Best Vacuum for Vinyl Floors and Luxury Vinyl Plank Floors 2020

While most people associate vacuum cleaners with thick carpeting, they can be used on hard surfaces, too. In fact, using a vacuum cleaner is one of the best ways to keep vinyl floors looking great. They’re an effective tool for getting rid of dirt and debris in minutes.

With that being said, not just any vacuum will do. Vinyl is a unique flooring material that requires some special care. First made available in the 1930s, vinyl flooring is made out of synthetic plastic polymer. It’s known for its resilience and versatility. In the early days of vinyl flooring, the material was relegated to commercial buildings and industrial factories. However, it quickly became a must-have for homes around the world.

Vinyl flooring continued to evolve dramatically since then. Today, vinyl floors are modeled to look like expensive stone or natural wood. Thanks to the advanced manufacturing process, these floors look and feel like the real thing.

Despite the material’s ability to replicate tougher flooring options, it doesn’t have the same durability. To avoid scratches and keep your floors protected for many years to come, you need the best vacuum for vinyl floors that money can buy. In this guide, we’ll go over some crucial care information to help you keep your vinyl floors in tip-top shape. We’ve also gathered a collection of vacuums that can serve you and your home well.

Top Rated Vacuums for Vinyl Floors Comparison Chart

If you want to jump right in and take a look at some great vinyl floor vacuums, check out the chart below. We have highlighted some key features and basic specifications of each machine.

You can use the chart to quickly find an option that’s right for your needs and budget. Read on to our review section for some more detailed information about each vacuum.

Best Vinyl Floor Vacuums 2020 Reviews (Updated Picks)

Most vacuums aren’t specifically made for vinyl floors. As a result, choosing a suitable machine involves more than just taking a glance at the packaging. We’ve done the research and selected ten of the best vacuums for vinyl floors that are currently on the market. Every vacuum you’ll see below has what it takes to keep your floors clean and protected.

1. Bissell CrossWave Floor and Carpet Wet-Dry Vacuum Cleaner

Quick Features:

• Vacuums and mops in one pass
• Can be used on soft and hard surfaces
• Microfiber and nylon brush
• Surface controls on handle
• Two tanks for clean and dirty water
• 25-foot cord

The Bissel CrossWave is our pick for the best vacuum for vinyl plank floors. Not only does it have all of the features you need to keep your floors spotless and damage-free, but it helps to streamline the cleaning process. Instead of having to vacuum and mop separately, this machine does both tasks in one pass.

As the vacuum is sucking up dirt, cleaning solution is sprayed onto the floor to provide a nice polish. The brush is soft and easy to clean. The microfiber and nylon brush are not abrasive, so you don’t have to worry about scratches. As you work, dirty water is placed in a separate tank from your cleaning solution for convenience. Whether you’re living in a small apartment or have a large office you need to clean, the CrossWave vinyl floor vacuum can help you get the job done in only a fraction of the time.

2. Hoover FloorMate Moondust Deluxe Hard Floor Cleaner

Quick Features:

• Washes floor and sucks up dirt
• Scrubbing brushes are safe for vinyl floors
• Cleanboost feature for extra solution
• Wash and drying mode
• Two tanks for clean and dirty water
• 27-foot cord

The Hoover FloorMate Deluxe is also a great option for vinyl floors. However, it narrowly missed the number one spot for a couple of different reasons. One, it’s designed to only clean hard floors. You won’t be able to transition between carpet and vinyl. Secondly, the scrubber heads may pose a problem depending on the mess you’re cleaning. They’re more abrasive than the brush on the Bissel CrossWave, so you may experience scratches if you’re cleaning up sand or dried mud.

Despite those issues, the FloorMate is still an excellent machine. It has two cleaning modes. One is for washing your floors while the other helps to speed up drying. Like the CrossWave, this vacuum features two tanks to keep clean and dirty water separate. This vacuum even has a Cleanboost function, which dispenses more cleaning solution for those areas that need some extra attention.

3. Shark Rocket DuoClean HV382 Ultra-Light Corded Bagless Vacuum

Quick Features:

• Soft dual brush roll
• Removable dust container
• Handheld design
• 505-watt motor
• Weighs 9.9 pounds
• 30-foot cord

From Shark is the Rocket DuoClean. This vacuum is a versatile machine that easily transitions between carpet, vinyl, rugs, and more. Rather than using a stiff bristle brush like normal vacuums, this product uses a dual brush roll.

