10 Best Vacuums For Dog Hair On Hardwood Floors in 2026

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The Shark Vertex Lift-Away Upright Vacuum earns Best Overall because its DuoClean PowerFins engage hardwood directly while the self-cleaning brushroll stops hair wrap. The Dyson Ball Animal 3 is Best For Tangle-Free Cleaning, and the Levoit Cordless Vacuum is Best Lightweight Cordless for quick daily pickups.

Dog hair on hardwood presents a specific challenge: bristle brushes can scatter debris or scratch the floor, while long pet hair wraps around standard brushrolls and clogs airflow. You need a vacuum that lifts hair without damaging the surface and stays tangle-free.

We evaluated these vacuums based on manufacturer specifications, expert round-ups, and patterns in owner feedback across hundreds of reviews. This guide covers upright, canister, cordless stick, and corded stick models to help you match the right design to your home and cleaning habits.

Top 10 Vacuums For Dog Hair On Hardwood Floors in the Market

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The Best Vacuums For Dog Hair On Hardwood Floors, Reviewed

#1Best Overall

Shark Vertex Lift-Away Upright Vacuum

Shark Vertex Lift-Away Upright Vacuum
Weight16.4 pounds
Dust Cup Capacity1 quart
BrushrollSelf-cleaning, no hair wrap
FiltrationHEPA Seal, traps 99.9% of allergens
AttachmentsPet Crevice Tool, Dusting Brush
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What We Like

  • Powered Lift-Away pod for under-furniture cleaning
  • DuoClean PowerFins engage hard floors directly
  • Self-cleaning brushroll reduces hair wrap vs. bristle nozzles

Trade-offs

  • At 16.4 lb, heavier than cordless stick vacuums
  • 16.4 lb weight makes stair carrying tiring

Switching between carpet and hard floors during a single cleaning session is straightforward with the DuoClean PowerFins system, which combines a PowerFins brushroll and a soft roller. The brushroll digs deep into carpet fibers while the soft roller directly engages hard floors, picking up more debris in each pass compared to the original DuoClean design. For a house with dogs and hardwood, this setup covers the bases without gimmicks.

The trade-off is weight: at 16.4 pounds, the Vertex is heavier than a cordless stick like the Levoit (6.2 lb), so you’ll feel it carrying up stairs or lifting onto furniture. The cord also tethers you to an outlet, unlike the Levoit’s 50-minute battery. But the Powered Lift-Away pod lets you detach the motorized nozzle for cleaning under couches and beds, a feature the Levoit’s stick design lacks. If your home is mostly open floor plan with few stairs, the Vertex’s power and filtration make the extra heft worth it.

Best for: Dog owners who want a single upright that handles both hardwood and carpet without brushroll tangles, and need HEPA filtration for allergens. Not ideal for multi-story homes where carrying a 16.4-pound vacuum up stairs is a daily chore.
#2Best For Tangle-Free Cleaning

Dyson Ball Animal 3 Upright Vacuum

Dyson Ball Animal 3 Upright Vacuum
Suction power290 AW
Weight17.3 lb
Cord typeCorded
Cleaner headDe-tangling Motorbar
Suction modes3 modes
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What We Like

  • Auto-clears wrapped hair from brush bar
  • Whole-machine filtration traps particles
  • Ball technology for easy maneuvering

Trade-offs

  • At 17.3 lb, heavier than cordless stick vacs
  • Corded design limits reach without outlet
  • Stair tool and combination tool only included

The Motorbar cleaner head’s de-tangling technology automatically clears wrapped hair from the brush bar as you clean. That means you don’t have to stop every few minutes to cut matted fur off the roller. That single feature makes this upright a practical choice for households where shedding is a daily reality. With 290 AW of suction and three cleaning modes, you can dial down for bare floors or crank up for area rugs, and the Radial Root Cyclone technology increases suction and helps remove dirt from your home. Ball technology helps you navigate around obstacles with a simple turn of the wrist, making it easy to maneuver around your home.

