There was a time, not long ago, when vacuum cleaners were only good for cleaning one thing: carpet. It’s true, Many homemakers remember lugging those big, clunky contraptions around their houses.
Then there was a bit of a revolution. Upright vacuum cleaners started to dominate the market. Manufacturers started to see the value of machines that could clean carpet, hardwood and even vinyl flooring.
Today, people use their vacuums to clean just about every type of flooring they have in their homes, and that includes vinyl.
But not all vacuums are equal when it comes to vinyl. That’s where we come in. Vacuum cleaners are right up our alley. We spent a lot of time comparing all of the vacuums out there today to find the best cleaner for vinyl plank flooring.
12 Best Vacuum Cleaners For Vinyl Plank Floors:
When we were done diligently scouring the market for the best, we ended up with twelve vacuums that met our exacting standards. And here they are.
- Bissell Cleanview Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner
- Eufy BoostIQ 115 Robot Vacuum Cleaner
- Bissell Zing Canister Bagless Vacuum
- Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum
- Shark NV501 Rotator Professional Lift-Away Upright Vacuum
- Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute Lightweight Cordless Stick Vacuum
- Oreck Commercial Orbiter Hard Floor Cleaner
- Eureka PowerSpeed Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner
- iRobot Roomba 692 Robot Vacuum
- PUPPYOO Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
- Black+Decker Ultra Light Weight
1. Bissell Cleanview Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner
Features
- 15.4 pounds
- Cleans all types of flooring
- Easy to empty
- Powerful motor
- Lightweight
- Multiple filters
The combination of powerful suction, multi-level filtration, light weight and cyclonic action make this one the best vacuum for vinyl floors.
But perhaps what makes it the best is the one-pass capability. You won’t have to go over the same area several times to get it clean like you would with less powerful vacuums. The brush does a great job of loosening up stubborn clumps of dirt, and the strong motor sucks it right up.
When your floor is clean, you just push a button to release the bottom of the canister, It’s that easy to empty all that dirt out into your trash can.
Pros:
- Versatile
- Great suction
- Nice stiff brush
- Washable filter
- Easy-to-empty canister
- Very good price
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Hose can get clogged with long pet hair
- You have to remove seven screws to get at the brush to clean it
What Customers Are Saying
People are impressed that Bissell found a way to put the power of a heavy vacuum into such a light package.
They also like how easy it is to empty the dust bin when it gets full.
One thing that often comes up when people talk about this model is the washable filter. Everyone likes that you can keep the main filter clean to keep the vacuum’s performance in top shape.
Summary
This is the best for vinyl floors, and it has all the attachments you need to get your house clean. But it may not be the best for you if you have pets with long hair. Hair can slow you up, because you have to keep cleaning the clogs out of the brush and hose.
2. Eufy BoostIQ 115 Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Features
- Up to 100 minutes run time per charge
- Just over half a liter of dust bin capacity
- Triple filters
- Cleans vinyl, hardwood and carpets up to medium pile
- Sensors keep it from tumbling down stairs
The Eufy robotic vacuum cleaner does all the work for you. You barely have to pay any attention to it at all. It even returns to its charging dock to recharge itself when its battery gets low.
There are several settings for cleaning times. Many people prefer to set it to clean at night. That’s convenient. But you don’t have to rely on the times you set. If you notice a mess or have company coming over, you can manually tell it to clean your floor real quick.
Pros:
- “Set it and forget it” convenience
- Great filtration for a robotic vacuum
- Cleans even ground-in soil from vinyl floors
Cons:
- Relatively expensive compared to upright vacuums
- No alarm to let you know when the dust bin is full
What Customers Are Saying
Those who have bought this robotic vacuum like that they don’t have to pay it any mind. They really enjoy the extra time that they have for themselves since they don’t have to spend all that time vacuuming.
People with vinyl floors are especially impressed with the suction that pulls all the dirt up. It even gets up dried mud!
Summary
This is the best robot vacuum for vinyl plank flooring. Other robot vacuums have the same convenience, but they lack the power to get up even visible dirt. This one gets all the dirt you can see, and it gets up hidden dirt in the corners.
3. Bissell Zing Canister Bagless Vacuum
Features
- Eight pounds
- Corded
- Bagless
- Automatic cord rewind
- For all floor types
There’s a lot to be said for the old-fashioned canister vacuum cleaners like your parents used to use.
They are a joy to use because they are so easy to push across the floor. Sure, you have to drag the canister around, but the part that actually cleans the floor is so much lighter than an upright.
