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.
- Great for pet owners
- 30 foot power cord
- Swivel steering
- DuoClean technology
- Self-cleaning brush
- HEPA filtration
- Self-adjusting brush
- Bionic mopping system
- Can climb over barriers
- Lightweight at 13.8 pounds
- Spin scrub
- Wide reach with 20 foot cord
- 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.
1. 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 |
2. 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 |
3. Roborock S5 MAX 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 2,000 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 0.8 inches, and can be controlled through a useful app. It also includes washable filters and a self-adjusting brush head.
What We Like
Self-Adjusting Brush Protects Floors
Your laminate floors are bound to stay safe with this vacuum’s self-adjusting brush head. It’s a convenient cleaning solution if you have different floors in your home. You won’t have to worry about the vacuum damaging any of your surfaces.
Bionic 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.
Ability to Climb Almost One Inch
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 0.8 inches 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
Small Capacity Dust Tank
Some customers complain that this vacuum’s dust and water capacities are too small for large homes. 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 | 2000 Pa |
| Dimensions | 5.51 inches by 4.33 inches by 1.97 inches |
| Weight | 13.07 pounds |
| Special Features | App-controlled mopping system, advanced climbing ability, self-charging, voice-control |
| Accessories | 1 washable filter, water tank filter, water tank, charging dock |
4. 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 |
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 |
| 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 S5 MAX | Best Robot Vacuum | 2000 Pa | 5.51″ x 4.33″ x 1.97″ | 13.07 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 |
What You Need in a Laminate Vacuum
For the most part, the type of vacuum you use on your laminate floors doesn’t matter. The important thing is what your machine is capable of. You don’t want a vacuum so harsh it wrecks your floors, or so gentle it won’t make a difference.
So we’ve got some pointers to keep in mind. The following will ensure that you’re buying an appropriate vacuum that won’t destroy your laminate finish.
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.
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.
Check Its 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
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
Types of Laminate Vacuum Cleaners
So long as your vacuum has a suitable brush and attachments, the type shouldn’t matter too much. That said, different builds suit different needs, so it’s worth considering. We put some thought into this and settled on the types that should be the most effective.
Upright Vacuums
Upright vacuums have their limits, but they are excellent for cleaning laminate floors. They have a wide range, strong suction, and you can easily control their movement. If you’re looking for a floor-specific option, one of these might just be your best bet.
They’re affordable and popular and often considered the original and best. One drawback is that they aren’t as versatile as other types. But this won’t be a problem if you’re not looking to clean furniture, fabrics, or high spots.
Pros
- User controls the vacuum’s path.
- Powerful suction for deep and effective cleaning.
- Wide cleaning range so you can clean more per stroke.
- Better for your posture since you can stand straight.
- Easy storage since they remain upright.
Cons
- Heavier than other kinds, sometimes going up to 15 pounds.
- Not versatile for cleaning upholstery and cars.
- It is limited in attachments.
Stick Vacuums
Stick vacuums will give you the most versatility. They’re designed for ease of use and some are even cordless. Plus, they’re lightweight, convenient, and are usually made for a wide variety of surfaces.
Most stick vacuums can also convert into handhelds. They’re great for cleaning both floors and high spots. They’re the best for stairs and work well on car interiors, upholstery, and other fabrics.
We love that there’s no hassle when it comes to storage as they’re not bulky or heavy. Keep in mind, however, that they’re not as efficient as traditional vacuums. But they will do a fine job on general household dirt.
Pros
- Most versatile; you can clean cars, upholstery, and stairs.
- Lightweight, often as little as five pounds.
- Less space used in storage. Great for small homes.
Cons
- Not as durable as upright or canister vacuums.
- Less power and range; may not be best for heavy-duty cleaning.
- Pricier than other options, often costing up to $800 for cordless models.
Canister Vacuums
These are popular because they’re affordable, efficient, and usually come with useful attachments. They’re also lighter and easier to use than upright vacuums are, but they aren’t as stable.
Canisters are the best option if you’re looking for the full cleaning experience. They are powerful and effective and can be used for all sorts of tasks.
Although they’re more versatile, one problem is that the canister trails behind you. So, if you’re interested in one for laminate floors, you’ll have to double-check its wheels and maneuverability.
Pros
- Can be modified through accessories.
- Affordable price point; good for those on a budget.
- Powerful suction achieves better cleaning results.
- Larger dust capacity than others, so you have less maintenance.
Cons
- Wheels could potentially mark laminate floors.
- Assembly required, which can be frustrating.
- Storage is inconvenient due to the large canister.
Robot Vacuums
Like upright vacuums, these are limited to flat surfaces only. Thankfully, their sophisticated technology makes up for it. Robot vacuums eliminate manual operation, so they save you time and effort.
Depending on the model, you can schedule your robot vacuum to clean unassisted. They’re self-charging and usually feature auto-adjusting brushes. Most are also designed to seamlessly move from carpets to hard floors.
Some robot vacuums work with virtual assistants like Alexa or can be operated through mobile apps. They fit under furniture with ease and usually are quieter than other vacuums.
They’re not perfect, though, and have a few drawbacks. For one, you can’t control what it sucks up, so extra preparation is necessary. Plus they can’t clean stairs and they could miss a few spots while working.
Pros
- No manual effort needed; the vacuum does the work while you relax.
- Can be scheduled to clean while you’re out of the house.
- They easily glide underneath furniture.
- Typically multi-floor machines work on both hard and soft floors.
- Make less noise than traditional vacuums; it may be better for pets and kids.
Cons
- Can’t clean stairs, so you’ll need to buy a separate handheld device.
- They have blind spots like corners and stairs.
- Not versatile; you cannot use them for upholstery and cars.
Don’t forget that there are variations of the models we have listed above. For example, backpack vacuums are based on canisters, while most commercial machines are uprights. Besides their specs, commercial vacuums are not that different from traditional ones.
You could also go for a handheld vacuum if you’re looking for a simpler machine. Regardless of the style you use, though, make sure that it has the necessary specs.
Try Commercial Vacuums
How to Choose a Laminate Vacuum
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:
Other Requirements
As you can see with the types we recommend, 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.
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
How to Clean 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 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.
Smooth Sailing
Vacuuming your laminate floors isn’t as complicated as some make it out to be. Any kind of vacuum will do so long as it’s equipped to glide gently over your floor.
It is, however, a good idea to vacuum your laminate floor regularly for best results.
We’ve shown you our picks of the best vacuums for laminate floors. With these recommendations, you’ll find one that will provide lovely results on your laminate floors.
