Vinyl floors are a popular choice in many homes due to their durability, affordability, and ease of maintenance.
As with any flooring material, keeping them clean and free of debris is essential for extending their lifespan and maintaining a pleasant appearance.
This is where choosing the right vacuum cleaner comes into play – with the specific needs of vinyl flooring in mind.
In this article, we’ve devoted our time and efforts to researching and evaluating a range of vacuum cleaners to provide you with the top options for maintaining your vinyl floors.
Best Vacuums for Vinyl Floors
We have compiled a list of the best vacuums specifically designed for vinyl floors to make your cleaning experience efficient and effortless. Browse through our top picks below and find the perfect match for your needs.
Shark NV356E Navigator Lift-Away Professional
We highly recommend the Shark NV356E Navigator Lift-Away Professional for those seeking powerful suction and versatile cleaning on vinyl floors.
Pros
- Lift-Away functionality for above-floor cleaning
- Anti-Allergen Complete Seal with HEPA filter
- Brushroll shutoff for vinyl floor cleaning
Cons
- Slightly heavier compared to other models
- Hose may feel stiff in handheld mode
- Larger size may be harder to store
We recently used the Shark NV356E Navigator Lift-Away Professional vacuum and were impressed with its performance on vinyl floors.
The Lift-Away functionality allowed us to easily detach the pod and clean areas like stairs, furniture, and more that would typically be difficult to reach with an upright vacuum.
One feature that stood out was the Anti-Allergen Complete Seal, which works with a HEPA filter.
It helped trap 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum cleaner, making our cleaning experience much healthier. This is especially beneficial for those who suffer from allergies or have pets.
The vacuum also has a brushroll shutoff feature, which came in handy when cleaning the vinyl flooring.
It allowed us to instantly switch from deep carpet cleaning to gentle bare floor cleaning without causing any damage to the vinyl surface.
In terms of drawbacks, we did notice that the vacuum is slightly heavier compared to other models, which may be an issue for those who have difficulty lifting heavier objects. Additionally, the hose felt a bit stiff when using the vacuum in handheld mode.
Lastly, due to its larger size, some users may find it challenging to store in small spaces.
Tineco Floor ONE S5 Smart Cordless Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner
The Tineco Floor ONE S5 is a versatile and efficient choice for those seeking an all-in-one vacuum and mop solution for vinyl floors.
Pros
- Two-in-one vacuum and mop
- Smart sensor technology for automatic adjustments
- Self-cleaning and easy maintenance
Cons
- Somewhat heavy at 17.37 pounds
- Limited runtime of 35 minutes
- Long charging time of 4 hours
We’ve found the Tineco Floor ONE S5 to be a fantastic vacuum and mop combo for tackling vinyl floors.
Its smart sensor technology allows it to automatically adjust suction, water flow, and brush roller speed depending on the mess at hand, ensuring a thorough clean.
The S5 efficiently handles wet and dry messes, as well as sticky debris that can be notoriously difficult to remove from vinyl floors.
In addition to its impressive cleaning capabilities, the Tineco Floor ONE S5 offers a hands-free, self-cleaning function that makes maintenance a breeze.
This feature takes care of flushing the inner tubing and brush roller, so you don’t have to come into contact with dirt and debris. Furthermore, the unique pet hair strainer simplifies pet hair removal for those with furry friends at home.
While the Tineco Floor ONE S5 is a powerful and smart vacuum, it does have a few drawbacks.
The unit itself is somewhat heavy, making it a bit challenging to carry up and down stairs. It also has a limited runtime of 35 minutes, and its 4-hour charging time can be rather long.
However, these minor issues are outweighed by the overall convenience that this vacuum and mop duo provides.
Dyson Gen5outsize Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
We recommend the Dyson Gen5outsize for those in need of a powerful cordless vacuum with a large bin, offering an efficient and versatile cleaning experience.
Pros
- Powerful suction; comparable to corded vacuums
- Extra-large bin; less frequent emptying needed
- Intelligent power adaptation based on floor type and debris
Cons
- Slightly heavier than other cordless models
- Expensive price point
- Battery life may not be sufficient for large areas
Having used the Dyson Gen5outsize Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, we immediately noticed its powerful suction that is comparable to corded vacuums. This vacuum cleans up even the most stubborn debris on vinyl floors with ease, making it a top choice for households with this type of flooring.
What sets this vacuum apart from others is its extra-large bin, allowing us to clean longer without having to stop and empty it frequently. This feature, in combination with a 25% wider cleaner head, lets us cover more floor with each sweep, making our cleaning sessions more efficient and hassle-free.
Another impressive aspect of the Dyson Gen5outsize is its intelligent suction power adaptation based on the type of floor and debris detected. This feature ensures we are using the optimal power for each cleaning situation, resulting in a more thorough and satisfying clean.
On the downside, the Dyson Gen5outsize was slightly heavier than other cordless vacuums we’ve tried, which could be a concern for some users during extended cleaning sessions.
