. But, if you have polished hardwood and you want to be extra safe, I recommend getting this attachment.
There are better options for wood floors
When it comes to choosing the products for the “best Dyson for hardwood floors”, I feel like the Dyson V7 is good but not good enough. The reason is because there are newer and better versions available.
If I were to make this list a few years ago, the Dyson V7 would absolutely be up there with the best, however, there are better Dyson vacuums for wood floors. This is why the Dyson V7 is merely an honorable mention.
Take the V8 and V10, for example. Both come with the soft roller cleaner head (for wood floors) and also have a stronger motor and higher suction power. In short, they are better than the Dyson V7.
Final verdict
And there you go, the best Dyson vacuums for hardwood floors. Without a doubt, the best overall is the Dyson Ball Multi Floor 2. It picks up dust and dirt from wood floors without scratching the surface. The ball technology allows it to turn on a dime, making it very easy to maneuver.
If you want something affordable, the Dyson V8 Absolute is a great alternative. It costs much less than the Ball Multi Floor 2, yet it is able to work on hardwood floors safely without scratches. However, the medium sized bin and slightly less run time limits its upside, thus making it the budget pick.
Other Dyson reviews:
Ryan O'Connor
I write about house cleaning and vacuum cleaners. For me, nothing is more important than a clean environment to ensure both a healthy and happy life. Learn more.