It’s easy maneuverability may make this the best vacuum for linoleum floors.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Bagless – This is rather uncommon for canister vacs
- Great price
- Works great on all flooring, especially linoleum
Cons:
- The connections between the hose, extenders and cleaning tools do not lock – They just push together
What Customers Are Saying
People love the canister design. They remark about how easy it is to scoot around. It’s that light.
Another thing people comment on is the price. You can get this vacuum for about $60 or less.
Summary
This is a powerful and affordable canister vacuum that is great for homes with multiple types of flooring under one roof. The outstanding feature is the price!
4. Shark Rotator Professional Upright Vacuum With Lift-Away Hand Vac
Features
- 15.5 pounds
- Non-powered lift-away
- HEPA filter
- Swivel steering
- LED headlights
This is the best vacuum cleaner for vinyl floors, especially in homes with pets. What makes it so great in that regard is the powered lift-away. It really gets pet hair up in a hurry.
The HEPA filter and special seal guarantees that the dander stays in the collection canister.
In addition to vinyl floors, it’s great at cleaning carpet, hardwood and upholstery.
Pros:
- Powerful motor and great suction
- Lift-away
- Super filtration for allergens
- Easy to maneuver
Cons:
- A bit heavy
What Customers Are Saying
Customers talk about how easy it is to clean with this vacuum. The swivel steering makes it easy for them to vacuum around furniture.
Pet owners appreciate the HEPA filtration system and the airtight seal. They notice how much cleaner their homes smell and feel after using this vacuum to deep clean their houses a few times.
Summary
Although a little on the pricey side, this vacuum can make cleaning all your floors easy. It is a joy to push around, thanks to the swivel caster wheels.
It’ll pull dirt and pet hair off of vinyl easily, without having to go over the same area over and over again. Furniture is no problem either. The lift-away makes cleaning couches, chairs, beds and drapes quick and simple.
5. Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute Lightweight Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner
Features
- Runs from 10 to 60 minutes per charge, depending on the power setting
- Three power settings to extend battery life without sacrificing suction
- Charges fully in about 60 minutes
- Super light – less than six pounds
- Easy-to-empty dust canister
When you spend a lot of money on fancy flooring, you don’t want your vacuum to scratch it up. What makes this the best vacuum for luxury vinyl plank flooring is the soft brushroll. It’s designed to be easy on floors while still getting them as clean as a regular vacuum.
It weighs less than six pounds, so your arms won’t get tired, even after cleaning all day.
The ceramic shaft spins at an impressive 125,000 RPM to supply an amazing amount of suction. That means you can get your floor clean in only one quick pass.
Pros:
- Very powerful
- Soft brushroll won’t scratch or harm vinyl flooring
- Three power settings – Go from super powerful for dried mud to economy for an hour of battery life
- Very light
Cons:
- Expensive
What Customers Are Saying
Suffice it to say that people are really impressed that such a slim and light vacuum can have so much power.
Many were apprehensive at first when they seen the size. They thought it was going to be a weak vacuum. But there have been no complaints about power.
Summary
This is what you need if you want a top-of-the line vacuum for expensive luxury vinyl plank floors. But be prepared to pay a hefty price.
6. Oreck Commercial Orbiter Floor Machine
Features
- 3/4 horsepower motor
- 175-RPM buffing head
- 50-foot grounded power cord
- 13-inch cleaning path
- Five-year warranty on motor
If you want professional results, consider a professional tool.
This orbiting cleaner isn’t a vacuum. It’s more like a buffer. But it will polish and revitalize vinyl flooring to a like-new shine.
It’ll also deep clean industrial carpets. That’s the very thin and low-pile carpet that some people use as outdoor flooring on their patios and decks.
You can get several attachments to replace the buffing head for shampooing carpet and cleaning concrete. That’s a testament to the power of this machine.
Pros:
- Professional design and quality
- Very powerful motor
- Versatile
- Nice warranty
Cons:
- This isn’t a typical vinyl floor cleaner – It’s designed to provide a professional polish, so you’ll need to vacuum your floor before polishing it with this machine
What Customers Are Saying
Most people who have bought this machine wanted it for polishing vinyl. They understood that it’s not a traditional vacuum, so they weren’t upset that they also have to have a regular vinyl floor vacuum cleaner to get the debris and dirt up of off their floor before buffing it.
All-in-all, everyone is very pleased with their purchase and they are impressed with how solidly it is built.
Summary
If you want a better shine than you can possibly get with any regular vinyl floor vacuum, you may want to consider this.
You’ll have to clean your floor in the traditional way first, but you’ll be amazed at the results after you buff with this cleaner.
