Picture this-you’re cleaning your new vinyl floors with your old vacuum cleaner. You drag the vacuum along the threshold and whoops – you’ve hit a bump. Before you know it, you’ve left an unsightly scratch in your gorgeous vinyl floors.
That’s a problem nobody wants to have. You need to use a vacuum cleaner that is designed for vinyl floors – not just any old vacuum cleaner will get the job done. To help you figure out how to clean your surfaces the right way, have a look at our handy buying guide. The best vacuums for vinyl floors are those that will remove dirt effectively without damaging your delicate surfaces.
Table of Contents
Best Vacuum for Vinyl Floor – Comparison
| Picture | Product Name | Type | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Shark Rotator Professional | Corded Bagless | 15.5 pounds | Check Latest Price |
 | Hoover WindTunnel Air | Bagless | 12.4 pounds | Check Latest Price |
 | Oreck Commercial ORB550MC | – | 24 pounds | Check Latest Price |
 | Sanitaire SC3683B Commercial | – | 10 pounds | Check Latest Price |
 | Onson Stick Vacuum | Bagless | 3.08 pounds | Check Latest Price |
 | ECOVACS DEEBOT N79S | Robot | 7.05 pounds | Check Latest Price |
 | PUPPYOO Vacuum Cleaner | Cordless | 5.5 pounds | Check Latest Price |
 | BISSELL Cleanview Swivel | – | 19.3 pounds | Check Latest Price |
 | Shark Rocket DuoClean HV382 | Corded | 9.9 pounds | Check Latest Price |
 | iRobot Roomba 960 | Robot | 8.6 pounds | Check Latest Price |
What To Look For in the Best Vacuums for Vinyl Floors
Picking the best vacuum for vinyl floors should be easy, but that’s not always the case. With so many excellent vacuum cleaners out there to choose from, how do you know which one is going to be the best for your delicate surfaces? Consider our handy buying guide to help you figure out the major differences between brands and models.
Power
You might feel tempted to save some money by buying a cut-rate vacuum cleaner. However, it’s important to consider how much power is behind the machine. If your vacuum can’t even suck up a lightweight crumb, how can you expect to get anything done with it?
Suction is an important consideration. When it comes to cleaning vinyl floors, you want a vacuum with the best and most uniform suction, ideally one that won’t leave bits of debris or brush marks behind. Some vacuums for vinyl floors even have adjustable suction settings that allow you to change the power of the vacuum depending on the type of floor or debris you are vacuuming.
Design
Make sure you consider the ideal body type for your vinyl vacuum cleaner. The best option is one that is canister-bodied, as it will be able to reach the most difficult areas and will move easily on your floors.
Another thing to consider is the style of wheels that are on your vacuum. The best vacuum for vinyl floors will contain wheels that are made out of rubber and not plastic, as these won’t scratch your floor.
A bonus feature to consider is a no-scuff bumper. Not all vacuums for vinyl floors have these, but they’re definitely worth the investment if you happen to find one. Look for a vacuum that is padded with resilient materials to protect your wood furniture and baseboard – this will also reduce the likelihood of scratches or scuff marks appearing on your vinyl floors.
Versatility
Get a vacuum that you can afford – but also one that will serve multiple purposes. The best options are those that can be used in a variety of settings or on many different floor types, including hardwood or carpet. Some of the vacuums we’ve reviewed can even be used in your car!
Another consideration to make in regards to versatility is how heavy your vacuum cleaner is. A lightweight vacuum will always be best, as you will be able to move it across surfaces and up and down stairways with ease.
Corded vs. Battery Operated
Deciding whether you need a corded or battery-operated vacuum cleaner is truly a matter of personal preference. While battery-powered vacuums tend to be more flexible, allowing you to clean all over your house without having to reach a power outlet, a corded vacuum will likely have more power. You also won’t need to worry about recharging or replacing batteries, a task that can become annoying after some time.
Accessories
In any one living area, there can be multiple different types of floors. Therefore, you may want to make the most of your budget by purchasing a versatile vacuum that contains plenty of accessories to help you get the job done. Many of the vacuums for vinyl that we reviewed came with extension wands, motorized brush heads, pet attachments, nozzles, and more.