The trade-off here is weight and cord management. At 17.3 pounds, it’s heavier than the Levoit Cordless Vacuum at 6.2 pounds, so carrying it up stairs or between rooms takes more effort. And because it’s corded, you’re tethered to an outlet, fine for one large room, but you’ll need to plug in again for the next. If you prefer a lighter, more nimble vac for quick daily sweeps on hard floors, the Levoit is easier to grab and go. But if you want strong suction and a brush bar that automatically clears wrapped hair, the Dyson delivers that without the constant maintenance of cutting hair off the roller.

Best for: Dog owners with shedding breeds who want a corded upright that won't clog with hair. Not ideal for those who need a lightweight vac for quick pickups or have limited access to outlets.
#3Best Lightweight Cordless

Levoit Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

Levoit Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Weight6.2 pounds
RuntimeUp to 50 minutes
Filtration99.9% of 0.3 micron particles
Brush designAnti-tangle
Lay-flat angle180°
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What We Like

  • Anti-tangle brush for pet hair
  • 180° lay-flat reaches under furniture
  • Three LED lights spot dust
  • 5-stage filtration captures 99.9% of particles

Trade-offs

  • 12-minute runtime in Turbo mode
  • Not for wet spills or liquids
  • Filter needs replacement every 3 months

At just over six pounds, this cordless stick vacuum is light enough to carry from room to room without your arm complaining. The 180° lay-flat design means it slides under sofas and beds where dog hair tends to hide. The anti-tangle brush is a practical answer to the daily reality of pet hair wrapping around a roller, and the three LED lights on the head help you see dust on hardwood that your eyes might miss in dim light. With up to 50 minutes of runtime in Eco mode using the crevice or pet tool, you can cover a decent-sized house on one charge. However, the vacuum head itself cuts that to 30 minutes and Turbo mode drops to 12 minutes.

The trade-off for that feathery weight is battery life when you need maximum suction. If your dog sheds heavily and you want to blast through thick carpets in Turbo mode, you will be recharging after twelve minutes. That is fine for a quick spot clean but not for a whole floor. Compare that to the Dyson V16 Piston Animal which offers 70 minutes of runtime but weighs 7.5 pounds, so you gain a little more time at the cost of a bit more heft. For a lightweight cordless that handles daily hardwood touch-ups and under-furniture dog hair without tangles, this Levoit fits the bill, but it is not built for marathon deep-cleaning sessions on high pile rugs.

Best for: Owners who want a lightweight cordless vacuum for quick daily dog-hair pickups on hardwood and easy under-furniture access. Not ideal for long cleaning sessions on thick carpet at full power.

Product photos

#4Best High-Performance Cordless

Dyson V16 Piston Animal Cordless Vacuum

Dyson V16 Piston Animal Cordless Vacuum
Suction315 AW
Runtime70 minutes
Weight7.5 pounds
FiltrationHEPA, 99.99% at 0.1 microns
Bin CapacityCompressing, holds 3x more
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What We Like

  • 315 AW suction for deep pet hair removal
  • Compressing bin holds 3x more debris
  • HEPA filtration captures 99.99% of particles
  • Auto-adjusts brush speed to floor type

Trade-offs

  • At 7.5 lb, heavier than some cordless stick vacs
  • 70-min runtime drops with high suction use
  • No cord means recharging between full-house cleans

The strongest suction in Dyson’s cordless lineup, 315 Air Watts from a 900W motor, pulls embedded debris out of carpets and hard floors without losing power as the battery drains. The All Floor Cone Sense head reads the floor surface and adjusts brush speed and power on its own, so you don’t have to stop and switch settings when moving from a rug to tile. The Fluffy Optic head shines a light that reveals invisible dust on hard floors, making it easier to spot missed spots. And the fully sealed HEPA filtration captures 99.99% of particles down to 0.1 microns, so the air pushed out is cleaner than what went in.

At 7.5 pounds, this stick vac is heavier than some competitors, the Levoit cordless weighs 6.2 pounds, which can make it feel more tiring on stairs or when cleaning above the floor. The 70-minute runtime is the maximum under ideal conditions; using higher suction will cut that shorter. But the compressing bin packs dust down so it holds three times more debris before you need to empty it, meaning fewer interruptions. Overall, it’s a cordless vacuum with strong, steady suction and a head that adapts to whatever floor you’re on.

