13 Best Vacuums For Laminate Floors That Work Flawlessly

For more detailed and complete product reviews on benefits and features, keep reading.

It’s water resistant, but not entirely waterproof and because of that water can easily damage the floor. Part of caring for your laminate is owning a good vacuum for the floors because the wrong one can end up scratching your floors in the process.

What Is a Specialized Vacuum Cleaner for Laminate Floor

When buying a vacuum, it can be very hard finding one that’ll be perfect for your laminate floors, since most of them are designed for carpet floors. If you get it wrong, the cleaner could leave scratches and damage the look of your floors in the end.

Specialized vacuum cleaners for laminate floors are designed such that they not only pick debris and dirt from the floors but pet hairs as well. They can even handle the cleaning of other surfaces around the house as well as other floor types.

Benefits of Using Vacuum for Laminate

Here are a few benefits of using specialized vacuums for your laminate floors:

No Floor Damage

Laminate floors are susceptible to scratches and damage, which is why you don’t just use any cleaner to clean your floors. Hardwood floor vacuums or shop vacs that are designed for laminate floors will pick dirt, debris and pet hairs without leaving any scratches on the floor.

Such vacuums have different settings that work on laminate floors, although they can still be used on other kinds of floors like carpets, for example.  

Removes Allergens

If you have someone in the house who suffers from allergic reactions, you know just how important it is to ensure that the house is free of allergens. Dust, as well as pet hairs, can cause allergic reactions and asthma attacks on some people, which is why regular vacuuming is a must.

Specialized vacuums for laminate floors have been designed to pick up any allergens on the floor and will even reach deep into the fibers of furniture and carpets to pick up animal hairs that may cause allergies.

How Does a Vacuum for Laminate Floors Work

Vacuum for Laminate vs Pet Hair

If you have pets, the chances are that you’re struggling with pet hair problems on a daily basis. When buying a vacuum cleaner for your laminate floor, there are certain features that you need to consider if you want a vacuum that can also get rid of pet hairs.

If the pet hairs are on the floor, then you want a cleaner that has enough suction power to pick them up easily. Some people tend to use brush rollers to pick up pet hairs from the floors, but this ends up scratching the laminate without picking all the hairs.

If you want a vacuum that can clean the corners of the room and under furniture easily, then you might want to consider a product that has enough suction with additional attachments like a crevice tool.

If you want something that can remove pet hairs from carpet floors, then a brush roller will work just fine and the additional powerful suction ensures that the brush roller gets deep into the fibers of the carpet for thorough cleaning.

Vacuum for Laminate vs Mold and Other Hard Stains

Laminate floors are popular because they offer the look of real wood at a more affordable price. Due to this, the finish on laminate floors is easily damaged if you’re using very harsh chemicals and scrubbing brushes.

Laminate is also susceptible to moisture damage that causes mold that not only makes your floors look dingy, but can also trigger allergic reactions.

If you have mold and other stains on the floor, regular vacuuming will not work. What you need is a non-abrasive antimicrobial chemical like vinegar and rubbing alcohol to remove the mold and stains without damaging your laminate floor.

Types of Vacuum Cleaners for Laminate Floors

Upright

Just as the name suggests, upright vacuums tend to have an upright piece that’s designed to house the motor, head as well as a small dustbin. The handle of upright cleaners connects the different pieces of the vacuum together in such a way that all you do when cleaning is move dirt for it to be sucked in as you pass the vacuum across the floor.

There are different models of upright vacuums with some coming with wheels for easy maneuverability when cleaning.

The only disadvantage with these devices is that you have to drag the whole unit with you when you’re cleaning, which can be very tiring, especially when cleaning different rooms and upstairs.

Canister

Canister vacuum cleaners are designed with a canister or dustbin that’s usually separated from the hose and head. Due to this, unlike the upright units, you don’t need to drag the whole device making cleaning easier.

While vacuuming with a canister vacuum is easy, they tend to make a lot of noise, which can be an inconvenience for other people in the house.

Bagged

Bagged vacuums have been around for years and have incorporated even stick vacuums. These items have a bag where dirt and debris are collected when you’re cleaning.

They feature powerful motors attached to the fan to suck in air. There’s a dirtbag where the fan is located which is most of the time disposable and it is this bag where dust and debris settle.

The bag works in a way that air can pass through and dirt remains in the bag.

Bagless

Vacuum cleaners have come a long way and today most of them don’t have a disposable bag for collecting dirt and debris. Instead, they have a plastic bin that’s emptied when full.