Noise Level
This factor is especially important if you have small children living in the house. If you want to be able to vacuum without waking everybody in the neighborhood up, you need to consider how loud your vacuum is. While no vacuum cleaner is loud enough to call for hearing protection, there are many out there that emit aggravating, high-pitched whines. Steer clear of these and look for vacuums that will stay quiet while being used.
Filters
The final thing you need to consider when buying a vinyl vacuum is what kind of filters your device includes. Many vacuums have HEPA filters. These eliminate the likelihood of coming into contact with captured debris in your sinuses or airways. If you have allergies, that’s essential – you need a vacuum that will preserve the air quality in your home.
Vacuum Your Vinyl Spotless With These 10 Best Vacuums for Vinyl Floors
1. Shark Rotator Professional Upright Corded Bagless Vacuum
The Shark Rotator is one of the best vacuums for vinyl floors. It has a Lift Away design that makes it possible for you to lift the canister to reach hard to clean areas.
It also has a Hepa filter and Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology to help get rid of 99.99% of allergies while you’re vacuuming.
Vacuuming in a dimly lit area? No problem. This vacuum has advanced swivel steering with LED headlights to allow you to maneuver easily around furniture without bumping into it. It even comes with a high-capacity dust cup to allow for extended cleaning times without needing to stop to empty the cup.
What We Like:
- Has anti-allergen complete seal technology and HEPA filter
- Comes with advanced swivel steering
- LED headlights make it easy for you to see what you are doing
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not the most lightweight vacuum
2. Hoover WindTunnel Air Bagless Upright Corded Vacuum Cleaner
The brand name “Hoover” is practically synonymous with vacuums in this day and age – and the Hoover WindTunnel UH70400 lives up to this reputation.
One of the best vacuums for vinyl floors, this one is incredibly lightweight, coming in at only 12 pounds. Not only is it lightweight and easy to maneuver, but it’s also easy to carry up and down the stairs.
The Hoover UH70400 utilizes state-of-the-art WindTunnel technology to loosen and move surface grime as well as deeply embedded dirt. It has a narrow design that makes it easy for you to clean under furniture. It also has a built-in wand and a clip-on stair hose to make it easy for you to clean above-floor surfaces. Its bagless design offers users a dirt cup that’s easy to empty with the simple press of a button.
Although this vacuum is not cordless – it comes with a 30 foot power cord – its cord length is such that you won’t have to stop very often. It has a clear nozzle with a no=scuf bumper to protect your baseboards along with a washable HEPA filter that traps up to 99.97% of pollutants.
What We Like:
- 1200 watt motor for strong suction
- WindTunnel technology deep-cleans vinyl floors
- Can transition easily between carpets and vinyl floors
What We Didn’t Like:
- Roller brush doesn’t work reliably
3. Oreck Commercial ORB550MC Commercial Floor Machine
An easy-to-use vacuum cleaner, the Oreck Commercial ORB550MC is one of the most convenient vacuums for vinyl flowers. A premium model, it gives you all the benefits of a commercial machine without the expensive upkeep.
The Oreck has a powerful 175 RPM motor, ensuring that all the stains will be eliminated from your floor. Although this machine is powerful, it operates gently, removing debris without scratching or digging the surfaces. It can also be used to wax your vinyl floor, too.
This model is a corded option and possesses a 50-foot power cord that will allow you to reach every last corner of your home. You don’t have to be super close to a power source, and it’s lightweight, meaning it won’t be a hassle to lug it up and down the stairs. If you have small children,t his vacuum is a great choice – they can pitch in to help keep the house spic and span!
Not only does this vacuum come with pads for waxing, but it even has additional brushes and bonnets that can be used without damaging your floors.
What We Like:
- 50-foot power cord lets you reach any area of the home
- Exceptional power
- Leaves no brush marks on the floor
What We Didn’t Like:
- Can be somewhat heavy and difficult to maneuver
4. Sanitaire SC3683B Commercial Canister Vacuum
The Sanitaire SC3683B may not look like your run-of-the-mill vacuum cleaner, but boy, does it do a good job at cleaning vinyl floors! This canister vacuum is extremely lightweight and compact, making it easy for you to clean all of the floors in your home.
