Wondering whether you can use a stick vacuum on hardwood floors? Let’s talk about that.
Stick vacuums have seen their popularity rise in recent years, and it is easy to see why given their convenience and easy use.
While stick vacuums have a great reputation for getting floors and carpets squeaky clean, some homeowners have concerns about their suitability for hardwood flooring, with worries that they could cause damage.
We decided to find out if this was the case, and put together everything you need to know about using your stick vacuum on a hardwood floor to offer you total peace of mind and reassurance.
What Is A Stick Vacuum?
A stick vacuum is an upright vacuum cleaner designed to be used on all types of floors including carpet, rugs, linoleum, vinyl, tile, wood, stone, and even bare floors.
They are typically made from plastic or metal and come equipped with either a brush roller or cyclonic action that helps loosen dirt and debris from the surface being cleaned.
Stick vacs can also be fitted with accessories such as crevice tools, dust bags, steam mops, wet/dry vacuums, and more.
What Are The Advantages of Stick Vacuums?
Stick vacuums are incredibly convenient, and offer a wide number of advantages including:
Convenience
You don’t have to worry about bending over when cleaning, which means you can get up and move around while still keeping your back straight. This makes them ideal for those who suffer from back pain.
Ease Of Use
Because they are so lightweight and compact, they are very easy to maneuver around furniture and other obstacles.
Easy To Store
As they are small and light, they take up less space than larger upright cleaners.
Safety
Since stick vacuums are not heavy, there’s little chance of injury during use.
Disadvantages Of Using Stick Vacuums
There are some downsides to stick vacuums, and these can include:
They Are Not Suitable For All Types Of Flooring
While stick vacuums are suitable for most surfaces, they aren’t recommended for certain types of flooring.
Carpets and rugs should always be treated with care, especially if they are delicate or valuable; a suction that is too high risks causing damage.
There are also concerns about the suitability of stick vacuums on hardwood flooring; some homeowners have concerns about scratches or damage to their flooring which can cause them to hold back from a stick vacuum.
While there are risks, these can generally be alleviated with a little preparation.
As long as you follow these simple guidelines, stick vacuums are perfectly safe to use on any type of flooring – and we will take a closer look at the tips you can implement to keep your hardwood floors in tip-top condition for longer, and reduce the risk of any scratches or damage.
How Do I Clean Hardwood Floors With A Stick Vacuum?
Step 1: Choose The Right Vacuum and Attachments
The first step is to choose the right tool for the job. As a rule, the best stick vacs for hardwood floors are those that have a soft touch brush attachment.
These attachments allow you to clean all the nooks and crannies without causing damage to the wood floor. They also help to prevent dust build-up around the edges of the floorboards.
Step 2: Get Your Hardwood Floors Prepared
Before starting, it’s important to ensure that your floor is prepared properly. This involves removing anything that might scratch or damage the finish, like toys, shoes, pets, etc.
You should also remove any loose items (such as papers) that could fall into the cracks between the boards.
This stage is important for protecting your hardwood floor; if there are small objects or items, you run the risk of dragging these across the floor with the vacuum, and this can result in unwanted scratches and marks that can be tricky to polish out.
Step 3: Remove Stains And Dirt
Once your floor has been prepped, it’s time to start cleaning. Start by running the vacuum over the entire area, paying special attention to areas where stains tend to collect.
When you reach a spot that needs extra attention, simply lift the wand out of the way, then apply the nozzle to the stain.
The suction will pull the dirt right up. Always take care that you are not using a suction that is too heavy or powerful for the floor; this can increase the risk of damage.
Step 4: Finish Off With A Dust Mop
Once you’ve finished cleaning, it’s time to dust the surface with a dust mop – this will pick up any remaining elements of dust that the vacuum missed, and will leave floors looking shiny and flawless.
How To Clean Hardwood Floors Without Damage
Wooden floors are beautiful and durable, however, they require some maintenance to look great. While many people enjoy the natural beauty of wooden floors, others prefer to give them a more modern feel.
In either case, there are several ways to maintain your wooden floors while still keeping them looking good. Some of the top tips include:
Reduce Suction
Avoid using high-powered suction when cleaning hardwood floors, as this can increase the risk of damage. If you are worried about damaging the floor, try using low power settings instead.
Remove Loose Debris
When cleaning hardwood floors, make sure that you don’t drag any loose debris along the floor. This can cause damage to the floor and may even lead to injury. Sweep or wipe the floor before vacuuming to reduce the risk of scratches or damage.
Use Careful Techniques
It’s always best to avoid lifting the wand at an angle when cleaning hardwood floors, as this increases the risk of scratches. Instead, use a gentle back and forth motion to sweep away debris.
Use A Soft Brush Attachment
A soft brush attachment can help to take the edge off your vacuum and act as extra protection for the floor.
Wipe Down Your Hardwood Floors Regularly
Regular wiping down of your wooden floors will remove dirt and grime from the surface, and ensure that they stay in pristine condition.
It’s important to remember that the harder your floor is, the more often you should be cleaning it.
Clean Around Edges Of Hardwood Floors
Make sure that you’re careful when cleaning around the edges of floorboards. You’ll want to be extra careful if you notice any cracks or gaps between the floorboards, as this is where dust and dirt tend to accumulate.
Vacuum Often
If you live in a home where you have pets or children, then you know how quickly pet hair and grime accumulate on the floor.
Vacuuming regularly will help to remove the unwanted debris from your floor, and make it less of a chore – it is faster to run the vacuum around once each day than tackle the whole house once a week!
Final Thoughts
With a little extra care and attention, there is no reason that you should not be able to vacuum your hardwood floors with a stick vacuum – the secret here is in being gentle, removing harmful objects, and remembering to vacuum little and often.