6 Best Vacuums for Laminate Flooring – 2022 Buying Guide

By Maria Hernandez / February 12, 2022 / 1 Comments

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We’re zeroing in on the best vacuums for laminate floors to eliminate the daily debris buildup that can occur on these delicate yet durable floors. These vacs can not only handle smooth and flowing surfaces, but many are versatile enough to branch out a bit. Some are also great at tackling other floor types and textures, and nooks and crannies high and low.

From the lightweight and almost luxurious feel of a modern and sleek cordless system to the simple yet serious cleaning power of a stick vacuum, there is a product out there for nearly every application. Allergy sufferers and pet owners can enjoy an efficient and effective cleaning session. Casual cleaners may find themselves busting out the debris blaster more often due to ease of use.

Our Top Picks

  1. Best Overall: Tineco A10 Hero Cordless Vacuum
  2. Best Mid-Range: Shark Rocket DuoClean Ultra-Light HV382
  3. Best Budget: VonHaus 2-in-1 Stick Vacuum
  4. Most Versatile: Tineco A11 Hero Cordless Lightweight Vacuum
  5. Best Canister: Miele Complete C2 Canister Vacuum
  6. Best Lightweight: Dyson V8 Absolute Cordless Vacuum

Laminate Floor Vacuum Buying Advice

Best Overall: Tineco A10 Hero Cordless Vacuum

Floor Critics Rating (4.8):

  • Weight: 5.03 lbs.
  • Power Source: Battery
  • Range: 25 mins.
  • Dirt Capacity: 0.4 L
  • Dustbin: Bagless
  • The High Points: Detachable batteries, Price, Lightweight, HEPA filter
  • The Low Points: Loss of suction over time, Bulky to store, Battery issues
Tineco A10 Hero Cordless Vacuum
Tineco A10 Hero Cordless Vacuum

The Tineco A10 Hero Cordless Stick Vacuum covers nearly all of the bases when it comes to value, functionality, efficiency, and the ability to capture even the smallest particles planted on the sleek surface of a laminate floor.

Two batteries are included with the Tineco A10 Hero. They are detachable, allowing the vac to be utilized while the second battery is getting juiced up.

The removable battery option also offers the possibility to expand the power reserves. That allows for extended cleaning times.

The vac offers two suction settings. The MAX mode allows for maximum extraction in carpeted applications. Meanwhile, the standard (and less battery-draining) setting is ideal for smooth surfaces. The high-powered MAX mode can also be briefly engaged to tackle extra-messy missions.

What Reviewers Say

Owners of the Tineco A10 Hero report that the vac is easy to maneuver. It can fit under most low-lying furniture and along baseboards. The vac’s LED headlights make it simple to spot fine debris and lingering dander, especially in corners, under beds, and on dark floor surfaces.

Battery life can be inconsistent at times according to some users. Some charges hold for the full 25-minute span and others drain after 10 minutes without the use of the MAX mode.

Some reviews cite that the problem with consistency can sometimes right itself. However, others reported needing to buy an additional battery to offset the struggles.

Suction levels, versatility, and cost-effectiveness are constant themes in many user reviews. The majority of owners prefer the vac’s form, function, and features over vacuums of similar stature and design.

Quite a few owners also rave about the vac’s quiet operation. Some note that they can pop the vac out for quick cleaning jobs without much disruption.

Features & Considerations

There are a variety of attachments and accessories that come with the Tineco A10 Hero Stick Vacuum. They include two powered floor heads.

There is one that has brushes to assist in carpet debris extraction. There is also another one made of soft, floor-buffing rollers to capture particles and dust on hard surfaces.

You can convert the A10 Hero to a versatile hand vac. When you combine it with the multiple attachments, you can use it to tackle other projects around the house. Those include car upholstery, furniture, carpeted stairs, and other tight spots.

A docking station comes with the vacuum. It can charge both batteries and also has room to store the vac and its accessories.

Once you fully assemble it, it has a fairly large footprint. It may be difficult to store in some applications.

Operation is easy with the A10 Hero Cordless Stick Vacuum. The comfortable handle is simple to grip. The power switch has a lock so users can click it and forget it while vacuuming.

The capacity of the dust collection bin is of average stick vac size. It is designed to be emptied with the press of a button.

