7 Best Vacuum for Vinyl Floors

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Do NOT use a random vacuum cleaner for your luxury vinyl plank floors!

That’s because flooring is more susceptible to damage than other flooring types.

No worries because I’ve reviewed the best vacuums for vinyl plank floors you can use that won’t damage your precious flooring!

Let’s get started!

What is the Best Vacuum for Vinyl Floors?

Here are a few vacuums that I recommend:

To learn more about their features, read on for my reviews!

1) Dyson V8 Slim™ Fluffy

Best Reliable Cordless Vacuum for Vinyl Plank Floors

Dyson vacuum cleaners are well known for their efficiency, great build quality, and high standards.

In particular, this stick vacuum cleaner, the Dyson V8 Slim Fluffy, is great for reaching under beds and hard-to-reach areas. This is something that many other upright vacuum cleaners lack.

The Dyson V8 Fluffy is a great cordless vacuum cleaner because it does away with the hassle of lugging a large filter around all the time.

Not only that, but they are also suitable for use on luxury vinyl plank flooring as it does roll over and does not easily scratch luxury vinyl plank floors.

Key Features:

  • Powerful suction using Dyson digital motor V8 (5x faster than an F1 car engine!) provides thorough cleaning.
  • Advanced filtration captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns.
  • Comes with a variety of attachments for cleaning vinyl plank flooring.
  • Slim Fluffy cleaner head has been re-engineered to be both smaller and lighter by 40%
  • The Combination Tool reduces noise levels.
  • Changes easily into a handheld vacuum mode and back with a single click.
  • Lighter stick vacuum than the previous Dyson V8 allows easy reach of places up high.
  • Hygienic bin emptying ejects all the dirt right into the bin
  • The crevice tool helps you to reach into small gaps within the furniture.
  • The docking station will stow and recharge itself, ensuring readiness for your next use.

A lady returning the Dyson V8™ vacuum to the charging dock

Pros:

  • Lightweight and easy to maneuver, especially if you don’t like handling heavy vacuums.
  • Comes with a variety of attachments like the Light-Pipe Crevice Tool and the Combination Tool which help to reach gaps in hard-to-reach places.
  • Fluffy Cleaner Head has great suction power that glides well due, so you won’t have to drag the cleaning head on your precious vinyl plank flooring
  • Cordless, so you won’t have to deal with the hassle of plugging in and out of power sockets.
  • Cleaning of filters is much easier than other brands

Cons:

  • Relatively short battery life (40 mins).
  • Much more expensive than other models.
  • Struggles with carpeted flooring due to the Fluffy Head design

Bottom Line

The Dyson V8 is a reliable, lightweight, and known product that works for most people.

The overall balance in terms of noise pollution, ease of use, and portability will surely make your family thank you for it!

2) Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional NV356E

Best Overall Vacuum for Vinyl Plank Floors

Right off the bat, let me just say that the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional NV356E is the BEST vacuum for luxury vinyl plank floors.

Why?

It’s because it stands upright with all of the modular tools already attached to the main body. This means that when you go from room to room, you won’t have to carry all the other tools separately.

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional NV356E has a dust cup capacity of 2.2 quarts, features lift-away technology, a HEPA filter, and anti-allergen complete seal technology, and weighs 13.7 pounds.

This vacuum features a powerful motor and lift-away technology, making it a great choice for those who are looking for a vacuum that can handle tough jobs.

Key Features:

  • Lift-Away technology allows the more lightweight canister to be removed from the main body, allowing easier portability to reach places that are in higher places.
  • A completely sealed HEPA system allows for it to capture 99.9% of dust and allergens.
  • XL dust cup capacity allows you to clean your whole home in one session without the need to empty the dust canister.
  • Comes with the Pet Power Brush and the Crevice Tool to reach tight spaces
  • Advanced Swivel Steering provides excellent turning control when navigating around furniture.
  • Comes with a Sharkninja five-year limited warranty.

