Top 5 Best Vacuums For Laminate Floors in 2019

We all love our laminate floors. It’s beautiful and great for our busy families, but keeping it clean can be challenging. That’s why we need the best vacuum for laminate floors to make the job a little easier. When you have all the fun messes like kids tracking dirt, pet hair, allergies and more, you need a great vacuum designed for the uniqueness of laminate wood.

Here’s our review of the top 5 best vacuums for laminate floors that are sure to make cleaning easier! And remember that laminate floors is different than true wood flooring. Here is a review for cordless vacuums for hardwood. We did a separate review of great steam mops for hardwood floors here.

The 5 Best Vacuums For Laminate Floors Comparison Chart

Top 5 Laminate Floor Vacuum Cleaner Reviews

Check out these laminate flooring vacuums! We’ve updated the list for 2019!

Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Upright (HV321 and HV322)

The Overall Best Vacuum For Laminate Floors

Pros

• Ease of use, one of the easier uprights to use
• Low weight means anyone can handle it with ease (only 8 lbs)
• Long 32 foot cord for extended cleaning
• LED lights to see under furniture
• Works well on low pile carpet
• HV322 model is great on pet hair
• Has micro-fiber pad to wipe and sweep floor

Cons

• Slightly more expensive
• Occasionally the brush fails and needs maintenance
• Small dust cup requires frequent dumping
• Micro-fiber pad must be cleaned every few uses
• No HEPA filter

The Shark Rocket is an upright bagless vacuum that can cover bare floors and carpets with two times the power of the original model. It comes in two designs (HV321 and HV322) with only one major difference between them. The HV322 has an extra brush specifically for pet hair. If you have pets, go with the HV322. If not, save a few bucks and use the HV321. They’re the exact same vacuum otherwise.

This vacuum comes in at only 8 pounds which makes it insanely light and easy to maneuver around.

The Shark Rocket has fun LED lights on the hand unit and nozzle as well as advanced swivel steering. This vacuum comes with several attachments, including on-board storage clip, dusting brush, crevice tool, the Hard Floor Genie and a tool for pet hair (only on HV322 as mentioned), as well as a microfiber pad.

The Hard Floor Genie and microfiber pad make this an excellent vacuum for hard laminate floors. The Genie is the attachment that removes the spinning brush from the equation so you don’t damage those laminate floors. The microfiber pad essentially “wipes” the floor as you vacuum over it. However, be warned that the microfiber pad works better when pushed in one direction (ie only forward) and tends to get dirty quickly.

The Rocket has “Never Loses Suction, Never Loses Power” technology but can do so without the usual weight most upright models have. Quick transitions for cleaning different areas or terrains is easily handled with the quick release foot pedal. The Rocket’s extension wand also makes reaching between tight spaces or up high very easy.

The last great aspect of the Shark Rocket is the ability to clean other surfaces besides laminate. Many customers have raved about how well it vacuums carpet also. The price on this Rocket is also very reasonable compared to some other high end products.

The biggest downfall of the Rocket is the small dust cup that can fill up quickly. Large rooms can require multiple trips to the garbage to empty it. Also, the Rocket does not have a HEPA filter which could affect some people.

This upright vacuum space has become full of strong contenders, but the range of features, attachments and the high level of performance whilst keeping the weight off puts the HV322 in the top of the pack if you can afford it.

You can check out the Shark HV322 here on Amazon.

Hoover WindTunnel Air Bagless Corded Lightweight Upright Vacuum UH70400

The Best Hoover Vacuum For Laminate Floors

Pros

• Long 30-foot cord for extended cleaning
• 3-in-1 combo tool for additional cleaning
  • Tool includes 30-inch wand and 8-foot star hose
• Can turn brush on or off with switch
• Has HEPA filter
• Lower end of price range

Cons

• Some complaints about attachment hose being weak
• Attachments can be cumbersome
• Smaller dirt cup requires frequent dumping

In terms of weight, the Hoover Windtunnel is one of the lightest full-size upright bagless model available currently, clocking in at just 12 pounds. Hoover is a well-known brand for good reason, and the extensive history and research went into creating this vacuum shines through.

