Vinyl floors are a classic option that will never go out of style. They’re durable and shiny, but the surface is delicate so it’s important to maintain them with care.
Cleaning your vinyl plank floors has never been easier with the right vacuum. We reviewed the 9 best vacuums that are perfect for leaving these surfaces spotless.
1. Hoover WindTunnel 3 UH72625 Upright Vacuum Cleaner
The Hoover WindTunnel 3 UH72625 does not just work on vinyl plank floors. It also cleans carpets and any other material with satisfactory results, making it a true all-rounder
The Hoover WindTunnel 3 UH72625 Vacuum is the perfect choice for anyone looking to capture dirt and allergens. It has a HEPA filter, which means you can breathe easily when cleaning your house.
This vacuum is perfect for those who want a quick and easy way to clean up large areas without stopping. The bottom emptying system helps you empty the dirt directly into your trash can, eliminating any need to touch anything icky.
With its transparent design, it’s also super simple to see how much of what type of dirt has been vacuumed with just one look at the cup.
The headlight on the cleaner head is a great feature for darker cleaning conditions. The low position of both buttons can be an issue for those with back problems
The Hoover UH72625 is fully equipped with everything you need for the perfect cleaning experience.
Pros
- User-friendly
- Great suction
- Easy to empty
- Long power cord
- Large collection canister
Cons
- Quite heavy, not recommended for 2 story home
- Attachments are a bit flimsy
2. Eureka Mighty Mite 3670G Canister Vacuum Cleaner
The Eureka Mighty Mite 3670G Canister Vacuum is perfect for vinyl plank floors because it can vacuum quickly and easily, but also has the added bonus of being compact enough to be portable.
Its 12 powerful amps can make quick work of any dirt and dust under your feet on hardwood or other bare surfaces, including lightweight carpets like rugs. This machine will be able to suck up all the gunk in its path after just a single pass.
Plus with a 20ft cord, you don’t have to find an outlet every time you need power
The auto-shutoff feature is a lifesaver. If the vacuum cleaner overheats, it will automatically turn off to prevent damage. Other features that are sure to please include a power touch handle and blower port.
The only downside? Remember to change your garbage bag so that vacuuming efficiency stays high.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Long power cord
- Great suction
- Easy to empty dust bag
- Picks up dust and pet hair easily
Cons
- The hose easily kinks
- Noisy
- No HEPA filter
- Hairs can get trapped in the brush wheels
- Vacuum hose feels cheap
3. Eureka PowerSpeed Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner
Keep your house clean and free of pet hair with the Eureka PowerSpeed NEU181 Upright Vacuum. This vacuum is powerful and can be used on various surfaces without any trouble whatsoever, making it a great investment for anyone who has pets or suffers from allergies.
The Eureka PowerSpeed NEU181 Upright Vacuum is the perfect vacuum cleaner for pet owners who like to keep their homes clean and free of hair. It comes with easy-to-use attachments, a large dust cup that’s simple to empty, as well as 25 feet of cord so you can easily reach all corners.
With the pet turbo brush, you can easily remove hair from any surface with this small and versatile tool. It’s perfect for those hard-to-reach spots on your couch or chair that are usually difficult to clean because of their size.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- Foot-operated power switch
- Easy to assemble
- Easy to clean
- detachable handle
Cons
- Power cord is short
- High profile so it’s hard to vacuum underthings
4. Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum
The Shark Navigator NV352 is the perfect vacuum cleaner for vinyl plank floors. It features a suction regulation feature that lets you adjust to your desired level of sucking power so you get optimum results every time.
You’ll never have to worry about pet hair again with this vacuum. It’s great on both hard floors and carpets, as well as reaching into every nook and cranny of your home without having to move any furniture.
The Shark Navigator Upright Vacuum NV352 is the perfect answer for families with allergies. It has both a HEPA filter and an Anti-Allergy seal, which means close to 100% of all allergens such as dust and pollen are trapped inside the unit.
The turbo brush is an excellent option for deep cleaning, but you may want to reduce the suction when vacuuming smaller areas so as not to pull and push rugs out of place.
The Shark Navigator NV352 vacuum is a compact and maneuverable machine that’ll keep your vinyl plank floor looking new for longer.
Pros
- HEPA filter
- Suction is great
- Lightweight and easy maneuverability
- Attachments work great
Cons
- Cord is short
- Brush roller has to be cleaned regularly
- Power button is not located in the best place
- Does not vacuum large pieces of debris well
5. Bissell Featherweight Stick Lightweight Bagless Vacuum
The Bissell Featherweight 20336 Stick Vacuum is a lightweight vacuum cleaner that makes cleaning the house easy. It’s light, compact, and convenient for use on hard floors or vinyl plank flooring.
It has three power settings so you are never stuck. It also works great for people with allergies thanks to the HEPA filter, which traps all of those nasty allergens before they escape back into the air.
One of the best things about this type of vacuum is that it’s super easy to maintain and store. You can take care of maintenance by emptying any dirt in the compartment, cleaning it up, and storing it away properly which won’t be too difficult because there are not many pieces to worry about.
