Vinyl flooring is a popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms. But, they often need frequent cleaning and correct care to keep them in the best shape.
To do this, you need a vacuum that won’t damage your vinyl plank flooring. While there isn’t a specific vacuum designed for an LVP floor, some models are more suitable.
The best vinyl floor vacuum will have strong suction. Plus, a special brush that traps fine dust and dirt between vinyl boards.
Here, we’ll look at the best vacuum for vinyl floors. We’ll also explore the best features to look out for so you can find the top pick for your floor.
Our Top Picks
The HouseWire earns a commission through the following independently chosen links at no additional cost to you.| Best Vacuum for Vinyl Floors of 2023 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Best Overall Shark NV356E |
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 | Best Stick Dyson V11 Animal |
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 | Best for Cordless Tineco Floor One S3 |
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 | Best Wet Dry Bissell Crosswave |
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 | Best Robot ILIFE V5s Pro |
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Can You Vacuum Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Yes, of course, you can. But, you should only use a vacuum that’s suitable for bare floors.
Although luxury vinyl plank floors are durable, they show wear-and-tear more than other types of flooring. So, it’s important to take special care when cleaning your vinyl plank floors.
There are no vacuum cleaners specifically designed for cleaning luxury vinyl plank floors. However, some models are more suitable than others.
For example, some vacuums have bumpers or rubber wheels to prevent scratches on your floor. Whereas harder plastic wheels may cause damage to your luxury vinyl flooring.
Plus, many vacuum cleaners have brush rolls with stiff bristles that can also cause damage.
So the best vacuum for luxury vinyl will have a brush roll with soft bristles. Or, they may have a brush shutoff or no brush at all.
Keep In Mind
Most regular vacuums will have these features, especially modern vacuum cleaners. So you don’t need to invest in expensive vacuums for vinyl plank floors.
Plus, you can also add hard floor brushes to your regular vacuum. This way, you’ll be able to vacuum your vinyl plank flooring without needing to purchase a special cleaner.
What to Look for in a Vinyl Floor Vacuum
There are a few features to look out for when you’re shopping for vinyl floor vacuum cleaners. Keep these in mind to find the best vacuums for vinyl floors.
Types
Upright Vacuum Cleaner
An upright vacuum cleaner has an all-in-one standing design. These models are ideal for cleaning large rooms and spaces.
Upright vacuum cleaners have an electric beater brush that suctions to remove dirt and debris. Plus, they often come with onboard attachments for versatile cleaning.
The powered brush on an upright vacuum cleaner offers a lot of suction for deep cleaning. But, this can damage your vinyl plank flooring.
So consider an upright vacuum with a height adjustment feature or different floor settings. This feature will provide easy transitioning from carpets to vinyl plank floors with the press of a button.
Or, consider a model with a brushroll shut-off so it doesn’t damage your vinyl flooring. For example, see this Hoover WindTunnel Air.
Wet/Dry Vacuum Combos
Wet/Dry vacuums are designed for cleaning hard surfaces. So you’ll get excellent results using this type of vacuum on your vinyl floors.
A wet cleaning vacuum combo can clean both dry messes and wet spills at the same time. This makes them ideal to clean vinyl plank flooring in bathrooms or kitchens.
The best vacuum for vinyl will have a two tank system to separate water and cleaning solution. This way, it won’t contaminate your floor with dirty water while it cleans.
Stick Vacuum Cleaner
A stick vacuum is lightweight and often runs on battery power. So they offer the convenience of a handheld vacuum cleaner but with the power of an upright model.
So this vacuum type is excellent for quick clean-ups on your vinyl plank flooring. For an example, see this Dyson V11 Torque Drive stick vacuum.
Canister Vacuum Cleaner
Canister vacuums offer similar power to an upright vacuum. But, they have a slender frame, like a stick vacuum.
A canister vacuum has a long wand attached to a canister base. Most canister vacuums are suitable for both hard floors and carpets.
Their slender design also makes them convenient to use for different cleaning tasks. For example, they’re ideal to clean vinyl floors, furniture, and upholstery, too.
Make sure you look for a canister vacuum with rubber wheels that won’t scratch your vinyl plank floors.
Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Finally, a robot vacuum is a smart cleaner that does all the work for you.
A robotic vacuum cleaner can save you a lot of time when you’re cleaning. But, they can also reach into small places that regular vacuums can’t.
For example, they can clean underneath furniture and shelves. They also have many sensors that detect objects around them.
Plus, some robot vacuums have features that allow you to build multi-floor maps. So they’re great for cleaning homes with many levels of floors.
Again, remember to look for a robot vacuum with soft rubber wheels. Otherwise, the plastic wheels can scratch your vinyl floors.
Suction Power
Next, it’s essential to consider the suction power on your vinyl plank floor cleaner. In most cases, stronger suction is better.
However, it’s better to have less suction on some surfaces. For example, too much suction can be a problem on vinyl plank floors.
Because there are no fibers to reach into, powerful suction can cause a tornado effect during cleaning. And this can result in the dust blowing and scattering around your floors instead of the vacuum picking it up.
Look for the CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating to measure the suction power. The CFM is the level of airflow used by your vacuum to pick up the dust and debris.
Air watts are another measure of flow to indicate suction. But, this measure is often only used by Dyson.
Corded or Cordless
It’s also important to consider if a corded or cordless vacuum is better for your cleaning.
A corded vacuum won’t run out of power. So it’s the best option for cleaning large homes. Plus, you won’t have the hassle of a cord trailing behind you with a corded vacuum.
But, a cordless vacuum cleaner may be a more convenient option. Because you won’t need to plug it in, it’ll be easy to carry around while you clean.
However, there is a limit to their run time, depending on the model.
Some models can run for up to 40-minutes. Whereas others may only last for up to 7 minutes of cleaning.
The best cordless vacuums have a high-voltage lithium battery.
Weight
Considering the weight of your vacuum depends on where you need to use it. For example, a lightweight vacuum cleaner is best if you have large spaces to clean with many floor levels.
Lightweight vacuums are easier to transport and maneuver across your vinyl floors while you clean. Plus, carrying a heavy vacuum up and down the stairs can strain your back.
So, a cordless or handheld model will be more suitable than an upright or canister vacuum. For example, see this Eureka Blaze Stick lightweight vacuum.
However, if all of your cleaning needs are on one level, weight might not be as big of a factor.
It’s also important to consider how powerful you need it to be. Lighter vacuums don’t offer the same suction power as a heavier vacuum might.
So if your floors have a lot of dirt and debris to clean, a heavier vacuum may be more suitable. But, remember that stronger suction may be a hindrance on your vinyl plank floors.
Capacity
Then, consider the capacity of the dirt cup on your vacuum for vinyl. The size will tell you how much dirt it can hold during cleaning.
A vacuum with a larger capacity will need less emptying while you clean. But, these are often bulkier than vacuums with a smaller tank.
So, you should consider the size of the space you’ll be cleaning. You won’t need an overly large capacity if you only clean small areas.
However, if you have large spaces to clean, a bigger dirt cup can save you a lot of time. This way, you won’t have to worry about emptying it as often while you clean.
Dust Collection (Bag/Bagless)
Whether you choose a bagless vacuum cleaner or one with a filter bag, your house will still be clean. However, there are some differences to consider.
Bagged
A vacuum with a bag is a good option if you have anyone with allergies or asthma in your household. This is because they result in less dust exposure during disposal.
Plus, most vacuum bags trap 99.97% of all dust and pollen on your vinyl plank floors. So they offer very efficient filtering while you clean.
But keep in mind that you will have to replace the bags regularly. However, these are easy to find at most stores.
Bagless
Bagless vacuum cleaners are perfect if you want a more eco-friendly option. Plus, they eliminate the worry of needing to replace vacuum bags.
Most bagless vacuums have a clear canister that allows you to see how full the vacuum is. So you’ll be able to see when it needs emptying while you clean.
Filters
You should also consider the type of filter on your vacuum. The best vacuum filters to look for are HEPA filters.
A HEPA filter traps 99.97% of all dirt and air particles, so they’re ideal if you suffer from allergies or asthma.
However, make sure that it’s a true HEPA filter and not a HEPA-like filter. A true HEPA filter has a certification number that you can look for.
