The Best Hardwood Floor Cleaner Machines of 2024, Tested
Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about The Best Hardwood Floor Cleaner Machines of 2024, Tested and hope the blog can help you.
These machines preserve the classic luster of hardwood floors while removing dust, grime, and allergens from your home environment.
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 while preserving their attractiveness can present challenges, which is where a hardwood floor cleaner machine can come in.
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, clean sticky messes, and produce a shine.
Aaron Christensen, vice president of growth at the nationwide house-cleaning service platform Homeaglow, recommends that shoppers look for vacuum/mop combos with gentle roller heads. He also advises, “If you’re using mops on hardwood floors, it’s more about control of liquid.” Models that use low amounts of moisture or have on-demand cleaning solutions are ideal.
In order to achieve our mission to find the most efficient method for cleaning hardwoods, we researched 16 popular floor cleaning models and tested the top 10.
Our best overall pick is the Shark WD101 HydroVac XL for its two-in-one functionality as a wet and dry vacuum and mop, hands-free self-cleaning cycle, and antimicrobial cleaning power.
Ahead, learn about the optional features and attributes that are offered with some of the best hardwood floor cleaner machines for timeless and tasteful floors.
- BEST OVERALL: Shark WD101 HydroVac XL
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Bissell PowerFresh Scrubbing & Sanitizing Steam Mop
↓ Jump to Review - UPGRADE PICK: Bissell 2554A CrossWave Multi-Surface Wet/Dry Vacuum
↓ Jump to Review - BEST LIGHTWEIGHT: Shark S7001 Steam & Scrub Mop
↓ Jump to Review - BEST SPIN MOP: Bissell 2039A SpinWave Hard Floor Spin Mop
↓ Jump to Review - BEST VACUUM: Dyson V12 Detect Slim Vacuum
↓ Jump to Review - BEST ROBOTIC: iRobot Wi-Fi–Connected Braava Jet M6 Robot Mop
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR PETS: Bissell 2306A CrossWave Pet Pro Wet/Dry Vac
↓ Jump to Review - BEST CORDLESS: Tineco Floor One S3 Smart Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaner
↓ Jump to Review - BEST MULTISURFACE: Bissell 1785A CrossWave Multi-Surface Wet/Dry Vac
↓ Jump to Review
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.
We tested a combination of 10 wet/dry mop and vacuums, steam floor cleaners, robotic vacuums, spin vacuums, and classic vacuums. The wet/dry mops and vacuums were convenient for all-in-one cleaning, while the steam mops, spin mops, and regular vacuums tackled task-specific mopping or vacuuming.
We wanted to see how well each machine could perform, so we put them through a series of tests. We rated vacuum-and-mop combos on how well they could suction wet and dry messes and remove dried-on food. We used steam mops, spin mops, and robotic mops to clean our floors from regular dirt, dried-on marinara sauce, and sticky dried-on Pepsi. To test vacuums, we suctioned up everyday dirt and littered our floors with rice, flour, and M&Ms to test cleaning power.
We kept track of the results in a rubric, rating each hardwood floor cleaner machine on a scale of 1 to 4 based on ease of use, efficiency, assembly, and ability to clear stuck-on messes.
| Testing Stats | |
| Products tested | 8 |
| Hours spent testing | 20 |
| Tests performed | 12 |
| Price range | $100 to $500 |
Our Top Picks
Our top picks for the best hardwood floor cleaning machines are high-quality products from reputable manufacturers. We picked a variety of mops and vacuums to suit individual needs, and we put each model through extensive testing. 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.
Best Overall
Shark WD101 HydroVac XL
Photo: amazon.com
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5;Effectiveness 5/5; Maneuverability 5/5; Noise 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Wet/dry vacuum and mop
- Corded vs. cordless: Corded
- Weight: 10.27 pounds
What We Like
- Suctions up big and small debris, including dropped food and dirt particles
- Vacuums and washes the floor at the same time, cutting cleaning time in half
- Easy, mess-free cleaning cycle doesn’t require manual rinsing
What We Don’t Like
- Brush roll cover easily dislodges when machine hits cabinets or furniture
- Can’t be used as a vacuum only; machine is always suctioning and mopping
The Shark HydroVac is a three-in-one machine that vacuums, mops, and self-cleans. It’s safe for all sealed hard floors and has a setting for area rugs. It comes with a 12-ounce bottle of HydroVac multisurface concentrate and an antimicrobial brush roll that prevents bacteria growth and bad odors.
Upon receiving the HydroVac, we assembled it, which was easy. The handle locked into place, and all we had to do was fill the clean water tank and add the cleaning solution. The HydroVac had two buttons on the top handle: a power button and an area rug button. When we hit the power button, it began vacuuming and mopping simultaneously. There was no cleaning solution trigger to pull; everything was automatic.
The HydroVac did a great job suctioning debris from our floor. We repeatedly used it to clean up after-dinner messes, and it was nice to be able to suction up dropped food as well as household dirt with one machine.
To see how the HydroVac fared against bigger messes, we smeared ¼ cup of pasta sauce on the floor and dribbled a soft drink on our hardwoods. We let both substances dry and then used the HydroVac to clean them. The machine cleaned the soft drink in just a couple of passes, but it took about six back-and-forth swipes before the HydroVac cleared the pasta sauce. We also poured a bowl of cereal (milk and all) on the floor, and the HydroVac cleaned it with no problem.
The clean-out process for the HydroVac was simpler than the other mop/vacuum combos we tried. All we had to do was empty the dirty water tank, make sure the clean water tank was half full, place the HydroVac on its docking station, and hit the power button. The machine then ran a self-cleaning cycle.
Get the Shark HydroVac hardwood floor cleaner machine at Amazon, The Home Depot, Best Buy, or Shark.
