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5 Best Vacuums for Laminate Floors of 2024

Updated
These vacuums won’t scratch your laminate floors.

Laminate floors add a sleek touch to their room, but do you know how to keep them pristine? Did you know that not all vacuums are suitable for laminate floors? Some may even damage or ruin them.

You must select a vacuum carefully. Your pick should meet specific criteria to preserve your laminate floor’s condition adequately. We’re going to help you choose one of the best vacuums for laminate floors, but first, we have some explaining to do.

Here’s everything you need to know about the best vacuums for laminate floors. Follow these guidelines to save your floors from scratches, swelling, cracks, and other unsightly damage.

Our Top Picks

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Best Upright Vacuum: Shark Navigator Lift-Away
  • Great for pet owners
  • 30 foot power cord
  • Swivel steering
Best for Laminate Preservation: Shark Apex Upright
  • DuoClean technology
  • Self-cleaning brush
  • HEPA filtration
Best Robot Vacuum: Roborock S8 Robot
  • Fast-charging
  • LiDar navigation and 3D mopping system
  • Can climb over barriers
Best Wet And Dry: Hoover FloorMate Deluxe
  • Lightweight at 13.8 pounds
  • Spin scrub
  • Wide reach with 20 foot cord
Best Canister Vacuum: Bissell Zing
  • Brush control for switching floor types
  • Washable filter
  • Only weighs 9.3 lbs


Product Reviews

Here are the five best vacuums for sweeping dirt from your laminate flooring.

Shark Navigator NV356E Lift-Away Professional

Best Upright Vacuum for Laminate Floors

We like the features built into this vacuum. It’s got Shark’s unique Lift-Away technology for portability, swivel steering for versatility, and a 30-foot cord. You have more range and control with this model.

It’s a multi-floor machine suitable for carpets and all types of hard floors. Plus, it includes Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology and a HEPA filter for better air quality. Also included is the Wide Pet Upholstery tool — a favorite for pet owners.

This machine is far more maneuverable than other uprights and can be used to clean spots that are out of reach. So, we recommend it to those who have larger homes with laminate and carpeted floors.

What We Like

Great for Pet Owners

This model is an excellent choice for pet owners. It includes the Wide Pet Upholstery brush for easy pet hair removal and comes with a HEPA filter. If your pet is shedding all over your home, this vacuum will have your back.

Broad Range Due to Long Power Cord

If you have a large home, definitely put this one up for consideration. The cord is 30 feet long, meaning you’re not as restricted as you would be with other upright vacuums.

The Wide Pet Upholstery Brush and the lift-away canister are further testaments to how much you can clean with this one.

Swivel Steering for Easy Maneuverability

Upright vacuums have a downside — they’re not that easy to move around. This model incorporates swivel steering, making it one of the easiest uprights to control. It’s undoubtedly one of the most maneuverable upright vacuums on the market.

What We Don't Like

It’s Confusing and Not Very User Friendly

Some customers have mentioned that this vacuum, for all its updated technology, is tricky to operate. Feedback points out the awkward positioning of the cord and controls. The vacuum may get in its own way.

Unstable and Out of Balance Weight

Customers also point out that this vacuum’s weight dynamic causes it to topple over if left unattended. Since most of its weight is at the top, it can’t balance on its own. This doesn’t affect its cleaning efficiency but can be frustrating to deal with.

Product Specs

Power 1200 watts
Dimensions 15 inches by 11.4 inches by 45.5 inches
Weight 13.7 pounds
Special Features Swivel Steering, Lift-Away technology, 25-foot cord,
Accessories Wide Pet Upholstery Tool

Our Ratings

Suction Power
4.5 / 5
Floor Compatibility
4.5 / 5
Maneuverability
4 / 5
Filtration System
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Shark Apex Upright Vacuum

Best for Laminate Preservation

We have to give another spot to Shark. This model has various useful features that will protect your laminate floor and the machine itself. It’s affordable too, which we love.

