Laminate flooring is a more affordable option than hardwood, but it is more sensitive and delicate. Dirt can quickly gather along floorboards and in nooks and crannies with laminate flooring, so a vacuum that is designed to clean laminate is a must for homeowners and apartment dwellers. Ordinary vacuums, especially those with beater bars, may scratch a laminate surface. Mopping can be problematic as excessive water can warp the flooring. Most vacuum cleaners are designed for cleaning carpets, not bare floors and flat surfaces. So what kind of vacuum is best for laminate floors?
The best laminate vacuums will safely and effectively suction dirt without leaving scratches, marks, or remnants behind; many will have attachments specifically for hard floor use. Ideally, the vacuum will handle not only smooth surfaces but also be versatile enough to be used on other floor types as well. But with so many options out there — cordless, robotic, bagged, bagless — which is the right vacuum for you? Our guide highlights the 5 best laminate floors for 2020, and you’re bound to find one that’s right for your home.
Top 5 Laminate Floors Vacuum Cleaner Chart
Name | Item Weight | Shipping Weight | Dimensions | Manufacturer |
---|---|---|---|---|
Eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S | 5.73 lbs. | 5.86 lbs. | 12.8 x 12.8 x 2.9 in. | eufy |
Shark Rotator NV501 | 15.5 lbs. | 20.8 lbs. | 45.7 x 12.1 x 12.2 in. | SharkNinja |
Bissell 9595A CleanView Bagless Vacuum | 15 lbs. | 19 lbs. | 12.5 x 13.5 x 44 in. | BISSELL HomeCare |
GOOVI cordless stick vacuum | 6.6 lbs. | 11 lbs. | 29 x 11.6 x 7.5 in. | GOOVI |
Eureka Mighty Mite 3670G | 11.6 lbs. | 11.64 lbs. | 9 x 17.5 x 11.6 in. | Midea Floorcare |
5 Best Vacuums for Laminate Floors
Eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S Robot Vacuum Cleaner
- Weight: 5.73lbs.
- Power Source: Lithium battery
- Pros: Quiet operation, self-charging, docking station, excellent battery life, sleek design
- Cons: Random cleaning pattern, sometimes misses rooms, must be cleaned after each use
The Eufy BoostIQ Robovac 11S Robot Vacuum Cleaner is a pricier model, but well worth the time, effort, and cleaning it will save you. At just 2.85” tall, this Eufy model fits easily under most couches, sofas, and beds. Even better, it senses and adjusts to the difference between carpeting, tiling, and laminate flooring with ease.
The Eufy BoostIQ RoboVac features up to 100 minutes per charge on a lithium battery included with purchase. Its automatic cleaning modes offer multiple cleaning modes and pre-set vacuuming times, so your laminate and carpeted floors get clean while you spend your time on more important things. The RoboVac’s triple-filter system includes both a high-performance filter and a dual-layer filter that work together to keep your flooring spotless. Add 1300Pa of suction and a 0.6L dust box to the mix, and you have a robotic vacuum that does it all for you.
This robotic vacuum can easily navigate corners and edges and uses drop-sense technology to prevent it from falling downstairs. When the RoboVac’s battery runs low, the machine takes itself back to its charging station. It automatically charges up, so it’s ready for when you use it next.
The bottom line: The Eufy BoostIQ is an excellent vacuum option for people with laminate floors who want a powerful cleaner that will do all the vacuuming for them.
Read more: Eufy RoboVac 11S vs. iRobot Roomba 690 Comparison
You may also like: ILIFE V3s Pro vs. ILIFE V5s Pro Vacuum Comparison
Shark Rotator Professional Upright Corded Bagless Vacuum for Carpet and Hard Floor
- Weight: 15.5 lbs.
- Power Source: Corded
- Pros: Versatile uses, LED lights, removable canister, washable filter, long cord length, large capacity dirt holder, strong suction, pivoting base
- Cons: Room for only two cleaning accessories at a time, cord attached too low, the model is heavy at the handle, canister sticks
Shark has long been known for its wide range of vacuums, and one of its most popular is the Rotator Professional Upright Lift-Away. This model features a detachable canister that makes it easy to carry the cleaner into various areas. The Lift-Away button seamlessly detaches the canister from the main vacuum body to clean difficult-to-reach places and spaces. This model can be used in an upright position as well and has an extended wand unit for walls and upper corners of ceilings.