Best Mid-Range: Shark Rocket DuoClean Ultra-Light HV382

Floor Critics Rating (4.5):

  • Weight: 9.9 lbs.
  • Power Source: Corded
  • Range: 25 ft.
  • Dirt Capacity: 0.4 L
  • Dustbin: Bagless
  • The High Points: Price, Converts to hand vac, Lightweight, LED headlights
  • The Low Points: Top-heavy, can tip, Durability issues, Roller can jam
Shark Rocket DuoClean Ultra-Light HV382
Shark Rocket DuoClean HV382

Form and function drive the Shark Rocket DuoClean Ultra-Light Vacuum to the top of the ranks. This vac can adapt to a variety of flooring applications.

The swivel head can fit into tight spaces. It almost intuitively guides users down the path to debris-free floors.

Dual brush rolls are the key to the vac’s versatility. They combine bristles and soft rollers to create a two-stage attack on various levels of dirt and particles.

Solid surfaces are left with a buffed, finished look. Carpets are super-sucked. Even the smallest particles are eliminated from their fibers.

The Shark Rocket DuoClean is lightweight and capable of converting to a handheld vac. It weighs in at just half of the fully-assembled vacuum system. This means cleaning can continue on other fronts with minimal effort.

What Reviewers Say

Owners report enjoying the “self-propelled” functionality that the vac provides. It furthers the fluidity of the floor cleaning endeavor. Its already lightweight nature combined with the suction-powered pull is reported to make it easy for operators of all abilities to complete the job.

Hair can get tangled in the dual-roller system, according to some reports. Incidents seem to be few and far between. However, when it becomes an issue, it can be a time-consuming fix.

The suction power of the vacuum relies heavily on a clean filtration system. Per some user reports, there is a noticeable difference in the vac’s performance once the filters have been cleaned. Some recommend sticking to a maintenance schedule to ensure optimal performance.

Features & Considerations

The Shark Rocket DuoClean is easy to store and can be stowed away on a wall-mounted system, thought the vac’s footprint is small enough to fit in almost any storage application.

Corded power is how the vacuum gets its super strength, and the lengthy but manageable power cord measures in at 25 feet long. This means users can enjoy an extended range of cleaning without needing to switch outlets while also operating with reasonably minimal amounts of bulky cords.

Accessories that sweeten the deal with this Shark vacuum include a pet multi-tool and a crevice tool, and LED headlights function with both the floor vacuum and portable hand vac so light can expose dirt in all capacities. The mini-motorized head can come in handy on stair applications, making a typically challenging task quick and easy.

Best Budget: VonHaus 2-in-1 Stick Vacuum

Floor Critics Rating (4.2):

  • Weight: 5.4 lbs.
  • Power Source: Corded
  • Range: 19.5 ft.
  • Dirt Capacity: 1.3 L
  • Dustbin: Bagless
  • The High Points: Versatility, Price, HEPA filtration, Lightweight
  • The Low Points: Durability, Noisy, Durability issues
VonHaus 2-in-1 Stick Vacuum
VonHaus 2-in-1 Stick Vacuum

When a slick stick vac with limited bells and whistles is all that’s required to fit the laminate floor vacuum bill, the VonHaus 2-in-1 Stick Vacuum delivers. This value-priced sub-$100 vac is designed to tackle solid surface suction situations and does it well. The added portability of the removable hand vacuum expands this simple little vac’s spectrum of service.

The VonHaus 2-in-1 Vac can handle anything from quick pickups to moderate to heavy dirt and debris extraction. The brush-free suction sleeve slurps the pieces and particles that cross its path, providing a strong suction effect on any type of hard-surfaced floor.

While capable of quickly eliminating dirt from a laminate floor application, this vac will surrender to the complex fibers of carpeting (don’t even try vacuuming your shag) and will fail nearly every time at removing anything from the cushy surface.

Minimal storage area needs to be devoted to the residing position for the VonHaus 2-in-1 Stick Vac. Designed to be more of a broom than a vacuum, this corded suction system can be kept on the fringes of the action so it can be whipped out to whirl a spill away and then returned to its staging area until duty calls.

What Reviewers Say

VonHaus 2-in-1 Stick Vacuum owners rave about the vac’s ability to handle tough pet debris like hair, kibble crumbles, and kitty litter. The strong suction pulls particles from quite a distance, capturing them and holding them in the dust bin until they can be dumped.

A couple of users note that the vacuum’s exhaust blower can ruffle up dirt and debris hiding along walls and corners as the vac passes. While normally a less than desirable by-product of the suction process, this vac’s blower seems to send the dirt it has disturbed right into the path of the floor head.