In this case, they act as a filter separating air from dust that collects in the bin. After you’re done cleaning, ensure that you empty the bin and return it to the vacuum cleaner.

When you’re buying a bagless unit, one of the most important things you should consider is the size of the bin. You want a bin that’s big enough so that you can continue vacuuming and don’t have to empty it after cleaning a few rooms.

The only downside with bagless vacuum cleaners is that you have to keep replacing the filters every now and then, but overall they’re way better than bagged ones.

What Makes a Good Laminate Floor Vacuum

Height

When you’re buying a vacuum for your laminate floors, one of the things that you need to consider is the height of the cleaner. Height determines how effective your cleaning will be in terms of the vacuum being able to reach even under furniture.

Vacuums that have adjustable handles are also easy on your back and not to mention that they can be converted into handheld cleaners to make it easy to clean other surfaces like sofas and curtains.

Power

The power of the cleaner is what determines how thorough the cleaning is. If you have someone who has asthma and allergic reactions in the house, you want to get rid of anything that may trigger this.

As such, you need a powerful cleaner that gets all the dust and pet hairs from your floor and other surfaces. To determine the power of a product, consider the air flow, which is usually measured in cubit per minute (CFM) where the higher it is, the more powerful the cleaner is.

Wheels

Maneuverability when vacuuming is one of the things that most people pay attention to when buying a vacuum. There are cleaners that force you to drag the whole unit with you when cleaning and others that don’t.

There are also models that have wheels to make it easy to move the device from one area of the room to another. Wheels normally come in handy, especially when you’re dealing with a heavy cleaner.

Padding/Brush

Laminate floors are susceptible to scratching, which is why you should be very careful about the kind of brush your unit has. Go for a vacuum cleaner that has a brush or padding that’ll remove dust, pet hairs and other debris without scratching your laminate floors in the process.

Before you buy a vacuum cleaner for laminate floors, you might want to check the shark vacuums reviewed to see what other homeowners are saying about the machine you want to buy.

Suction

Since you can’t use a brush to scrub your laminate floors, you need to rely on suction to get the work done. You, therefore, need to get a vacuum that offers enough suction.

The powerful suction is determined by the motor power and the suction process. If you have a cleaner that has enough suction, you never have to worry about dirt and debris remaining on your laminate floor since they will be sucked up easily.

Powerful suction, besides working on dirt and other debris, comes in handy when you have to deal with pet hairs.

Attachments

If you have laminate floors, then one of the things that you can’t do without is a vacuum cleaner.

In that case, a vacuum should do more than just clean your floors, which is why you should look for one that has additional features that enable you to clean corners, furniture and other surfaces.

Exhaust

In a vacuum cleaner, whether upright or canister, bagged or bagless, one thing they all have in common is the exhaust. This is the last filter that allows air to pass through before it leaves the unit.

The exhaust makes all the difference in how effective your cleaning is and the quality of air in the house. When you’re buying a cleaner, ensure that the exhaust doesn’t allow dust to leave the vacuum.

Capacity

The capacity of the vacuum cleaner determines how much dust it can hold before you have to empty the bin or change the bag. Basically, you need a device that can take more cleaning before you empty the bin.

If you have a very small area to clean, then you really don’t need to buy a cleaner that has a large capacity.

Noise

In the past, vacuum cleaners used to be very loud, but that’s slowly being eliminated by modern manufacturers. When you’re buying a cleaner for laminate floors, therefore, consider the noise level and go for the one that’s as quiet as possible.

Filters

Every vacuum cleaner has an inbuilt filter system with the best being those that have HEPA filters. HEPA filter tends to trap more dirt than other kinds of filters and are, therefore, ideal in homes that have people who suffer from allergies and asthma attacks.

Cord vs Cordless

A vacuum cleaner can either be corded or cordless. A corded one has a cord that’s connected to the power when you’re cleaning.

With a corded cleaner, one thing that you need to consider is the cord length. Get a vacuum that has a cord that’s long enough to enable you to clean every area of the house.

Cordless devices, on the other hand, run on a battery and with them, what you need to consider is the battery runtime as well as the time it takes to reach full charge. The last thing you want is to keep recharging your unit in between cleaning.

Warranty

Warranty is very important when you’re buying a vacuum cleaner even if you decide to go with the expensive models.

The vacuum cleaner has so many parts and systems working together and chances of one failing are very high which is why you need a warranty to cover any malfunctioning that may occur that’s not within your control. When it comes to warranties, a longer warranty means the manufacturer has more faith in their product.

Price

After you have considered everything else, your budget comes into play. Avoid going for cheap models that you’ll just have to replace after a few months after they break down.