Like our first choice, this model has Lift-Away technology. It takes it a step further, though, with Shark’s DuoClean technology — a system that shines your hard floors, and deep cleans carpets. Also included is an LED light for precise cleaning in low-light conditions.

It’s not missing excellent filtration. Plus, it has the Advanced Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology in addition to a HEPA filter. It also has the Zero-M self-cleaning brush roll to prevent hair from clogging the vacuum.

What We Like

DuoClean Technology

This feature will protect, and perhaps even restore, the condition of your laminate floors. Dual-rotating brushes deep clean carpets and polish hard floors, adding extra shine. Customers are pleased with the efficiency of this technology.

Self-Cleaning Brush

Great news for pet owners — this vacuum’s brush roll removes pet hair from itself. You’ll save time and effort on maintenance, and you’ll protect your machine from blockage.

A little maintenance will still go a long way, but this model demands less attention from you.

HEPA Filtration for Allergies

HEPA filters are always a bonus, and the advanced anti-allergen features complement it. So if you’re a pet owner or someone with allergies or sensitivities, this machine’s filtration should ease some of your symptoms.

What We Don't Like

It’s Counter-Intuitive

Customers say that the placement of specific components and controls is odd. Although it’s an efficient machine with a range of beneficial features, it takes some getting used to.

Power Stability Troubles

There are a few complaints that this machine shuts down without warning, and isn’t too stable in its power. Users who say this generally compliment the machine overall. It’s frustrating, but it shouldn’t deter you too much.

Product Specs

Power 1350 watts
Dimensions 11.2 inches by 12.2 inches by 46 inches
Weight 17.1 pounds
Special Features DuoClean technology, Advanced Anti-Allergen Complete Seal technology, Powered Lift-Away technology, Zero-M brush roll, LED light
Accessories Crevice tool, upholstery tool

Our Ratings

Suction Power
4.5 / 5
Floor Compatibility
4.5 / 5
Maneuverability
4 / 5
Filtration System
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Roborock S8 Pro Robot Vacuum

Best Robot Vacuum for Laminate Floors

If convenience is what you’re after, have a look at this little robot vacuum. It will simultaneously vacuum and mop your laminate floors. This vacuum dries as it goes, so you don’t have to worry about unpleasant streaks or water damage.

It’s self-charging, scheduling-enabled, and will last for three hours of run time. The suction is powerful at 6,000 pascals to lift dirt from floors and carpets.

This excellent vacuum has pre-programmed safety to prevent falls and crashes. It can climb up to 0.2 inches, and can be controlled through a useful app. It also includes self-emptying mechanism and a self-refilling water tank.

What We Like

Fast Charging

With just four hours of charging, you got more time cleaning bigger areas without spending more time cleaning in itself. Furthermore, it uses less electricity consumption giving you more bang for your bucks.

LiDar Navigation and 3D Mopping System

It’s great that this machine mops floors too. It’s engineered to protect laminate and other hard floors from water damage so that you won’t get streaks or dull spots. Think of all the time you will save using this machine to do your dry and wet tasks. More precision mapping mechanism allows you to have control over areas you want cleaning covered.

Ability to Climb

Not all robot vacuums can cross barriers on your floor. Some even struggle to travel over doorway tracks. Not this bad boy. It can climb up to 5 millimeters which is handy.

This machine is in the lead for its adaptability and will seamlessly travel from floor to floor.

What We Don't Like

Carpet Care

Some customers complain that this vacuum’s is not the best option for carpet cleaning. While it is a multi-surface cleaner, if you are looking to clean your shag carpets, there are other alternatives for that. But it is, after all, a robot vacuum. So as long as you’re willing to maintain it fairly often, it remains an excellent choice.

