The 10 Best Vacuum Cleaners for Laminate Floors

Eureka NES210 Blaze 3-in-1 Swivel Ultra Light Vacuum

Shark Navigator (NV352) Floor Cleaner

Bissell PowerEdge Pet Hardwood Bagless Floor Cleaner, 81L2A

Eureka NEN110A Whirlwind Bagless Canister Vacuum Cleaner

Miele C2 Hard Floor

Kenmore Elite 21814

ECOVACS DEEBOT N79 Robotic Vacuum Cleaner with Strong Suction

MOOSOO Vacuum Cleaner D601

GeeMo Vacuum Cleaner H594

Bissell Zing Canister Vacuum

Buyer’s Guide

At this point, you probably understand why as many people struggle to pick the best vacuum for laminate. The best way to choose is to consider the buying factors that make the best vacuum for laminate. 

Cleaning laminate floors isn’t as complicated if you have the best vacuum. Read the guide below to understand what makes the best laminate vacuum and how these factors can help you choose the best one. 

Suction

Fade-free suction power is among the most important things to consider when choosing between vacuums for laminate floors. It’s one of those things that can make or break a certain vacuum, which is why it’s critical. 

Make sure that the laminate floor vacuum of your choice has powerful but also adjustable suction settings. Its suction should be strong enough to pick up the dirt you’re usually dealing with. Most laminate floor vacuum cleaners can clean dust, dirt, sand, pet hair, dander, and other similar particles. 

Adjustable suction is always good to have to make sure that your vacuum doesn’t damage the surface. 

Weight & Design

Weight is directly linked to mobility, affecting how easily you could maneuver with the vacuum. Most laminate floor vacuum cleaners are relatively lightweight, although the exact weight varies from vacuum to vacuum. 

Heavy vacuum cleaners would be tricky to work with. Also, they could even damage the delicate surface of your flooring. 

The design also varies, so you can choose between canister, upright, and stick vacuum cleaners. It’s something you should consider carefully because the overall design has a lot to do with durability and ease of use. 

Accessories

Vacuums for laminate floors usually come with standard accessories such as a crevice tool and a dusting brush. Depending on the type of vacuum, you may receive a pet multi-tool, an upholstery tool, and a telescoping handle. 

While these are handy and useful for cleaning different areas, you should make sure that your vacuum has a parquet brush. It can make all the difference in how you clean laminate floors. They’re made specifically for hard floors and cannot damage the surface. 

Also, keep in mind that accessories that have a locking system are a bit easier to use than those that connect via suction. The latter may disconnect during use. 

Mobility & Wheels

Mobility is a significant factor to consider regardless of how big your floor areas are. Luckily, nearly every vac for laminate floors is relatively lightweight and easy to carry around. 

One of the best ways to ensure easier mobility is to get a vacuum cleaner with wheels. Wheels help you to push and pull the vacuum across the laminate and other floorings. 

However, pay attention to the wheels and whether they could damage your laminate floors. Also, make sure that they can work on other floorings that you have. 

Cord/Cordless

As you noticed, some vacuum cleaners have a power cord, while others are battery-operated, featuring a lithium-ion battery. The two types are quite different, so make sure to think about your needs and preferences. 

A cordless stick vacuum has an unlimited reach, allowing easy cleaning of all the nooks and crannies as well as above-floor surfaces. However, its run time is limited, which may be a problem if you plan on using a cordless stick vacuum daily. 

On the other hand, corded vacuum cleaners have unlimited run time but are limited when it comes to cleaning hard-to-reach areas. For this reason, think about the power cord and how long it should be. 

Bag/Bagless

Many people think that bagless vacuums are more convenient than bagged ones. However, it’s all a matter of personal preference since the dust bag or lack of it doesn’t affect suction power. 

Bagged vacuums are more suitable for allergy-prone people because you don’t have to come into contact with any of the dirt inside. However, these aren’t the most eco-friendly, and you’d have to continue buying the bags. 

A bagless vacuum for laminate floors has a dust bin. It doesn’t require bags, but it may be messy to empty, depending on the type of vacuum. Don’t let this discourage you, though, because many models feature hygienic emptying. 

Filtration

Filtration usually differs from vacuum to vacuum. Some models have two-, three-, or four-stage filtration systems that ensure all the dust and debris are kept inside. These filters are typically washable and reusable, but again, it all depends on the particular vacuum. 