At the same time, you don’t need to break the bank to get a vacuum, especially if you can do without a very expensive model.

Wet vs Dry Vacuuming

This is usually a matter of preference. If you want to vacuum as well as mop your laminate floors, then go for a cleaner that has both wet and dry functions.

There are models that have a steam mop that allows you not only to vacuum but also mop the floor in the process and there are models that have additional features to dry the floors after mopping.

13 Best Vacuums for Laminate Tested and Reviewed

1. Bissell PowerEdge

Bissell PowerEdge Vacuum Cleaner is a 7.5-pound corded machine. It can be used for any type of flooring apart from rugs.

This vacuum cleaner has a unique V shape that makes it easy to clean around furniture legs and edges. Its motorized brushes are made of a rubber material that can pick up all sizes of debris and pet hair.

The cleaner has a swiveling head that can be easily steered to reach tight places with minimal effort. It’s lightweight and can be easily carried from room to room.

The dirt is collected into a cup inside the vacuum, which can be easily emptied without making a mess.

2. Eureka Mighty Mite

Eureka Mighty Mite Cleaner comes with a yellow canister to which the vacuum is attached with a hose. It comes with a variety of fixtures like a crevice tool and an extension wand that makes it ideal to use in homes and outdoor spaces such as garages.

This vacuum has strong brush rolls that can pick up debris and pet messes easily. It can be used to clean stairs, ceilings, hardwood floors and tiles effectively.

The device has a 20-foot cord that makes it easy to maneuver. It’s lightweight and can be carted around with ease.

Additionally, it has a dust bag that can be easily removed and emptied. Its parts can be detached and stored away.

3. Dirt Devil

Dirt Devil Laminate Vacuum is a corded cleaner that stands upright. With fixtures like the 10-foot cleaning wand, this vacuum cleaner is ideal for cleaning hard-to-reach spaces like ceilings and windows.

This cleaner is designed with a brush roll that easily picks up debris and pet messes like hair and litter. It can work on carpet and hardwood floors without leaving scratches.

The unit has a three-phase filtration system that ensures that the filter won’t get clogged up. There will never be loss of suction as the filter sleeve can be easily cleaned and refixed.

With a weight of 12 pounds, this vacuum cleaner is lightweight and has a 10-inch cleaning path. The swivel steering enables it to reach under furniture and tight spaces with ease.

4. Prolux Tritan

Prolux Tritan Vacuum for Laminate is a lightweight and compact cleaner. It can be used on different types of flooring like tiles, carpet and hardwood.

This vacuum comes with various attachments such as the upholstery tool and crevice tool. The usefulness of this device is, therefore, not limited to floors alone as it can also be used to clean mattresses, cars, ceilings and shelves.

It has a HEPA filtration system that helps it to pick up and trap dust particles. All the debris are collected in a dirtbag that is easy to dispose of.

The rubber tires on the bottom ensure that your floor remains free from scratches and scuff. With its self-retracting power cord and compact design, this vacuum takes up little storage space.

5. Moosoo

Moosoo Cleaner is a corded vacuum that can be used as a handheld machine. Weighing just 2.8 pounds, this vacuum can be used and lifted with minimal effort.

This unit has a long tube that can be adjusted to up to 31 inches. You can easily clean your marble and hardwood floors without having to bend your back. The adjustable tube also makes it ideal for cleaning high spaces.

The device comes with a variety of tools that can be used for different cleaning purposes. It also comes with a wall-mount tool that makes storage easier.

With a 17-foot power cord, this vacuum can be used on a large surface area without having to unplug it constantly. It has a dirt cup that can be easily emptied, washed and refixed.

6. Miele

Miele Vacuum Cleaner for Laminate is a motorized cleaner that’s designed for laminate and hardwood floors and low to medium pile carpets. It comes with other accessories like the dusting brush and upholstery tool for various cleaning needs.

This vacuum has a turbo brush floorhead that uses a rotating roller brush to remove dirt and hair from carpets. It also has a parquet floorhead that suctions dirt from wood floors without leaving scratches.

The product also has 6 suction settings that can be adjusted according to the type of surface you wish to clean. Its slim design makes it easy to reach tight spaces.

This vacuum is outfitted with a filtration system and a self-sealing collar that refreshes the air in the room and ensures that no debris escapes from the filter bag.

7. Tineco A11 Master

Tineco A11 is operated by two removable 2500mAh li-ion batteries. It has a runtime of up to 60 minutes and the two batteries can be charged simultaneously.