The unique Windtunnel technology helps to prevent dirt blowback on rugs and carpets. This also helps it pick up pet hair better than most. The Hoover also features a very well adjusted, easily cleaned and reusable HEPA filter. This filter can trap 99.97% of all collected dirt, debris, dust and other allergens commonly found in the home. Which is especially important for laminate floors, where so much outside allergen material gets brought inside.

However, remember to let the HEPA filter dry completely before replacing it. Otherwise you risk ruining it.

This Hoover vacuum works the best for laminate and hardwood floors and can do a decent job on low pile carpet. If you need this to also handle thick, high carpet, you should look elsewhere.

The Windtunnel has a brush which can be turned on or off depending on the surface. It has an adjustable handle for height and a long 30 foot cord for extended cleaning. It has a one-touch release button on the dirt cup for easy emptying into garbage cans.

The one-touch release allows for quick fit changes between attachments and onboard tools. The extendable wand can expand over 11 feet to also reach high places.

One big drawback is the small dirt cup. It needs to be changed more frequently than other full-size vacuums, but not nearly as often as the Shark Rocket.

Another drawback was that some people found the attachment setup too cumbersome for easy use. This may or may not affect you, but it’s good to note.

All over, a good entrant to the upright full-size bagless vacuum market from a well-respected brand. The HEPA filter may be of interest to allergen sensitive households. This vacuum is worthwhile if you can pick it up on sale.

You can see the Hoover Windtunnel here on Amazon.

Shark Rocket Complete DuoClean (HV382)

The Best Vacuum For Laminate Floors And Carpet

Pros

• Specifically designed with dual-brushes for laminate and low carpet
• Easy swivel steering to also get under furniture
• Long 30-foot cord for extended cleaning
• Great on pet hair
• Low weight under 10 lbs.

Cons

• Higher price point
• No HEPA filter
• Does not stand on it’s own (needs to lean against something)

We know Shark makes great vacuums and it shows as this is their second on the list. The Shark Duoclean is geared toward the higher end models of laminate and bare floor vacuums.

What is the first sign of this vacuum being higher quality is the duel rotating brushes. That’s right… Two rotating brushes to pick up dirt (both free flowing and stuck on), large particles, and more. It has a soft brushroll and a traditional bristle brush for the extra-deep clean that’s still gentle on laminate floors.

The Rocket comes in just under 10 lbs so it’s still very easy to use and has the standard swivel technology we see in many other stick vacuums.

It also has a detachable TruePet motorized brush to help get that pet hair off couches and chairs. This is extremely useful for those of us with furry friends who shed way too much.

The Rocket does have a cord (so it’s not cordless), but it’s a nice 30 feet which should be enough to hit multiple rooms without worry. It has a nice size dust cup compared to other stick models, but it’s still smaller than a standard vacuum dust bin or bag.

The big drawbacks on this Rocket model are the price and the fact it does not stand very well. The Rocket clearly states in the operational manual that it will not stand on it’s own. So you always have to lean it against something. This can be frustrating for some people. It also runs a little more expensive since you get more quality.

Overall, the Shark Rocket is an excellent contender and worth consideration. It brings a lot to the table for the price and even comes with a slew of attachments for specific areas.

You can see the Shark Rocket DuoClean here on Amazon.

Bissell PowerEdge Pet 81L2T

The Budget Friendly Laminate Floor Vacuum

Pros

• Most budget friendly vacuum on the list
• Very low weight at 7.7 lbs
• Best on pet hair thanks to rubber wipers
• Unique V-shape to absorb large and small debris/dirt
• Auto-rewind cord

Cons

• Small cord of only 20 feet
• Not usable on any carpet
• Won’t work well under furniture
• No HEPA filter
• Only 1 year warranty

The Bissell PowerEdge is your budget-friendly vacuum that can tackle dirt and made for pet owners.

The unique V-Shape design allows for larger debris to find its way towards the center of the V while the sides are designed to suck up smaller debris. This design also allows for an above-average level of suction.

What’s even better is this vacuum does not have a rotating brush. Instead, it has hair-attracting runner wipers running along the bottom to handle even the toughest shedding pets. The rubber can easily be wiped with a damp cloth to keep it operating smoothly. This is much better than cutting out wrapped hair on a brush.

Maneuverability, like many upright vacuums, is key and the Bissell PowerEdge has done so with grace and finesse. It has the swivel design we see in many other vacuums so you can move easily.

