What is The Best Vacuum for Vinyl Plank Floors?
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Vinyl plank floors are growing more popular by the day. And while maintenance is pretty simple, you need a special kind of vacuum to clean vinyl of pet hair, grime, dust, dirt, and other particles.
Searching for the right vacuum tends to be a bit overwhelming. In the article below, you can find a few best models and a guide on how to pick one, so let’s begin!
In a hurry? Here’s our quick breakdown of the top products:
- Best Vacuum for Vinyl Plank: Oreck Commercial XL2100RHS
- Best Lightweight Option: Bissell Deluxe Canister Vacuum
- Best Upright Option: Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional NV356E
- Cyclonic Filtration for Allergy Sufferers: Bissell Hard Floor Expert
- Best Option for Pet Owners: Shark Navigator Deluxe NV42
| Product Name | Power | Weight | Cord Length/Run Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oreck Commercial XL2100RHS | 120 V | 12.6 lbs | 35 ft |
| Bissell Deluxe Canister Vacuum | 7 amps | 9.1 lbs | 16 ft |
| Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional NV356E | 120 V | 13.7 lbs | 25 ft |
| Bissell Hard Floor Expert | 1154 W | 7.5 lbs | 20 ft |
| Shark Navigator Deluxe NV42 | 10 amps | 15 lbs | 25 ft |
| MOOSOO Vacuum for Hard Floor D600 | 17 Kpa suction power | 2.8 lbs | 23 ft |
| Hoover T-Series WindTunnel UH70120 | Unknown | 16.5 | 25 ft |
| Ecovacs DEEBOT N79S Robot | Unknown | 7.05 lbs | up to 110 min |
| Shark Sonic Duo Carpet and Hard Floor Cleaner (ZZ550) | Unknown | 9 lbs | 22 ft |
| Shark Flex DuoClean HV391 | 5 amps | 9.8 lbs | 30 ft |
| BLACK+DECKER Dustbuster CHV1410L | 16 V | 2.6 lbs | 30 min |
| iRobot Roomba 690 | 100-240 V battery range | 7.8 lbs | 90 min |
Vacuums for Vinyl Plank Flooring
Oreck Commercial XL2100RHS
(Best Vacuum for Vinyl Plank)
This Oreck Commercial is ideal for the vinyl plank and low-pile carpets. It’s an upright vacuum cleaner with a cleaning path measuring some 12 inches. Plus, because it’s an upright, it’s quite simple to store away.
It’s lightweight at 9 pounds, so it’s easy to push and pull around on different floor surfaces. Its Helping Hand handle received Ease-of-Use Commendation from the Arthritis Foundation. Furthermore, the on/off switch is located at the handle and within hands reach.
The vacuum cleaner features automatic floor adjustment, enabling you to move from vinyl to carpets and vice versa. Its large dust bag is disposable, but it’s probably going to last you quite some time.
Also, this one comes with 35′ power cable and side brushes so that you can clean near edges, corners, and walls. The low-profile design makes it easy to clean under furniture and in tight areas.
Pros
- MicroSweep Technology
- High-Speed Roller brush
- Long power cord
Cons
- No additional accessories
Full details on the Oreck Commercial XL model can be found here.
Bissell Deluxe Canister Vacuum
(Best Lightweight Option)
Bissell Deluxe is one of the best bagless canister vacuums for vinyl plank floors. It’s compact, easy to maneuver, and powerful, so you can use it on many different types of floors as well.
With its dirt cup capacity of 1.0 liter, the vacuum cleaner is compact and easy to store away. It has rubber wheels with felt treads, so it’s quite gentle for hardwood, vinyl, and low-pile carpeting.
As we said, it’s powerful and has plenty of suction for pet hair, dust, allergens, and dirt. It weighs 9 pounds, which is pretty lightweight for a canister.
Another thing worth mentioning is the ease of use. The vacuum has fingertip controls allowing you to set up its suction power as well as height. This makes it easy to clean upholstery and drapes.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Telescopic extension wand included
- Suction power adjustment
Cons
- Its filters require frequent cleaning
Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional NV356E
(Best Upright Option)
This is one of the most popular vacuums from the Shark Navigator series. It’s an upright, featuring a see-through dust cup that’s easy to empty. The cup has a capacity of 2.2 quarts, and it lifts together with the canister for easier above-floor cleaning.
Its Anti-Allergen Complete Seal technology makes this one ideal for allergy-prone people. On top of that, it has a HEPA filter, which helps trap up to 99.9% of dust, dirt, and allergens.