Thousands of soft bristles scrub your floor clean while the powerful motor sucks the dirt away. Because the bristles are so small, there’s virtually no risk for scratching up your vinyl floors. The unique design of the brush also lets you pick up large piles of debris and bigger particles without any issues.

4. iRobot Roomba 690 WiFi Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Quick Features:

• Automatic functionality
• Controlled via Wi-Fi and smartphone app
• Dirt detection sensors
• Cleans carpets and hard floors
• Roller brushes and agitator
• Can clean for up to 90 minutes
• Includes docking station
• Built-in furniture sensors

If you’re looking for an awesome vinyl vacuum that can keep your floors clean day after day, consider this gadget from iRobot. The Roomba 690 is a robot vacuum that can clean on your designated schedule. It will navigate your home and use its built-in sensors to get around furniture. Within the smartphone application, you can also create virtual barriers to keep the device where you want it.

Another great feature is the Dirt Detection system. The vacuum is smart enough to know which part of your floor is dirtiest. It will provide some extra attention to these high-traffic areas to ensure that your floors are looking great.

5. Dyson DC50 Animal Compact Upright Corded Vacuum Cleaner

Quick Features:

• 2-tier Radical Cyclone motor
• Unique pivot mechanism
• Powerful suction
• Bagless design
• Motor-driven roller brush
• Anti-static brush filaments
• Includes hose and attachments
• 25-foot cord

Dyson is one of the biggest names in the vacuum industry thanks to the innovative technology put into every device. The DC50 Animal is no different. This upright features a 2-tier Radical cyclone motor. It creates a powerful centrifugal force to suck up the tiniest microparticles. On the suction head, the vacuum has a motorized roller head. It spins rapidly to catch dirt and scrub your floor. Carbon fiber bristles are used. They’re small, thin, and soft enough to keep your vinyl floors safe.

Fortunately, using the vacuum is very easy. While it is an upright vacuum, it has Dyson’s Ball technology. So, it can turn, pivot, and tilt to give you access to tight spots. On top of all this, the vinyl vacuum also comes with a hose and a collection of attachments for cleaning other areas of your home or office.

6. Bissell 1543A Symphony Steam Mop and Vacuum Cleaner

Quick Features:

• Steam cleans and vacuums
• Only takes 30 seconds to heat up
• 1100-watts of power with steamer on
• Includes washable mop head
• Dry tank separates liquid from dirt
• 8-ounce tank capacity
• 25-foot cord

Another great machine from Bissell is the Symphony steam mop and vacuum. It can be used on a range of hard surfaces, including vinyl floors. It goes above and beyond using a powerful cyclone vacuum that sucks up dirt while the steam helps to remove stubborn grime. The steamer heats up in just 30 seconds. This steam is formed from water or solution in the tanks near the suction head.

We love how the vacuum is designed with pet owners in mind. The steamer can sanitize your vinyl floors by killing bacteria and germs. For good reasons, the machine comes with washable mop pads, however you can also use disposable ones. When dirt is sucked up, it’s separated from the water. The dirt tank keeps moisture out, making it easier to empty.

7. Oreck Commercial ORB550MC Orbiter Floor Vacuum Machine

Quick Features:

• Orbital cleaner
• Compatible with cloth pads and brushes
• Spins at 175 revolutions per minute
• 50-foot cord
• Cleaning surface measures 13 inches in diameter

Looking for a commercial-grade vacuum for vinyl floors? This cleaner from Oreck may be for you. It’s an efficient cleaner that can take care of large spaces in minutes. The tool does not suck up dirt, however, the spinning pad works to remove stains and restore your floors’ finish.

While some floor buffers have high torque ratings, this cleaner does not. It uses a random orbit spinning pattern. As a result, it’s very easy to use. Once you attach a cleaning pad, the device will glide over your vinyl floors smoothly. It is an elegant looking model with simple button controls are located on the handle for easy operation.