If you have industrial carpeting or concrete flooring anywhere in your house, you’ll also appreciate the versatility.
7. Eureka Power Speed Turbo Upright Vacuum Cleaner
Features
- 10 pounds – Very light
- LED headlights
- Fully adjustable for all flooring types
- Four quart canister capacity
This super-lightweight vacuum not only cleans vinyl, but it’ll handle all other types of flooring as well. It has all the tools you need to clean crevices and drapes with ease.
The LED headlights make it easy to see under furniture. Not many vinyl floor vacuums have that cool feature.
Another thing that stands out is the capacity of the canister. It’ll suck up just over four liters of dirt before you have to empty it!
Pros:
- Large canister
- Included cleaning attachments
- Very light – just 10 pounds
- Cleans all flooring types – even high pile carpet
Cons:
- Rather expensive
What Customers Are Saying
Everyone seems to be impressed with the features. The headlights, the clear brushroll cover, the extra high capacity dust canister and the on-board cleaning tools make people who bought this one feel like they made the right choice.
Summary
This may be a great choice for you if you have several different flooring types in your home. It’ll clean them all, and the attachments make it easy to clean furniture.
8. iRobot Roomba 690 Vacuum With WiFi Connectivity
Features
- Self-charging
- Washable filter
- For all flooring types
- Can be controlled through Alexa and Google Home Assistant
This is likely the most technologically advanced vacuum cleaner on the market today, and it works just as well on vinyl and linoleum as it does on carpet. It can go from one flooring type to another with no problem and no adjustments.
You can tell it to start cleaning or adjust its cleaning schedule from anywhere in the world via the app, which works with iOS 11 and higher and Android 5.0 and up.
Pros:
- Automated cleaning
- Washable filter
- App connectivity
- It learns your floor layout automatically
- Self-charging
- No adjustments needed to transition from one flooring type to another
Cons:
- Expensive
What Customers Are Saying
People really like the technology! They enjoy being able to open the app and tell their vacuum to go ahead and get their floors nice and clean before they get home. That comes in handy when you are expecting guests.
Summary
Although rather expensive, this neat little robotic vacuum can take care of your floor cleaning with almost no effort on your part. All you have to do is keep its dirt collection canister emptied and the filter clean.
9. Bissell Robot And Hand Cleaner Vacuum Bundle
Features
- Convenient robotic vacuum and hand vac in one package
The bad thing about robotic vacuums is that they don’t clean furniture and other above-floor surfaces. You still have to have a good hand vacuum to get those areas.
That’s why this duo is such a good deal. You get a robot vacuum for vinyl plank flooring, and you also get a neat little hand vac for furniture, stairs and other places that the robot can’t clean.
Pros:
- No need to purchase an autonomous vacuum and a handheld vacuum separately
- The robotic vacuum is convenient
- The hand vac is totally portable
Cons:
- Expensive
- Robo vac’s filter cannot be replaced without buying the entire filter assembly
What Customers Are Saying
People like that both the robot vacuum and the hand vac are good for pet hair. Many comment on how they have saved money because they can use the small hand vac in their cars as well as their homes.
There have been some complaints about the robo vac’s filter system, though. You can’t just replace the paper filter. You have to buy and replace the entire filter assembly. That can get pretty expensive.
The hand vac is a pretty big hit because the filter is washable with water and dish detergent.
All in all, everyone is happy with their purchase, even though they wish it wasn’t quite so expensive.
Summary
If you have been thinking about getting both a robo vac and a handheld one, you can save yourself some time comparing the hundreds of available models by getting this combo.
Pet hair is no problem, whether it’s on your vinyl floor, carpet, furniture or in your car.
Be aware that filter replacement can get costly.
10. Bissell Cleanview Swivel Upright Pet Vacuum Cleaner
Features
- Scatter-free technology
- Swivel steering
- Triple-brush brushroll
- Attachments are designed for pet hair
Here’s another vacuum that’s good for getting pet hair up. It has three brushes on the brushroll. That’s what you need for long hair. Tangles are rarely a problem because the brushroll itself has such a large diameter.
This may be one of the best vacuums for cleaning up around kitty litter boxes. The brushes sweep everything to where the suction can pick it up, like they’re supposed to do.
But what about vinyl? Well, the brushes are nice and soft, so they get dirt up without scratching your floor. The suction is awesome as well.