This type of filter helps to reduce health effects from dust or mist particles in the air. This includes pollen, allergens, molds, and dander.
Lastly, make sure you look for a washable filter that you can reuse. A washable filter will save you from buying a replacement filter often.
Attachments
Finally, consider the different attachments available with your model. All vacuum models offer various attachments for specific cleaning tasks.
For example, a crevice tool can help to clean tight spots such as between furniture or around appliances. Gentle cleaning tools such as a dusting brush is ideal for cleaning soft surfaces such as lamps or curtains.
A wand extension tool can also provide extra reach for above-floor cleaning.
Other specialized accessories to consider are a motorized pet hair brush or floor brush for delicate floors. These provide a more gentle clean for cleaning vinyl plank floors.
So, consider your cleaning needs to find the best vacuum cleaners for vinyl plank floor. And make sure it has the right tools for delicate surfaces so you won’t scratch your vinyl floor planks.
How We Tested
We tested these vacuums in our different homes to see if they were up to our standards. We began by unboxing and assembling all of the parts of each vacuum.
Then, we assessed different parameters for the vacuums. For example, we evaluated their weight and portability, the length of run-time on cordless models, and how well they perform on vinyl.
Our testers assessed the performance of each vacuum to pick up dust, dirt, and hair on vinyl. We also put them through an obstacle challenge to test their movability around corners and in narrow spaces.
Plus, we ran maintenance tests to see how easy they were to empty and clean. We did this by testing the process of emptying, changing the dustbins, and replacing the bags.
The Best Vacuums for Luxury Vinyl Plank Floors of 2023
To find the best vacuum for luxury vinyl plank floors, we compared and tested the best models available.
We looked at technical specs, honest reviews, and expert advice to find the best vacuum for vinyl plank floors.
Here are our top 5.
Read Full Review: Shark Navigator Lift-Away Vacuum Review
For a powerful clean on your vinyl plank floors, this vacuum has you covered. This Shark Navigator upright vacuum is built for multi-surface cleaning.
It provides powerful deep cleaning with a brush roll shut-off function for cleaning hard surfaces. So you can easily switch to hard floor mode to tackle your vinyl floors without causing any damage.
It also has a large cleaning path width that makes it ideal for cleaning large areas in one session.
But what we love most about this vacuum cleaner is the lift-away design. You can lift the pod away to clean hard-to-reach areas or narrow spaces.
All you have to do is press a button, and you’ve got a small and compact vacuum for any cleaning task.
What We Like
Easy To Steer
Unlike many upright vacuums, this model features swivel steering. You can clean around corners without lifting the vacuum to switch directions.
So it’s easy to control and move around your vinyl flooring.
Long Cord
Thanks to the long cord, this vacuum is ideal if you have large areas to clean. The 30-foot cord length gives you a long range for vacuuming.
You won’t have to worry about having to keep replugging the cord into a closer power outlet while you clean.
Excellent Filtration
This vacuum cleaner has anti-allergen seal technology as well as a HEPA filter. It efficiently traps pollen, allergens, dander, and other dust particles with each pass.
So it provides better air quality while you vacuum.
What We Don’t Like
Hard To Use
Because it comes with so many features, many reviewers find this vacuum hard to use. It can be tricky figuring out how to operate this vacuum.
Plus, the cords and controls are in awkward positions. And this can make it tricky to control during vacuuming.
Technical Specs
| Vacuum Type | Upright |
| Weight | 13.7 lbs |
| Bin Volume | 2.2 Quarts |
| Anti-Allergy Filter | Yes |
| Bagless | Yes |
| Accessories Included | pet hair power brush, crevice tool |
Stick vacuums are easy to use and provide a lot of versatility. That’s why this Dyson V11 Animal vacuum is an excellent choice for cleaning your vinyl plank floor.
This Dyson model has all the best stick vacuum features without compromising power. So not only is it compact and portable, but it features a fast spinning motor for extra suction power.
The powerful motor spins at 125,000 rpm. So you can power through tough dirt, pet hair and debris easily.
Plus, the nylon bristles are safe to use on any hard surface. This means you don’t have to worry about the powerful suction damaging your vinyl floor.
