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Best Vacuums for Vinyl Plank Floors in 2024

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Updated 11:34 pm

The best vacuum for vinyl plank floors packs gentle cleaning mechanisms to keep your vinyl floor’s luster and shine intact. But like the best vacuum cleaner, it can also rid your house of pet dander, dust mites, and debris.

These advanced vacuums feature brushes with soft bristles, non-marking rubber wheels, adjustable motor and suction strength, robust filtration technologies, and even intelligent programing to map and clean a room via internet connectivity.

Too much information? There’s no need to worry. We’ve covered everything about the best vacuum for vinyl floors, from how vacuums for vinyl plank floors work to key considerations. Keep reading our buying guide to learn more.

Top Vacuums for Vinyl Plank Floors

 #1   Bissell 81L2A PowerEdge Vacuum Cleaner

Award: TOP PICK

WHY WE LIKE IT: It is pretty lightweight and has a powerful suction force for picking up pet dander and debris. It is easy to empty and also easy to put together.

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  • Powerful suction force
  • Compact size allows for easy storage
  • Lightweight and easy to maneuver

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  • Short 20-ft cord

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The Bissel 81L2A is a reliable hardwood vacuum cleaner that promises to effectively deal with dirt and debris at home, especially if you know how to properly vacuum hardwood floors. It comes with a V-shaped foot that is perfect for cleaning edges and corners. The vacuum cleaner also features rubber squeegees that are perfect for collecting pet hair and messes, and with a cleaning path width of up to 11.35 inches, it is pretty efficient at cleaning large spaces. Weighing only 7.5 pounds, the 81L2A is both lightweight and versatile, and it also features a swivel steering for easy maneuverability. Its only drawback is its short 20-ft cord, which is the same issue you’ll find in our Bissell PowerEdge pet hardwood floor bagless cleaner review.

This vacuum cleaner has enough suction power to efficiently pick up pet hair, dirt, dust, food bits, and even sand. It is also very easy to empty, as users will only have to press the release button, pull the plastic dirty cup out and empty the collected debris into a trashcan. It is great for tile floors, and even though it arrives in parts, it is very easy to put together. Users will also appreciate that it is not particularly noisy, and because of its compact size, it doesn’t take up too much space during storage. This compactness is exactly what you’ll find in our Bissell pet hair eraser lithium-ion hand handheld cordless vacuum review, too.

 #2  Tineco iFloor Cordless Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner

Award: HONORABLE MENTION

WHY WE LIKE IT: It is great for users who want to deal with dirt and spills. It has a self-cleaning function, a decent run time, and is not noisy.

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  • Noiseless functioning
  • Handles both wet and dry messes
  • Has a self cleaning function

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  • Tanks may have to be emptied severally when cleaning large spaces.

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The Tineco iFloor cordless vacuum cleaner is perfect for users who would not want their movement limited by a cord. It can tackle a wide variety of hard surfaces, and with a two-tank system that keeps dirty and clean water separate, it can easily take care of both wet and dry messes. Its powerful suction force is ideal for vacuuming both liquid and debris and does not get too noisy. However, some users may have to empty their tanks several times when cleaning a large house.

After vacuuming, the manufacturer advises that users should activate its self-cleaning mode so that it stays ready for subsequent use, and with a runtime of up to 22 minutes, users will easily be able to cover big spaces before its battery runs out. It got a decent 0.55-liter tank for its clean water and a 0.4-liter tank that holds dirty water. For stubborn floor stains, the vacuum can be switched into spot mode to momentarily increase its suction power, and for easy storage, the vacuum cleaner also comes with a docking station that also charges the device. If your home also features a fireplace, make sure you get the best ash vacuum that specializes in picking up messy, delicate ash.

 #3   Shark SV1106 Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner

Award: BEST FOR GENERAL CLEANING

WHY WE LIKE IT: It is ideal for cleaning different surfaces and has a strong suction power. It is very easy to maneuver and has decent battery life.