This vacuum has two power brushes for picking up dirt from carpets and laminate floors. It also has a trigger and continuous power mode for instant and extensive cleaning respectively.

This item also has a 0.6-liter dustbin which can be emptied with the press of a button. This feature prevents the hand from coming in contact with debris.

With a 4-stages sealed filtration system, this vacuum traps dirt and keeps the air clean. It weighs just 5.5 pounds, making it easy to use with minimal effort.

8. Kenmore

Kenmore Laminate Vacuum has a 16-inch retractable power cord. It stores dirt into a dust cup instead of a bag, eliminating the need for the additional costs of replacing bags.

This vacuum uses centrifugal force to create a strong suction that pulls debris from carpets, tiles and laminate floors. It also has a turbine brush that digs deep and sweeps up dirt.

The item has a swivel hose that can rotate 360°. It also has other attachments like a telescoping wand that makes it easy to clean corners, under furniture and tight spaces.

This vacuum can be easily powered on and off with a foot-activated power switch. It also has a HEPA filtration system that ensures that dust and debris will remain trapped inside the vacuum, leaving the air free of pollutants.

9. Fuller Brush

Fuller Brush Vacuum is a lightweight cleaner with a 30-foot long power cord. It has a large capacity waste bin that can be emptied without creating a mess.

This vacuum uses a motorized brush to clean bare floors and carpets. It picks up debris with strong suction that can be controlled with a switch.

The product comes with other tools like a crevice tool that can be used for car seats and corners. There are compartments where the attachments can be stored on the pole.

It has a HEPA media filter that gets rid of pollutants like dust from the air. This filter also ensures that dirt stays locked up in the waste bin.

10. Severin

Severin Corded Vacuum has a detachable handle and pipe. It comes with a brush and parquet nozzle for thorough cleaning of mattresses, wood and laminate floors and carpets.

This vacuum works noiselessly and has suction control settings for different cleaning purposes. It sucks debris up without leaving scratches and scuffs.

In addition, there’s a HEPA filtration system that rids the air of dust, mold and odors. This ensures that the air is left smelling fresh after cleaning.

With microfiber dust bags and a hygiene lock, there is no risk of debris being returned to cleaned areas.

11. Shark Flex

Shark Flex Laminate Vacuum Cleaner works for everyday cleaning on different types of flooring. It can pick small dust particles, pet hairs and large debris easily.

This vacuum has a multiflex technology that allows the pole to fold over. This feature makes it easy to reach under furniture and appliances. It doesn’t take up much storage space.

The cleaner has a stiff bristle brush and an upholstery tool that makes it useful on different surfaces. It can be used as a handheld cleaner for windows and ceilings.

This vacuum makes use of dust cups with anti-allergen seal technology that traps dirt and dust. It provides strong suction without damaging floors.

12. Hoover Linx

Hoover Linx Cleaner uses lithium-ion batteries to clean carpets and laminate floors effortlessly. The batteries can be interchanged for extensive cleaning time.

This vacuum has suction power control settings that are conveniently located where your fingertips will rest on the handle. It also has a gauge that shows you how much power is left on the batteries.

The cleaner uses windtunnel technology to create a powerful suction that picks up large and small-sized debris. It has a recline handle that allows the vacuum head to reach tight spaces easily.

This vacuum uses a dirt cup that can be easily emptied with a press of the bottom release button. It has edge cleaning brushes that pick up dirt around corners and edges.

13. Dyson V8

Dyson V8 Stick Laminate Vacuum utilizes a lithium-ion battery that can be used for up to 40 minutes. Its cordless feature makes it easy to use anywhere without hassle.

This vacuum has stiff nylon bristles that are pushed into the carpet by the head to dislodge deep debris. It also comes with a dusting brush attachment for light cleaning around the house.

HEPA filtration cleanses the air of dust and allergens. The dirt bin can be easily emptied without causing a mess.

This vacuum cleaner has a switch that controls the suction settings. It also comes with a docking station that stores and charges it, with compartments for all the attachments.

Does More Spending Mean More Quality

When it comes to vacuum cleaners for laminate floors, more spending does mean more quality. Laminate floors, though they mimic hardwood, don’t have the same durability and as such you want to get a unit that helps prolong the life of your floor.

You also want vacuum cleaners for value that doesn’t damage the floor and has additional features that enable you to clean under the furniture, the corners of the room and other surfaces like sofas which is what you’ll be getting when you go for a more expensive model.