Product Specs

Power 6000 Pa
Dimensions 21.22 inches by 20.31 inches by 19.06 inches
Weight 31.1 pounds
Special Features App-controlled mopping system, advanced climbing ability, self-charging, self-refilling
Accessories 1 washable filter, water tank, charging dock

Our Ratings

Suction Power
4 / 5
Floor Compatibility
4.5 / 5
Maneuverability
5 / 5
Filtration System
4 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Hoover FloorMate Deluxe Wet Dry Vacuum

Best Wet And Dry Laminate Floor Vacuum

The unique spin scrub design of this vacuum is effective in removing dirt from hard floors. It works wonders while cleaning corners, and under and around furniture while protecting the delicate laminate floor. We recommend this model if you’re looking for on-the-go cleaning.

You can use the Hoover FloorMate to clean up debris, food pellets, and larger messes. Its dual tank ensures that the vacuum uses clean water while suctioning dirt residues.

We like that this machine is lightweight, and has a lot of reach with a 20-foot cord. It’s built for convenience in both cleaning and maintenance. Finally, it tackles both wet and dry mess for quicker, cleaner dirt disposal.

What We Like

Spin Scrub

The spin scrub may seem alien at first, but its genius 360-degree clean makes tidying up around corners and tight spots a breeze. You’ll be surprised at how well it works on larger debris too.

It washes, scrubs, and dries floors real quick. It’s the perfect dynamic for laminate floors — for all hard floors, in fact.

Lightweight at 13.8 Pounds

One highlight of this machine is how efficiently it can be transported as it only weighs a little less than 14 pounds. It complements the innovation of the Spin Scrub technology.

Wide Reach With Long Power Cord

This little lightweight machine costs no effort to use and comes with a 20-foot cord. You can use it all over your home without hassle.

What We Don't Like

Not Versatile for Deep Cleaning

This vacuum has a specific purpose and is difficult to use outside of that. So, it’s ineffective on rugs, upholstery, or carpets.

Product Specs

Power 420 watts
Dimensions 14.4 inches by 12.8 inches by 32.8 inches
Weight 13.8 pounds
Special Features Dual tank technology, fingertip control, spin scrub
Accessories Sample Bottle of Cleaning Solution

Our Ratings

Suction Power
3.5 / 5
Floor Compatibility
4.5 / 5
Maneuverability
3.5 / 5
Filtration System
4 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

Bissell Zing Canister 2156A Bagless Vacuum

Best Canister Vacuum for Laminate Floors

One of the best things about this customer favorite is how light it is. Consider it if you’re looking for a more compact canister that still packs a punch. It weighs around 10 pounds and includes cyclonic action for strong suction.

A switch controls its multi-floor brush, so you can be sure that it won’t accidentally scratch your laminate floor. Plus, it has a 15-foot cord with automatic rewind, and a convenient carrying handle.

This machine is convenient for maintenance too. It’s bagless to save you some hassle, and it includes a washable, reusable filter.

What We Like

Brush Control for Switching Between Floor Types

We like that you can switch from carpets to hard floors with a quick push of a button. If you’re worried about auto-adjusting vacuums, you’ll like the control you have with this one.

Washable Filter Saves You Money

It won’t just save you effort in maintenance; it will save you money in replacements and repairs. This is a bonus to an already budget-friendly vacuum cleaner.

Only Weighs 9.3 Pounds

Even though this machine is small and light, it competes with bigger vacuums in power. If you’re looking for a traditional vacuum that you can easily lift or transport, this may be the choice for you.

What We Don't Like

It’s Wheeled Which Limits Control

Customers confirm that this machine works well on laminate floors, but it is still a canister. You will sacrifice some control and should keep an eye on it while you work. That said, it features swivel steering, so it’s better than other canisters in this regard.

Wand and Hose Disconnect Easily

A common customer complaint is that the wand and hose detach from each other while the vacuum is in use. This is a small frustration, and most users are still satisfied with the machine’s efficiency.