The NV356E is among the best vacuums to use on bare floors, such as hardwood, tile, and vinyl plank. It’s suitable for carpeting as well, thanks to the powerful spinning brush. You can turn the brush off when needed.
This one is lightweight, weighing 13.7 pounds, and somewhat less when used as a Lift-Away canister. It’s corded, featuring 25′ power cable.
Pros
- Swivel steering
- HEPA filtration
- Easy-to-empty dust cup
Cons
- It tips over easily
Bissell Hard Floor Expert
(Cyclonic Filtration for Allergy Sufferers)
This Bissell is ideal for hard floors and people who often deal with small messes. It’s compact and practical, which makes it ideal for spot-cleaning.
It weighs only 7.5 pounds, but its slim body makes it easy to maneuver and store away. Plus, the V-shape technology helps with cleaning near edges and around different obstacles such as furniture legs.
Another thing that helps with edge-to-edge cleaning is the position of its brushes. All the brushes are located so that they can pick up dirt that’s near corners and edges.
The vacuum cleaner is bagless, featuring a see-through dust bin that’s easy to empty. The cyclonic filtration makes it suitable for allergy-prone people and everyone sensitive to dust and pollen.
Though it provides a comfortable cleaning experience, its 20′ power cord might be too short for many people.
Pros
- V-shape technology
- Edge-to-Edge cleaning
- Swivel steering, lightweight
Cons
- No additional accessories
Shark Navigator Deluxe NV42
(Best Option for Pet Owners)
Navigator Deluxe NV42 might look like the Shark NV356E we reviewed above, but there is some clear difference. Mainly, this one is a bit more suitable for pet owners as it’s more powerful and comes with Premium Pet Hair cleaning tools.
It’s lightweight, weighing 14.8 pounds in total, and doesn’t feature the brand’s unique Lift-Away function. However, it does come with Anti-Allergen Seal and HEPA filtration so that all the dust and pet hair is safely trapped inside the vacuum cleaner.
This one is bagless and upright, featuring a transparent dust cup of 2.6 quarts. Plus, thanks to its suction, the NV42 is unlikely to clog or lose suction at any point.
It comes with a 25′ power cable.
Pros
- Premium Pet tools included
- Powerful suction
- Quiet operation
Cons
- Long hairs might tangle around the brush
MOOSOO Vacuum for Hard Floor D600
Moosoo D600 is a great choice if you’re looking for something easy-to-use and versatile. This is a stick vacuum cleaner, so it’s quite compact, portable, and convenient. Plus, it converts into a handheld, allowing you to clean above-floor surfaces and stairs.
With its 17Kpa suction, the D600 is ideal for vinyl, tile, hardwood, and marble. It picks up everything from pet hair and dust to cat litter and food crumbles. Plus, its flexible joint allows easy maneuverability around and under furniture and other obstacles.
This one comes with a high-density HEPA filter and a sealed design, keeping all the dust and allergens trapped inside. Both the filter and cylinder are washable and reusable.
The vacuum cleaner offers an adjustable length from 18 to 30 inches, and it comes with a 23′ power cable. It weighs only 2.8 pounds and comes with a dusting brush and crevice tool.
Pros
- 4-stage filtration
- Lightweight
- Foot pedal for height settings
Cons
- Small dust bin
Hoover T-Series WindTunnel UH70120
This is one of the most powerful and sturdy cleaners. It’s big and bulky, so don’t expect it to reach under your furniture without using the hose and additional accessories.
The WindTunnel technology is something Hoover is well-known for. It helps create powerful suction, removing surface debris as well as the most embedded dirt. As such, the UH70120 is suitable for vinyl and tile as well as high-pile carpets and area rugs.
Its 5 height adjustment settings add even more to the overall versatility. This allows you to adapt the cleaning head to the particular surface you’re cleaning, which is great if you have combined floors.
It features a HEPA media filter that traps up to 99.7% of dust and allergens. On top of that, it comes with a crevice tool, extension wand, upholstery/dusting tool, and a powered hand tool.
Pros
- No-scuff bumper protecting the walls
- Retractable cord
- 8′ stretch hose included
Cons
- It’s a bit tricky to empty
Ecovacs DEEBOT N79S Robot
You might want to check this robot if you don’t have as much time for floor maintenance. It’s easy to use as it cleans your vinyl plank with minimal assistance on your part.
The vacuum comes with two side brushes and a single main brush for sweeping, lifting, and vacuuming different surfaces. Such a combination of tools makes it ideal for vinyl as well as hardwood, tile, and laminate. It’s also quite useful on low-pile carpets and area rugs.