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  • Very versatile – works on both hardwoods and carpets
  • Not limited by a cord
  • Large dust cup capacity

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  • Long charging time

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The Shark SV1106 is an upright vacuum cleaner that is lightweight and ideal for carpets and hard floors. It has a sizeable 0.6-liter dust cup that makes it suitable for cleaning large spaces and also does not have a cord for even easier maneuvering around the house. The vacuum cleaner also features an advanced swivel steering and has a powerful motorized brush that quickly picks up dust and debris from the floor. However, some may not be impressed with its 4 hour charging time.

When fully charged, the vacuum cleaner can run for up to 15 minutes, and it is also not overly loud when in use. Since it has an upright form factor, storing it does not take up too much space, and since it does not require any assembly, it’ll be ready for use as soon as it gets charged up. The vacuum cleaner is also bagless, and its dust cup is very easy to empty. Thankfully due to the low noise levels, this vacuum shouldn’t frighten your pets, since usually dogs can get very scared of vacuums.

 #4   Eureka NEW200 All In One Corded Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner

Award: BEST FOR EASE OF USE

WHY WE LIKE IT: It is very easy to maneuver and assemble. It has swivel steering to get around furniture quickly and can clean up both dirt and liquid spots.

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  • Efficiently cleans both floors and carpets
  • Swivel steering for easy maneuvering
  • Easy to assemble

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  • Cord might limit how far one can go when cleaning

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The Eureka NEW200 is a powerful wet and dry vacuum cleaner with a pretty strong suction power and a two-tank water storage system. It has also got a swivel steering to maneuver around furniture easily and is also pretty lightweight to be able to move around quickly. The vacuum cleaner also comes with a self-cleaning system that gets it ready for the next cleaning session and a storage tray that keeps it out of the way when not in use. Its 25-foot cord is long enough for easy maneuverability, but it might limit how far one may be able to clean.

The vacuum cleaner comes as a package of seven different parts that are pretty easy to put together, and it also doesn’t get very noisy when switched on. It also has fingertip controls that allow users to switch between cleaning either hard floors or carpets and comes with a storage tray, a drying caddy, a tank cleaning brush, and a brush roll cleaning tool. Weighing only 11.68 pounds, it is also very easy to move around.

 #5   Nequare S181 Stick Vacuum Cleaner

Award: BEST FOR VERSATILE USE

WHY WE LIKE IT: It can be used to clean the floor or converted into a handheld cleaner to clean up surfaces and other household items.

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  • Efficient filtering system
  • Easy to wash filtration components
  • Large capacity dust cup

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  • Not ideal for cleaning wet surfaces or spills

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The Nequare S181 is a very powerful vacuum cleaner that is ideal for users who want to clean up pet hair, dirt, debris, dust, and cat litter from a wide variety of surfaces. The vacuum cleaner is self-standing for easy storage when not in use and has an elaborate dual-HEPA filtration system that expels clean air. Its brush head has LED lights that allow the user to see and vacuum all the dirt in dimly lit areas and corners of the house and also has very easy to wash filtration components. Unfortunately, it cannot clean wet surfaces or spills.

Weighing only 3 pounds, the vacuum cleaner is super light and can be quickly converted into a hand cleaner for cleaning the car, a sofa, or any other household items. This makes it very versatile. It also has a large capacity, 1.2-liter dust bin cup that allows users to do a lot of cleaning before it needs to be emptied. In its packaging, buyers will find a crevice nozzle for cleaning narrow, hard-to-reach areas and accessories such as a dusting brush and a mini cleaning brush to make the whole process easier.

 #6   Kenmore DS4020 Cordless Stick Lightweight Vacuum Cleaner

Award: BEST FOR LONG BATTERY LIFE

WHY WE LIKE IT: It has a battery life indicator, two modes, a large-capacity dust cup, and a run time of 20 to 40 minutes.

