Laminate floors can be tricky to clean, particularly if you don’t have the right tools. Most conventional vacuum cleaners spread dust around instead of picking it up. And sometimes, they even scratch your floors.
But don’t worry. If you use a vacuum made specifically for laminate floors, you can clean efficiently without scratching your flooring.
To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of the 6 best vacuums for laminate floors to help you keep your flooring looking like new.
Our Top Picks
The HouseWire earns a commission through the following independently chosen links at no additional cost to you.| Best Vacuums for Laminate Floors of 2023 | ||||
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 | Best Overall Shark Vacmop Cordless Hard Floor System |
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 | Best Budget Bissell Featherweight Vacuum |
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 | Best Robot Xiaomi Mi Robot |
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 | Best for Pet Hair Tineco A10 Hero Cordless |
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 | Best Canister Eureka WhirlWind Canister Vacuum |
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 | Best for Allergies Shark Vertex DuoClean Lift-Away Vacuum |
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Do Laminate Floors Need a Special Vacuum?
No, not necessarily. Any vacuum cleaner will work.
But while laminate floors are durable, they can scratch easily. Even small grit or dust particles can cause severe scratches.
Eventually, water can enter into these cracks and destroy the flooring. Even high-quality, commercial-grade laminate floors (AC5 rating) can scratch.
Especially if you have lower-grade flooring, it’s important to prevent damage. And some features will help to preserve your laminate floors:
- Rubber wheels or bumpers are softer on the floor. This can prevent scratches and dings made by hard plastic wheels.
- Delicate soft brushes help protect your laminate floor as you clean. Conventional beater brushes, on the other hand, can be rough and scratch your laminate floors. Or check if you can switch it off.
- Height adjustment or different floor settings allow you to vacuum different surfaces, from laminate floors to rug areas.
And the good news is that a lot of vacuum cleaners already have these features available. So you don’t need to invest in a specific laminate vacuum cleaner.
Plus, you can buy separate hard floor attachments and add them to your current vacuum cleaner.
Some vacuum cleaners will come with extra features for laminate floors. And you may end up paying more than the price of a regular vacuum cleaner.
Check if these features are really necessary — so you don’t pay for extra you won’t use.
What to Look for in a Laminate Floor Vacuum
Here are the most important things to consider when choosing a vacuum for laminate floors.
Types of Laminate Floor Vacuums
Upright Vacuum
An upright vacuum has an all-in-one design where the body is attached to the handle.
Because upright vacuums are one-piece, they tend to be heavier. However, this weight usually comes with more power.
For laminate floors, make sure the rotating brush has soft bristles instead of nylon bristles. Or check if you can switch it off.
Stick Vacuum
Stick vacuums are similar to upright vacuums in that they have tall bodies, handles, and a powerhead.
Because they’re so lightweight, stick vacuums are a great choice for quickly cleaning up messes. Or if your house is relatively small.
But they’re less suitable for carpeted areas.
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Canister Vacuum
A canister vacuum has two parts: a wheeled body and a vacuum wand with a powerhead. These two parts are connected to each other by a flexible plastic hose.
Canister vacuums generally feel lighter to use because you only move the wand and head as you clean, rather than the body.
Opt for a model with rubber wheels instead of hard plastic or metal.
Robot Vacuum
Robot vacuums are a high-tech option if you don’t want to spend time cleaning. Again, check if the wheels are rubber.
And even if they’re automatic devices, you may want to keep an eye on them. Debris can get stuck in the wheels and scratch your laminate floors.
Brushes
For example, some vacuums come with a parquet brush. This soft brush has long hairs that won’t scratch your flooring.
Other vacuum cleaners come with soft roller heads made specifically for hard floors.
Or, if the vacuum cleaner doesn’t have such a brush, check if the rotating brush can be turned off. While rotating brushes are great for carpets, they can be a problem for laminate flooring.
On hard floors, a revolving or rotating brush can push dirt away from the vacuum before it can be sucked inside. They can also be rough and scratch your laminate floor.
Suction Power
Some models, like this Shark, come with different speed settings so you can choose the appropriate one for different floor types.
If you have dirt stuck to your floor, you don’t necessarily need high suction power to remove it. Instead, you can use a soft or parquet brush.
Weight
Some vacuums for laminate floors are extremely lightweight. This Toppin, only weighs 3 pounds for example.
Wheels
This Tineco, for example, has rubber wheels.
The Best Vacuums for Laminate Floors of 2023
Now that you have a good idea of the features to look for, take a look at our list of the best vacuums for laminate floors.
We’ve spent hours comparing the value and qualities of different models to find you the right vacuum for your situation.