It features three cleaning modes – the Auto mode, Spot mode, and Edge mode. Plus, the voice and app control make this one quite simple to use even when you’re not at home.
It features direct control, status updates, scheduling, and accessories status. Another thing worth noting is the Max power mode that helps with spot cleaning.
Pros
- Auto-return
- High-efficiency air filter
- Up to 110 minutes of run time
Cons
- No mapping, random cleaning
Shark Sonic Duo Carpet and Hard Floor Cleaner (ZZ550)
Shark Sonic Duo is a hard floor and carpet vacuum cleaner that delivers up to 1000 scrubs per minute. It’s rather big and bulky, but that doesn’t affect its maneuverability. The vacuum cleaner is lightweight, being only 9 pounds. It has swivel steering, so it’s quite easy to move across different surfaces.
It has two scrub modes for you to use on carpets and hard floors. Plus, the 7 to 1 concentrated, non-toxic cleaning solution products are quite gentle and safe for pets and family.
It comes with a cleaning solution for carpet, as well as some for hard floor, polishing, and spot-cleaning. Its microfiber pads are washable and reusable, so there’s no added expense. Plus, these are specially made for carpet and hard floor cleaning.
The vacuum features AirGlide maneuverability and headlights, making it easy to clean different surfaces. It comes with a 22′ power cable.
Pros
- Pads for different surfaces included
- 1000 scrubs per minute
- Lightweight and easy to use
Cons
- Short power cable
Shark Flex DuoClean HV391
Flex DuoClean HV391 is a combination of an upright and stick, delivering ease of use and powerful suction. The MultiFLEX technology allows flexible reach under and around furniture and other obstacles. It also helps with storage.
Its DuoClean technology features a bristle brush and a soft brush roll making it easy to clean both high-pile carpets and area rugs. The combination also delivers a polished look on hard floors such as vinyl.
This is one of the best upright vacuum for pet hair and dander. It traps allergens and tiny hairs from your floors and upholstery.
Another thing worth noting is that this one converts into a handheld. This allows you to clean above-floor surfaces, stairs, and car interiors with ease. However, keep in mind that it’s corded.
Pros
- Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology
- Smooth maneuverability
- Multi-Flex technology
Cons
- Cannot stand on its own
BLACK+DECKER Dustbuster CHV1410L
If you already have a full-size vacuum for vinyl floors but need something for spot-cleaning, you should check the Black Decker Dustbuster. It’s a small and compact handheld vacuum that’s cordless and bagless for ultimate convenience.
It comes with a lithium-ion battery, holding its charge for up to 18 months when not used. It takes four hours to recharge, offering some 10 minutes of continuous suction.
Its dust cup capacity is 20.6 ounces, which is an average size for a handheld vacuum cleaner. On top of that, it’s quite easy to empty without having to touch any of the dirty contents.
The vacuum features cyclonic action, keeping the filters clean and power strong. Plus, it comes with a rotating slim nozzle that’s suitable for pet owners.
Specifications
- Suction Power: 15.2 AW
- Weight: 2.6 lbs
- Dirt Cup Capacity: 20.6 oz
Pros
- 6 pounds
- Washable filtration
- Hygienic emptying
Cons
- It takes four hours to recharge
iRobot Roomba 690
iRobot Roomba 690 is among the best choices for the vinyl plank and other hand floors. Its patented Dirt Detect sensors allow Roomba to work harder on high-traffic areas with concentrated dirt.
The 3-stage cleaning system and Dual-Multi Surface brushes clean everything on its way. It picks up everything, including small and large particles.
iRobot Roomba 690 has intelligent sensors and Dual Mode Virtual Wall Barrier for smart navigating. This helps the robot go under and around your furniture and other obstacles, cleaning all the nooks and crannies.
It runs for 90 minutes before docking and recharging on its own. Plus, you can schedule it using the iRobot HOME App that’s compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
Pros
- Auto-Adjust cleaning head
- Wi-Fi connectivity, Google Assistant and Alexa
- Edge sweeping brushes
Cons
- Might get lost trying to go back to the docking station
How to Pick the Best Vacuum for Your Vinyl Plank Flooring?
As you can see, there are quite a few great cleaners for vinyl plank floors. While having as many quality vacuum cleaners to choose from is excellent, it can also be a bit overwhelming. Luckily, we’re here to help with some useful information.
Take a moment to learn about the most critical buying factors to consider when buying a vacuum for vinyl plank floors.