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  • Ultra light weight
  • Different speed modes to choose from
  • Has a battery life indicator

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  • Long charging time

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The Kenmore DS4020 is a cordless stick vacuum powered by a 2200mAh Lithium-ion battery that keeps it going for up to 40 minutes on eco mode before it needs to be recharged. When switched to high mode, the run time halves to about 20 minutes, which is still long enough to allow for deep cleaning. The vacuum cleaner is also super lightweight since it weighs less than 5 pounds, and with two different speed settings to choose from, users will be able to control the amount of suction power required to function. However, its 4 hour charging time may be quite long to some.

The vacuum cleaner allows for easy maneuverability thanks to its cordless nature, and its upright form factor makes it very easy to store. It has a HEPA filter that traps up to 99.97% of dirt and expels clean air, and its colorful LED lights give an accurate depiction of the remaining battery life and motor speed level.

Beginner’s Guide to Vacuums for Vinyl Plank Floors

What is a Vacuum for Vinyl Plank Floors?

Finding the best vacuum for luxury vinyl plank floors can be challenging. Vinyl plank floors are among the hardest flooring types and are made of artificial wood and durable plastics. Even so, they can be easily damaged. Heavy vacuums with beater bars and hard brush rolls can remove particles from the vinyl surface but cause scratches as they go.

At a basic level, vacuums for vinyl plank floors are machines that incorporate gentle cleaning mechanisms to keep sensitive vinyl surfaces spotless and scratch-free.

These vacuums are suitable for bare floors rather than thick pile carpet. You could also opt for high-end vacuums that double over as mops for a powerful wet and dry hard floor cleaning solution. You’ll benefit from an adjustable suction power feature for moving seamlessly between carpeted surfaces and a luxury vinyl plank floor. Although, if you have concrete floors, you’re better off with a high-end vacuum for concrete flooring.

Vacuums for Vinyl Plank Floors vs Other Vacuum Cleaners

Standard vacuums are an excellent choice for cleaning carpets, but when it comes to vinyl plank floors, you’ll require a more gentle cleaning solution, like the best vacuum with no beater bar, to prevent the floor from getting damaged. Vinyl flooring is the top choice among homeowners today as it’s highly durable, tough, and easy to maintain for decades. That said, it’s prone to scratching by sharp objects and tiny particulates, like sand.

The best vacuum for shag carpet typically features a brush roll for deep cleaning. This tool should be avoided entirely on vinyl floors, as thick bristles and high speeds will strip the surface of its natural shine. A few rough vacuuming sessions with these devices will create visible scratches and marks. However, some vacuums are equipped with gentle brush rolls that rotate at slow speeds, making them the perfect choice for sensitive flooring.

Regarding the build, it should be ergonomically designed with swivel steering for easy maneuverability. Ideally, you’ll want a lightweight design vacuum with long cords or a versatile machine that easily converts from a super-light cleaner to a portable handheld vacuum. You can also find hi-tech, advanced robotic vacuums that map your room intelligently and can be operated through your smartphone.

How Vacuums for Vinyl Plank Floors Work

The general technology behind the best vacuums for vinyl floors is the same as any other vacuum. With the motor’s suction power, the vacuum creates negative pressure to suck in air — and other small dirt particles caught up in it — before pushing it into a bag or a canister. Keep in mind, though, that vinyl floors don’t require excellent suction power like carpeted surfaces. Ideally, you should start at the lowest power level and work your way up from there if needed.

These vacuums also have an exhaust port that vents the collected air out the other end. However, to prevent fine particles from escaping, most vacuums are equipped with at least one robust filtration system, such as the HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Arresting) filter. These filters trap even the minutest particles, so the air coming out is safe to breathe again. HEPA filters are a must if any family member has asthma or is allergic to dust or pet hairs.

Today, an increasing number of vacuums come with swivel steerings that let you maneuver inaccessible places. Pair that with non-marking rubber wheels, and you can glide your vacuum across vinyl floors without ever worrying about scratches and marks.

For the final touch, the best vacuums for luxury vinyl floors usually feature attached specialty tools, like an innovative wand and a crevice tool to whisk away dirt from hard-to-reach areas, like upholstered furniture and cracks in the baseboards. Due to their narrow opening that creates added pressure, these tools are also excellent at removing stubborn dirt stuck to the adhesive strips where two vinyl planks meet.