1. Shark Vacmop Cordless Hard Floor System
For those kinds of disasters, you need a vacuum for laminate floors that picks up both dry debris and liquids.
This Shark Vacmop combines regular vacuum suction power with spray mopping to get all the dirt off your floors. It uses disposable pads that you can neatly toss in the bin once you’ve cleaned up your mess.
There is no filter on this laminate floor vacuum because all the dirt gets sucked into the pad. That means you don’t have to worry about cleaning or maintaining a filter.
This is a very compact and lightweight cordless vacuum, weighing under 5 pounds, which means that you can easily carry and store it.
What We Like
Two-in-One Model
Users really enjoy that this one machine can pick up both crumbs and spilled liquid.You don’t have to worry about using a dustpan or a mop bucket, because this one appliance will pick up everything for you. It also saves a lot of time.
Flexibility with Cleaning Solution
This stick vacuum comes with its own mild cleaning solution, and you can buy refills.But customers loved that you can also use your favorite laminate cleaning solution in place of the Shark one. Either way, you won’t have any more sticky laminate floors.
Magnetic Charger
Customers love how easy it is to connect the machine to its magnetic charger. The charger also shuts off five minutes after the appliance is fully charged so that you save electricity.What We Don’t Like
Need to Buy Refill Pads
While the disposable pads make cleaning quick and easy, there is a bit of an extra cost to this vacuum because you’ll need to buy refills.Long Charge Time
Some customers said it took about 3 hours to fully charge the vacuum, so you need to plan ahead if you’re going to be using this vacuum a lot.Doesn’t Hold Charge
One customer complaint is that the battery life is fairly short on this model, around 10 minutes. It’s great for small messes, but if you need to clean more than a couple rooms, you might want a different vacuum.Technical Specs
| Type | Stick vacuum |
| Weight | 3.4 pounds |
| Special Features | Lightweight, Compact, Bagless, Disposable pads,Cordless, LED headlights |
| Power | Lithium-ion rechargeable battery |
| Attachments | N/A |
| Warranty | 1-year limited |
2. Bissell Featherweight Vacuum Cleaner
Using a vacuum that is specifically designed for laminate flooring can make a huge difference in your cleaning routine.
And finding one that is easy to maneuver, doesn’t scratch your laminate floors, and fits within your budget can be challenging.
This versatile appliance works as a stick vacuum, a handheld vacuum, and a stair vacuum, so you get 3 tools in 1.
It also comes with a crevice tool and a floor nozzle, so you can easily clean hard-to-reach areas in addition to carpeting and hard floors.
Plus, it’s available in 4 fun colors.
Flour on Laminate before vacuuming with bissell featherweight 2033
What We Like
Adjustable Size for Different Jobs
Since this is a convertible vacuum, you can use it for many different tasks, whether vacuuming out cupboards or cleaning the kitchen floor.Even children can use this vacuum for laminate floors if it’s adjusted properly. One user’s 2-year-old son practices with this because it’s the perfect height without the long handle.
Picks Up Lots of Items
While this appliance works well with dust and small particles, it also picks up larger items on your floor. One user said it worked perfectly to remove her children’s scattered Cheerios.Quiet Operation
Customers love how much quieter this model is than a regular vacuum cleaner.Great for Hair
Since this stick vacuum does not have a brush and relies purely on suction, it picks up hair easily and doesn’t clog.What We Don’t Like
Short Cord
At only 15 feet, the cord on this model is relatively short. This is not a problem if you have a small space and lots of outlets. But if you need to vacuum many different rooms or larger spaces, you may need to invest in an extension cord or look at another model.No Storage for Attachments
Some customers have complained that there is nowhere on the vacuum itself to store the attachments. You’ll need to find your own storage space for those components.Small Filters
Because the filter on this vacuum is relatively small, it can get clogged easily. You need to make sure to clean the filter regularly to ensure the appliance operates properly.“Getting two tools in one with the helpful handheld conversion makes this vacuum a no-brainer. It does an excellent job for pet owners who want a quick solution for picking up pet hair on hardwood floors. ” — Meg Amy, Product Tester
Technical Specs
| Type | Convertible stick vacuum |
| Weight | 3 pounds |
| Special Features | Lightweight, Compact, Bagless |
| Power | 15-foot cord |
| Attachments | crevice tool, floor nozzle |
| Warranty | 1-year limited |
3. Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum Mop Pro
If you work a lot or are away from home frequently, cleaning can be a difficult task to manage.
Robotic laminate vacuums give you the freedom to set a schedule, get on with the rest of your day. And still come home to a clean house.