What We Like
Slim Design
Because it’s a stick model, this vacuum cleaner has a slim design for easy carrying. The small design also makes it ideal for reaching underneath furniture while you vacuum.
Automatic Mode
You have the option to choose an automatic cleaning mode with this vacuum cleaner. The sensors will detect the surface you’re cleaning and automatically change the cleaning mode.
So you can be sure you’re always using the right setting on your vinyl plank floor.
Cordless
With no cord to worry about, you can enjoy a lot of freedom with this cordless stick vacuum. You won’t have the inconvenience of a power cord trailing behind you.
It also has a long run time of up to 60 minutes. So you can get a lot of cleaning done with this Dyson vacuum.
Handheld Option
Many reviews love that this vacuum cleaner can convert into a handheld model. So it’s perfect for cleaning stairs if you have multiple floors in your home.
The handheld conversion is also ideal for above-floor cleaning and quick clean-ups.
What We Don’t Like
Uncomfortable Handle
Some users find the handle is uncomfortable to hold during cleaning. Many reviewers say that it hurts the top of your hand and thumb, especially during big cleaning sessions.
Technical Specs
| Vacuum Type | Stick/Handheld |
| Weight | 6.68 lbs |
| Bin Volume | 0.2 gallons |
| Anti-Allergy Filter | Yes |
| Bagless | Yes |
| Accessories Included | crevice tool, dust brush, mini motorized tool |
Enjoy the freedom of cordless cleaning with this Tineco Floor One S3 vacuum. With no cord to worry about, you can clean freely without needing a power outlet close by.
So it’s an excellent vacuum for cleaning large floors.
Plus, you can clean both wet and dry messes with this model. It has a self-propelling motor that vacuums and washes your vinyl plank floor at the same time.
This can save you a lot of time and energy while cleaning.
The 220-watt motor also provides excellent suction. You can suction up any loose dirt or debris on your vinyl floor without a hassle.
Plus, it has a HEPA filter to trap dust particles and allergens on your floors. Therefore it’s a great choice if you have someone with allergies in your home.
What We Like
Smart Sensors
This vacuum has sensors that detect wet or dry messes on your vinyl plank floor. The sensors allow it to automatically adjust suction power and water flow for the best results as you clean.
Self Cleaning
It has a helpful one-touch self-cleaning brush-roll for people with busy schedules. It self-cleans the rollers to remove odor and stains.
This cuts out a lot of the maintenance that usually comes with caring for a vacuum. So your vacuum can always be ready and clean when you need it.
LED Display
Many users love the all-in-one LED display on this cleaner. It shows you everything you need to know while you’re cleaning.
It shows the cleaning status, suction level, and how much run time you have left. This can make cleaning a much easier task.
Soft Rollers
This vacuum cleaner comes with two soft rollers. So you can enjoy a gentle clean on your vinyl surface without any scratches or damage.
What We Don’t Like
Slow Charging
Many reviewers complain about the slow charge time. It takes up to two hours of charging for 35 minutes of run-time.
So it might not be the option when you’re in a hurry.
Technical Specs
| Vacuum Type | Upright |
| Weight | 17.64 lbs |
| Bin Volume | N/A |
| Anti-Allergy Filter | Yes |
| Bagless | Yes |
| Accessories Included | 3-in-1 cleaning tool, two brush rollers |
Usually, you need to sweep or vacuum your vinyl flooring and then mop it for a deep clean. But, thanks to this Bissell CrossWave Floor vacuum, you can do both at once.
This vacuum has a microfiber and nylon brush to pick up dirt and mop at the same time. So you get an efficient deep clean with each cleaning pass.
It also has two built-in tank systems for better hygiene while you clean.
It has a separate tank for the cleaning solution. Plus, it has a tank for dirty water.
So you won’t have to worry about recontaminating your floor with dirty water as you clean.
What We Like
Multi-Surface
This vacuum isn’t only great for vinyl plank flooring. But, the multi-surface brush roll works well on any hard surface.
You can use this vacuum to clean tiles, hardwood floors, laminate, or any other hard floors. It’s also great for cleaning floor mats and rugs too.
Streak-Free
According to reviews, this vacuum doesn’t leave any streaks. This is because the vacuum suctions excess water while you clean.