The Bissell Featherweight 20336 Stick Vacuum is perfect for those who need a lightweight vacuum that will not strain their back. And with its lightweight, many parents feel it would be the best choice to get this as something kids can use and learn from.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- Easy to turn into a hand vacuum
- Works on all flooring types
- Easy to empty
- Bagless
- Not as loud compared to other vacuums
Cons
- Short cord length
- No roller brush
- Doesn’t stand up well by itself
6. Miele Compact C1 Pure Suction Vacuum
If you are someone who is looking for a vacuum that will make your life easier and more convenient, then this Miele Compact C1 pure suction vacuum cleaner would be the perfect pick.
This type of product has been specially designed to offer exceptionally high-quality service combined with an impressively long lifespan, making it one of our top-rated products for vinyl plank floors.
The Miele Compact C1 comes with three additional accessories and all of which are conveniently clipped to the hose. This vacuum features an upholstery tool for your furniture, a dusting brush that can clean any hard-to-reach places like in between couch cushions or under beds, as well as a crevice nozzle perfect for getting into tight spots such as car interiors or behind desks.
The Miele Compact C1 Pure Vacuum is the perfect vacuum for any home. It offers a footswitch to switch from flooring surfaces, and it has rubberized wheels that won’t scratch up your floors. Plus with this sleek design, you will have no trouble maneuvering around tight corners or cramped spaces.
Pros
- Easy to handle and lightweight
- Sturdy hose
- Really long wand extension
- Great suction
- Easy bag changes
- Great at collecting pet hair
Cons
- Bag replacements are expensive
7. Shark NV752 Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet Upright Vacuum
The Shark Rotator NV752 TruePet powered vacuum is a premium model that can handle even the toughest jobs, especially when it comes to pet hair. With an electrically powered cleaner head and pet tool, this Vacuum will have all your floors clean in no time.
The NV752 TruPet gives you the best of both worlds, a lightweight upright vacuum to suck up all those pesky little nooks and crannies under furniture as well as an easy-to-carry canister with powerful suction.
Shark is serious about making sure that you have a clean home. This vacuum has an Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology which traps 99.99% of dust inside the vacuum, so it doesn’t get in your face when vacuuming up dirt and stuff from around your house.
With swivel steering and smooth-gliding wheels, it’s easier to maneuver around furniture.
Pros
- Easy to empty dust cup
- Great suction power
- HEPA filter
- LED light on the front
Cons
- Heavy
- Container needs to be emptied frequently
- Pet hair gets stuck in the brush frequently
- Short cord
8. BISSELL Cleanview Swivel Upright Bagless Vacuum
The Bissell CleanView Rewind Pet vacuum is powerful and easy to use, with enough tools that you can clean your home without breaking a sweat. The multi-cyclone technology means it’s effective on any surface type – even if your pet leaves hair all over the floor.
The Bissell Cleanview Rewind is designed to make the pet owner’s life easier. It has a multi-cyclone suction system that never loses its power, and it can even clean all those hard-to-reach areas like curtains or under tables since no cords are getting in your way!
All you have to do is grab hold of one handle above the dirt tank and off you go with this lightweight vacuum cleaner.
Pros
- Amazing suction
- Easy to clean
- Lots of accessories
- Automatic cord rewind
- Lower cost compared to other upright bagless vacuums
- Effective with collecting pet hair
Cons
- Power and feature buttons are too close together
- Maneuverability under furniture is limited
- Struggles at removing large debris
9. Bissell PowerEdge Pet Bagless 81L2A Stick Vacuum
The Bissell PowerEdge 81L2A is the best-corded vacuum cleaner for your hardwood floors. The 20-foot long power cord lets you clean all around, even reaching those pesky edges that are tough to get to.
With a V-shape design and hair pick-up wipers at the base of this vacuum, it’ll have your entire home spotless in no time.
Believe it or not, this stick vacuum has a swivel head that gives it flexibility. Unlike most vacuums, however, its cyclonic technology is what enables it to efficiently pick up dirt and debris without the use of the brush roll.
Another plus of Bissell poweredge81L2A is the ease of assembling and it’s also very easy to empty and clean.
Pros
- Good suction
- Swivel steering
- Lightweight and portable
- V-shape design helps with tight spots
- Easy to empty and clean
- Uses minimal power
Cons
- Not recommended to use on carpets and rugs
- Power cord is short
Final Thoughts
In the long term, vinyl plank floors are only as good as the type of cleaning and maintenance methods used. The 9 best vacuums for vinyl plank floors in this guide offer a variety of options that will ensure your floor stays clean no matter how often you use it.
What Is Vinyl Plank Floors?
Vinyl plank floors are the most versatile option for homeowners when it comes to renovations. This is because of its superior flexibility and minimal maintenance requirements, which makes it a great choice among hard-surface flooring options.
When you have vinyl planks installed in your home, be mindful not to use any damaging chemicals or cleaning agents on them as they can scratch this delicate surface easily.