Best for: Owners who want cordless convenience with strong suction and HEPA filtration for mixed flooring. Not ideal for those who prefer a lightweight stick under 7 pounds or need uninterrupted cleaning beyond a single battery charge.
#5Best For Allergies & Odor

Miele Guard M1 Cat & Dog Canister Vacuum

Miele Guard M1 Cat & Dog Canister Vacuum
Weight14.8 pounds
Motor Power1200W
Filter TypeActive AirClean + charcoal
Bag TypeHyClean Air CO (80% recycled)
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What We Like

  • Active charcoal filter neutralizes pet odors
  • Two floorheads for hard floors and carpets
  • Foot-controlled four suction power levels
  • Dust-free bag disposal with ComfortFit technology

Trade-offs

  • Bagged system means ongoing bag purchases
  • Not compatible with Miele electric floorheads
  • Heavier than cordless stick vacuums

A 1200W German motor and an Active AirClean filter with charcoal mean this canister pulls pet hair from hard floors while trapping odors at the source. The included TurboTeQ floorhead handles low-medium pile carpets, and the AllTeQ universal head switches to hard floors with a foot pedal, so you don’t need to change tools for different surfaces.

This is a bagged canister, so you will buy replacement HyClean bags over time. That also means no dust cloud when emptying. Compared to the Dyson Ball Animal 3 upright, the Miele is lighter at 14.8 pounds but requires you to drag a canister behind you rather than push a single unit. If you prioritize odor control and bagged filtration, this is a strong option for homes with pets and hard floors.

Best for: Owners of homes with hard floors and low-medium pile carpet who want bagged filtration and odor control. Not ideal for those who prefer bagless emptying or need electric floorhead compatibility.
#6Best Budget Upright

Shark Navigator Lift-Away Vacuum NV360

Shark Navigator Lift-Away Vacuum NV360
Weight16.0 pounds
Dust Cup Capacity0.9-quart
FiltrationHEPA filter with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal
Brushroll ShutoffYes
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What We Like

  • Brushroll shutoff for hardwood floors
  • HEPA filter with anti-allergen seal
  • Lift-away pod for above-floor cleaning
  • Swivel steering for tight spaces

Trade-offs

  • 0.9-quart dust cup requires frequent emptying
  • 24-hour filter drying time delays reuse

A brushroll shutoff lets you switch from carpet to hardwood without scattering debris or scratching the surface, exactly what you need when pet hair collects on both floor types. The HEPA filter with an anti-allergen seal traps dust and allergens inside the machine, which matters if dog dander triggers sneezes or itchy eyes. At 16 pounds and with swivel steering, it maneuvers around furniture legs and corners better than a lot of uprights in this weight class. The Lift-Away pod detaches so you can carry the canister up stairs or onto a couch to tackle fur with the included upholstery tool. That makes it a practical budget upright for homes with mixed flooring and shedding.

The 0.9-quart dust cup is a limitation. On a house with multiple shedding dogs, you will be emptying it mid-cleaning more often than you would with the larger-capacity Shark Vertex Lift-Away. If your priority is a low-cost upright that handles both hardwood and carpet with genuine pet-hair suction and a sealed HEPA system, this one delivers without pretending to be something it is not.

Best for: Budget-conscious dog owners who need an upright vacuum with brushroll shutoff for hardwood floors and HEPA filtration, but not ideal for those who want a large dust cup or a lightweight cordless stick.
#7Best Large Capacity

Eureka PowerSpeed Lightweight Upright Vacuum

Eureka PowerSpeed Lightweight Upright Vacuum
Weight12.0 pounds
Dust Cup Capacity2.6 liters
Motor Power960 watts
Height Adjustment5 settings
AttachmentsPet Turbo Brush, crevice tool, dusting brush
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What We Like

  • 2.6L dust cup means fewer emptying stops
  • 5-height brush roll adjusts for hardwood or carpet
  • Pet Turbo Brush included for upholstery and stairs

Trade-offs

  • Corded design limits reach to outlet proximity
  • No brush roll shutoff for bare floors
  • At 12 pounds, heavier than some cordless stick models

A 2.6-liter dust cup keeps cleaning sessions uninterrupted, so you empty the bin less often than with smaller-capacity models. The 960-watt motor delivers consistent suction across hardwood, tile, area rugs, and wall-to-wall carpet. The five-height brush roll adjustment lets you set the right height for thick carpet or bare floors.