Product Specs

Power 1080 watts
Dimensions 14 inches by 11 inches by 12 inches
Weight 9.3 pounds
Special Features Brush control, swivel steering, cord rewind, easy empty dirt cup
Accessories Multi-surface floor tool, dusting brush, crevice tool

Our Ratings

Suction Power
4 / 5
Floor Compatibility
4 / 5
Maneuverability
3.5 / 5
Filtration System
4 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

Product Comparison Chart

Product Award Power Dimensions Weight
Shark Navigator Best Upright Vacuum 1200 W 15″ x 11.4″ x 45.5″ 13.7 lbs
Shark Apex Best For Laminate Preservation 1350 W 11.2″ x 12.2″ x 46″ 17.1 lbs
Roborock S8 Pro Ultra Best Robot Vacuum 6000 Pa 21.22″ x 20.31″ x 19.06″ 31.1 lbs
Hoover FloorMate Deluxe Best Wet & Dry 420 W 14.4″ x 12.8″ x 32.8″ 13.8 lbs
Bissell Zing Best Canister Vacuum 1080 W 14″ x 11″ x 12″ 9.3 lbs

How to Choose a Vacuum for Laminate Floors

Since almost any machine will suffice as long as it’s compatible with hard floors, buying a laminate vacuum isn’t complicated. Still, there are a few things to keep in mind before you purchase one:

Flooring Requirements

Not all vacuums are multi-purpose. Ask yourself if you will only use your vacuum for your floors. If you want to deep clean your whole home with one machine, including stairs and upholstery, uprights and robots won’t do.

Make Sure That It’s Specific

The best place to start would be to check that your vacuum cleaner specifies use on laminate floors. Not everyone realizes that “laminate” and “hardwood” are two different things. Just because a machine can clean the latter, it doesn’t mean it will be kind to the former.

The difference is that laminate floors are made with synthetic wood. Though it looks (and behaves) as wood does, it doesn’t contain natural wood fibers.

In comparison, engineered hardwood is made from different sources of wood, while solid hardwood is all-natural straight planks.

However, if the vacuum you want doesn’t list laminate floors, check if it’s for use on “hard floors.” This is a general term that typically includes all three types of wood finishes, tiles, and ceramic floors.

Size of Your Home

The more space you have to clean, the wider range your vacuum should have. Plus, if you have stairs in your home, you’ll want a lighter, versatile machine.

Regular Use

If you plan to use your vacuum daily, you should consider two things — its capacity and electricity usage. Higher capacity means less maintenance. Battery operated machines will save you money, but they won’t always be ready for use when you need them.

Pets In the Home

Remember that laminate vacuums should have soft brushes, which won’t always be effective on pet hair. So, check a vacuum’s specs before you buy it, to make sure that it’s suitable for pet-friendly homes.

Get Cleaner Air

If you’re looking to deep clean your home, consider a vacuum with a HEPA filter. These special filters purify the air around you while the vacuum runs. They’re invaluable to people with allergies.

Does It Have a Soft Brush?

Vacuums suitable for hard floors should have (or come with) a soft brush roll. Bristled brushes are great for removing dirt from carpets, but they can — and will — scratch laminate. The softer your brush roll, the safer your floors will be.

With some vacuums, you’ll have to switch the brushes out manually. More sophisticated models have auto-adjusting heads that use a soft brush on hard floors without intervention.

Choose whichever is most convenient for you, so long as it won’t erode your floors.

Important Features

Many vacuums out there have some cool features that will help you keep your floors pristine. Besides having auto-adjusting heads, certain vacuums also polish your floors.

Another useful feature you may want to consider is suction control. Some models have automatic suction adjustments. Others offer different modes you can control with a switch. However, laminate floors won’t need as much suction as a high pile carpet will.

If you go for a multi-floor machine, suction control is even more important. It’s unlikely you’ll ruin your floors with forceful suction, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Don’t Use Water

You may think that since laminate floors are shiny, water won’t do much damage. However, it’s one of the fastest ways to destroy your floors (1).

Laminate flooring may be synthetic, but it’s made to mock wood. So it has the same weaknesses, and water damage is a common complaint. It’s perfectly fine to use a little bit of water on your floors, but you shouldn’t soak or steam them.