This vacuum was designed firstly for floors like vinyl and laminate, and this design focus shines through. And it deserves notice. Just be aware this vacuum will not work well on carpet since it lacks a brush.

The biggest drawbacks on the Bissell are the lack of attachments and inability to get under furniture. The V-shape design also makes corners really challenging. This is where an attachment would be handy, because the vacuum loses suction power the further away from center you are.

The Bissell doesn’t lay flat very well so you’ll have a tougher time getting under low furniture. Depending on your home, this may or may not be a deal breaker.

Overall, the Bissell comes in at a great price, with some small drawbacks. You can see the Bissell PowerEdge here on Amazon.

Dyson V6 Cord-Free

The Best Cordless Vacuum For Laminate Floors

Pros

• Dyson patented technology to prevent choking on dust and dirt
• Lightest weight of the list at 4.1 lbs so easy to use
• Cordless so can be taken anywhere
• Gentle brush design to be used on laminate floors and carpet
• Slim design to fit under furniture

Cons

• Highest price of the list
• Only 20 minute battery so not ideal for larger homes
• No attachments on this specific model (but they can be purchased separately)
• Small dust cup means frequent emptying
• Must be docked in rechargeable docking station which needs electricity

What list of the top vacuums would be complete without an entry from Dyson? The vacuum powerhouse and always innovative company has pioneered the market since the beginning. The Dyson V6 is an excellent addition, with its light weight, Root Cyclone technology and slim design, the V6 is a real contender. The motor is, on average, 3 times faster than other convention motors.

The V6 also comes with conductive carbon fiber brushes which are a fancy way of saying it is designed to clean laminate floors very well. The technology behind these brushes are anti-static and so are perfect for removing fine dust particles.

What’s unique about this vacuum is the bristles on the brush are actually safe to use on hardwood and laminate floors. That’s an extra bonus for this vacuum to pick up tougher pressed on dirt as compared to suction-only vacuums.

Another nice feature is that it’s cordless. The battery is designed to clean full out for 20 minutes. This can be a drawback on bigger homes that have a lot of laminate floors. For most people, the 20 minute run time should be plenty.

The V6 comes with a wall-mountable recharging dock station that is great for storing on a door inside a closet.

The two other drawbacks on this specific model are the lack of any attachment tools and the small dust cup. Extension tools can be purchased separately, or you can check out the other vacuums in the family of the V6. The small dust cup tends to be a trend in hard floor and laminate floors.

The amount of R&D that has gone into the technology behind the Dyson V6 makes it uniquely powerful. But ultimately, buyers will need to weigh whether the short-lived, but excellent, performance is worth the price.

You can see the Dyson V6 here on Amazon.

If You Need Something To Do Deeper Cleaning…

Some people may look at a vacuum and think it’s not enough. Sometimes it’s not. Sometimes you just need a deeper clean.

That’s why there’s the Shark Sonic Duo. It’s a floor steamer / carpet cleaner duel machine.

Let’s be clear, this Shark Sonic IS NOT A VACUUM in any way. It does not suck up particles at all. That’s not what it was designed to do.

What is it designed to do is steam clean and make floors feel fantastic! Here’s a little breakdown:

Shark Sonic Duo Carpet and Hard Floor Cleaner (ZZ550)

A great steamer from the Shark Brand, the Shark Sonic ZZ550 may be even better than the Rocket for the purposes of cleaning laminate floors. The steamer has two scrubbing modes that can perform up to a thousand scrubs per minute! It is a highly efficient model.

The ZZ550 comes with washable microfiber pads that have been designed from the ground up for effective cleaning of hard floors and carpet. This model has headlights and a 22-foot power cord and AirGlide Manoeuvrability.

The Shark Sonic has been designed for gentle solutions to floor cleaning and comes with a set of non-toxic solutions to give your laminate floors a shiny look that is sure to stun. The set contains 4 liquid concentrate solutions that have been designed to be completely safe for both humans and pets.

The Sonic is great at removing stuck-on food particles and dust from both hard tile floors and carpet. This is just an extra tool in your home for getting rid of dust and allergens. Use it if you feel you need it.

You can see the Shark Sonic here on Amazon.

What To Look For In A Great Laminate Floor Vacuum

Here’s what we analyzed and determined were important factors in this list. These are obviously not all-inclusive, but should give you a solid foundation for choosing a great laminate flooring vacuum. Also, if you need any more information on cleaning laminate floors, click here to see our detailed review.