8. Bissell PowerEdge Pet Hardwood Floor Bagless Vacuum Cleaner 81L2A

Quick Features:

• V-shaped cleaning head
• Rubber squeegee system
• Swivel steering
• Bagless
• 20-foot cord

Don’t let the strange look of this vacuum fool you. It’s a great option for everyday cleaning tasks on your vinyl floors. Rather than using a traditional roller head, this device uses squeegees. The squeegees glide over your floors to guide dirt into the suction head.

One of the cool things is that it comes with a distinct V-shaped head which offers a couple of advantages. First, it makes moving around obstacles a breeze. You can pivot around furniture legs and get into tight corners without any problems. Secondly, the wings of the “V” act as a funnel. The suction point for the vacuum is directly in the center. So, the more you push the vacuum over your floor, the more it can guide dirt to where it needs to go.

9. Bissell 1940 PowerFresh Steamer, Mop, Tile and Hardwood Floor Cleaner

Quick Features:

• Steam cleaner for sanitization
• Multiple cleaning modes
• Comes two washable mop pads
• Flip-down scrubber
• Compatible with fragrance disks
• Swivel steering
• 23-foot cord

This steam cleaner from Bissell is perfect for keeping vinyl floors free of dirt. It features two small tanks at the base of the cleaning head. After only 30 seconds, the water within those tanks is heated up to produce steam. Just gliding it over your floors gets rid of stubborn messes and sanitizes the surface.

Fortunately, there are three cleaning modes to choose from. You can use the buttons that are located on the handle, allowing you to change settings in an instant. Each one adjusts the steam levels for you. We also like that the mop comes with two pads. On the back of the head, there’s also a flip-down scrubber. It’s a bit rougher, so use it sparingly on your vinyl floors.

10. Shark Sonic ZZ550 Duo Carpet and Hard Floor Vacuum

Quick Features:

• Can be used on carpet and hard floors
• Two scrubbing pads
• 1,000 scrubs per minute
• Uses washable microfiber pads
• Built-in light
• AirGlide maneuverability
• Swivel steering
• 22-foot cord

The Shark Sonic Duo is one of the best vacuums for luxury vinyl plank floors because of its gentle cleaning process. Rather than using spinning brushes or steam, it uses two moving scrubbers. They move back and forth to scrub floors 1,000 times per minute. While there is no vacuum to suck up dirt, the included microfiber pads trap debris very well.

The cleaner has AirGlide maneuverability. Using the constant motion of scrubbers paired with the smooth cleaning pads ensures that the device moves effortlessly across vinyl floors.

A Complete Buying Guide for Vinyl Plank Floors

Advantages:

• Aesthetic Versatility

In terms of style, vinyl is of the most versatile materials out there. It’s made up of multiple layers to achieve unique colors, patterns, and textures. On top of the vinyl compound, manufacturers can apply a photographic print that’s lifelike and beautiful.

Chemical embossing may be done as well to add texture for wood grain or stone styles. You can even custom-print your own designs for commercial settings. The sky’s the limit when it comes to aesthetics. Whether you want a bright and vibrant floor or something that looks traditionally handcrafted, you can get it made out of vinyl.

• Comfort

Generally, walking on vinyl floors is much more comfortable than other hard surfaces. For one, it’s more flexible. The material has some give to it, which can ultimately reduce the force of impact with every step.

Secondly, vinyl doesn’t get cold during the winter months. It maintains a relative temperature, allowing you to walk barefoot without any issues. Some vinyl products also come with padded underlayment attached, which provide even more comfort benefits.

• Noise Reduction

Luxury vinyl tiles are praised for their insulating properties. They have a layer of padding that’s designed to increase the noise reduction coefficient. The material reduces the amount of noise that’s reflected off the surface and prevents unnecessary vibrations.

• Durability
  

There’s a reason why vinyl is used in high-traffic areas. It’s durable material that can hold up to a lot of wear and tear. Most products have a protective layer made out of polyurethane. Vinyl sheets are great because they create a water-resistant barrier that protects the subfloor. Many products are also stain-resistant. For commercial applications, you can even get floors with an anti-slip coating for safety.

The protective qualities of vinyl make it a suitable choice for families and those with pets. Best of all, the protective features are built right in. Most vinyl products don’t need regular polishing or additional layers of sealant.