Noise can be an issue with this simple stick vacuum, and some users report it can start to get a bit agitating during longer laminate cleaning sessions.

Features & Considerations

Various attachments are included with the VonHaus 2-in-1 Stick Vacuum, including a crevice tool and a small brush. Coupled with the vac’s ability to transform into a mobile dirt-decimation system, this budget-priced vac has the capabilities of attacking almost as many tasks as its much pricier competitors.

Due to the compact and hard surface-specific characteristics of the VonHaus 2-in 1 Vac, some jobs might be too big or too cushy for it to overcome. In some applications, the vac would best serve as an effective day-to-day tool but may not be able to replace a larger, more complex vacuum.

The dust bin capacity is pretty substantial compared to similarly sized vacuums. The dumping process is simple, though it can tip the scale to tedious if clumps of pet hair become embedded in the filter within the bin.

Most Versatile: Tineco A11 Hero Cordless Lightweight Vacuum

Floor Critics Rating (4.5):

  • Weight: 5.5 lbs.
  • Power Source: Battery
  • Range: 30 mins.
  • Dirt Capacity: 0.6 L
  • Dustbin: Bagless
  • The High Points: Lightweight, Lots of attachments, Comes with two batteries
  • The Low Points: Price, Bulky to store
Tineco A11 Hero Cordless Lightweight Vacuum
Tineco A11 Hero Cordless

It’s raining tools and attachments when the Tineco A11 Hero Cordless Stick Vac moves on the scene. This lightweight and versatile suction powerhouse comes with two brush/roller systems, one designed for use on carpeted floors and one for hard surfaces. A multi-angled tool and soft dusting brush can be used to hit the up-high, nearly unreachable spots like ceiling fan blades and the tops of windows and doors.

To further its flexibility in the suction realm, the A11 Hero converts to a hand vac that can go mobile for anywhere that requires debris removal. Vehicle upholstery, furniture, curtains, and stairs can all be easily cleaned with this helper of a handheld vac.

This is a cordless vacuum, allowing for the freedom to go with the floor cleaning flow. Two batteries are included with the vac and are removable and rechargeable. This means one can be in use while the other refuels its juice, enabling longer cleaning times. With two fully charged batteries, the vac can typically be used for up to 60 minutes of straight suctioning.

What Reviewers Say

Lots of reviewers note that they find themselves enjoying a much cleaner house since the introduction of the Tineco A11 Hero Stick Vacuum. The vac is reported to be so easy and multi-purpose that users are happy, and sometimes just looking for a reason, to bust it out and wrangle some dust.

The attachments are simple to snap into position and stay put once in place, according to a few owners. A couple of reports also mention that the vac is relatively quiet and tolerable to operate.

The docking station and detachable batteries have been life-changing features to some A11 Hero operators. The vacuum, tools, and batteries can be stored on this handy holder, and the station also charges the batteries when they’re parked in place.

Features & Considerations

A full battery charge can take up to four hours to complete, and once powered up, can provide up to 30 minutes of suction. The vacuum’s MAX mode can really take a toll on the cleaning time, with a usage time of about eight minutes on a full charge.

When you’ve got a bagless vac, you’ve got responsibilities, and the Tineco A11 Hero comes with some added accessories to help make living with the system a little bit easier. A filter cleaning tool and a tool for quickly removing hair from the brushes and rollers come with the already brimming pack of grime-grasping goodies and can help keep the vac operating at its best.

The uniquely shaped storage and docking station can be a functional way of keeping the vac and its accessories in one place, though its footprint is a bit large and can be challenging to store in certain spaces.

Best Canister: Miele Complete C2 Canister Vacuum

Floor Critics Rating (4.6):

  • Weight: 17 lbs.
  • Power Source: Corded
  • Range: 21 ft.
  • Dust Capacity: 5.25 L
  • Dustbin: Bagged
  • The High Points: Variable suction, Cord rewind, Lightweight during operation, Large debris capacity
  • The Low Points: Price, Bulky to store, Heavy to transport
Miele Complete C2 Canister Vacuum
Miele Complete C2 Canister Vacuum

The Miele Complete C2 Canister Vacuum combines lightweight operation, huge debris capacity, and handy onboard tool storage to create an efficient, heavy-duty household suction system. With an expansive 33 feet of operating range, the Complete C2 can roll up on just about any application and quickly and easily assist in eliminating dust and debris in its operational radius. The lengthy cord rewinds itself into the canister with the touch of a button, and the vac has wheels at its base to help it move swiftly along.

