How Do I Choose a Vacuum Cleaner for Pet Hair?
If you’re looking for a pet hair vacuum, you should consider several factors to select an effective and efficient model. In our review, we considered the type of vacuum, filtration system, motor power, suction strength, accessories, battery life (for cordless models), and overall maneuverability. As you weigh your options, here’s what you should think about that will lead you to the best vacuum cleaner for pet hair.
Determine Your Needs
Pet owners share a common problem of pet hair, but not everyone has the same number or types of dogs, size of the home, or floor type. These are important considerations, as long pet hair will require stronger suction and more specialized attachments, and hard floors will require a powerful motorized brush to pick up hair, for example. Additionally, carpeted rooms might call for a vacuum with adjustable height settings to tackle deeper cleaning. Those with more square footage should probably opt for a corded vacuum rather than one that will run out of battery in an hour. Consider what your unique cleaning needs are, and choose what is the best cordless vacuum for pet hair for you.
Choose a Vacuum That Fits
Performance isn’t the only factor that matters when it comes to pet hair vacuums. You also need something that fits — physically in your space, financially in your budget, and in your overall lifestyle.
Based on our reviews, the best cordless stick vacuum for pet hair in a small apartment or single-family home would be the cordless Dyson V11 Animal. It’s a substantial investment, but it will last and serve you well for years with its powerful suction, motorized brush roll, and slim design that is easy to store and maneuver in tight spaces.
However, the Dyson Ball Animal 2 may be a better option for larger homes with more carpeted areas due to its unlimited runtime and powerful suction technology. It’s bulky, but you’ll have plenty of space to store it in a large home. Alternatively, if you have a bigger budget, a large house, and limited time, the iRobot Roomba j7+ could be a lifesaver and put time back into your daily routine.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Cordless Pet Vacuums
Are bagless or bagged vacuums better for allergies?
Both styles of vacuums can be great for removing allergens from your carpet upholstery, but they work differently. Bagged vacuums use disposable bags to collect dirt and pet hair, trapping them so they can’t escape into the air while you vacuum. In the end, you don’t have to expose yourself to the dander again — just throw the bag away. Bagless vacuums collect dirt and hair in a dustbin that you’ll empty directly into the trash, which may release dander back into the air upon disposal.
No matter what style of vacuum you go with, make sure to opt for one with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter, which is designed to trap tiny allergen particles — and be sure to vacuum regularly in areas where your pets spend the most time, so you never end up with excessive buildup.
Are HEPA filter vacuums worth it?
Although vacuums with HEPA filters are more expensive, they are worth the investment for people with allergies or breathing problems. HEPA filters can capture particles as small as 0.3 microns with 99.97% efficiency, which means they can remove everything from pollen and dust mites to pet dander and mold spores from the air. So, to improve indoor air quality and reduce your risk of allergy or respiratory flare-ups, look for a vacuum with a true HEPA filter. This means the vacuum meets the HEPA filtration standard, unlike alternative models with filters labeled "HEPA-like" or "HEPA-type," which may not meet the same high standards.
What’s the best cordless pet hair vacuum for the car?
Many vacuums can be great for removing pet hair from your car. Here are a few factors that make a vacuum good for the job. Ultimately, the best cordless pet vacuum for your car will be the one that meets as many of these criteria as possible within your budget.
Portability: A lightweight and easy-to-maneuver vacuum is important when cleaning a car, as it allows you to move around the car easily and reach tight spaces.
Cordless: A cordless vacuum can be more convenient, eliminating the need to plug and unplug the vacuum as you move around the car.
Suction power: A vacuum with strong suction power is essential for picking up pet hair from upholstery and carpets.
Attachments: Attachments designed specifically to remove pet hair can easily clean various surfaces and tight spaces in the car. Look for vacuums with a crevice tool, upholstery tool, or motorized brush roll.
Filtration: A vacuum with good filtration can capture pet hair, dander, and other allergens, preventing them from recirculating into the air.
Noise level: If your pets get anxious or scared around loud noises, look for a vacuum with a lower noise level to minimize stress.
What’s the best vacuum for upholstery?
When it comes to cleaning upholstery, you need a vacuum that is powerful and effective enough to remove stubborn pet hair yet gentle enough not to damage delicate fabric surfaces. Look for a vacuum with a motorized brush roll that can agitate dirt and debris from upholstery and other soft surfaces, making it easier to pick up. Handheld and stick vacuums are generally the best styles to use because they have strong suction power and are portable and lightweight, making them easier to maneuver around furniture and in tight spaces. They also often come with specialized attachments, such as an upholstery or crevice tool, which can pick up pet hair, dirt, and debris effectively from upholstery and other soft surfaces.
What’s the best automatic vacuum for pet hair?
Automatic vacuums, like the iRobot Roomba j7+, can save pet owners much time and effort cleaning pet hair and other debris from their floors. These vacuums work autonomously, navigating around obstacles and cleaning under furniture without the need for manual intervention. This frees up time for you to spend with your four-legged friends and take care of other chores.
Automatic vacuums also tend to have specialized pet hair tools and features, such as tangle-free brush rolls and high-efficiency filters, for removing pet hair and allergens from floors and other surfaces. This can benefit pet owners who suffer from allergies or have multiple pets.
What’s the best vacuum for pet hair on a carpet?
Upright and canister vacuums are typically the best styles for pet hair on carpets. Upright vacuums have a powerful suction that can pull up pet hair and dirt deep within carpet fibers. They also have a brush roll that agitates the carpet and helps to loosen pet hair for easier removal. Canister vacuums also have strong suction power and often come with specialized pet hair tools, such as a motorized brush or a crevice tool to reach tighter spaces. Both vacuums also typically have a high-quality filtration system, essential for capturing pet dander and allergens.