If you’re looking for something even more reliable, you should consider a HEPA filter. It’s been a leading name in the industry, especially recommended for allergic people. It’s also a good choice if you’re a pet owner. 

One thing to keep in mind is maintenance. Make sure to check how to maintain and wash the filters if they’re reusable and when to replace them if they’re disposable. How often you’ll need to clean and replace the filter depends on the type you go for.

Pets

Pet owners often choose laminate and hardwood floors because they’re easy to clean. However, this is only the case when you have the best vacuum for laminate that can deal with this type of messes. 

Most pets are messy, leaving pet hair, dander, and other debris all over your floors and upholstery. For this reason, look for a vacuum cleaner that has powerful suction and a reliable filtration system. 

As we said, HEPA is among the best choices for pet hair, although other options exist as well. Think about whether the vacuum cleaner of your choice comes with some pet tools since those can help too. 

Warranty

Warranty is one of those things that vary from brand to brand. Some companies offer long-lasting warranties while others don’t, so make sure to check that. 

When looking into warranties, you should check what exactly they cover. In other words, you may be attracted to a 5-year warranty, but have you read the fine print? Sometimes, companies include only damage caused by faulty materials and manufacturing. 

Companies don’t cover damage caused by misuse, neglect, normal wear, and tear and weather elements. Also, if your vacuum is meant for domestic use, using it for commercial purposes will void the warranty. 

Price Point

Price is another factor that you should consider before starting your search for the best vacuum for laminate floors. We suggest you think about your budget and how much money you’d be willing to spend. 

Nearly every vac for laminate floors is relatively budget-friendly. Still, this depends on the vacuum type as well as the brand. In other words, not every upright vacuum will be more expensive than a canister. 

Versatility

Versatility is determined by how well your vacuum can adapt to other flooring types as well. Make sure to think about this if you need a carpet cleaner that also works on hardwood floors.

Look for a vacuum cleaner that has adjustable suction as well as height adjustment settings. A cleaner head with height adjustment settings adapts to all surfaces, making it suitable for cleaning different types of floors. 

Ease of Use

A vacuum cleaner for laminate floors should be lightweight and maneuverable to be considered easy to use. If it comes with many features, they should all be simple and not too tricky to figure out. 

On top of that, you want a vacuum that has swivel steering because it’s usually easy to use. It’s one of those things that help with maneuverability, which is especially critical if you have large floor surfaces. 

Overall, a vacuum for laminate floors should be efficient and easy to use. It should also be easy to maintain since you’ll need to clean it from time to time. 

Noise

Noise is something you’ll have to deal with regardless of the vacuum cleaner you choose. Still, some are louder than others, so you might want to consider this if noise is as important to you. 

Look for a vacuum for laminate floors that won’t disturb your household and neighbors if you live in an apartment building. 

Bare Floor Brush Adjustment

Nearly every vacuum for laminate floors comes with a bare floor brush tool. While this is one of the most critical tools to have, you should look for an adjustable one. 

Unless it’s adjustable, the brush may damage your laminate floor, depending on the dirt and debris you’re cleaning. Plus, it’s better to have the option to adjust it when vacuuming hardwood floors as well. 

Laminate Floor Maintenance Guide

Laminate floors are one of the easiest hard floors to maintain. Although maintenance isn’t as complicated, it’s essential to ensure good looks and longer lifespan. 

You need the best vacuum for laminate floors to pick up all the grime, dust, and dirt. However, there are other aspects of maintenance that are equally as important. 

Take a few minutes to read the guide below as we explain how to maintain your laminate floors. 

What is laminate made of?

Many people think that laminate floors are made of plastic, but that’s not true. This floor is made of four layers that are: wear, design, core, and the back layer. All the layers have a purpose and are blended with heat and pressure. 

The wear layer is the top one. It’s made of aluminum oxide, and it’s usually resistant to stains, surface burns, and fading. The design layer comes next, and it’s the one you see through the wear layer. It has a high-resolution photograph of the floor surface, making it look like hardwood or stone. 

The next is the core layer that’s a durable and high-density board. It protects from moisture and indentations. Finally, there’s the back layer that’s meant to balance the floor and protect against moisture. 

Every laminate floor has four layers, although the design layer differs since some laminate floors look like hardwood while others look like stone. 

How to properly clean laminate flooring?