This compact canister vac is specifically designed for hard surface applications and comes with a broad hard floor attachment that covers a lot of ground as it glides over a soiled solid surface. There are various suction settings, allowing for a customized cleaning session every time.

The nearly weightless handle is ideal for low- to almost no-impact cleaning, and the ergonomic handle allows for ease of operation even during prolonged cleaning sessions. The full vacuum system is quite heavy, however, and moving up and down stairs could present a challenge.

What Reviewers Say

Lots of Miele Complete C2 Canister Vacuum owners mention the shocking amount of suction that the compact vac is capable of producing. Users report that the vac is able to grab debris of varying shapes and sizes from remarkable distances, and it seems to do extremely well at capturing fine allergen particles, dust, and dander.

Though the vacuum is primarily for hard floor surfaces, there are some additional accessories available for purchase that can help diversify its functionality. Some users who also maintain carpet noted that the carpet floor vacuum attachment is well worth purchasing and does a phenomenal job at cleaning plush floor coverings.

Users commonly reference quality and durability as positive attributes of this Miele Canister vac. Users claim to, at times, treat their extraction assistants a bit roughly and also inject it into some less than desirable messes; per numerous reports, the vac holds up to some abuse.

Features & Considerations

Accessories and tools come with the Complete C2, all of which you can store on the unit. An adjustable wand, a crevice tool, an upholstery attachment, and a dusting brush are all part of the package and allow the vac to venture off into other cleaning applications around the house.

The fully loaded vacuum weighs in at around 17 pounds, which can make it somewhat difficult to transport. Once the vac is out and in position, it’s easy to operate; reaching the point of use can be a challenge, especially if there are stairs.

The Miele Complete C2 Canister Vacuum is a bagged system, meaning all captured debris is corralled in a sealed, replaceable bag. A HEPA filter is also available for the system, so allergy sufferers and pet owners can seal out the smallest of offenders.

The bag capacity is large, nearly quadruple the size of the capacities of most cordless uprights on the market. The cost of replacement bags will be a recurring expense, though users won’t have to come in contact with the debris when it comes time to get rid of it.

Best Lightweight: Dyson V8 Absolute Cordless Vacuum

Floor Critics Rating (4.5):

  • Weight: 5.75 lbs.
  • Power Source: Battery
  • Range: 40 mins.
  • Dust Capacity: 0.5 L
  • Dustbin: Bagless
  • The High Points: Lightweight, Compact, Easy to store
  • The Low Points: Battery life, Price
Dyson V8 Absolute Cordless Vacuum
Dyson V8 Absolute Cordless Vacuum

Due to its featherlight, full-feature functionality, the Dyson V8 Absolute Stick Vacuum hits the top of the rankings. This modern, sleek suction device is designed to handle tasks from floor to ceiling and beyond. The adjustable handle allows access to tight spaces, corners, and crevices, and the vac converts to a handheld unit to go mobile, capable of tackling otherwise tedious tasks like stairs and car upholstery.

washable HEPA filter is part of the somewhat elaborate cyclonic system and is imperative to the suction function. The filter can be used over and over and leaves the room air cleaner than it was before the vacuuming session.

The soft nylon floor roller buffs and polishes as it captures fine dust and debris from hard floor surfaces. Suction settings allow users to adjust for different applications; the MAX mode is ideal for carpet and other varied terrains, while the standard setting is usually best for hard floors.

What Reviewers Say

The majority of Dyson V8 Absolute owners claim that the quality cleaning results and useful features seem to justify the price tag of the unit. Most users also report suction to be second to none.

There are a couple of recurring complaints that surface among V8 Absolute reviews. The stationary battery can lose its ability to hold a full charge and requires up to four hours to re-juice.

Some users claim batteries have dropped by over half of their original operating capacity. The handle can be uncomfortable. People have reported that it can cause blisters when they use it over time.

The soft roller is a popular component among Dyson V8 Absolute owners who are tidying laminate floors. Users love the roller’s ability to nab even the smallest crumbs and dust particles that it meets along the way.

Features & Considerations

Storage is easy with this Dyson vacuum. The super sleek footprint can tuck into nearly any nook or cranny, and the wall docking station can take the vac off the floor to further limit the amount of space required to store it.