Suction
Suction is among the most critical things to consider when buying any vacuum cleaner. When it comes to vinyl plank floors, you need a vacuum with steady and reliable suction.
Choose the one that can suck up all the dirt you usually deal with. Most of these vacuums are great for dust, dirt, and sand but also pet hair, dander, kibble, kitty litter, and other larger particles.
Adjustable suction is also a great choice, especially if you have combined floor surfaces.
Suction is one of the most critical factors to consider when buying a vacuum cleaner. It’s equally as important when looking for the best vacuum for vinyl plank floors.
Although you need powerful suction, you should also ensure that it’s consistent and steady, especially if you go for a cordless stick vacuum cleaner.
Look for a vacuum that can pick up all the dirt and debris you usually deal with. Make sure that its accessories are safe to use and gentle on the surface.
Adjustable suction settings are useful if you have combined flooring, carpets, and other hard floors.
Cord / Cordless
Choosing between corded and cordless vacuums is entirely up to you and what you find convenient. Cordless, battery-operated vacuums have unlimited reach. However, they have a limited run time, which depends on the tools you use and suction power.
Corded vacuums have unlimited run time, but are limited in their reach. Most come with 20′ to 35′ cords, so make sure to consider which would work the best for you.
Bagged / Bagless
You can use either a bagged or bagless vacuum for vinyl plank floors. It’s a matter of what you find more convenient and practical.
Bagged vacuum cleaners are more suitable for allergy-prone people, but there’s the additional cost of dust bags. On the other hand, bagless vacuums have see-through canisters and more cost-efficient. However, this isn’t the best solution for people who are sensitive to dust and other particles.
Filtration
HEPA filtration is by far the most popular option, especially among allergy-prone people and pet owners. You might also come across 3 or 4-stage filtration, and washable foam filters.
Either one would work for vinyl plank floors, so make sure to consider based on your needs and preferences.
Warranty
Warranty is something you should think about beforehand. Make sure to consider all the products and the warranties they come with. In most cases, manufacturers cover defects caused by faulty materials and manufacturing. Damage caused by misuse, neglect, and wear and tear usually isn’t included.
Accessories
You don’t need plenty of accessories for vinyl floors. All you need is a brush roll along with a smaller tool for nooks and crannies. Most vacuums come with powered brushes that you can shut off when required. Smaller tools like a crevice tool, dusting brush, and extension tool are also included with some cleaners.
Run Time
As we said, battery-operated vacuums have a limited run time. Make sure to consider the size of the area you want to clean in order to choose the adequate run time, which would be enough for you.
Most cordless vacuums have anywhere from 10 to 110 minutes of run time, depending on the battery, suction power, and tools.
Noise
Every vacuum has to make noise, so it’s something we all expect. However, some are quieter than others, which is especially convenient for people with small children and pet owners. Look for a quiet vacuum if you live in an apartment building so that you don’t disturb your neighbors.
Nobody likes the noise of a vacuum cleaner, especially if you have to vacuum frequently and for an extended period. The issue is even bigger if you live in an apartment building with your neighbors so near.
However, vacuums always make a noise but at different levels. Make sure to check how loud your vacuum is. You can often find more info on this topic by reading customer reviews because people often mention this as one of the most critical factors.
Remember that strong suction and some accessories like a crevice tool can make a vacuum louder at times.
Every vacuum has to make noise, so it’s something we all expect. However, some are quieter than others, which is especially convenient for people with small children and pet owners. Look for a quiet vacuum if you live in an apartment building so that you don’t disturb your neighbors.
Weight & Design
Vinyl plank vacuum cleaners are generally lightweight, but that usually depends on the type of vacuum you go for. Uprights are always much heavier than sticks, but even some canister vacuums can be quite heavy.
When it comes to design, make sure to look for a vacuum that’s ergonomically designed. Those are usually more comfortable to use across different surfaces, vinyl included.
Removable Beater Bar and No-Scuff Bumper
A beater bar is probably one of the most popular vacuum cleaner accessories. And although it’s a great tool for carpets, it’s not the best for vinyl plank floors.
A beater bar can extract embedded dirt from your carpets, but can also damage your vinyl flooring. For this reason, make sure that your vacuum for vinyl has a removable beater bar so that it’s safe to use.
On the other hand, you might want to look for a no-scuff bumper. It’s an excellent accessory that can help to protect your furniture and walls.
Wheels
Your best bet is to go for rubber wheels, especially if you have carpets as well as vinyl. Rubberized wheels help with managing some of the vacuum’s weight while also helping with maneuverability.