Best Bang For The Buck
Bissell PowerFresh Scrubbing & Sanitizing Steam Mop
Photo: Amazon
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5;Effectiveness 5/5; Maneuverability 4.5/5; Noise 4.5/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Type: Steam mop
- Corded vs. cordless: Corded
- Weight: 6.2 pounds
What We Like
- 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 16-ounce tank capacity means water heats up quickly for steam-cleaning
- Easy to maneuver; fits around toilets, beneath cabinets, and under furniture
What We Don’t Like
- No cleaning attachments are included with this floor cleaner machine, limiting its functionality
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 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.
After unboxing the Bissell PowerFresh, we assembled it, which took less than a minute. We filled the 16-ounce-capacity tank and plugged the model in. It heated up in about 30 seconds, allowing us to choose one of the steam settings, which included low, medium, and high. For regular cleaning of our hardwood floors, we chose the low setting. It emitted plenty of steam to tackle everyday messes, the slim swivel head fit under cabinet edges and furniture, and it maneuvered well around toilets.
Wanting to see how well the Bissell steam mop could handle messes, we trickled marinara sauce and a soft drink on our hardwoods, giving the substances several hours to dry. Then we plugged in the PowerFresh and put it on the high setting. In only a few passes, the steam broke down the mess, and the microfiber pad absorbed it, leaving our floors clean.
Those looking for a steam mop can’t go wrong with the PowerFresh. It’s easy to maneuver, cleans well even on its lowest setting, and has a slim head that fits around and under obstacles. It also comes with a washable microfiber soft pad, washable microfiber scrubby pad, two spring breeze fragrance discs, and carpet glider.
Get the Bissell PowerFresh hardwood floor cleaner machine at Amazon, Walmart, or Bissell.
Upgrade Pick
Bissell 2554A CrossWave Multi-Surface Wet/Dry Vacuum
Photo: amazon.com
Product Specs
- Type: Wet/dry vacuum
- Corded vs. cordless: Cordless
- Weight: 11.5 pounds
What We Like
- 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
- Self-cleaning cycle removes need to clean the device frequently
What We Don’t Like
- Expensive price point compared with other hardwood floor cleaning machines
- Hair balls sometimes form in the roller brush while vacuuming
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.
We used the Bissell CrossWave in a 1,000-square-foot apartment. We filled up the clean water tank, added the cleaning solution, and powered on our machine. With the push of a button, we could switch from vacuuming area rugs to cleaning hardwoods. The CrossWave was easy to maneuver, and the 30-minute battery life lasted long enough to clean the entire home.
With the pull of a trigger on the back of the handle, we could release the cleaning solution, letting us customize the amount. The on-demand solution was also helpful when we needed to clean up messes, like pasta sauce that splashed on the floor the day prior. We were impressed by this machine’s suction power. Many vacuums we’ve tried in the past scattered kitty litter across our floor, but the Crosswave suctioned up every little particle.
Once we finished cleaning, we emptied out the dirty water tank and returned the CrossWave to its three-in-one docking station. The docking station can store the machine, recharge the battery, and run the self-cleaning cycle, all at the same time.
Get the Bissell 2554A hardwood floor cleaner machine at Amazon, Target, or Bissell.
Best Lightweight
Shark S7001 Steam & Scrub Mop
Photo: amazon.com
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5;Effectiveness 5/5; Maneuverability 5/5; Noise 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Steam mop
- Corded vs. cordless: Corded
- Weight: 7.8 pounds
What We Like
- Produces steam and spinning action to quickly scrub floors clean
- 3 settings allow users to adjust the level of steam for light and deep messes
- No need for cleaners; can kill up to 99.9 percent of bacteria using steam
What We Don’t Like
- Steam-cleaning is not suitable for all hardwood floors; check manufacturer’s recommendations
- Mop pads feel rough after machine washing and drying them
The Shark Steam & Scrub mop combines the dirt-lifting power of steam with the scrubbing power of a spin mop for a squeaky-clean floor. The mop features three settings, including light, normal, and deep, and produces steam within 60 seconds. It comes with two sets of Dirt Grip soft scrub pads and a filling flask.
After receiving the Shark Steam & Scrub, we used the flask to fill the water tank and powered it on. The mop pads started spinning, and steam emitted from around the pads after about a minute. The mop was easy to maneuver, thanks to the swivel steering and the spinning motion that helped self-propel it.
The steam and spinning combo turned out to be an absolute powerhouse, and the cleaning ability of this mop was unrivaled. We used it to power through our test substances of dried pasta sauce and a soft drink, and it only took a couple of passes to clear each.
The mophead was slim enough to fit under cabinet overhangs and low-to-the-ground furniture. Since the mop pads extended on each side, we could clean along baseboards and other obstacles. We also used the mop on our ceramic tile, and it picked up all the dirt, leaving the floors clean and sanitized.
Once the mop pads were sufficiently dirty, we threw them in the washer and dryer. We liked that they’re machine washable, but they did come out feeling a bit rough after going through the wash.
Get the Shark S7001 hardwood floor cleaner machine at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Target.
Best Spin Mop
Bissell 2039A SpinWave Hard Floor Spin Mop
Photo: acehardware.com
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5;Effectiveness 4.5/5; Maneuverability 5/5; Noise 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Spin mop
- Corded vs. cordless: Corded
- Weight: 9.5 pounds
What We Like
- Control how much cleaning solution is dispensed with on-demand spray system
- Extra value with 2 bottles of multisurface cleaning solution included
- Swivel steering system makes this spin mop easy to use
What We Don’t Like
- At 9.5 pounds, this model is heavier than many other floor cleaning machines
- May not be capable of pulling stains from grout between tiles
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 multisu