Pros

  • The Lift-Away canister is easily removed from its base to clean things like stairs, blinds, and ceiling cobwebs much easier.
  • The powerful motor allows for efficient filtering of dirt, especially for flat vinyl plank floors.
  • Quiet motor cleans at a low noise level of about 56 decibels.
  • 30 feet power cord so you can clean multiple rooms without switching the power outlet too often
  • Has hard floor mode which cleans luxury vinyl plank floors well, but also deep cleans carpets well.
  • If you have any pets, the Pet Power Brush is great for cleaning up pet hair.

Cons

  • Relatively expensive
  • The release latch for the door is at the bottom of the canister, so you may come into contact with the dirt when you release it. It can get messy when it’s windy if you’re releasing the dirt outside.
  • Short 11″ wide motorized head, so you’ll have to run more times over an area.
  • Flimsy design with questionable ergonomics.
  • Hard floor hero attachment not included.

Bottom Line

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional NV356E is a great choice for those looking for a powerful vacuum that can handle tough jobs, especially if you want to do deep cleaning for your house!

3) Eureka Lightweight Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

Best Affordable Cordless Vacuum for Vinyl Plank Floors

The Eureka Lightweight Cordless Vacuum Cleaner is a great choice for those who are looking for a portable, yet affordable vacuum.

This vacuum features a powerful motor and is easy to maneuver. It is also lightweight, making it a great choice for those who are looking for a vacuum that is easy to use.

Key Features:

  • A lightweight and cordless vacuum that can work on carpets and clean vinyl floors.
  • The User-Friendly Display displays the floor type, cleaning mode, and the remaining uptime.
  • Its swivel wheels allow for swivel steering, so it’s perfect for cleaning luxury vinyl plank floors without any scratches or damage and reaching small corners.
  • Its LED Headlights make it easy to spot dust, especially in dark spots in small crevices.
  • The Cyclonic Filtration System is a great cleaning solution for separating and trapping dust, debris, and large particles.
  • Its Easy Empty XL Dust Cup can store up to 1L of dust and can be emptied easily from both its bottom and top.
  • The battery can be easily removed, recharged, and replaced with a new one if needed. Batteries last 30 minutes.
  • Comes with Crevice Tool, Dusting Brush, and Wall Mount.

Pros

  • The cleaning head is easy to maneuver due to the swivel wheels, and doesn’t scratch vinyl plank floors like some other vacuum cleaners.
  • The cordless design makes it very suitable to clean cobwebs on the ceiling, the stairs, and the windows.
  • It’s lightweight – you don’t need to lug around an entire canister if you’re doing light cleaning around the house.

Cons

  • Not as quiet as some other models
  • Its cleaning head is narrow, so it requires more repetitions to clean an area entirely.
  • Cannot suck up larger particles unless directly sucked through the tube.
  • Short 30-minute battery life – you’ll have to clean fast or replace the battery halfway through the cleaning process.
  • Cordless vacuum suction is not as powerful as corded vacuums.

Bottom Line

The Eureka Lightweight Cordless Vacuum Cleaner is a great choice for those who are looking for a portable, yet affordable vacuum.

4) Dirt Devil Endura Max Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner

Best Budget-Friendly Vacuum Cleaner for Vinyl Plank Floors

The Dirt Devil Endura Max Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner is great for those who are looking for an upright vacuum cleaner that’s an affordable option but still has great suction, a large canister capacity, and is corded.

Key Features:

  • Easy-Empty XL Dirt Cup is large enough for a single cleaning session and can be easily released and emptied with just one touch.
  • Features the Spin3Pro Brushroll and CleanPath Technology, which make cleaning a vinyl plank floor, hardwood floors, or thick carpets a cinch.
  • The Quick Release Wand can be easily released on board to extend up to 10 ft of reach, which can help you reach low shelves and kitchen cabinets.
  • Suction works powerfully on vinyl plank flooring and on carpets with an easy-to-rinse filter.
  • The 2-in-1 Crevice Tool features a dusting brush that allows you to easily reach tight spots.
  • CONVENIENT ON-BOARD STORAGE: Easily maneuver corners and tight spaces with the convenient onboard tool kit for tackling messes at a minute’s notice

Pros:

  • Budget-friendly despite its powerful suction compared to other models
  • It’s very easy to clean – filters are rinsed in water, and the Easy-Empty Dirt Cup detaches easily when you want to dispose of dirt.
  • Great with pets – It can easily suck up pet hair and pet litter.