Also you can check our guide on maintaining a Vacuum Cleaner.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Great for pet hair
- Doesn’t scatter debris
- Cleans right up against walls
Cons:
- Collection canister could be a bit bigger
What Customers Are Saying
Everyone remarks about how easy this vacuum is to use. The swivel wheels make vacuuming in crowded rooms pretty easy.
People with pets like the fact that it gets hair up so effortlessly. Even the lift-away is made for hair. The edge-to-edge cleaning feature works equally well on vinyl plank flooring and carpet.e.
Summary
Here you have an affordable and well-designed vacuum that is great for vinyl floors and carpeting alike. It has all the features you’d expect from a Bissell vacuum cleaner. Cleaning is so much easier, and even enjoyable, when you have such a finely engineered cleaning tool!
11. Puppyoo 2-in-1 Cordless Stick Vacuum
Features
- Convertible
- Includes wall mount for the vacuum and its accessories
- 2200mAh battery
- 5.5 pounds
- High-power and battery-saving modes
This powerful vacuum effortlessly converts from a lightweight stick to an even lighter hand vac. And it hangs on the wall, along with all its accessories, when it’s not in use!
This is a great vacuum for vinyl floors, but it’s also fantastic for getting dirt and pet hair from furniture, curtains, upholstery and car seats. That’s the great thing about convertible vacs like this.
Pros:
- Strong suction
- Battery-saving mode
- Hangs on wall, out of the way
- Stick is very light
- Hand vac is convenient
- Both stick and hand vac work great for pet hair on all flooring and upholstery
Cons:
- Battery life is somewhat shorter than comparable models
What Customers Are Saying
Everyone is impressed with the suction. Most have never seen this kind of power from such a light stick vac.
One thing that comes up a lot in online reviews is how tidily everything stores away. Many people hang the wall mount in a closet. It’s just that small and easy to store.
Summary
This may be a great choice for you if you need a light cordless vacuum and a hand vac. You’ll love it if you want something that can be stored neatly out of sight.
12. Black+Decker Airswivel Lite Vacuum
Features
- Less than nine pounds
- Crevice tool included
- Ergonomic handle
- Washable foam filters
- 2-liter dust cup
This is the best vacuum for vinyl floor in homes on a budget. It has a traditional design that you are probably familiar with, and it has a price that anyone can afford.
It swivels about 170-degress in all directions. That’s more maneuverability that you’ll find in many uprights at twice the price.
Pros:
- Sweet price
- Washable filters
- Highly maneuverable
- Large and easy to empty dust canister
Cons:
- The filters require frequent washing to keep the suction at its best
What Customers Are Saying
Most people bought it for its classic design. It mimics the style of the first uprights.
Others wanted a good vacuum at a great price. These people have nothing to complain about!
Summary
If you’re looking for an affordable vacuum that works great on vinyl flooring, you may find this to be your best bet.
Tips On Choosing The Best Vacuum For Vinyl And Plank Vinyl Floors
So, maybe you don’t want to go with one of the awesome vacuums reviewed here. That’s fair enough. Part of the fun of shopping is doing the research and making the choice. But check out these tips so you can be sure you get the best vacuum to take care of your vinyl plank flooring.
Tips
- Take your time. There are many vacuums that claim to be the best. What’s right for you isn’t necessarily what’s the best for anyone else.
- Pay attention to the brushroll. If it’s too hard, it may scratch your vinyl. Scratched vinyl can look dull.
- Consider the features. Do you need a vacuum that converts into a hand vac? Will a cord get in your way? Do you need extra filtration for allergens? These are all important considerations. Make a list of what you need before you start comparing what’s out there.
Vinyl Vs Vinyl Plank Flooring: Is There Any Difference?
Yes, there is a pretty big difference.
Regular vinyl flooring usually comes in big sheets. This makes it cheaper to buy, and it generally costs less to have installed. But keep in mind that it can be very hard to install yourself. It’s best left up to a pro.
Vinyl plank flooring comes in narrower pieces, just like hardwood flooring. It’s easier for the do-it-yourselfer to install, but it is more costly.
Vinyl plank looks more like what it’s supposed to be. For example, if you want vinyl that looks like exotic hardwood, the planks of vinyl will look more like planks of hardwood than a big sheet of vinyl will.
A vacuum that works well on one type of vinyl will work just as well on the other. But you should understand the difference between the two types of flooring.
Vinyl Flooring: The Advantages And Disadvantages
Vinyl flooring is very durable, and it is 100 percent water proof. That’s a big advantage.
It also wears down very slowly. It won’t scuff as easily as hardwood or stone. That’s why so many people get vinyl flooring that’s made to look like these two flooring materials.