A battery that has a full charge should have enough power to support a typical cleaning session of about 30 minutes. If the MAX mode is used at any point, it will cut operation time down by quite a bit. The battery is not removable so the vac can’t be used when a re-charging session is required.

The dustbin is easy to dump and limits contact with the debris during the disposal process. Things can get dicey when you involve vacuuming pet hair. It can get hung up within the bin and you may need to manually remove it.

Side by Side Comparison

ProductOur RatingWeightPower
Source
RangeDirt
Capacity
Dustbin
Tineco A10 Hero Cordless Vacuum
Tineco A10 Hero
View on Amazon –>
View on Walmart –>
Best Overall

Overall: 4.8
5.03 lbs.Battery, dual rechargeable25 mins.0.4 LBagless
Shark Rocket DuoClean Ultra-Light HV382
Shark Rocket HV382
View on Shark –>
View on Amazon –>
Best Mid-Range

Overall: 4.5
9.9 lbs.Corded25 ft.0.4 LBagless
VonHaus 2-in-1 Stick Vacuum
VonHaus 2-in-1 Stick
View on Amazon –>
View on Walmart –>
Best Budget

Overall: 4.2
5.4 lbs.Corded19.5ft1.3 LBagless
Tineco A11 Hero Cordless Lightweight Vacuum
Tineco A11 Hero
View on Amazon –>
View on Walmart –>
Most Versatile

Overall: 4.5
5.5 lbs.Battery, dual rechargeable30 mins.0.6 LBagless
Miele Complete C2 Canister Vacuum
Miele Complete C2
View on Amazon –>
View on Bed Bath & Beyond –>
Best Canister

Overall: 4.6
17 lbs.Corded21 ft.5.25 LBagged
Dyson V8 Absolute Cordless Vacuum
Dyson V8 Absolute
View on Amazon –>
View on Dyson –>
Best Lightweight

Overall: 4.5
5.75 lbs.Battery, dual rechargeable40 mins.0.5 LBagless

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The Complete Laminate Floor Vacuum Buyer’s Guide

What to Look for in a Laminate Vacuum

There are a few key variables to consider when zoning in on the best vacuums for laminate floors. While price and weight are typically important factors across the board when making a decision. There are floor-specific features and functions that should also be considered.

The solid, smooth laminate surface can be complemented by soft rollers designed to polish while they clear debris, while bristles and brushes can impede airflow and at times, cause damage to the somewhat fragile floor.

Adjustable suction settings are also key when it comes to tailoring the power of the vacuum to meet the task at hand. High-powered settings are best for carpet and upholstery applications. Standard or even lower suction settings tend to be more effective on solid surfaces.

Standard design characteristics also come into play when determining the best vacuum for laminate floors, or any other application. Variables like dirt containment and power sources are important to consider. Each user will value these functions differently.

Vacuum layout is also worth reviewing. A canister vacuum can be an efficient and heavy-duty option. However, it may be bulky and hard to handle at times.

A stick vacuum is lightweight and easy to whip out. However, it won’t have the dirt capacity or cleaning capabilities of a larger, more substantial vac.

You should also weigh other variables such as weight, tools and accessories, and features designed to assist in specific cleaning applications and user mobility situations when zeroing in on the best vacuum for the job.

Weight and Mobility

A vacuum’s weight and its cleaning range are serious details that can enhance or hinder the cleaning experience, depending on a user’s needs. Many of the slim stick vacs on the market today weigh a fraction of what many traditional uprights do, which can drastically improve suction sessions overall.

The range of use, whether you measure it by a cord or battery use, is also an important factor. Some vacuum manufacturers have extended their cleaning ranges by including additional batteries, or at least making the batteries removable so users can be charging one battery while actively operating the vac using another.

Cord length can be a slippery slope of convenience vs. extra bulk. The seemingly ideal length is around 25 feet, which allows for a reasonable amount of cleaning range but also limits the weight and bulk added by the presence of a power cord.

Swivel heads, adjustable handles and wands, and bendy, breezy motorheads are also valuable features when it comes to reaching the desired depths of debris removal and can really assist in easing the struggles often encountered with bulky, one-track vac systems.

Functions and Features

There are some nifty tools, accessories, and integrated functions that can really make a dent (without leaving a scuff) during the dirt removal process.

LED lights have been welcome additions to floor heads and can shed serious light on hard-to-access areas. They are especially useful at letting users know about microscopic particles that would otherwise go unnoticed. These lights even go mobile with some of the convertible handheld vacs, furthering flashy functionality into other cleaning applications.