Laminate Vacuum Cleaner vs Other Laminate Cleaning Tools

Laminate Vacuum Cleaner vs Steam Mop

A laminate floor is susceptible to moisture damage, which is why you should avoid wet cleaning it as much as possible. A premium steam mop or a portable steamer is, therefore, not ideal for cleaning laminate floors as the steam can seep through the joints and ruin the floor.

There are steam mops, however, that can be used to clean laminate floors and they normally have two or three settings to control the amount of steam being generated.

There are also laminate cleaners that have steam mops so they can’t only vacuum but also mop the floor in the process. You could also use a durable spin mop.

Laminate Vacuum Cleaner vs Sweeper

When it comes to keeping your laminate floors clean, you need to vacuum them regularly, which is why you need a specialized laminate vacuum. However, you can use a sweeper to remove debris, dust and food crumbs from the floor, although you’ll still have to use a vacuum afterward.

Laminate Vacuum Cleaner vs Regular Vacuum

A laminate floor is easily scratched if you use the wrong cleaning tool, which is why you need a specialized cleaner for laminate floors. Regular vacuums can work for laminate floors, but there’s no telling if you will end up with a damaged floor in the end.

Quick Tips for Maintaining Laminate Floors

Step 1 –  Vacuum regularly

If you want to avoid mopping your laminate floor, ensure that you vacuum once a week to remove dirt, pet hairs and other debris.

Step 2 – Wipe spills immediately

Laminate is destroyed by water and moisture, which is why spills shouldn’t be left to sit on the floor for long.

Step 3 – Use furniture pads

To avoid scratching or denting the floors, ensure that you always use furniture pads.

How to Clean Laminate Floors (Both Wet and Dry)

Step 1 – Sweep

Use a premium floor sweeper to remove any food crumbs, dust and other debris that may have accumulated.

Step 2 – Vacuum

Use a vacuum to get rid of any dust, dirt and debris that the broom may have missed out.

Step 3 – Use a damp mop

For further cleaning, use a damp mop to clean your laminate. Add a few drops of dish soap in water and dampen the mop before cleaning.

How to Clean and Maintain a Vacuum Cleaner for Laminate

Step 1 – Clean the brush roll

The vacuum picks up hair and other debris from the floor, which ends up on the brush roll and can affect its performance. Every now and then ensure that you remove anything that may be stuck on the brush roll.

Step 2 – Clean and replace the filters

Ensure that you clean the filters if they can be cleaned or replace them so that your vacuum cleaner performs better.

Step 3 – Empty the bin

If you have a bagless vacuum, you don’t have to wait for the bin to get full before you empty it but do so after every cleaning. For bagged vacuum cleaners, ensure that you remember to change the bag when it’s full.

How to Use a Laminate Vacuum Cleaner

Step 1 – Check if the bin is full

Before you begin,  ensure that the bin or bag isn’t full. If it is full, empty the bin and replace the bag.

Step 2 – Adjust the height

If the vacuum is too high, you won’t have enough suction and if it’s too low, there won’t be enough airflow.

Step 3 – Move items out of the way

Move any items, small or large, out of the way before you begin vacuuming.

Step 4 – Turn the vacuum on

Turn on the vacuum and move it back and forth over the floor in slow and even strokes to get all dirt and debris.

Step 5 – Use the attachments

Use the attachments that come with the vacuum to clean sofas and other surfaces where dust may settle.

Do’s and Don’ts of Using a Laminate Vacuum Cleaner

• Do use the attachments to ensure that you do a thorough cleaning and that dust and debris don’t resettle after cleaning.
• Do empty the bin and change the bags when full.
• Don’t use dirty filters, but clean them regularly or replace them to ensure that air quality is always good within the house.
• Don’t drop the vacuum cleaner as this may affect its functioning in the long run.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to sweep or vacuum laminate floors?

It’s better to vacuum them as vacuuming removes all dust, pet hairs and debris from the floor and not to mention some sweepers can scratch the floor.

Best filter for allergies

The best filters for allergies are HEPA filters.

How often should you clean the laminate floor?

How often you clean the floor will depend on the traffic, but ensure that at least once a week you vacuum all surfaces plus the floor.

Cleaning accessories for laminate floors

When cleaning laminate floors, you need a vacuum cleaner, a mini vacuum, dish soap and a microfiber mop.

How do you polish your laminate flooring?

The best way to maintain the shine of laminate floor is to vacuum regularly and then use a cleaner designed for laminate floors and a microfiber mop to wipe the floor.

Conclusion

Laminate floors are beautiful since they mimic the look of real wood. When installed, they can last for years though they don’t have the same durability as hardwood. As such, to ensure that your floors last longer, you need to know the best way to clean and maintain them.

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