The floor will always stay clean when you use a device that can collect pet hair and dirt in corners, grooves, and other areas. It’s also important to note that while vinyl plank is waterproof it should not be exposed to hot steam from cleaning too often as this may damage the material.
Benefits of a Vacuum for Vinyl Plank Floors
A vinyl plank floor is a beautiful addition to any living space. As long as it’s treated with care, the floors can resist damage and keep their luxurious beauty for years on end.
Vacuuming is the simplest way to do this, not only does it make your vinyl plank floors look nice but other benefits include:
- Makes cleaning more efficient and effective
- Eliminates dust and reduces allergies
- Longer lasting vinyl plank floors, saving money over time
- Vacuums are also versatile and can be used to clean other areas of your home
Common Types of Vacuum for Vinyl Plank Floors
What are the best vacuum cleaners for vinyl plank floors? Vacuums come in many shapes and sizes, each with its own specialized advantages.
Upright Vacuum
For the most part, upright vacuums are traditional and very familiar to everyone. However, when using vinyl plank floors you need to be careful because they can scratch or even rip them if not operated properly.
Canister Vacuum
Stick vacuums are the best way to clean vinyl plank floors because they’re lightweight and won’t damage your floor. They can also convert into a handheld vacuum, so you’ll never have an awkward place left uncleaned.
One downside is that their dirt capacity isn’t very big though, just make sure you empty them often.
Robotic Vacuum
With the emergence of robot vacuums, you never have to worry about having your carpets or floors dirty. These machines are completely automatic and can be controlled with a smartphone app.
They work even when you’re not at home. They come at different prices depending on what features that particular vacuum has.
Most importantly, these robotic vacuums clean gently so it doesn’t damage any surfaces while cleaning up dirt. This is an excellent choice for those who own vinyl plank flooring because it cleans thoroughly without damaging anything under beds or furniture like other style carpet cleaners do.
FAQ
Can I use a steam mop on vinyl plank floors?
As it is usually very hot, steam may damage your vinyl floor. Although you can use a steam mop to clean your vinyl floor, we do not recommend this as there are better alternatives available that will save your floors’ lives.
What is the best cleaner for vinyl plank flooring?
Apple cider is one of the best sources for cleaning vinyl floors. Vinegar does not damage or leave traces of waxy and soap residue on your floor, which means you can easily clean it out with a vacuum cleaner.
The acidity in vinegar works by loosening dirt from your floor before its easy to get rid of with just some light scrubbing
What kind of maintenance can I expect with a vacuum?
Vacuum cleaners are a brilliant way to keep your home clean and tidy. You must do some basic maintenance on the vacuum now and then, or it will start losing its suction power as time goes by.
To avoid this problem altogether, regularly empty the bin for smaller capacity models so there is enough room in which to maintain proper airflow. You should also consider replacing batteries often (or buy one of those plug-in models) along with filters if they’ve been used up too quickly
Features to Consider When Choosing The Best Vacuum for Vinyl Floors
There is a wide range of vacuum cleaners on the market today, but not all can handle vinyl floors. Which one is your best bet?
If you’re still unsure about how to make that decision, we have some things to keep in mind when looking for the perfect machine for home use.
Vacuum Type
There are varying forms of vacuum cleaners out there, but the most popular one is a canister type. These vacuums have high dirt capacity and do well with larger areas to clean.
The only downside? They’re kind of heavy so it’s not easy to carry around while you work.
Stick types on the other hand maybe more lightweight as they don’t require any bags or filters yet their small dirt capacity means that it might take some time for them to finish cleaning an area.
You should ask yourself if a bulky but heavy-duty vacuum or a lightweight vacuum with small dirt capacity is what would work best for your needs. You’ll be able to weigh between these two depending on which one will suit you better.
Suction Settings
Vacuum cleaners can be a difficult purchase because there are so many factors to consider before you buy one.
The most important part of the vacuum is how well it sucks up dirt, dust, and allergens from your floors; therefore, this area deserves special attention when buying a new machine.
Vinyl flooring needs an especially strong suction with no fluctuations or stopping for the job to get done quickly.
Weight
Not only is a heavy vacuum going to be difficult for you to carry from room to room, but it will also make cleaning your home that much more of an exhausting task.
If you live in a multi-story house and have the need to go up or downstairs with the device, take into account how heavy it might feel lugging around all those extra pounds.
Corded or Cordless
Vacuums with long power cords create more room for movement as you clean. The long power cord in your vacuum cleaner will not only make it easier to clean larger spaces, but also help you avoid the inconvenience of having to use extension cords and electrical outlets.
If you’re tired of the cord on your vacuum cleaner, then it might be time to invest in a battery-powered one. You can even find them with strong enough batteries that will last for at least 30 minutes.
Bagged or Bagless
Bagged vacuums are more efficient, and they can hold a lot of dirt. But if you’re looking for convenience or cost savings then bagless is the way to go.
Filtration System
The quality of the vacuum determines how effective it is against allergens and other fine particles that can harm your health, so make sure you pick one with a great filter system.
Among the different types of filters, HEPA filter systems are best at removing dust and allergens most effectively.