Cons:

  • Not as powerful as some other models
  • It’s very noisy.
  • Not easy to remove the brushes to clean them from the hair.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly vacuum, the Dirt Devil Endura Max Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner is a great choice!

5) Bissell Hard Floor Expert Multi-Cyclonic Bagless Canister Vacuum

Best Lightweight Vacuum for Vinyl Floors

The Bissell Hard Floor Expert Multi-Cyclonic Bagless Canister Vacuum is a great choice for those who are looking for a powerful vacuum.

This vacuum features a powerful motor and is easy to maneuver. It is also lightweight, making it a great choice for those who are looking for a vacuum that is easy to use.

Key Features:

  • The multi-cyclonic motor allows for a satisfying cleaning experience
  • The Hard Floor Turbine foot is gentle on your flooring since it’s constructed of plastic, so you won’t have to worry about scuffs or scratches when vacuuming.
  • A Wide Cleaning Head Width of 11 Inches ensures that you’ll cover more areas with each sweep.
  • The Multi-surface foot allows you to change it for areas with rugs and carpeted floors.
  • The easy empty dirt tank opens from the bottom for easy disposal. It also is large enough (67.6 fluid ounces) for you to only change it once every few cleaning sessions.

Pros:

  • The stick is easily-adjustable for different lengths depending on your cleaning needs.
  • It has a very quiet motor: it can be used at night and not wake up your kids.
  • Great for picking up small particulate matter and dust.
  • Cords can be retracted automatically with a button, which is extremely convenient after cleaning.
  • Much lighter than a Dyson cordless vacuum because the canister is dragged around on the ground, and it is cordless.
  • Good for picking up dirt on the walls
  • The canister is easy to remove, empty, and put back into place.

Cons:

  • Less noisy than other vacuum cleaners.
  • Lower build quality plastic exterior.
  • Doesn’t reach ceiling cobwebs.
  • Does not work too well on the carpet, although rugs are fine.
  • Storage isn’t too compact because of its canister design.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a canister vacuum, the Bissell Hard Floor Expert Multi-Cyclonic Bagless Canister Vacuum is a great choice!

6) Hoover Corded Bagged Upright Vacuum Cleaner

Best Upright Vacuum for Vinyl Floors and Pet Owners

The Hoover Complete Performance Advanced Pet Kit, Corded Bagged Upright Vacuum Cleaner is a great choice for those who are looking for a vacuum cleaner for their vinyl plank floors and own pets!

Key Features:

  • It has a HEPA Media Bag that can capture up to 99.97% of dust and particles
  • The Pet Upholstery Tool is designed to suck up pet hair on and around furniture, stairs, and smaller corners.
  • It has a 4-level height adjustment setting that can effectively clean hard floors such as a vinyl plank floor.
  • It’s able to reach shelves on the wall and low ceilings due to its 12-ft reach.
  • The Easy Release Bag allows for hassle-free emptying of dirt from the vacuum into the bin

Pros:

  • It’s very lightweight, which means it won’t be a pain to lift up to clean things like stairs on sofas.
  • As advertised, their suction is very powerful, great for vinyl plank floors and even on carpeted floors.
  • A large cleaning head covers more ground per sweep.
  • Picks up pet hair extremely well due to the powerful suction.

Cons:

  • The large cleaning head makes it difficult to reach into the small corners
  • The attachments sometimes get in the way of vacuuming, making maneuvering difficult.
  • Weighs 29 pounds and can be heavy for some people.

Bottom Line

If you need a great vacuum cleaner for your vinyl plank flooring AND you have pets, the Hoover Complete Performance Advanced Pet Kit, Corded Bagged Upright Vacuum Cleaner, is the best option for you!

7) Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe NV360

Best Powerful Vacuum for Vinyl Plank Floors

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe NV360 is a great choice for those who are looking for a powerful vacuum.

This vacuum cleaner is one of the highest-rated vacuums on Amazon, with 75% of reviewers giving it a 5-star rating. It averages a 4.6-star rating at the time of writing.

This vacuum features a powerful motor and lift-away technology, making it a great choice for those who are looking for a vacuum that can handle tough jobs.