This Xiaomi robot vacuum cleans efficiently while being gentle enough for laminate floors. It has dual functionality because it can both sweep and mop.
This model has high-precision sensors that keep it from colliding with furniture or falling down stairs.
It can also map and label rooms for future cleaning.
Additionally, it has an automatic recharge and planning feature in case the machine runs out of battery in the middle of cleaning.
Read Next The 8 Best Vacuum and Mop Combo in 2023
What We Like
Easy Installation
Users find that this vacuum for laminate floors is easy to get up and running. The app is also intuitive, so you don’t need to spend lots of time fussing with your technology.Picks Up Pet Hair
Customers love that this Xiaomi not only picks up dust, but also animal fur.Fast and Quiet
Even if you’re working from home, you don’t need to worry about being disturbed by this appliance. Its operation is fast and quiet, so you’ll barely know it’s on.What We Don’t Like
Room Must Be Tidy
Since this is a robot vacuum, it won’t clean under objects left on the laminate floor. To get the best clean, make sure your room is tidy so that the vacuum can do its job.International Manuals
When ordering this product, make sure you order the version in your language and with your correct electrical plug. Since Xiaomi is an international company, they have a variety of models for different geographic locations.Some customers were frustrated when they accidentally bought a model that didn’t suit their circumstances.
Technical Specs
| Type | Robot vacuum |
| Weight | 4.4 pounds |
| Special Features | Remote and voice control, Water tank for mopping |
| Power | Lithium-ion battery |
| Run time | 60-130 minutes |
| Accessories | Mopping pad, side brush, sweeper, water tank |
| Warranty | Depends on purchasing country |
4. Tineco A10 Hero Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner
Keeping your house fur-free and protecting your laminate flooring can seem like a challenge. But this Tineco gets the job done.
With a normal mode and a “Max” mode, this Tineco will pick up anything you need it to. Its 105W powerful suction works four times as well as a regular cordless vacuum.
If you need to clean furniture, stairs, or your car, this model converts to a hand-held for extra versatility.
This model offers a 4-stage HEPA filtration system to keep your air clean.
Read Also: Best Vacuums for Cat Litter in 2023
What We Like
Convenient Storage Dock
The wall-mounted storage and charging dock keeps you and your tools organized.Easy On/Off Switch
This feature is great for anyone with carpal tunnel or arthritis in their hands. Unlike other models where you need to hold a button during use, this Tineco has an easy on/off trigger switch.Great Customer Service
Users have been very pleased with the rapid and helpful customer service.What We Don’t Like
Short Run Time on “Max”
While the “Max” setting is great for picking up large particles like kitty litter, users have found it wears down the battery quickly.Long Charge Time
Like the Shark Vacmop, customers report that it takes about 3 hours for this appliance to fully charge. Make sure you plan your cleaning times if you need to vacuum your laminate floors a lot.Small Capacity
The small capacity of 0.4L means that you need to empty the canister fairly often. Fortunately, it’s really easy to do.Technical Specs
| Type | Stick vacuum |
| Weight | 2.87 pounds |
| Special Features | Lightweight, Compact, Cordless,HEPA filter |
| Power | Lithium-ion battery |
| Run Time | 25 minutes, 10 minutes in “Max” mode |
| Attachments | LED multi-task power brush, mini power brush, 2-in-1 dusting brush, crevice tool, hair cleaning tool |
| Warranty | 2-year |
5. Eureka WhirlWind Bagless Canister Vacuum Cleaner
Having lots of dust and dirt means you need a powerful vacuum. Stick or handheld vacuums often can’t handle large spaces or heavy loads of debris.
For those, a canister vacuum cleaner like this Eureka WhirlWind will do the job — while protecting your delicate laminate floors.
This powerful corded vacuum for laminate floors has 3 surface settings, so you can clean carpet, upholstery, or hard floors equally well.
With a capacity of 3 liters, you can pick up lots of dirt before you need to empty the machine. The canister of this bagless vacuum opens at the touch of a button, so it’s extremely easy to empty.
The cyclone filtration system keeps dust out of the air without compromising the suction power.
