Laminate flooring was first introduced to the market in the 1920s, and it has been a popular flooring choice ever since. Laminate floors allow homeowners to get the look of hardwood or tile at a fraction of the price. However, when compared to these other hard floor surfaces, laminate does not have nearly as long of a lifespan—about 15-25 years on average. This means that caring for your laminate floors is imperative, and part of that is owning the best vacuum for laminate floors.
Contents
- Can You Vacuum Laminate Floors?
- Features to Look for in Laminate Floor Vacuums
- Best Vacuums for Laminate Floors Reviews 2018 - Comparison table
- 1 Shark DuoClean Rocket Corded Ultralight Upright Vacuum, Charcoal Gray (HV382)
- 2 Shark DuoClean Powered Lift-Away Speed Upright Vacuum, Cinnamon (NV803)
- Miele Swing H1 Quick Step Universal Upright Vacuum
- 4 Dyson DC25 Ball All-Floors Upright Vacuum Cleaner
- 5 Bissell 1132A Symphony All-in-One Vacuum and Steam Mop
- 5 Black+Decker BDH2000PL MAX Lithium Pivot Vacuum
- Best way to clean laminate floors
- Extending the Life of Your Laminate Floors
- Final Words
Can You Vacuum Laminate Floors?
Most people think that laminate is a surface that needs a mop and broom to clean, and there is a good reason for this: not all that long ago, vacuums could not handle laminate flooring. But times have changed, and so has technology. As a result, there are many vacuums on the market that are specifically designed for hard surfaces like laminate or that can be adjusted to clean both carpet and hard floors. Does this mean you can toss out your mop and broom? It is probably best that you keep them around. However, a laminate floor cleaner will take care of most, if not all, of their work. Let’s take a look at what features you need in a best vacuum for laminate floors.
Features to Look for in Laminate Floor Vacuums
Many vacuums can handle laminate floor cleaning, but not all. Some models are ineffective at cleaning these surfaces, and some can even cause significant damage. Before you purchase a vacuum, compare models to be sure they have the following features:
No Beater Brush or Retractable Beater Brush
Beater brushes are designed to be used on carpeting, which means they are stiff, rotate quickly, and are meant to pull out dirt that is buried inside fibers. Place this same brush on laminate floor and it will become scratched, gouged, and might even begin to peel away from its backing.
Quality Suction
Because you cannot use a brush to clean your laminate floor, you must rely completely on suction. As such, you need a vacuum that offers strong suction. Look for powerful motors and cyclonic action for the best results.
Filtration System
Any filtration system is a plus, but the stronger, the better. Laminate floors give dirt nowhere to hide, which means it is always on the floor or in the air, and this can cause breathing troubles. Look for HEPA and sponge filtration systems for the best results.
Rubber or Anti-Scratch Wheels
Ultimately what allows laminate to be cheaper than other flooring materials is that it isn’t as strong. It is very easy to scratch and gouge laminate. Plastic wheels without anti-scratch technology can cause damage to your floors as you move your vacuum along.
Wet/Dry
This is a matter of personal preference. If you want to use just one tool to vacuum and mop your laminate floors, look for one that offers wet/dry technology. Some of these models can vacuum and mop at the same time, and you will find some that even dry your floors.