Also Read: Shark ION ROBOT R75 vs. R85 vs. S87 Comparison
The Lift-Away is an excellent vacuum choice for laminate floors because of its extra large capacity dust cup that allows you to clean your floors without stopping to empty the canister. Allergy sufferers and pet owners will enjoy this model as well due to the Lift-Away’s seal technology and HEPA filter that easily picks up pet hair, dust, and dander and traps them inside the vacuum. A plus for pet owners is the Premium Pet Power Brush that gives you that extra tool to handle those fluffs of hair that like to stick to laminate flooring.
To make vacuuming more comfortable, the Lift-Away comes with advanced swivel steering and LED lighting. A 25ft. cord allows easy movement between rooms even at lengthier distances. Maneuvering around furniture and into small corners and spaces is a breeze with this model.
The bottom line: If you want an easily adjustable laminate floor vacuum that can get you into corners and small spaces where dirt loves to hide, the Shark Lift-Away is a reasonably priced model that delivers on results.
Bissell 9595A CleanView Bagless Vacuum with OnePass
- Weight: 15lbs.
- Power Source: Corded
- Pros: Multi-cyclonic suction system, lightweight design, large capacity dirt tank, versatile extension wand, reasonable price
- Cons: Stiff hose, short cord, noisy motor, non-ergonomic handle, the canister must be changed frequently
With a powerful, lightweight design and even stronger multi-cyclonic suction, the Bissell CleanView Bagless Vacuum with OnePass is a steal for its price. The ClearView has an easy to raise roller bar for use on laminate floors and is capable of suctioning up every bit of dirt it encounters. The OnePass technology on this model is so powerful that you shouldn’t need to go over an area of flooring or carpeting more than once to vacuum it clean.
This Bissell model prides itself on being lightweight and easy to push around floors. At only 15lbs., the CleanView is easy to move and carry around the house. With the added handheld, motorized TurboBrush tool, it’s easy to clean the corners of your flooring as well as stairs, furniture, and upholstery. The 25-ft. power cord allows extended use throughout your home.
The CleanView vacuum has a large capacity dirt tank that is easy to empty when needed and a canister with a washable pre-motor filter. Added cleaning is available in an extension wand which can capture debris in both high and low places without straining your back.
The bottom line: Want a vacuum with powerful suction that means you won’t have to go over the same areas on your laminate floor to get them clean? Then the Bissell CleanView with multi-cyclonic suction is the best bet.
GOOVI Stick Vacuum Cleaner
- Weight: 6.6lbs.
- Power Source: Lithium-ion battery
- Pros: Detachable, large capacity battery, LED power brush, charging base, dual suction modes, easy assembly, one power button, wireless design
- Cons: Top heavy handle, not enough battery life for a large home, challenging to change rollers
With a 200-watt suction in maximum mode, the GOOVI Stick Vacuum Cleaner features a strong cleaner with an LED power brush for multi-surfaces, including laminate floors. The brush head can be changed for different types of floors and carpeting, and the LED light illuminates the floor, making it easy Two suction levels offer different modes for laminate and hardwood flooring as well as carpet, curtains, furniture, and wall cleaning.
The GOOVI’s large capacity battery offers 60 minutes of runtime in the regular use mode and is detachable as well. The motor has a lifespan of over 800 hours, and this model comes equipped with a charging base. The cordless design means you can clean anywhere in your home without tripping over a cord or getting a cord caught on corners and furniture. This vacuum is only 6.6lbs., making it easy to move from room to room.
The Stick Vacuum Cleaner also has multiple additional cleaning tools, such as the 2-in-1 dusting brush and an extended stick with a length of up to 31.5 inches. These other amenities mean you can be sure to reach the tiniest corners and crannies to get all the dust and hair up off your floors. A dustbin that is easy to empty completes the cleaning process with this GOOVI model.
The bottom line: For budget-conscious consumers who want a cordless vacuum with tons of suction for their laminate floors, the GOOVI Stick Vacuum Cleaner is the ideal choice for a super clean at a super price.