What We Like
Strong Suction
Users are really happy with the powerful suction power on this canister vacuum, particularly since it is a lightweight design.Easy Tool Connection
Customers love how easy it is to connect and disconnect attachments to this model. The tools quickly and securely attach to the appliance, and they release easily too.Telescoping Wand
The sturdy metal extension wand telescopes open and closed, which makes storage easy.What We Don’t Like
Not Great on Carpeting
Customers found that while this model did a great job on hard flooring, it sometimes had trouble with carpeting. If you have very deep carpeting, it might be better to go with a different model.Short Cord
Like the Bissell above, this vacuum cleaner has a relatively short cord. This is fine if you are cleaning small spaces, but it may be problematic for larger ones.Technical Specs
| Type | Canister vacuum |
| Weight | 8.29 pounds |
| Special Features | Lightweight, Bagless, Automatic cord rewind |
| Power | 16-foot cord |
| Attachments | Crevice tool, brush |
| Warranty | 1-year limited |
6. Shark Vertex DuoClean Powered Lift-Away Vacuum
This Shark corded vacuum uses Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology and a HEPA filtration system to keep your air clean.
With a dual-brush-roll system, this model picks up debris and leaves the laminate floors looking polished. The PowerFins keep constant contact with your floor, while the soft brush roll pulls in both fine dust and large particles.
This laminate vacuum is great for pet owners because the soft brush roll is self-cleaning. That means pet hair won’t wrap around the brush roll and jam it.
Read Next: Best HEPA Vacuums
What We Like
Height Adjustment Feature
With its height adjustment feature, this Shark works well on multiple surfaces. That means you can use it on laminate floors, as well as thin and thick carpeting.Great on Pet Hair
Due to its powerful suction power, this laminate floor vacuum cleaner picks up pet hair well. Even customers with multiple shaggy animals are satisfied with this machine’s performance.Well Balanced
Even though this model is fairly heavy, customers are pleased that the weight is well-distributed. That means that even if you have to carry the vacuum, you won’t strain your muscles.What We Don’t Like
Large Size
At just over 16 pounds, this is the heaviest vacuum on our list. Some customers find it a bit awkward and bulky. However, with the weight comes powerful suction.Non-Retractable Cord
The cord on this model doesn’t retract, so you have to be a little bit more careful using and storing the appliance.Technical Specs
| Type | Upright vacuum |
| Weight | 16.38 pounds |
| Special Features | LED lights,HEPA filter |
| Power | 30-foot cord |
| Attachments | Dusting brush, pet crevice tool, self-cleaning pet power brush |
| Warranty | 5-year limited |
Laminate Vacuums Comparison Chart
| Product | Type | Weight | Power | Attachments | Our Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shark Vacmop Hard Floor Vacuum | Stick | 3.4 pounds | Lithium-ion rechargeable battery | N/A | (Testing Now) |
| Bissell Featherweight Vacuum Cleaner | Stick | 3 pounds | 15-foot cord | Crevice tool, floor nozzle | |
| Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum | Robot | 4.4 pounds | Lithium-ion battery | N/A | (Testing Now) |
| Tineco A10 Hero Cordless Vacuum | Stick | 2.87 pounds | Lithium-ion battery | LED multi-task power brush, mini power brush, 2-in-1 dusting brush, crevice tool, hair cleaning tool | (Testing Now) |
| Eureka WhirlWind Canister Vacuum | Canister | 8.29 pounds | 16-foot cord | Crevice tool, brush | (Testing Now) |
| Shark Vertex DuoClean Lift-Away Vacuum | Upright | 16.38 pounds | 30-foot cord | Dusting brush, pet crevice tool, self-cleaning pet power brush | (Testing Now) |
Tips to Keep Laminate Floors Clean
The best way to keep your laminate floors looking new is by keeping them clean. Keep them free of debris, dirt, and pet hair to prevent accidental scratches.
- Dry mop, sweep or dust every day
- Vacuum once a week
- Damp-mop twice a month, especially in high traffic areas.
- Clean up liquids immediately to prevent water damage.
- Use products specifically designed for laminate floors. You can try products such as Bona Hard-Surface Floor Cleaner or Orange Glo Hardwood & Laminate Everyday Cleaner.
Related Topics
Is It Better to Sweep or Vacuum Laminate Floors?
If you have lots of large debris on your laminate floor, sweeping is a better option. Many vacuums can pick up dust and small particles, but they won’t work well for large objects.
Also, when you have dirt that’s stuck to the floor, a broom can be more effective than a vacuum cleaner at removing it. Some laminate vacuums do have brush attachments with good bristles that will remove stuck-on dirt.
If you have lots of small particles and dust, a vacuum will work better than a broom. Brooms will push this type of debris, while vacuums will suck it up.
Vacuuming is also better if you have allergies. Models with HEPA filters keep 99.97% of particles that are at least 0.3 microns out of the air (1).
On the other hand, brooms can agitate dust and other particles as you try to sweep them up.
Finally, if you’re really worried about scratching your laminate floor, a broom is a good alternative.