Additionally, its price point is relatively high, so it may not be suitable for those on a tight budget. Lastly, although the battery life is decent, it might not be sufficient for cleaning very large areas in one go.
BISSELL CrossWave
The BISSELL CrossWave is a versatile and efficient choice for those seeking a vacuum and mop combo for their vinyl floors.
Pros
- Vacuum and wash at the same time
- Safe for multiple surfaces, including vinyl floors
- Two-tank technology for clean and dirty water separation
Cons
- Corded, which may limit mobility
- Might struggle with caked-on stains
- Takes time to become proficient in using the device
We recently tried the BISSELL CrossWave on our vinyl floors and loved the convenience of being able to vacuum and wash our floors simultaneously. It did an excellent job on multiple surfaces such as tile, sealed wood, linoleum, and our vinyl floors. The two-tank technology was a fantastic feature, as it kept the cleaning solution separate from the dirty water, ensuring we were always cleaning with fresh water.
While the vacuum performed well overall, we did notice it had some difficulty tackling dried-up, stubborn stains. We had to go over those areas a few times for thorough cleaning. Additionally, since the BISSELL CrossWave is corded, the length of the cord may limit mobility for some users. On the other hand, the cord ensures consistent power supply, eliminating the need for charging.
It took us a little time to become proficient in using the BISSELL CrossWave, but once we got the hang of it, it proved to be an efficient vacuum cleaner. The rinse and clean-out storage tray was extremely useful for cleaning and maintenance. Overall, we found the BISSELL CrossWave to be a valuable addition to our cleaning routine for vinyl floors and other surfaces.
EUREKA NEC480 Elevate
A solid choice for those seeking a lightweight, cordless vacuum for various surfaces, with impressive motor efficiency and LED headlights.
Pros
- Powerful motor for efficient cleaning
- Lightweight and versatile design
- LED headlights for better visibility
Cons
- Battery life may not last for larger spaces
- Roller brush may require frequent cleaning
- Limited suction on thicker carpets
We recently tried the Eureka Lightweight Cordless Vacuum Cleaner and were pleasantly surprised by its performance. The powerful motor made it easy for us to clean our apartment, effortlessly lifting dirt and debris from carpets, hard floors, and even furniture.
The lightweight design allowed us to quickly switch from stick mode to handheld mode for tackling above-floor surfaces like curtains and stairs.
The battery life of 30 minutes gives a good amount of runtime to clean small to medium-sized spaces, but we did find that larger areas might require multiple charging sessions to complete. Keep in mind, the longevity of the battery life can vary based on the level of suction used during the cleaning process. The detachable battery does allow for convenient charging, which was a plus in our book.
One aspect where the Eureka vacuum excelled was in its fantastic LED headlights.
We found them especially useful when cleaning under furniture or in dimly lit areas where dust and debris could be hiding. However, we also noticed that the roller brush tends to get clogged fairly easily, especially with hair and larger debris. Cleaning the brush and belt regularly, as suggested in the manual, will help extend its performance and effectiveness.
While this vacuum worked well on hard floors and low-profile carpentry, we found it struggling on thicker carpets.
For homes with varied flooring types, this might not be the ideal choice. However, if you’re looking for an affordable, lightweight, and cordless vacuum for essential cleaning tasks, the Eureka Lightweight Cordless Vacuum Cleaner is worth considering.
Dyson V11 Torque Drive Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, Blue
This is an ideal vacuum for those seeking a powerful and adaptable cordless option for effectively cleaning vinyl floors and other surfaces.
Pros
- Exceptional suction power
- Automatically adapts to different floor types
- Up to 60 minutes of fade-free power
Cons
- Slightly heavier than similar cordless models
- Takes around 270 minutes to fully charge
- Price may be higher than other options
We were truly impressed with the Dyson V11 Torque Drive Cordless Vacuum’s performance on vinyl floors. Its powerful suction, combined with the Dynamic Load Sensor (DLS) system, easily and intelligently switches motor speed between different surfaces, ensuring a deep clean no matter the floor type.
This feature proved particularly fascinating when we moved across various flooring during our cleaning session.
Running on a fade-free battery power, this vacuum cleaner offers up to 60 minutes of continuous cleaning, more than enough for a thorough cleaning experience in larger homes with pets.
Although charging time is around 270 minutes, the vacuum only needs to be docked when not in use, providing a satisfactory runtime for most cleaning sessions.
The Dyson V11 quickly transforms into a handheld vacuum for spot cleaning, making it versatile and ideal for cleaning furniture, stairs, or inside our cars.
The only downside is its weight of 6.68 pounds. Although slightly heavier than similar cordless models, it didn’t hinder our cleaning experience too much.
With an advanced whole-machine filtration system, the vacuum traps 99.99% of particles, dust, and allergens, contributing to a cleaner and healthier home environment.
In addition, the V11 Torque Drive comes with five different tools, increasing its versatility and providing a solution for every cleaning task.
Despite its higher price compared to other cordless vacuums, the Dyson V11 Torque Drive simply outperforms its competition, making it worth the investment for a reliable, versatile vacuum that truly excels on vinyl floors.