Why You Should Buy a Vacuum for Vinyl Plank Floors

Vinyl floors aren’t like other regular floorings, and despite their durability, you can’t just use any ordinary vacuum cleaner on them. So, if you want to preserve the look of your pristine vinyl flooring, you need a vacuum specially designed for the job so that you can clean it without worrying about leaving scratches and dents.

Let’s take a closer look at the reasons why you should buy these and when it’s better to avoid this purchase.

Are Vacuums for Vinyl Plank Floors Worth Buying?

  • You Have Vinyl Plank Floors: This is a no-brainer; you’ll want to opt for a suitable vacuum that has a gentle cleaning mechanism to prevent your flooring from getting damaged. Vacuums for vinyl plank floors boast soft brush rolls, rubber wheels for extra sensitive surfaces, adjustable cleaning modes, and robust filtration systems.
  • You Want to Upgrade From Your Standard Vacuum: If you’re looking for more advanced features than what your standard vacuum offers, like intuitive robotic cleaning, super-efficient accessories, and versatile convertible machines, it’s worth upgrading to a vacuum for vinyl plank floors.

Why a Vacuum for Vinyl Plank Floors May Not Be for You

  • You Don’t Have Vinyl Plank Floors: You can meet your basic cleaning requirements with a standard vacuum if you don’t have vinyl plank floors.
  • You’d Rather Use A Broom and Mop For Vinyl Floors: Not everyone is comfortable using a vacuum cleaner with sensitive flooring like vinyl. If it’s not operated correctly, the vinyl surface could lose its shine and get scratches over time. Instead, you could use a traditional broom for cleaning as it’s a safer option.

How Long Will a Vacuum for Vinyl Plank Floor Last?

These days, since vacuum cleaners are almost entirely technologically driven with robust designs for more efficient cleaning, their lifespan has shot up considerably. You can expect a vacuum for vinyl planks to last you at least a decade. And with proper care and maintenance, it’s possible to extend this duration by a few more years.

To prolong the life of your vacuum, ensure you replace the filter regularly, and if you have a reusable one, wash it thoroughly to maintain strong suction power. Also, dispose of the dirt and debris before your bag gets filled to the brim, as this could make your vacuum difficult to maneuver. You’ll also want to clean the motorized dusting brush from time to time and check the hose for clogs so that your vacuum is always performing at its maximum capacity.

How to Choose a Vacuum for Vinyl Plank Floors

So now that you know vacuums for vinyl floors are better suited for cleaning sensitive surfaces and are gentler compared to ordinary vacuums, you’ll want to consider certain factors before making a purchasing decision.

Best Vacuum for Vinyl Plank Floors Key Factors to Consider

1. Which Vacuum Build Do You Prefer?

The three most suitable vacuum designs for vinyl plank floors are upright, stick, and robotic vacuums.

Upright vacuums are versatile and resemble the traditional standing design found on most standard vacuums. They are ideal for vinyl floors as they cover a wide area when cleaning and can easily incorporate special features, like soft brush rolls, adjustable suction levels, and much more. Plus, they have a compact design that makes it easy to store them. These machines are extremely powerful and generally heavy, so you’ll want to be extra careful with the operation, or you’ll end up with scratches on sensitive vinyl floors.

Stick vacuum cleaners are similar to upright versions but are ultra-compact and lightweight. For this reason, they’re a top pick for vinyl flooring as they lack heavy motors and excessive accessories that can damage the vinyl surface. Plus, you can always convert these cleaning machines into handheld vacuum cleaners at a moment’s notice.

Robotic vacuums come with intelligent programming and are designed to work via your smartphone. These vacuums work automatically based on your scheduled timings and return to the charging dock once the batteries run out of juice. They’re a perfect option to clean vinyl floors as the suction power is just right for cleaning the floor without damaging it. Moreover, their low-profile design allows them to cover hard-to-reach areas, like under furniture and beds.