However, vinyl flooring is very difficult to get up once it is glued down. You may have to replace your entire floor if you ever decide to change it.
Another disadvantage is that any kind of vinyl can be punctured by sharp objects. It can also be gouged or cut if it is placed under extreme stress with a sharp thing.
It’s not easy to repair vinyl that has been damaged. You’ll definitely have to call in an expert.
How To Care For Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl plank flooring care and maintenance can seem like a difficult thing. But it really isn’t that hard.
First off, you have to be careful to avoid damage. Make sure everyone in your house knows not to scoot furniture and other heavy things across it.
Another thing is to keep it clean. If it gets very soiled, you’ll have to scrub it really hard to get it clean. Over time, this can scuff it up and cause it to look dull.
The best way to clean vinyl plank flooring is with a mop or buffer and a detergent-based cleaner made especially for vinyl. It’s more expensive than regular cleaner, but you’ll save money in the long run because you won’t have to hire a professional cleaning service to get all the gunk up.
You may want to consider having your vinyl flooring inspected every so often. An inspector can spot problems before they get to bad. For example, they may notice a tiny bubble long before you do. A tiny imperfection like this is fixed much more easily, and cheaply, if it is spotted early on.
Factors To Consider When Buying A Vacuum For Vinyl Floors
The brushroll bears mentioning again. No kind of vinyl flooring is cheap. It’s an investment that you want to pay off for many years to come. Therefore, you want it to look its best for as long as possible.
You don’t want it scuffed. That’s why it’s important to get a vacuum with a soft brushroll. It should be safe for vinyl, not just hardwood.
But you don’t want it too soft. If it’s too soft, it will brush hair and loose dirt up, but it won’t loosed hardened soil. Get a vacuum with a brushroll that’s advertised as being safe for vinyl, and you should be fine.
You need good suction as well. If you don’t have good suction, all that loose dirt is just going to be thrown around by the brush. Loose dirt that gets tossed around eventually becomes hardened.
Make sure the vac you get can clean everything you have. Think about your furniture, drapes and stairs. At the very least, your vac should have a detachable nozzle so you can vacuum your furniture and stairs.
A powered lift-away is an extension that has a rotating brushroll. This is essential if you have pets that shed a lot. Suction alone cannot get hair up.
Do you need a cordless vacuum, or is a battery-powered model the best for you? Corded vacuums are usually cheaper, and they are often more powerful.
But rechargeable ones are more convenient. Just keep in mind that even the best battery-powered vacuums have a maximum run time of about an hour between charges. It can be much less than that if you use the high-power mode often.
Also look at the type of flooring you have throughout your home. Most people don’t have vinyl in every room. Get a vacuum that can handle every kind of floor you have. If you’re like most people, you need to find the best cleaner for vinyl plank floors, as well as carpet, hardwood and what have you
Vacuums For Vinyl Floors FAQs
Most vacuums are not made just for one type of flooring, but you have to check to be sure. As mentioned above, get a vacuum that will work for every type of flooring you have in your home.
It depends on your situation. The most affordable route would be to go with a vacuum that has washable foam filters. They filter dirt from the exhaust air.
If you have pets, you should get one with a better filter that can get dander out of the air.
If someone in your home has any kind of allergies, it is best to get a vacuum with a HEPA filter, They are more expensive, but they keep allergens from becoming airborne.
This question comes up often. Stick vacuums not only look cool, but they are light and easy to use. But can they get your vinyl floors clean?
Get a name brand if you decide on a stick vacuum. They aren’t cheap, but you need a good motor for the best suction.
Also look at the brushroll. Some stick vacuums don’t have one at all, but you need one to get the ground-in and hardened dirt up.
You actually don’t need that much as compared to a vacuum for carpet. You’re not going to be worried about sucking dirt out of shaggy carpet. You’re just pulling it up from a smooth surface.
On the other hand, you may also be vacuuming carpet with your new vacuum. In that case, you need as much suction as you can get. And the extra suction won’t hurt your vinyl, either. If you are after the best vacuum for vinyl floors and carpet, get one with the best suction you can..
In Conclusion…
So, now you know what goes into the best vacuum for vinyl floors. Are you ready to make your purchase?
Just keep in mind everything that we talked about here. Read it again if you feel you’re not quite ready to make a decision.
We did all the work for you in our reviews. Those twelve vacuums really are the best in their respective niches.
But if you don’t want one of them, pay close attention to the other sections of this post. We put in the extra time and effort because we want you to get the best.
So go ahead. Make today the day that you go and get your new vacuum for your beautiful vinyl floors!