It also comes with a two-piece plastic design to make it easy for you to clean more difficult areas in your home.
In addition to its excellent functionality for vinyl floors, this vacuum also comes with a carpet cleaning attachment for area rugs and low-riding carpets. It also has a HEPA filter that can trap up to 99% of allergens, a perfect characteristic for allergy sufferers.
What We Like:
- Good at getting rid of pet hair
- Compact and lightweight
- Easy to operate
What We Didn’t Like:
- Extension wand does not come with a latching mechanism
5. Onson Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner
If you’re looking for a super efficient vacuum for vinyl floors that doesn’t lack in power, look no further than the Onson Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner.
This cleaning machine operates quietly, making it possible for you to get your vinyl floors clean no matter what time of day it might be.
It can get just about anything off your floors, from pet hair to debris another types of stains, too. It is cordless, making it possible for you to move around and clean your entire house without having to worry about moving or tangling your cord. It has an impressive battery life that allows you to get the whole house clean in one session. It’s also lightweight for more compatibility.
When you purchase the Onson Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner, you don’t just get the vacuum – you also get the battery, a charging adapter, a two-in-one dusting brush, crevice tool, and an additional sweeping brush.
What We Like:
- Durable, long lasting battery
- Comes with multiple accessories
- Cordless for more maneuverability
What We Didn’t Like:
- Extra accessories are not high-quality
6. ECOVACS DEEBOT N79S Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Looking for a robot vacuum? We’ll tell you all about the Roomba by iRobot in a little bit, but that’s not the only robot vacuum cleaner for vinyl floors that you should be aware of. Another great product is the Ecovacs Deebot.
This robot vacuum cleaner is one of the best vacuums for vinyl floors. It has maximum power suction along with up to 110 minutes of consistent runtime between charges. It has a large main brush along with two secondary side brushes to help lift, sweep, and remove all the debris from your vinyl floors.
If that wasn’t enough, this robotic vacuum also comes with app controls so you can get your vacuuming done without having to lift a finger. With its cutting-edge Max Mode, it’s perfect for deep cleanings – this mode increases the amount of suction you get by up to two times to get rid of troublesome messes.
Not only can this vacuum clean vinyl floors, but it also does a bang-up job at getting carpets and hardwood floors clean, too. It can easily duck under furniture and get into hard-to-reach areas. Plus, it uses Google Assistant and Amazon Alex for programming, starting, stopping, or charging -everything can be done conveniently through your mobile device.
What We Like:
- Returns to the charging station on its own when it runs out of battery
- Has smart app controls that can be powered with your voice
- Up to 110 minutes of quiet, continuous runtime
What We Didn’t Like:
- Occasionally gets hung up on obstacles
7. PUPPYOO Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, 2 in 1 Handheld Vacuum
One of the best stick vacuums for vinyl floors, the Puppyoo Cordless Vacuum Cleaner also works well on carpets and even the inside of your car. A two-in-one handheld vacuum, this product has unrivaled 9Kpa suction, meaning it will get rid of all the dirt for effective cleanup. Because it has a two-in-one cord-free design, you won’t have to worry about plugging it in, either.
A versatile vacuum, this product comes with a cleaner head that is direct-drive, allowing it to spin 120 degrees horizontally and an impressive 180 degrees while in use. It’s one of the best when it comes to picking up pet hair, even if you’re operating it under a low-profile piece of furniture. It has a direct-drive motor head that can drive stiff nylon bristles into the carpet fibers, removing any embedded dirt and debris.
This vacuum cleaner weighs as little as 5.5 pounds, reaching high while also well-balanced for cleaning high areas. Lightweight and easy to lift, it can even be used to clean your ceiling. When you buy this vacuum, you don’t just get the vacuum, either – you also get a rechargeable lithium battery (which will give you about 35 minutes of uninterrupted use) along with a high-efficiency system for filtration that has four stages to get rid of 99.97% of trapped allergens.