For this reason, don’t get a hydraulic vacuum cleaner. But if you can’t resist one, make sure it has a dry capacity. Avoid steam cleaners entirely.

Take Note

A vacuum cleaner with wet/dry capacity usually means it can clean spills up. This should be fine for laminate floors. It’s only a problem if the vacuum requires water to clean.

Have a Look at Its Wheels

This applies to canisters and uprights. You don’t have to worry about this if you’re getting a stick, backpack, or handheld vacuum.

A vacuum’s wheels can scratch your laminate floor or leave frustrating skid marks in its path. Vacuum machine wheels aren’t exactly a modern world wonder, but you should pay attention to them.

Hard floor compatible models might list soft wheels in the specs, but not all manufacturers do. So if this information isn’t immediately apparent, delve deeper to be sure.

If at all possible, arrange a demonstration of the machine so that you can get a feel for it and gauge how smoothly it travels. This won’t always be possible, so do as much research as possible.

Quick Tip

If you’re worried about track marks on your floor, opt for one that doesn’t have to touch the ground. Stick vacuums, handhelds, and backpack vacuums will be your best bet.

Tips for Cleaning Laminate Floors

Vacuuming is great for laminate floors, but if you really want them to shine, try these tips:

  • Vacuum first: Before you mop your laminate floor, get the vacuuming out of the way. This will ensure that dirt and debris aren’t dragged around by the mop, which could scratch your floor.
  • Vacuum often: The more you vacuum, the more you’ll reduce the build-up of dirt and grit. Trust us, the effort of cleaning more frequently beats repairing damaged floors.
  • Keep your floor dry: We mentioned that water and laminate don’t mix, so when mopping, don’t drench your floor. Use as little water as possible. Don’t apply water directly to your floor either. Instead, use a damp cloth or mop to get the job done.
  • Use microfiber tools: When wiping or mopping your floor, use microfiber materials. This will prevent the degradation of your floor’s sheen.
  • Vinegar works: A small dab of a water and vinegar solution applied to a cloth or sprayed from a bottle will work wonders. It will disinfect your floors, help moisture evaporate faster, and remove tough dirt.

FAQs

How Do You Keep Laminate Floors Clean?

The best way to keep laminate floors clean is to vacuum the dirt away, followed by dusting with a dry mop. Use water and vinegar in a bucket and a microfiber mop to wet clean the surface, and complete the task with spot treatment like acetone.

Finally, dry the floor with a clean towel or cloth.

Can I Use a Roomba on Laminate Floors?

You can use a Roomba on laminate floors. In our opinion, this Roomba IRobot E5 is the best model because it has three-stage suction, multi-surface rubber brushes, and five times the standard suction.

Are Steam Mops Good for Laminate Floors?

Steam mops are good for laminate floors if used sparingly. This LIGHT ‘N’ EASY Steam Mop is an excellent example of an affordable and effective model for laminate floors. It is ready in minutes, suitable for multiple surfaces, and easy to master.

Why Does My Laminate Floor Look Cloudy?

There are several reasons why your laminate floor looks cloudy. It could be because you’ve used a harsh cleaning agent that has reacted with the laminate, or it might be clouded because of a lack of cleaning. There could also be a build-up of residue, causing it to fade.

How Do I Know If My Laminate Floor is Sealed?

You know if your laminate floor is sealed when it has a high sheen. You can check by scratching a small section hidden beneath furniture. Also, look for edges lifting where moisture may have penetrated the composite backing board.

How Do You Make Laminate Floors Shine Naturally?

There are several ways to make laminate floors shine naturally, including vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda and water. Also, try a laminate cleaner, like this Bona Hard Hardwood Floor Cleaner.


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About the Author

Amy Anthony

Amy Anthony is a cleaning expert, author, and contributing writer for Oh So Spotless, a leading online resource for all things related to cleaning, organizing, and maintaining a spotless home. With over 15 years of experience in the cleaning industry, Amy has gained extensive knowledge and expertise that have made her a trusted authority on best practices, efficient techniques, and innovative cleaning solutions.