• Low Cost

One big benefit of vinyl flooring is its cost. You can get the same look as natural stone or wood at only a fraction of the cost. On average, sheet vinyl floors can cost anywhere from $0.50 – $2.00 a square foot. If you choose to go with luxury vinyl plank, it usually costs between $2.00 and $5.00 a square foot.

• Easy Installation

Another perk of vinyl floor is that they’re very easy to install. With just a few basic tools, you can get the job done yourself. This can help drive the final cost of the flooring down even further. Sheet vinyl can be applied directly to subfloors with an adhesive. Most planks and tiles can be snapped together to create a floating floor.

• Low Maintenance

While the maintenance requirements of a vinyl floor depend largely on how it is made, most products require very little work. Aside from regular vacuuming and dusting, there’s not much else to do. They don’t need to be waxed like real wood. Most floors don’t even need chemical cleaners to retain their brilliance.

Disadvantages:

• Potential Health Risks

Because vinyl is a manmade material, chemicals are used during the manufacturing process. As a result, finished floors can emit VOCs, or volatile organic compounds. These gases can be released into the air over time, affecting everyone in your home or office.

Studies have shown that VOCs can cause health complications. The severity of those complications depends on the types of chemicals used. They can range from simple headaches and respiratory irritation to organ damage.

To stay safe, it’s important that you stick to low-VOC vinyl products that are free of harmful phthalates. Many manufacturers go to great lengths to keep consumers safe. VOCs can be found in a wide range of products, so it’s nearly impossible to avoid them completely. Investing in a low-VOC vinyl floor can reduce the chances of negative health issues and improve your building’s air quality.

• Environmental Impact

Another issue that pertains to the manufacturing of vinyl floors is the environmental impact. The chemical compounds used in vinyl makes it impossible to recycle.

It’s not biodegradable, so the floors will stay in landfills long after you have replaced them. Fortunately, some brands are starting to use recycled filler in their products.

It’s used on the bottom layer of the vinyl so that floors still have all their protective qualities.

• Susceptible to Tears and Dents

While vinyl is great for high-traffic areas, accidents can leave the material a little worse for wear. Vinyl planks are not as dense as real wood or stone. As a result, suddenly dropping a heavy object onto the floor can cause a noticeable dent. The same goes for sharp items. The upper layer of the vinyl can tear, ruining the beautiful finish.

• May Become Discolored with Sun Exposure

Constant exposure to the sun can affect the printed layer of vinyl floors. In some cases, the added heat may also cause the adhesives to separate. Older vinyl floors are known to yellow over time due to dirt being trapped beneath the protective wax layer. While modern floors are more protected, changes in color can still happen. To avoid this problem, you can cover your windows with a solar screen or some other type of UV-blocking material.

Taking Good Care and Maintenance of Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring

Thanks to its low maintenance requirements, vinyl floors are pretty easy to take care of. However, there are some things to keep in mind. Vinyl is a synthetic material that’s much thinner than hardwood, tile, or concrete. To keep your floors in good shape, you need to treat them with some special attention. Here are tips on how you can maintain your vinyl floors.

• Remove dirt regularly with a vinyl floor vacuum
• Make sure that rollers with stiff bristles on your vacuum are turned off
• Use a floor mat to limit how much dust gets on the floor
• Clean your floors weekly with a neutral detergent and water
• Prevent direct sunlight from hitting the floors
• Do not use abrasive cleaners
• Clean up spills immediately to prevent acid stains
• Avoid placing rubber directly on the vinyl
• Use felt pads on all of your furniture
• Don’t use caster wheels on any of your furniture items
• Instead of dragging heavy items, lift them up off the vinyl
• Use plywood or other hard surfaces when moving furniture to prevent dents
• Keep extra planks just in case you need to make repairs
• If you have pets, keep their nails trimmed and buffed to avoid scratches

Wrap Up

Choosing the best vacuum for luxury vinyl plank floors can make all the difference when it comes to cleaning and maintenance. While many people think that vinyl floors are indestructible, that’s not the case. Like any other flooring material, vinyl needs to be taken care of if you want it to last.

Whether you need to take care of a single room or an entire commercial building, a high-quality vacuum for vinyl floors will make quick work of the job. Any one of the vacuums in this guide will take care of regular messes and high-traffic areas without affecting your vinyl floor’s overall finish.