If the flooring throughout your home is vinyl, consider going with either a stick or robotic vacuum. However, switching between different surfaces like carpets, hardwood, tiles, and vinyl would require a more robust multi-purpose vacuum design, such as the upright vacuum.

2. How Heavy is the Vacuum?

If you’re going to be vacuuming your vinyl floors daily to keep them spick and span, the weight of your vinyl floor cleaner is going to matter. For example, if your house has multiple floors, you’ll need to factor in portability to carry it up and down the stairs. Robotic and stick vacuum cleaners are an excellent choice for portability.

That said, you’ll most likely miss out on advanced tools and features like HEPA filtration and adjusting between suction power levels. And if you have a smaller home or feel that portability is unimportant, you’ll do well with slightly heavier upright models.

3. Is the Vacuum Corded or Cordless?

Both corded and cordless vacuum cleaners have their advantages, and therefore you’ll want to consider your home’s structure and how much furniture you have.

A corded vacuum is a perfect choice for homes that have spaced-out furniture and very few inaccessible areas. However, the cords should be lengthy for convenient cleaning so that you don’t have to keep switching from one plug-in socket to the other.

A cordless vacuum can be easily and quickly charged before vacuuming sessions. Plus, its lightweight design makes it simple to hold and maneuver in between hard-to-access areas.

Note that corded cleaners will generally have more powerful suction than a cordless vacuum, so you’ll want to be extra cautious while vacuuming luxury vinyl plank floors.

4. What’s the Vacuum’s Dust Bin Capacity?

While cleaning vinyl or any other types of floors, you’re going to collect a considerable amount of dust particles, debris, and pet hairs (if you have one). You’ll want to consider the size of the dustbin and how much it can hold before you need to throw out the trash manually.

If you have a large home with a lot of space to cover, you should be on the lookout for an upright vacuum cleaner for vinyl plank floors with a higher dust cup capacity. This will help you save a lot of trips to the bin. Smaller homes, on the other hand, can be efficiently cleaned with stick vacuum cleaners or robotic vacuums as their dustbin capacity is minimal.

5. What’s Your Budget?

These days, you can find vacuums with excellent designs, functions, and superior cleaning technologies for anywhere between $100 and $1500. When weighing your options, you must prioritize quality, advanced features, and, most importantly, the kind of flooring you have.

Since vacuums for vinyl plank floors are sensitive to powerful deep cleaning technologies, they come packed with special features, like rubber wheels, an adjustable suction power setting, robust HEPA filtration, and innovative accessories. These vacuums can generally be found at prices starting from $500.

Best Vacuum for Vinyl Plank Floors FAQs

Can you use a vacuum on vinyl plank flooring?

Yes, you can use a vacuum on vinyl plank floors as long as you lower its suction power and switch off the beater bar tool. Powerful suction and additional external moving parts, like a beater bar, could damage the vinyl.

Can the Bissell Crosswave be used on luxury vinyl plank?

The Bissell Crosswave is a wet and dry vacuum cleaner that can be used on various surfaces, including vinyl, carpet, area rugs, laminate time, and sealed hardwood floors.

Can you use a robot vacuum on vinyl plank flooring?

Yes, robot vacuums are most suitable for vinyl plank flooring as they are lightweight vacuums and don’t have powerful motors that could damage the floor. Plus, they’re an excellent choice for cleaning hard-to-reach areas.

What should you not use on vinyl plank flooring?

Avoid using harsh and speedy vacuum brushes on vinyl since this will damage the upper layer of the flooring. Also, vinyl plank floors are sensitive to high temperatures, so a high-quality electric vacuum is not suitable as it can produce excessive heat that affects the adhesive under the floor.

How long do vacuums for vinyl plank floors last?

Vacuums for vinyl plank floors will last anywhere between 8-10 years. But with proper maintenance like timely disposal of dirtbags and checking the hose for clogs, you can add a few more years to its lifespan.

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