Key features:

  • Lift-Away functionality
  • The Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology works using a HEPA filter
  • An upholstery tool
  • A Large-Capacity Dust Cup of 0.9 quarts
  • Includes an Upholstery Tool and a Crevice Tool.

Pros:

  • It’s very easy to maneuver with Lift-Away technology and works amazingly for stairs because it allows for full motion and sucks more at the corners.
  • The bag check indicator that turns red when it’s ready to be replaced is really useful.
  • The motor is incredibly powerful and great for cleaning up vinyl plank floors, hard floors, and especially small particles and hair on rugs.
  • The swivel wheels on the vacuum allow you to steer easily with your vacuum for tight spaces and don’t leave any scratches on your vinyl plank floor!
  • The Large-Capacity Dust Cup of 0.9 quarts allows you to empty it less often within a single cleaning session, and debris can be easily removed.
  • The Brushroll Shutoff can be easily switched off if you want to clean bare floors gently, and on when you want to remove stubborn debris on the floor.

Cons:

  • Doesn’t work too well on a thick pile of the carpet.
  • The canister can fill up quickly – the fill line is only about an inch from the bottom.
  • The power cord is short so it may not cover large rooms, and you may have to switch power outlets throughout your home.
  • The cord is also extremely taut, so you’ll have a hard time trying to rewind it after cleaning.
  • You will find yourself constantly running the power cable over the floor each time you vacuum because it is very close to the base.
  • The onboard tool holders can constantly get in the way of the vacuuming process.
  • There are plastic parts in the dust canister that trap clumps of hair and dust gets stuck so you’ll have to reach in to pull them out.
  • The detached canister doesn’t balance very well by itself on carpeted stairs.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a powerful vacuum with lift-away technology, the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe NV360 is a great choice.

How to Choose the Best Vacuum for Vinyl Plank Floors?

When it comes to vacuuming vinyl plank floors, there are a few things you should look for in a vacuum cleaner.

1) Soft Bristles

First, you want to make sure that the vacuum has soft bristles. This will help prevent scratching or damaging the vinyl.

2) Good Suction

Second, you want to make sure that the vacuum has good suction. This will help ensure that your floors are clean and free of dirt and debris.

3) Easy to Maneuver

Third, you want to make sure that the vacuum is easy to maneuver. This will help you avoid any frustration when trying to vacuum your floors.

Can You Use Vacuums on Vinyl Plank Flooring?

Vacuums can be used on vinyl plank flooring. A vacuum with suction should be used only, and not vacuums with a beater bar or rotating brush. These vacuums can damage the floor. When vacuuming vinyl plank floors, move the vacuum in a straight line to avoid damaging the floor.

What is the Best Way to Clean Vinyl Plank Flooring?

The best way to clean vinyl plank flooring is to sweep it with a soft broom or vacuum it with a soft brush attachment. You can also use a mop with mild detergent to clean vinyl plank flooring. Avoid using harsh chemicals or scrubbing the floor, as this can damage the floor.

What are Luxury Vinyl Plank Floors?

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) floors are a type of flooring that is designed to mimic the look and feel of natural wood or stone flooring. They are made from a combination of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and other materials and are designed to be durable, easy to maintain, and resistant to moisture and wear.

LVP floors come in a variety of styles and designs, including realistic wood-look planks and tiles, as well as stone-look options.

The planks or tiles are usually installed using a click-locking system, which allows them to be easily installed over an existing floor without the need for adhesives.

Given that vinyl flooring are more sensitive to scratches, they require the right vacuum for the job.

Final Thoughts

There you have it, the best vacuums for vinyl plank floors! We hope you found this blog post helpful.

My personal advice: Use a robotic vacuum cleaner to augment your cleaning process, alongside stick vacuum cleaners. Both are safe for hard floors such as vinyl floors

Thank you for reading!

Justin Chia

Justin is the author of Justjooz and is a data analyst and AI expert. He is also a Nanyang Technological University (NTU) alumni, majoring in Biological Sciences.

He regularly posts AI and analytics content on LinkedIn, and writes a weekly newsletter, The Juicer, on AI, analytics, tech, and personal development.

To unwind, Justin enjoys gaming and reading.

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