Eureka Mighty Mite 3670G Corded Canister Vacuum Cleaner
- Weight: 11.9lbs.
- Power Source: Corded
- Pros: Solid body, lightweight, HEPA filter, lengthy cord, sturdy hose, pet attachment, excellent suction
- Cons: Hose can kink, no rotating brush head, only comes with two canister bags, suction control slider is inconveniently placed on the handle, loud motor
If you’re looking for a mobile vacuum cleaner for laminate floors that can get the job done quickly and at a bargain price, then look no further than the Eureka Mighty Mite Corded Vacuum Cleaner. Compact and with a lightweight canister, this vacuum cleaner is a great option for consumers who want to save a few dollars while keeping their bare floors clean.
The Mighty Mite can be used on carpets and furniture, but its primary purpose is to clean laminate, hardwood, and tile floors. Easy to pull along floors and pick up and carry, the Mighty Mite uses its 12 amp motor to suck up pet hair and dust easily and efficiently. The vacuum comes with two Eureka canister bags and a HEPA filter to keep dirt and dust from returning to the air in your home. The bags are easy to dispose of, and the pet attachment is simple to use and clean.
With an extension wand that covers a lot of area both on the floor and in-ceiling corners and a 20-foot cord, you can cover a lot of ground at a quick pace with the Mighty Mite. The Power Touch handle has fingertip controls that allow you to choose from two suction levels depending on the amount of cleaning you need to do.
The bottom line: For smaller cleaning spaces with laminate floors, like apartments or condos, the Eureka Mighty Mite Corded Canister Vacuum Cleaner is an effortless way to keep your floors clean of dirt, debris, and pet hair.
What to Look for in a Vacuum for Laminate Floors
When you are choosing a vacuum to keep your laminate floors clean and dust-free, there are a few areas you want to focus on in terms of criteria before you make a decision. Additionally, laminate floor-specific functions and features should also be taken into account.
Some vacuums designed for bare floors will come with soft rollers specifically designed to polish more sensitive flooring, like laminate and vinyl. Harder brushes and bristles can damage laminate floors, so look for a vacuum that either includes a soft roller, or that sells one separately.
Another important factor to consider is adjustable suction options. For laminate floors, a vacuum that has standard to low suction levels are generally best. That said, stronger suction can often get the job done more quickly.
Here are some specific criteria to look for in vacuums for laminate floors:
Motor Strength and Quality
Good vacuums that clean effectively do so because they have robust and reliable motors. However, for laminate floor vacuums, that motor and subsequent suction need to be well-contained for this type of surface. An engine that is too powerful will simply blow more dirt and dust around your floor, defeating the purpose of vacuuming in the first place.
Corded versus Cordless
To cord or not to cord? For many vacuum consumers, that is a vitally important question. For some users, it is a matter of preference; however, there can also be a difference in energy output.
Corded vacuums tend to have more power because they use a higher electrical input, which can translate to a higher quality cleaning output. There is no battery limit to a corded vacuum, and because corded vacuums are typically larger in size, they are often capable of capturing far more dust and dirt. These vacuums tend to be cheaper, but often have limited cord length and a bulkier unit.
Cordless vacuums are usually lighter weight than corded cleaners, and they pack a nice amount of battery-powered suction. You are not limited in scope with a cordless vacuum, and because they weigh less, they are easy to carry and move around. Typically more expensive than corded vacuums, cordless models generally clean quickly and allow for increased reach. Unfortunately, they are also pricier and are limited by battery power capacity. Look for cordless vacuums for laminate floors that have newer lithium-ion batteries as this style of power typically outlasts ordinary vacuum batteries.
Bagged or Bagless?
Bagged vacuums cost extra because bags need to be replaced regularly, especially if you vacuum often or have a dusty or pet-hair covered floor. But bagged vacuum cleaners are generally more hygienic as they trap dirt, dust, hair, and allergens within the bag. The bags do, unfortunately, experience decreased performance as they fill. However, they are easy to remove and throw away without the user having to be exposed to allergens and dirt.