Bare Floor Cleaning Brush Switch

The vacuum should have a brush that can be toggled on or off. This is obviously very important when dealing with laminate floors. No one wants damaged floors from a simple vacuum. Most models (excluding that Dyson V6) have hard brushes designed to really dig up dirt stuck in carpet. These brushes are great for low, medium and long pile carpet, but are definitely not great for more sensitive laminate floors.

Motor Quality

A powerful motor is essential in a good vacuum. But what makes laminate floor vacuums trickier is the need for the power to be well contained within the suction head. If the motor is too powerful, or not well contained, the air flow will just blow dust around on your floor and not actually suck it up. Talk about creating a bigger mess

Vacuum Cost

Portability is a huge feature in vacuums these days. More times than not, you’ll just need a quick clean up of a mess in your kitchen or dining area. No problem when you have a portable vacuum that weighs just a few pounds. No one wants to drag out the gigantic 25 pound heavy-duty vacuum designed for thick shag carpets for just a small job.

So having a light and easy vacuum is essential in today’s home. These days you might even be able to find a good backpack vacuum that could work on laminate floors.

Bagged vs Bagless

Another aspect you should consider is a bag vs bagless vacuum. Most people love the bagless model for it’s simplicity. But remember, if you have allergies or breathing challenges, go for a bagged vacuum. It will trap the dirt and debris more effectively than any bagless option.
 

Edge Cleaning & Tough Spots

Lastly, it’s really helpful to have a vacuum that reach those tougher spots. Whether that’s an edge of the floor or around table legs or even underneath a couch. Flexibility is the new thing in all vacuums. Everyone wants a “do-it-all” type vacuum.

Vacuum Weight

This isn’t a number 1 priority for most laminate floor vacuums, but it’s still something to consider. Heavy vacuums are tough to maneuver, and difficult to operate on stairs. But we did a complete study on the best vacuums for carpeted stairs here. So shoot for vacuums under 15 lbs.

That’s an ideal weight for most things. Plus remember, once you start vacuuming, you’ll suck up junk. That’ll increase the vacuum weight over time. Don’t forget to empty the vacuum canister regularly!

FAQs About Laminate Floor Vacuums

Here are some common questions many people seem to ask about vacuums that clean laminate floors. Let’s take a look:

Should I Steam Clean Laminate Floors?

You need to be very careful when steaming laminate floors. It can certainly be done, but you need to use caution. We did a great review on the best steam mop for laminate floors here so check that out.

But always use caution as too much steam can damage laminate flooring. Ideally, you need an adjustable steamer and test a small area on your floors first. Once you’ve confirmed the steamer can work, move quickly and swiftly on the floors.

Never keep your steamer on the same spot for long. Even low steam can damage laminate floors over time.

How Do I Vacuum Pet Hair With A Laminate Floor Cleaner?

Most quality vacuums should suck up pet hair. The rotating brush should trap any lingering pet hairs in corners too. You’ll need to clean the brush every few weeks to keep it operating well also.

Our top 5 vacuums all handle pet hair well so you should be set from that regard. However, our preferred vacuum for pet hair and laminate flooring is the Shark Rocket Ultra-Light HV322 found here on Amazon.

 How To Clean Laminate Floors

Obviously this article is specifically about the best laminate floor cleaner. But that shouldn’t stop us from helping you clean your laminate floors anyway.

In fact, we actually did an entire article about how to best clean laminate flooring right here. But here’s a high level of what it’s talking about.

First, always vacuum the floor (hence this article about laminate floor vacuums). That should get up all the large particles.

Next, you’ll want to use a solution based cleaner. There’s several mentioned in that article. Everything ranging from DIY laminate floor cleaners to cleaning solutions you can buy online.

Finally, make sure to well dry the area. Either with airing out the space or using a towel. Laminate floors typically don’t need waxing. But again check out that article to see the best way to clean laminate floors.

That’s The Clean Sweep

So this was our list of the best vacuum for laminate floors. We hope you learned something about the brands you already know. If you feel we left one out, let us know! If you have another vacuum you love, we’d like to know!

Vacuum technology changes constantly so we’ll try our best to keep updated here for you. Enjoy your freshly clean home!

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