Your laminate floors cost you a lot of money. To keep your investment around for as long as possible, you want to be careful about how you clean them. Vacuums and cleaners designed for carpeting often can not be used on hard surfaces. Hardwood floors have special needs for light and deep cleaning. If you're concerned that your current machine isn't doing its duty, check out this list of the best floor cleaners and vacuums on the market to be sure that you're doing your best to preserve your wood and tile floors.
iRobot Scooba 380
$360
Who doesn't love a floor cleaning robot? It makes your house feel like one of those Tex Avery 'Homes of the Future' cartoons. This little guy does it all without you having to bend over or push it around. The iRobot Scooba prepares, washes,scrubs and even squeegees all types of floors: sealed hardwood, tile, linoleum and any hard surface. It gets in tight spaces, under tables and chairs, and under cabinets without you having to move a thing. And, this smart little guy knows to avoid carpeted areas and it won't fall down the stairs.
The Oreck Orbiter Multi-Purpose Floor Machine
$400
I like this model because it cleans all types of hardwood floors as well as carpets. But, that's not all. You can use this super machine to polish, sand, refinish, strip, scrub and wax! The Orbiter's cleaning mechanism oscillates at an amazing 1275 oscillations per minute ensuring a thorough cleaning every time. It is also the most user friendly and maintenance free multi-purpose floor cleaner out there. The Orbiter has no belts or gears that require constant replacement, and most of its parts are composed of durable zinc and steel.