Bagless vacuums tend to save more money in the long run as you don’t have to buy more bags when you run out. However, bagless vacuums tend to have at least one filter, sometimes a HEPA filter, that will need regular cleaning and, eventually, replacement. Filters typically last around six months and can run upwards of $40 per filter. Also, emptying bagless vacuums can be a messy prospect, and if you don’t do it correctly, the dust and hair you’ve just cleaned up off your floor will end up in the air.
Upright or Canister?
Upright vacuums often are smaller in size and more comfortable to maneuver, which makes them an ideal choice for people with smaller homes or apartments, or those who have smaller laminate floor spaces to clean. They are also lightweight, making them easy to push around the cleaning area.
Canister vacuums are larger than upright vacuum cleaners but offer far more suction power at a more substantial capacity. However, because canister cleaners are bigger, they are also clunkier and harder to move around objects and furniture. Also, you may feel like you have to drag this vacuum from room to room, making the time spent vacuuming less efficient.
Puppy Power
If you own a dog or any other pet that sheds, then you know that your laminate floors are an attractive surface for pet hair and dander. As much as you love your pet, no one enjoys seeing unsightly dust bunnies full of dog or cat hair floating across the floor. If you own a pet with a double-coat, then shedding season can be an especially frustrating time of the year for you; if you have allergies to your pets, then the longer the fur floats around, the worse your allergies will get.
When you choose a vacuum for your laminate floors, you’ll want one that has enough suction to thoroughly pick up all those pet hairs and dander without clogging. Look for a vacuum cleaner with a separate pet vacuuming attachment or a canister vacuum with a HEPA or strong filter system. Rollers designed for hard floors should have spaces between the bristles, so the brush doesn’t get mucked up with too much pet hair at once.
Recommended reading: 6 Most Powerful Best Shark Pet Hair Vacuums
Weight and Capacity
If you have lots of square footage covered with laminate flooring, then you probably want a vacuum that won’t be hard to move as you clean. Heavier vacuums will be bulkier and difficult to maneuver around objects, furniture, and up and downstairs. Vacuums under 15lbs. are the easiest to carry or pull from room to room. If you have a multi-level home, then a lighter vacuum would make transportation easier and cleaning time faster.
The capacity of a vacuum cleaner is defined by how much dirt it can hold at one time. Vacuums with larger capacities won’t require frequent emptying of bins or canisters. If you have a small room or area of your house with laminate flooring, you might not want a large capacity vacuum whereas if you own a large home that is mostly laminate or bare floors, large capacity is exactly what you should buy.
Versatility and Effectiveness
Of course, the whole point of purchasing a laminate floor vacuum is to find one that will best reach particles of dirt, hair, and dust, and clean them from the floor. Aside from vacuums with special rollers for bare floors, another possibility is the detachable, portable vacuum. A portable component gives the user a wider berth in which to reach small nooks and crannies where dirt loves to hide. Increased mobility gives a larger element of efficiency and effectiveness to this cleaning tool, making the process much easier for you.
Noise production
Vacuum cleaners can be noisy, but how loud they depend on how much power they exert during use. Vacuums that operate at lower than 80 decibels is an ideal choice for most users. However, if you have sensitive ears, you will want to look for a vacuum cleaner that produces the least amount of noise possible. Most of our vacuums in this review qualify as relatively moderate to quiet on noise level despite their powerful motors.
Price Point
Ultimately, cost and price are determining factors in what vacuum you purchase to clean your laminate floors. Although many pricier vacuum models are often of better quality, a higher priced cleaner does not always mean that vacuum is a better performer than its lower-priced competition. Alternatively, a bargain or budget-priced vacuum may not have all the bells and whistles that a more expensive model has, but that doesn’t mean it cleans worse than those pricer vacuums. In some cases, relatively reasonably priced vacuums for laminate floors are available at manageable prices.
Keep Those Laminate Floors Clean and Dust-Free
While purchasing a vacuum for laminate floors relies on a variety of criteria we covered above, all of the vacuums we rated above cover most ends of the consumer spectrum. These models are excellent choices to prolong the lifespan of your laminate floors while keeping those floors clean and clear of debris, allergens, and dust. Find the criteria that are most important to you and your living space, and you will find the vacuum that you need for your laminate floors.