Compared to the Levoit Cordless, which weighs 6.2 pounds and runs up to 50 minutes, the Eureka is heavier and less maneuverable for quick spot cleans. But if your priority is uninterrupted whole-house cleaning with a big bin and strong suction, this is the practical pick.

Best for: Owners who want a large dust cup and strong suction for whole-home cleaning. Not ideal for those who prefer cordless freedom or need brush roll shutoff for delicate hardwood.

Product photos

#8Best For Allergen Control

Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Allergen Lift-Off Vacuum

Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Allergen Lift-Off Vacuum
Weight15.7 pounds
FiltrationHEPA Sealed Allergen System
Dirt Tank Capacity1L Easy Empty
Brush RollTangle-Free
Detachable PodLift-Off Pod
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What We Like

  • HEPA sealed system traps allergens
  • Lift-Off pod reaches awkward spots
  • Tangle-free brush roll resists hair wrap
  • Scatter-Free technology for hard floors

Trade-offs

  • At 15.7 lb, heavier than cordless sticks
  • Corded design limits reach without pod

A HEPA sealed system that captures dust allergens inside the vacuum rather than blowing them back into the air you breathe is the main reason to look at this Bissell. For a household with allergy-prone humans and shedding dogs, that sealed filtration matters every time you clean. The Lift-Off detachable pod lets you carry the canister and wand to stairs, upholstery, or car interiors without hauling the whole upright. Scatter-Free technology is listed for hard floors, which helps keep debris from scattering as you vacuum. The tangle-free brush roll is designed to handle hair and fur without wrapping.

At 15.7 pounds, this vacuum is heavier than a cordless stick like the Levoit (6.2 lb), so carrying it up stairs or between floors takes more effort. The 1L dirt tank empties with one touch, which keeps cleanup quick. The tangle-free brush roll is designed to handle hair and fur without wrapping, so you won’t need scissors to cut away tangles.

Best for: Allergy-sensitive pet owners who want sealed HEPA filtration and a detachable pod for whole-home cleaning. Not ideal for anyone prioritizing ultra-light weight or cordless convenience.

Product photos

#9Best Senior-Friendly

Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Lightweight Upright Vacuum

Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Lightweight Upright Vacuum
Weight7.7 pounds
Cleaning path10.5 inches
Tools onboardCrevice tool, dusting brush
Filter typeWashable
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What We Like

  • Only 7.7 pounds for easy carrying
  • Quick-release handle for above-floor cleaning
  • Washable filter means no replacement costs
  • Onboard tools keep them handy

Trade-offs

  • Corded design limits reach without an extension cord
  • 10.5-inch cleaning path is narrow for large rooms

At just 7.7 pounds, this vacuum is light enough to carry up and down stairs without breaking a sweat, a real advantage if you’re managing a house with shedding dogs and hardwood floors. The quick-release handle lets you attach the crevice tool or dusting brush for upholstery or window treatments, and those tools snap on board so you don’t lose them mid-clean. It’s bagless with a washable filter, which saves you from buying replacements and keeps the eco-footprint smaller. That combination of featherweight design and low-maintenance simplicity makes it a natural fit for anyone who wants a straightforward, no-fuss tool that won’t wear them out.

A 10.5-inch cleaning path means you will make more passes across a living room floor compared to some wider-path models. And since it is corded, no battery to run down, you are stuck near an outlet, which is fine for one room but a hassle if your house has multiple levels and no convenient plug near the stairs. If you value featherlight handling and easy storage over speed and cordless freedom, this Eureka keeps things simple.