What We Like:
- Easy to assemble and use
- Lightweight at just 5.5 lbs
- Two-in-one stick and handheld design
What We Didn’t Like:
- Takes a long time (up to 4 hours) to charge
8. BISSELL Cleanview Swivel Rewind Pet Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner
Got pets? We have the vacuum for you. The Bissell Cleanview vacuum is designed for pet owners, equipped with a triple-action brush roll that gets rid of all the hair and other debris on your floor that your pets love to drag inside.
If you’re sick of vacuuming an area just to have the debris scatter away to another corner, don’t worry. This vacuum gets rid of that concern with its state-of-the-art scatter-free technology. This technology eliminates the unnecessary dispersal of debris on the floor.
The Bissell Cleanview has an impressive cleaning path of 13.5 inches, making it easy for you to clean more efficiently with each path. It has an eight-foot hose length, too, allowing you to reach much farther than the standard vacuum. This vacuum also comes with unique swivel steering that makes it easier than ever to clear complicated obstacles like furniture.
What We Like:
- Comes with additional attachments for pets
- Cleans around large obstacles with ease
- Has an ultra-long hose
What We Didn’t Like:
- Can be heavy for some users
9. Shark Rocket DuoClean HV382 Ultra-Light Corded Vacuum
The Shark HV382 is one of the best vacuums for vinyl floors. It rarely runs out of suction when it’s cleaning your floors, and since it’s lightweight, you won’t feel like you’re getting an arm workout while you’re using it, either.
Equipped with a 2x capacity dust cup, this vacuum cleaner collects more dust with fewer brakes need to stop and empty it. It has a handy nozzle to help you grab dirt from tight spaces, no matter how narrow, and it’s easy to control for optimal performance.
Vacuuming at night? No worries. Even if you don’t want to turn on all the overhead lights in your home, you’ll still be able to do a good job of vacuuming your home with the Shark Rocket. It has handy LED lights so you can see every square inch of your floor while you’re getting it clean. Plus, this vacuum comes with a dual brush roll to remove three times the dirt – no matter how big or small the pieces might be.
What We Like:
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- Comes with dual brush roll for triple particle cleaning
- Has powerful LED lights
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not the most lightweight vacuum
10. iRobot Roomba 960 Robot Vacuum-Wi-Fi Connectivity
Who doesn’t love the convenience of a Roomba? A classic model by iRobot, this robotic vacuum has a sleek, economical design that goes well with just about any home’s decor. You won’t mind leaving it out on the charger as it’s not an eyesore at all.
The iRobot Roomba comes with a dual-mode virtual barrier that eliminates the likelihood of it bumping into the walls. It also has a three-stage cleaning system that makes sure you gather every type of material, from the tiniest particles of dust to the largest crumbs.
It comes with dual multi-surface brushes and has a patented dirt detect sensor that encourages the machine to work harder in high-traffic areas, like entryways.
If that weren’t enough, the iRobot Roomba 960 also comes with an intelligent sensor to help guide it under and around all of your furniture. This machine can fit into some seriously tight spaces – much tighter than what you could fit an ordinary vacuum into. You don’t have to worry about listening to the Roomba run while you’re trying to get work done at home. You can schedule it to clean your house from anywhere using the HOME app for Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
When fully charged, this unit has an impressive 90 minutes of run time. It offers complete corner-to-corner cleaning and will do a great job on your delicate vinyl floors.
What We Like:
- Has WiFi connectivity so you can clean from anywhere
- Fits into tight spaces
- App compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa
What We Didn’t Like:
- The battery takes a long time to charge
Do I Need a Special Vacuum for Vinyl Floors?
Wondering what the best way to clean your vinyl floors might be? To start with, you need to sweep the floor to loosen up debris. Don’t scrub too hard, as this can cause damage. Then, you will want to vacuum thoroughly with one of the vacuums we recommended above.
Keeping your floors spotless requires a little bit of work – but more importantly, the right equipment. If you have the proper equipment on hand, you will be able to clean your vinyl floors to perfection each time. Choose one of these best vacuums for vinyl floors to help you keep your home spic and span at all times.