Electrolux WellQ7 Hard Floor Stick Cleaner
The Electrolux WellQ7 is a great choice for those seeking a powerful and efficient vacuum for their vinyl floors.
Pros
- Powerful 5-step filtration system
- Designed specifically for hard floors
- Lightweight and cordless for easy maneuvering
Cons
- Shorter battery life compared to other cordless vacuums
- May struggle with larger debris
- Customer service could be improved
We recently had the opportunity to test out the Electrolux WellQ7 Hard Floor Stick Cleaner, and we were impressed by its performance on our vinyl floors.
The 5-step filtration system, featuring axial cyclonic technology, did an excellent job of capturing dirt and dust, providing a consistent cleaning experience throughout the entire cleaning process.
The PowerPro Roller is tailored for hard floor surfaces, making it a perfect option for vinyl floors as it effectively picks up everything from fine dust to larger particles.
In addition, the vacuum is lightweight and cordless which allowed us to easily move around our space without feeling restricted by a power cord.
However, there were a couple of drawbacks we noticed while using the Electrolux WellQ7. Its battery life seemed a bit shorter compared to other cordless vacuum models on the market, which could be problematic for larger living spaces.
Additionally, the vacuum occasionally struggled with picking up larger debris, requiring us to go over the area a few times. Lastly, contacting customer service proved to be a challenge when we tried reaching out with a simple question.
Buying Guide
When selecting the best vacuum for vinyl floors, there are several features and factors to consider. In this buying guide, we’ll outline these important aspects to help you make an informed decision.
Firstly, consider the type of vacuum that will suit your needs. There are several basic types, such as upright, canister, stick, and robotic vacuums. Each type has its pros and cons, so think about which one will work best for your household.
- Upright vacuums: These are typically powerful and efficient for large areas. They can be heavy, so consider the weight if you’ll be carrying it up and down stairs.
- Canister vacuums: Canister vacuums are versatile and often come with multiple attachments for different surfaces. They’re usually lighter than uprights and easier to maneuver around furniture and tight spaces.
- Stick vacuums: These are lightweight and easy to handle, making them ideal for quick cleanups or smaller living spaces.
- Robotic vacuums: These vacuums do the work for you and can be customized to clean specific areas of your home. They may not be as powerful as other types, but they can be set on a schedule for frequent cleaning.
Next, consider the suction power of the vacuum. Strong suction is essential for thorough cleaning of vinyl floors, especially if you have pets or high levels of foot traffic. A vacuum with adjustable suction is beneficial, as it allows you to adapt to different flooring types.
Another important feature to look for is a soft brush roll. Vinyl floors can be easily scratched or damaged, so it’s crucial to use a vacuum with a gentle brush that won’t harm the surface.
Additionally, consider the filtration system of the vacuum. If anyone in your household suffers from allergies or asthma, a vacuum with a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter will help to trap allergens and improve air quality.
Lastly, don’t forget to consider the overall ease of use. This includes factors like cord length, weight, maneuverability, and the ease of emptying the dustbin or replacing bags. A vacuum that’s simple to maintain and use will make cleaning your vinyl floors a more enjoyable task.
By considering the factors outlined in this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to choose the best vacuum for your vinyl floors. Remember to assess your specific needs and preferences, as well as the features that are most important to you for a satisfying cleaning experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of vacuum is suitable for vinyl floors?
When it comes to vinyl floors, we recommend using vacuums with soft bristle brush rolls or microfiber pads. This ensures gentle cleaning without causing scratches or damage to the floor’s delicate surface. Avoid using vacuums with beater bars or hard-bristle brush rolls, as these can potentially harm the vinyl.
Can you vacuum luxury vinyl plank floors?
Yes, vacuuming is an effective and safe method for cleaning luxury vinyl plank (LVP) floors. We suggest using a vacuum designed for hard surface flooring, preferably with a soft brush roll or microfiber pad to prevent any damage.
How can you choose the best vacuum for linoleum surfaces?
When choosing a vacuum for linoleum surfaces, prioritize features such as soft brush rolls, adjustable suction power, and ease of maneuverability. A vacuum with a swivel head, lightweight design, and a suitable filtration system for your specific needs will also be beneficial.
What is the most effective way to maintain clean vinyl floors?
To maintain clean vinyl floors, it’s essential to establish a consistent cleaning routine. Regular vacuuming using a soft brush roll or microfiber pad prevents dirt and debris from accumulating. We also recommend wiping spills immediately and using a damp mop for deep cleaning when needed.
Should sweeping or vacuuming be used for vinyl flooring?
Vacuuming is typically more effective than sweeping for vinyl flooring. While sweeping may remove some surface debris, a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush roll or microfiber pad can capture small particles, allergens, and dust more proficiently, providing a thorough cleaning.
Which robot vacuums are compatible with LVP floors?
Numerous robot vacuums on the market are compatible with LVP floors. When choosing a robotic vacuum, look for models with specific settings or features designed for hard surface floors, such as gentle brush rolls or microfiber cleaning pads.