Best for: Anyone who wants a lightweight upright vacuum for everyday cleaning on hard floors and carpets. Not ideal for those who need a cordless model or a wider cleaning path for large spaces.

Product photos

#10Best Corded Stick for Pet Hair

Bissell PowerClean FurFinder Corded Stick Vacuum

Bissell PowerClean FurFinder Corded Stick Vacuum
Cord length30 feet
FiltrationHEPA Sealed Allergen System
Weight9.0 pounds
Brush rollTangle-free for pet hair up to 8"
Tools included4 (pet upholstery, crevice, dusting, mesh bag)
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What We Like

  • Tangle-free brush roll handles long hair

Trade-offs

  • 30-foot cord limits reach in large rooms
  • 9-pound weight feels heavy for handheld use

This is a corded stick, so you are stuck near an outlet, not ideal for a quick touch-up on a single rug or for homes where outlets are scarce. Compared to the Levoit Cordless, which weighs 6.2 pounds and runs up to 50 minutes on battery, the Bissell gives you unlimited runtime but less freedom of movement. If you prefer never to wait for a charge and don’t mind the cord, this is a straightforward, no-surprises option for daily pet hair pickup on carpets and hard floors.

Best for: Owners who want unlimited corded runtime and a lightweight stick that converts to a handheld for pet hair on hardwood and upholstery. Not ideal for those who prefer cordless convenience or need a vacuum for quick spot cleans without plugging in.

Product photos

How We Evaluated Vacuums For Dog Hair On Hardwood Floors

We built this guide by studying manufacturer specifications, owner feedback patterns, and expert round-up recommendations for vacuums designed to handle pet hair on bare floors. Our evaluation focused on the features that matter most when a shedding dog meets a hardwood surface.

The three most important criteria were floor engagement (how the vacuum contacts hardwood without scratching or scattering), hair management (whether the brushroll resists tangles or self-cleans), and filtration (sealed HEPA systems for dander and allergens). We also weighed weight, cord or battery limits, dust cup capacity, and tool versatility for above-floor pet hair.

An evaluation like this cannot replace trying every model in your own home. We focus on clear, category-specific details so you can compare the trade-offs that matter for your cleaning routine. For more options, see our guides on best vacuums for hardwood and dog hair and vacuums for hard floors.

What To Look For In Vacuums For Dog Hair On Hardwood Floors

Choosing the right vacuum means balancing floor protection, hair pickup, and daily convenience. Here are the key criteria to consider.

Look for a vacuum with brushroll shutoff or soft rollers for hardwood, a self-cleaning or tangle-free brushroll for pet hair, and sealed HEPA filtration if allergies are a concern.

Hardwood-Safe Floor Engagement

The wrong brushroll can scratch hardwood or scatter hair rather than lifting it. Vacuums with a brushroll shutoff switch let you turn off the beater bar for bare floors, while models like the Shark Vertex use soft PowerFins that contact hardwood directly. Some canister vacuums include dedicated hard-floor heads with no rotating brush at all. If you have delicate or engineered wood, prioritize a model that gives you control over brushroll engagement.

Hair Management and Tangle Resistance

Long dog hair wraps around standard bristle brushrolls, slowing suction and requiring manual cleanup. Look for self-cleaning brushrolls (Shark), auto-clearing bars (Dyson), or tangle-free designs (Bissell, Levoit) that shed hair into the dust cup. If you own a heavy-shedding breed, this feature alone can save you ten minutes of cutting hair off the brush after every cleaning session. For more options, check our list of stick vacuums for dog hair.

Filtration and Allergen Control

Dog dander and dust mite allergens become airborne during vacuuming. A sealed HEPA system captures 99.97% of particles and prevents them from leaking back into the room. The Miele Guard M1 goes further with an active charcoal filter that neutralizes pet odors. If anyone in your home has allergies or asthma, sealed HEPA filtration is not optional, it is the single most important feature.

  • Check whether the vacuum has a sealed system (not just a HEPA filter) to prevent air leaks.
  • For bagged models, factor in the ongoing cost of replacement bags.
  • Washable filters save money but require drying time before reuse.
  • If odor is a concern, look for a carbon or charcoal filter layer.