So you’re left with a streak-free squeaky clean finish.
Powerful
The dual-action multi-surface brushes rotate at 3000 rpm to tackle tough dirt and debris. So it provides excellent suction power on your vinyl plank flooring.
What We Don’t Like
Hard To Maneuver
This cleaner can be hard to maneuver because it doesn’t have swivel steering. Many reviewers complain that it’s hard to clean corners and other tight spaces with this model.
Technical Specs
| Vacuum Type | Upright |
| Weight | 11.5 lbs |
| Bin Volume | N/A |
| Anti-Allergy Filter | N/A |
| Bagless | Yes |
| Accessories Included | N/A |
Take all of the hassles out of cleaning your vinyl plank floor with this iLife V5S Robot vacuum and mop. This robot machine will vacuum and mop your vinyl planks, so you don’t have to.
It has a powerful sweeping system that suctions dirt and debris while it travels. Plus, it has a built-in water tank for mopping your vinyl planks.
Thanks to the long-lasting battery, you can enjoy up to 110 minutes of run time with this model. So you can leave it running and trust that it will get the job done without losing power.
Lastly, this robot vacuum has various cleaning modes for specific tasks. This is perfect when you want a delicate or gentle clean on your vinyl plank floor.
This way, you can trust that it won’t damage the vinyl surface while it’s cleaning.
What We Like
Quiet Cleaning
This robot vacuum provides a powerful clean while staying quiet. It has an enhanced motor that keeps the noise level low while it operates.
This is ideal if you have close neighbors or pets in the house.
Great For Pet Hair
Thanks to the unique suction system, pet hair goes straight into the dustbin without getting clogged or tangled. This makes cleaning pet hair on your luxury vinyl plank floor easy and quick.
Automatic Charging
It comes with a charging dock for automatic charging. The robot will automatically return to the docking station and start charging when the battery gets low.
So you won’t have to worry about it running out of battery in the middle of a clean. Instead, it will recharge and continue cleaning.
What We Don’t Like
A common complaint about this vacuum is that the sensors aren’t perfect. It often bumps into furniture or tumbles over stairs while it’s cleaning.
Technical Specs
| Vacuum Type | Robot Vacuum |
| Weight | 4.9 lbs |
| Bin Volume | N/A |
| Anti-Allergy Filter | N/A |
| Bagless | Yes |
| Accessories Included | none |
Vacuum for Vinyl Floors Comparison Chart
| Product | Vacuum Type | Weight | Bin Volume | Anti-Allergy Filter | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shark NV356E | Upright | 13.7 lbs | 2.2 Quarts | Yes | |
| Dyson V11 Animal | Stick/Handheld | 6.68 lbs | 0.2 gallons | Yes | |
| Tineco Floor One S3 | Upright | 17.64 lbs | N/A | Yes | (Testing Now) |
| Bissell Crosswave | Upright | 11.5 lbs | N/A | Yes | (Testing Now) |
| ILIFE V5s Pro | Robot Vacuum | 4.9 lbs | N/A | N/A | (Testing Now) |
Is It Better to Vacuum or Sweep Vinyl Plank Floors?
Whether you should sweep or vacuum your vinyl plank floors depends on the situation.
For example, sweeping is better if you have large debris to clean. This is because some vacuum heads aren’t able to suction large debris.
Plus, a broom can be more effective for cleaning stuck-on dirt on your vinyl plank floors. Whereas vacuums without an efficient brush attachment aren’t very good at picking up stubborn dirt on hard surfaces.
On the other hand, vacuuming your vinyl floor is best when there’s fine dust or small debris. In this case, a broom won’t be very effective at picking up the fine particles.
A broom may also end up spreading the fine dirt or dust around the floor. And this will create more of a mess during cleaning.
Vacuuming is also a better option if you have allergies. Vacuums can have HEPA filters that trap at least 99.97% of the dust, pollen, and bacteria on your floors.
It will also remove allergens and airborne particles larger than 0.03 microns. While on the other hand, a broom won’t be able to do this.
More On This Topic
- Can You Use a Steam Mop on Vinyl Plank Flooring
- How To Clean Discolored Vinyl Flooring
- How to Clean Out a Vacuum Hose?