A vacuum’s physical size is a passive feature, with some systems designed to take up minimal space both while in action and when idle. Merging functionality with features and physical dimensions can be a challenge, and typically there are trade-offs on both sides of the spectrum.

A large vac will inherently have a greater dirt containment capacity and may even be able to attack dirtier jobs more effectively than a smaller, sleeker suction device. Their slim counterparts, however, usually take up far less space and can be easily accessed for smaller, daily duties.

Tools and attachments can also help tip the scale when weighing the laminate floor vac options. Though the solid and low-maintenance nature of hard laminate floors requires minimal special tools to keep it at its best, there are other applications that you can address with the use of some pretty useful accessories.

Hose attachments and telescopic wands can hit tight spots and surfaces above the floor. Crevice tools, mini-motorheads, and dusting brushes can help tackle tough jobs too, sometimes adding substantial value to the vacuum package. The ability to go mobile with a hand vac conversion creates dual functionality, replacing the need for an additional household cleaning appliance completely.

Some manufacturers take it to the next level and include tools for their tools; filter cleaners, hair tangle helpers, and other extras that can help ease maintenance tasks.

Application and Operator Considerations

Certain features can really be important in eliminating some of the struggles often associated with specific jobs. Pet-related messes like fur, dragged-in dirt, and tiny flecks of kitty litter can be conquered with the use of varied suction settings, attachment tools, and the appropriate floor rollers.

Users prone to allergies may value a bagged system which can nearly eliminate the need to come in contact with any of the captured debris. Multi-stage filtration, especially with a HEPA filter, can also play a big role in cleaning the floor while also filtering the air as it passes through the system.

Vacuum owners with weight restrictions or limited mobility can benefit from the lightweight, sometimes self-propelled models on the market. Stick vacs can take some pressure off the operator, especially when they’re free of constraining cords. Handles can make or break the experience, so users with arthritis and other lifting limitations may want to delve a bit deeper into the gripping details of each vac.

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How We Ranked the Best Vacuums for Laminate Floors

Multiple factors go into the process of ranking the best laminate vacuums, primarily assessing a vac’s ability to gently yet aggressively attack dirt and dust on a solid surface. Bells and whistles aside, the vacs that demonstrate key features like adjustable suction settings, brushless rollers, and flexible mobility rise to the top of the list.

Price, both upfront and recurring, is another strong factor in determining the overall value of each vac when considering their features. The need for more filters, replacement bags, and other add-on accessories is measured, along with the initial cost of the unit.

There’s also an ease-of-ownership variable worked into the equation, balancing a vac’s function with the efforts required to keep it running. Consumer reviews can provide quite a bit of insight into what can be expected over the course of ownership.

Price and Cost to Use

The price of a vacuum is the top ranking factor. Low dollar options aren’t always winners, and those with higher price tags aren’t necessarily guaranteed to be better than their lower priced competitors.

If a vacuum’s functionality and features align with its higher price point, it moves up on the list. And if a value-priced vac is just as effective as one double its price, it also raises in the ranks.

The cost of ownership doesn’t always end with the initial purchase of a vacuum. Recurring expenses can vary and depend on a vac’s design. Most bagless systems rely heavily on clean air flow to harness proper suction power, so filters are extremely important to satisfactory performance.

Many filters are washable and reusable, which can go a long way when it comes to cost savings; however, some will need to be replaced from time to time regardless of their washability.

Bagged vacuums rely less on multiple filters and instead utilize the dirt containment bag as their central filtration systems. Each time a bag is removed and a new one installed, a new filter is effectively incorporated too, and no additional filters are typically needed. Some of these vacs have HEPA filters either incorporated into each replacement bag or offered as add-ons.

Effectiveness and Versatility

The vacs within the rankings all feature key characteristics that allow them to target particles of all shapes and sizes and eliminate them from the surface of laminate floors. This is a first-and-foremost factor when zoning in on the best vacs for the job, all other upgrades aside. While many vacuums are said to be able to handle hard floor applications, there are some design details that help separate the claims from the true dirt decimators.

A vacuum with a bristle roller brush, no suction adjustability or motorhead height adjustment will probably do an exceptional job on carpeted floors but might only move dirt and debris around a laminate floor.

Once a vacuum has been established as a super-sucker-upper, versatility can then be factored into the equation. Easy-to-use tools and attachments included with the vacuum can allow users to attack various other jobs while eliminating the need to buy and store multiple cleaning appliances.