You should avoid using wet mops and steam mop cleaners because these can damage the floor. Also, use a damp cloth to blot spills immediately after they happen. Allowing liquids to stand on your laminate may cause irreparable damage, so if you’re gonna use a steam mop, use it with caution. 

You can use acetone or nail polish to get rid of things like oil spills, paint, lipstick, and markers. Wipe the area with a clean cloth to clean residue once you clean the stain. 

Use the best vacuum cleaner for hard floors for simple and quick cleaning. It should have a hard floor attachment so that you can pick up all the dirt and debris that could damage the surface. 

You should avoid mopping and washing the floor with water, soap, and any other liquid cleaning solution. Instead, use specifically made cleaning solution products as instructed on the label. 

Also, make sure to avoid abrasive cleaners and steel wool. Using buffing and polishing machines will also damage the surface beyond repair. 

How to protect laminate flooring?

The first thing you should consider is using entry mats. These mats collect grit, sand, oil, and dirt that you’d otherwise bring onto your floor. You might also want area rugs to prevent slippage. 

Use floor protectors on your furniture to prevent it from scratching and damaging the laminate floor. Make sure that the protector is wide enough according to how heavy the object is. 

Another thing you should be careful with is the indoor relative humidity level. Keep it between 35% and 65% throughout the year so that the wood doesn’t expand or contract as much. 

Avoid exposure to water, cleaning all liquid messes right away. As we said, avoid mopping as often and using steam mop cleaners altogether. A steam mop and a dedicated carpet cleaner can both damage your floor unless stated otherwise.

Finally, don’t slide any heavy objects across your laminate floors. Make sure that your pet’s nails are trimmed as well so that they don’t leave any marks. 

Flooring Types

Has it ever happened to you that you think it’s hardwood when it’s actually a laminate floor? This is because the industry offers plenty of these realistic-looking floors that look like tile, hardwood, and others. 

Although the base of each is quite similar, they do differ when it comes to installation and maintenance. In other words, a specific laminate floor may be better for your kitchen than others. 

Wood Grain

Wood grain is probably the best for drawers, kitchen cabinets, and shelves. Still, it looks equally as great on floors. 

There are different types you can choose from keeping color, texture, and style in mind. Planked floors are those that have boards laid side by side. Natural floors have a more natural look, as the name implies. These can be straight or cathedral. 

Butcher block is the type that has strips of wood joined together in a ribbon-like pattern. Lastly, there’s the Herringbone laminate floor with rectangular pieces arranged in a spiral shape. 

Stone-Like Laminate

Stone laminate can be installed in a few different ways. It’s relatively affordable and simple when it comes to installation. 

The best thing about this laminate floor is that it looks exactly like stone, which is why it’s as popular. It’s also important to mention that it comes in a wide range of textures and colors. The floor looks quite natural thanks to the dimensional depth and ridges. 

Plastic-Like Laminate

Although plastic is versatile and affordable, it’s often not the first choice. These floors are made of fiberboards and have a forced photo design. The fiberboard gives it resilience and stability, which is why it’s among the easiest to maintain. 

Plastic laminate can look like wood, stone, and tile. Before the installation, you should place high-density foam underneath to act as a cushion. The foam usually comes with the floors, but this depends on where you bought it. 

Installation is relatively simple, but we suggest you have a professional do it for you if you don’t have any experience with it.

Tile Laminate

This laminate floor comes in square shapes of different sizes. The maximum capacity is usually 16 inches in width and 4 feet in length. It also features different textures. 

When appropriately installed, these look exactly like tile. However, they’re not as resistant, especially when it comes to liquid messes. This is still laminate, so you should keep all moisture away from the floor. 

The installation process is simple, but you may want to have an experienced friend help you. If not, have a professional do this for you. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:

What is the best Shark for laminate floors?

A: Shark vacuums are among the best vacuum cleaners in the industry. Shark Navigator NV352 may be the best for hard floors by the brand thanks to its HEPA filter, swivel steering, and powerful suction. The vacuum comes with a 25′ power cord and the Lift-Away option that allows you to clean above-floor surfaces as well. 

Q:

What is the best vacuum for the laminate floor and carpet?

A: If you have combined floors, you should consider carpet vacuums that can also clean laminate. Eureka NEN110A Whirlwind is an easy-to-use and lightweight vacuum cleaner that can clean different surfaces with ease. 

It features washable filters and a 16′ long power cord with automatic rewinding. Its integrated flow control allows you to adjust the suction power depending on the floor you’re cleaning.