Hardwood flooring is not only beautiful and easy to clean, but requires care in that cleaning. The last thing you want to do is damage your investment. Picking a vacuum that will quickly gather up accumulated dust and dirt without harming your flooring, is a must. http://www.vacuumcompanion.com/best-vacuum-for-hardwood-floors/

1. HOW TO PICK A GOOD
LIGHTWEIGHT VACUUM
FOR HARDWOOD
FLOORS

2. 2
HOW TO PICK A GOOD
LIGHTWEIGHT VACUUM F OR
HARDWOOD FLOORS
BY: MATILYNN DAWSON
HOW TO USE THIS REPORT TEMPLATE
Hardwood flooring is not only beautiful and easy to clean, but requires
care in that cleaning. The last thing you want to do is damage your
investment. Picking a vacuum that will quickly gather up accumulated dust
and dirt without harming your flooring, is a must.
Things to consider before you go vacuum shopping:
 Do you have one or more pets?
 Does this vacuum have to do double-duty on carpeting as well as
hardwood flooring?
 Are you wanting a bagless or vacuum-bag unit?
 Do you prefer the canister or upright design?
 Does anyone in the house have allergies?
Answers to these questions greatly affect the kind of lightweight vacuum
you will purchase. For example, choosing the upright design over the
canister will add weight to your unit. The cup on bagless vacuums requires
emptying in a manner that won't send dust back up into your face. HEPA
filters are needed to assist those with allergies.
Once you have answers to the above questions, it's time to look at the
options out there.
The first item on your list of things to check for, is actually on the bottom
of the unit – the wheels or casters. Hard casters, or hard wheels, will
eventually score the surface of your hardwood floor. To avoid such
damage, choose a unit with soft rubber wheels.
The second item on your list is the head. If your vacuum will never be
used on carpet, choose a unit without a roller. If your vacuum will be used

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on both carpet as well as your hardwood floor, be sure to pick a unit
where the head has a switch to turn the roller on or off or lift it out the
way.
The third item on your list is weight. A powered head on a canister unit
will add weight to your hand. A head using the suction power from the
motor will weigh much less.
In general, canister vacuums will weigh considerably less and come in a
range of sizes, some you can even strap to your back as you work.
Other things to consider when choosing the best vacuum for the job, are:
 Shape of the head – V-shaped heads get into corners better than
flat, rectangular heads.
 Suction power – Generally, a 1200 watt motor, sometimes referred
to as a 12 amp motor (we won't go into the differences in those
ratings) provides enough suction to clean your floor properly.
 Noise – Smaller does not always mean quieter. See if you can get a
demonstration to gauge the noise level you are willing to work with.
 Accessories – Will you be vacuuming blinds, small spaces, crevices,
etc.? Get the unit that has the tools you'll need.
 Shoulder strap – If you are going up and down stairs, a shoulder
strap will keep your canister with you at all times.
I suggest beginning your search at Vacuum Companion, and then
checking out features and pricing. Further information on this topic, as
well as reviews and pricing on various vacuums can be found at the links
below:
http://www.nextag.com/lightweight-vacuum-cleaner-for-hardwood-
floor/products-html
http://reviews.wize.com/vacuums/t125053-hardwood-lightweight