The handy portable vacuum convertibility is another powerful upgrade that lots of vacuums offer. Having the ability to extract grimy, gritty dirt and debris from an otherwise smooth and solid floor is rewarding, but being able to detach it from the mother ship and head out for further adventures in dust suction adds a whole new level of productivity and efficiency to the mix.

Consumer Reviews

Some of the best information can be found in the feedback provided by owners, though it takes a bit of digging to get to a clear picture of each vac’s performance. Recurring themes typically pop up, which help expose underlying issues and also shine some light on the popular perks of ownership.

Information gathered from these reviews is factored into the rankings, and some tips and tidbits are also compiled during the process.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What kind of maintenance can I expect with a vacuum?

Life with a vacuum may, at times, require a bit of work and the vac will occasionally need some support as it continues on its path of dirt decimation. Most of the attention will be on dustbin dumps and bag replacements, though filters and batteries will also need attention at times.

A vacuum’s dirt holding capacity and method of disposal is important and will determine an owner’s level of involvement with recurring tasks necessary to the vac’s functions. To keep things compact, bagless stick vacuums tend to have relatively small bins so users should plan on emptying them often to keep the suction flowing. It’s not uncommon to clear the contents after each suction session, and some situations may require multiple stops at the trash can.

The dirt dumping process can get a little dicey depending on the system. Those doing the debris ditching may come in contact with some of the dust initially captured by the vac; it might be best to fully encase the bin with a plastic bag and then release the dirt to prevent anything from escaping.

Vacuums with bagged containment systems tend to have much larger holding capacities. That allows owners to complete sometimes dozens of vacuuming jobs prior to needing to replace them. The swapping process is usually simple, and debris remains intact in the bag during disposal.

You should wash or replace filters as needed. Most vac manufacturers recommend monthly rinsings of washable filters. You should replace other filters as they begin to show wear.

Having a couple of extra backup filters can be helpful. This allows you to use the vacuum while you are washing and air drying other filters.
When batteries are the source of all that whooshes through a vacuum, charge times are important. You need to “re-juice” cordless vacs between jobs, and typically, a full charge takes about 4 hours. It doesn’t hurt to have multiple batteries in play, if possible, so you can extend cleaning times.


What are the pros and cons of going bagless?

Joining the bagless revolution comes with its share of benefits, though some strings may come with the bag-free lifestyle. Sourcing and stocking up on replacement bags will no longer a thing, but cleaning filters and dumping dirt will move into the forefront.

Keeping air flowing freely is imperative in a bagless system, so users will occasionally need to devote a little bit of time to their sucky sidekick to keep everything moving as it should.

And when the debris bin overflow, there will be no bag that contains it forever; it’s on the user to send the pesky particles to the big black trash bag in the garage.


What can be done to prevent floor scratches?

Laminate floors can be prone to scratches. During the vacuuming process, they are even more vulnerable. Sharp particles and wiry brush bristles can graze the floor. They leave behind permanent evidence of the evacuation.

Avoiding the use of rotating brush rollers is one of the best ways to prevent abrasions. Instead, a clean and clear air gap or a soft roller brush is the key to cushiony crumb and dirt removal.

Spongy soft rollers encapsulate particles prior to sending them into the vac. That prevents it from capturing and dragging debris along the floor for a few scrape-y swipes before heading on their way.


What are some added accessories worth considering?

When it comes to beefing up a cordless vacuum for laminate floors, batteries rank right up there. Having a spare or two on hand can take a substantial amount of pressure off of a single power source. That way, cleaning times can be virtually limitless.

Stocking up on filters and replacement bags (for those sticking with the traditional method of debris containment) is another way to streamline the already simplified suction process. You can add HEPA filters to most systems if they don’t already come with it. That way, users with allergies and/or pets can capture the tiniest of particulate offenders.

To further diversify the functionality of some of the vacs, there are carpet and upholstery attachments offered (and sometimes included) that can assist in other cleaning applications. These small but specific tools can take the party from the laminate to just about any other debris magnet around.

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About Maria Hernandez

Senior Floor Critic, 25 years of experience in residential and commercial cleaning

Maria Hernandez has 25 years of experience in residential and commercial janitorial and cleaning services. From hardwood to carpet to marble floors, Maria has developed a deep expertise in cleaning and maintaining many different flooring types. Visit Website.

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