A vacuum with sealed HEPA filtration and a tangle-free brushroll will handle daily dog hair on hardwood with far less frustration than a general-purpose model.

Vacuums For Dog Hair On Hardwood Floors Compared

The table below compares the ten vacuums side by side across weight, design, key features, and best-use scenarios so you can see the trade-offs at a glance.

ProductWeightFiltrationBrushroll
Shark Vertex Lift-Away Upright Vacuum16.4 poundsHEPA SealSelf-cleaning, no hair wrap
Dyson Ball Animal 3 Upright Vacuum17.3 lbN/ADe-tangling Motorbar
Levoit Cordless Vacuum Cleaner6.2 pounds99.9% of 0.3 micron particlesAnti-tangle
Dyson V16 Piston Animal Cordless Vacuum7.5 poundsHEPA, 99.99% at 0.1 micronsDe-tangles all hair lengths
Miele Guard M1 Cat & Dog Canister Vacuum14.8 poundsActive AirClean + charcoalN/A
Shark Navigator Lift-Away Vacuum NV36016.0 poundsHEPA filter with Anti-Allergen Complete SealBrushroll Shutoff
Eureka PowerSpeed Lightweight Upright Vacuum12.0 poundsN/A5-Height Brush Roll Adjustment
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Allergen Lift-Off Vacuum15.7 poundsHEPA Sealed Allergen SystemTangle-Free
Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Lightweight Upright Vacuum7.7 poundsWashableN/A
Bissell PowerClean FurFinder Corded Stick Vacuum9.0 poundsHEPA Sealed Allergen SystemTangle-free for pet hair up to 8"

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of vacuum is best for dog hair on hardwood floors?

An upright or canister vacuum with brushroll shutoff or a soft roller head works best. The brushroll should either turn off for bare floors or use non-scratching materials like rubber fins or felt strips. A self-cleaning or tangle-free brushroll also prevents long pet hair from wrapping around the bar.

Can I use a regular vacuum on hardwood floors with dogs?

Yes, but only if the vacuum has a brushroll shutoff or a hardwood-safe setting. Using a standard beater bar on hardwood can scratch the finish and scatter debris. Vacuums designed for pet hair on hard floors include these protections as standard features.

How do I get dog hair off hardwood floors without a vacuum?

A rubber-bristle broom or a microfiber mop works well for quick pickups. For a deeper clean, a dog hair broom designed for hardwood can gather hair into piles without scratching. You can also use a rubber squeegee or a damp mop to trap hair.

Should I get a cordless or corded vacuum for dog hair on hardwood?

Cordless vacuums offer convenience for quick daily pickups but have limited runtime, the Levoit runs 12 minutes in Turbo mode. Corded vacuums provide unlimited suction and are better for whole-home cleaning, but you must move from outlet to outlet. Choose based on your home size and whether you prefer quick sessions or deep cleans.

Do robot vacuums work for dog hair on hardwood?

Yes, many robot vacuums handle daily maintenance on hardwood effectively. They are best for light to moderate shedding between deeper cleans with an upright or canister vacuum. See our guide to robot vacuums for dog hair on hardwood for specific recommendations.

The Bottom Line

The Shark Vertex Lift-Away Upright Vacuum is the best overall choice for dog owners who want a single upright that handles hardwood, carpet, and pet hair without brushroll tangles. Its Powered Lift-Away pod lets you clean under furniture, and the HEPA filtration traps allergens. If you need tangle-free cleaning and easy maneuvering, the Dyson Ball Animal 3 is a strong alternative.

For budget-conscious shoppers, the Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV360 offers brushroll shutoff and HEPA filtration at an affordable price, though its small dust cup means frequent emptying. Those with allergies should consider the Miele Guard M1 Cat & Dog for its sealed bagged system and charcoal odor filter.

The single most important factor in choosing a vacuum for dog hair on hardwood is floor-safe brushroll engagement. Without it, you risk scratching your floors or scattering hair rather than picking it up. For more tips on maintaining your home, read our guide on how to clean up dog hair and protect hardwood floors from daily wear.