If you’re looking for a vacuum with wheels, make sure that they’re gentle enough not to damage the floor. This is especially important if you have hardwood.
Filtration
Filtration is a vital factor to consider when buying a vacuum for vinyl floors. It’s a major concern if you or someone in your family is prone to allergies.
Best vacuums for vinyl often feature HEPA filtration since it’s one of the best choices for allergy-prone people.
It’s also a good choice if you have a pet since it helps to trap even the tiniest pet hair and dander from vinyl and other floors.
Other filtration options include foam, steel, and paper filters. They’re not as efficient as HEPA but can do a fairly good job for people with no pets.
Power
As we mentioned, you should go for a powerful vacuum with reliable suction. Consider other types of floors as well if you have anything else besides the vinyl plank.
Also, power settings help with versatility, allowing you to go from vinyl plank to carpets and vice versa.
Corded or Cordless
Choosing between corded and cordless vacuums is usually entirely up to you. Think about your needs and preferences so that you can make the best decision.
Corded vacuums have unlimited runtime, but their reach is often limited by the length of the cord. Some have extension hoses and poles for some additional reach.
Cordless vacuums have unlimited reach since they’re not limited by a cord. However, they’re battery-operated which means their runtime is limited.
Either way, it’s up to you to choose one of the two since both are equally as suitable for vinyl plank flooring.
Vinyl Plank Floor Maintenance Guide
Some people struggle to understand what vinyl plank is because it looks so much like hardwood. While this is great in terms of design, it can also make it a bit tricky maintenance-wise.
Take a look below for some info on what precisely this flooring as well as its pros and cons.
What Is Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Vinyl plank looks a lot like hardwood, although it’s available in many styles. It comes in strips, mimicking oak, hickory, and other types of wood.
Because it looks so much like hardwood, you can easily match it with the rest of your home without paying as much as you would for an actual wooden floor.
It’s a more budget-friendly choice that’s also easier to install and much simpler to clean because it’s not as sensitive.
Read more: Best Hardwood Floor Cleaners Reviewed
Vinyl Plank Pros
One of the most significant benefits of this flooring is that it looks like hardwood, but it feels better. It’s somewhat softer, so standing on it for an extended period won’t feel as rough on your feet.
Vinyl plank is also water-resistant, which is something you don’t get with hardwood. Vinyl isn’t as gentle and is easier to maintain and keep clean.
Vinyl Plank Cons
Vinyl is easy to clean, but also very easy to scratch and damage. Moving heavy furniture across this type of flooring would leave some serious scratches and marks you cannot fix.
Also, you have to be very careful when installing vinyl, although the process is somewhat simple. The thing is that even the smallest bit of dust under vinyl can turn out to be a bump in your floor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:
Can I vacuum luxury vinyl plank floors?
A: You can, but only if you have the right vacuum for the job. Make sure that the vacuum of your choice is gentle enough not to damage the surface.
Q:
How to clean vinyl plank floors?
A: You should vacuum or sweep before you use a wet mop to clean the floor. Keep in mind that regular maintenance and cleaning are critical in keeping the luxurious looks of vinyl floors.
Q:
Can vinyl plank floors be polished?
A: You should polish your vinyl floors once in a while to restore their original shine. The first thing you should do is remove any loose debris and dust that could make polishing difficult. Use your best vacuum for vinyl floors to do that.
Also, make sure to choose the right type of polish. There are a few kinds, so you might want to ask your vinyl floor manufacturer for advice. If not, try a few on a remote part of your floor.
Avoid wax polishes because these can mess up your vinyl flooring, leaving a residue that turns into sticky buildup after a while.
Conclusion
We hope that you found the right vacuum for vinyl plank floors among the few we reviewed. We tried to keep the list versatile so that you can find a vacuum cleaner for other surfaces as well as vinyl.
Cleaning a vinyl floor isn’t as complicated as it’s the case with hardwood. However, you get the good looks and some more comfort than you would with wooden floors.
You should consider your needs and preferences when choosing a vinyl floor cleaner. Cleaning vinyl floors is rather simple with the right kind of vacuum cleaner, so take some time to choose among the best ones we included.
Sources and Resources
- The cost of convenience: robot vacuums require more energy than you think
-https://environment-review.yale.edu/cost-convenience-robot-vacuums-require-more-energy-you-think
- Vinyl Flooring Follow-Up Study
-https://www.ecocenter.org/healthy-stuff/reports/vinyl-flooring-follow-study