Best Vacuums for Laminate Floors Reviews 2018 - Comparison table
Product name | Our Rating | Beater Brush | Quality Suction | Filtration System | Anti-Scratch Wheels | Wet/Dry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shark DuoClean Rocket Corded Ultralight Upright Vacuum, Charcoal Gray (HV382) | #1 | Soft bristle brush designed for hard floors | Uses cyclone technology | HEPA filtration | Plastic anti-scratch | Dry only |
| Shark DuoClean Powered Lift-Away Speed | #2 | Soft bristle brush designed for hard floors | Uses cyclone technology | HEPA filtration | Plastic anti-scratch | Dry only |
| Miele Swing H1 Quick Step Universal Upright Vacuum | #3 | No brush; suction only | Uses cyclone technology | HEPA filtration | Rubber anti-scratch | Dry only |
| Dyson DC25 Ball All-Floors Upright Vacuum Cleaner | #4 | Yes, but it can be toggled off | Powerful Root Cyclone technology | HEPA filtration | Plastic anti-scratch | Dry only |
| Black+Decker BDH2000PL MAX Lithium Pivot Vacuum | #5 | No brush; suction only | Yes | Yes | No wheels | Dry only |
1 Shark DuoClean Rocket Corded Ultralight Upright Vacuum, Charcoal Gray (HV382)
This vacuum is designed to transition between laminate floors and carpeted floors with ease. The key feature on this vacuum is the soft brushroll. It is powerful enough to pull dirt and debris out of carpeting, but is soft enough that it will not scratch your laminate floors. As an added benefit, the soft fibers help to shine laminate, giving your floors a polished appearance. The HEPA filter removes nearly all particles, keeping the air you breathe cleaner.
For those who do not want to lug around a heavy vacuum, this is an excellent buy. It is under ten pounds when fully assembled and when used as a hand vac, it weighs just 4.6 pounds. It comes with a variety of attachments, including a hair removal tool designed specifically for pet hair. Its biggest problems are how often it needs to be emptied and that the nozzle is somewhat narrow.
PROS
- Works on different floor types
- Polishes hard floors as it cleans
- Is lightweight
CONS
- Must be emptied often
- The nozzle is a bit narrow
2 Shark DuoClean Powered Lift-Away Speed Upright Vacuum, Cinnamon (NV803)
This vacuum is an excellent choice for those who need a machine that can work on both carpeting and hard floors. It uses a soft brush that is gentle on hard surfaces while also removing dust, debris, and even caked-on dirt. It is suited to laminate, tile hardwood, and low-to-medium-pile carpeting; however, it is not suited to high-pile carpeting. It comes with numerous attachments, making it easy to clean in crevices, on ceilings, over furniture, and more. The powerful HEPA filter ensures that dirt does not escape the machine and end up back in the air. It features swivel steering, so you do not need to move the vacuum back and forth to maneuver it.
Even the best product will have some downsides, and this is true for this vacuum. The biggest complaint that users have is that this vacuum takes a long time to assemble as there are many parts and the directions could be clearer. The next biggest complaint is that the canister is somewhat small and must be emptied frequently.
PROS
- Excels at removing allergens
- Works on multiple surfaces
- Can get up caked on dirt without mopping
CONS
- Difficult to put together
- Must empty canister frequently
Miele Swing H1 Quick Step Universal Upright Vacuum
Miele vacuums are considered luxury vacuums, offering many features and lasting decades. This particular model is made to go between different surfaces with ease, allowing you to control the power of the suction and other features. It comes with many onboard tools, allowing you to tackle crevices, ceilings, and more. Between the machine, cord, and hose, it has a 28-foot operating radius, which is quite large.
Some users have found it is not good at removing longer hairs. Also, while it is a light vacuum, many feel it is top heavy, which can cause strain. Overall, the pros outweigh the cons on this vacuum.
PROS
- Works on hardwood, tile, laminate, and low-pile carpeting
- Offers adjustments and attachments for a customized experience
- Uses durable materials and minimal plastic
CONS
- Not the best with long hairs
- Feels top heavy and can cause strain
4 Dyson DC25 Ball All-Floors Upright Vacuum Cleaner
If you have both carpeting and hard floors in your home, you may not want to own more than one vacuum. The Dyson DC25 allows you to use just one machine for the entire house. Simple adjustments allow you to move between radically different types of flooring, even from laminate to high-pile carpeting. It does have a brush bar, but this can be toggled off for the safety of your hard floors, and the powerful suction pulls up all debris, making it a great vacuum for laminate floors and pet hair. The wand extends to reach ceilings, fans, and drapes, and the bin empties easily when the job is done.
As for problems with the model, there aren’t many. Some find that the attachments are a bit awkward to use. Others feel the machine is difficult to lift and carry up and down stairs, so they like to have one vacuum for each floor. However, it is a good product with many happy customers and the best Dyson for laminate floors.
PROS
- Transitions easily between surfaces
- Has a washable filter that never needs to be replaced
- Had ball technology for maneuverability
CONS
- Attachments are not as sleek as the machine itself
- Heavy to carry between floors
5 Bissell 1132A Symphony All-in-One Vacuum and Steam Mop
Because laminate floors benefit from mopping, many homeowners prefer to have a wet/dry vacuum to get all the cleaning tasks taken care of at once. The Bissell Symphony is both a vacuum and a steam mop, allowing it to rapidly clean laminate floors no matter the dirt you encounter. It has digital controls that make it easy for you to switch back and forth between vacuuming and mopping, as well as control other aspects. It comes with reusable mop pads and is small, making it easy to lift and store.
Because it is a steam mop and uses water, you must be careful never to let the water sit on your laminate floors. However, the biggest downside is the lack of a power switch. As soon as you plug in this vacuum, it turns on, and it cannot be turned off without unplugging it.
PROS
- Takes care of mopping and vacuuming in one go
- You can assemble it in one step
- Very light
CONS
- You must be careful not to let water sit
- Needs a power switch
5 Black+Decker BDH2000PL MAX Lithium Pivot Vacuum
This handheld vacuum is ideal for homes with a small amount of hard floors. It uses lithium technology to offer strong, fade-free power and has a pivoting nozzle so you can access hard to reach areas without the need for attachments. Despite its small size, it offers three stage filtration and cyclonic suction, making it an impressive little machine.
The biggest downside to it is that it is strictly handheld, which means you are limited in what you can do with it. Beyond that, the hinge on the door that allows you to clean out the machine is a bit weak and you must be very careful with it. However, if you want something small, mobile, and ideal for small spaces, this is a good choice.
PROS
- No need for attachments
- Powerful filtration
- Easy to maneuver
CONS
- Only handheld
- Weak hinge
Best way to clean laminate floors
One of the major selling points when it comes to laminate floors is that they are easy to clean. Unlike carpeted floors, there is nowhere for dirt to hide and you do not need to spend time pulling the dirt out of fibers. However, it is important that you take the correct approach to cleaning your laminate floors. Below are the steps to take for the best way to clean laminate floors:
- Remove anything from the floor that is easily moveable.Lightweight furniture, toys, and pet items should be picked up and placed aside. If you cannot pick and item up and instead need to scoot it, be sure to use special pads to prevent damage to the floor or just leave the item where it is.
- Do a quick sweep using a broom.This is not meant to be a thorough cleaning; instead, the idea is to remove large debris so they do not gouge the floor when you vacuum. Once all large debris is eliminated, you can move on to the next step.
- Grab your laminate vacuum and get to work.All vacuums suited to tile floor should be able to pick up dirt, dust, and debris. However, some may not be able to remove caked on dirt. If this is the case for you and you have some caked-on dirt on your laminate floor, you should move use a mop or scrub brush to remove the stubborn dirt. You must be careful with any use of water or other liquids as they cab quickly damage laminate floors.
- Once or twice a year, you may want to polish your floors.This is not something that must be done with greater frequency and you must exercise great care not to do more harm than good.
In general, cleaning laminate floors should take about 10-20 minutes. You should complete a basic cleaning once a day and a more thorough cleaning several times a week.
Extending the Life of Your Laminate Floors
Laminate floors are easily damaged, so you must exercise great care to keep them looking good for as long as possible. To avoid damaging them, keep the following tips in mind.
- Take off shoes when in the house. This prevents damaging debris from getting inside and makes it harder to accidentally drag it around.
- Protect the areas used most with rugs and runners.
- Never drag heavy items across the floors.
- Be careful about how you use the floors, avoiding things like art projects and woodwork when on laminate.
- Wipe up spills quickly, even if it is just water.
- If you need a cleaning solution, water and vinegar is best. Avoid soap.
Final Words
Laminate floors are a wonderful blend between value and looks. As these floors are damaged easily, you need to be careful when it comes to cleaning and maintaining them. Purchase the best vacuum for your laminate floor, and you will get many years out of your laminate floors.
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