Having pets can be a joy, but dealing with all the pet hair around the house is often a challenge. Pet hair can embed itself in carpets, furniture, and other surfaces, making it difficult to remove. Choosing the right vacuum cleaner for pet hair can make a huge difference in keeping your home clean and hair-free.
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Key considerations when choosing a pet hair vacuum
There are a few key factors to consider when selecting a vacuum for pet hair:
- Strong suction power – You need a vacuum with strong suction to lift embedded pet hair from carpets and upholstery.
- Specialised brush roll – An ideal pet hair vacuum comes with a motorised brush roll designed to grab and remove pet hair.
- HEPA filtration – HEPA filters capture allergens and prevent pet dander from re-circulating back into the air.
- Easy cleaning – Look for easy-to-remove brushes and bins to make cleaning pet hair out of the vacuum easier.
- Reliable brand – Stick with a leading vacuum brand known for quality and performance when dealing with pet hair.
Top 5 vacuums for pet hair
Based on the criteria above, here are top picks for the best vacuums for pet hair removal:
1. Dyson V11 Torque Drive
With best-in-class suction power and innovative technology, Dyson vacuums are trusted by pet owners. The Dyson V11 Torque Drive has a 60% larger dust bin than previous models, capturing more dirt, dust and pet hair in one go.
Key features:
- Dyson Hyperdymium motor generates 185 air watts of suction
- Anti-tangle conical brush bar digs out embedded pet hair
- Whole-machine HEPA filtration
- Up to 60 minutes of fade-free runtime
- LCD screen displays runtime and performance info
2. Shark NV752 Rotator Powered Lift-Away
Shark makes reliable and affordable vacuums tailored for pet hair removal. The NV752 Lift-Away model is one of their best, with detachable components for cleaning furniture, stairs, and hard-to-reach areas.
Key features:
- Lift-Away pod for portable cleaning
- Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology and HEPA filter
- Brushroll shutoff to easily transition between carpets and hard floors
- Swivel steering and LED headlights to see pet hair and debris
- Large-capacity dust cup and easy-to-clean filters
3. Miele Dynamic U1 Cat and Dog
For the ultimate deep clean, look no further than Miele vacuums engineered in Germany. The Dynamic U1 Cat and Dog model has a turbo brush, active air clean filters, and powerful suck for dealing with pet hair.
Key features:
- 1,200 W adjustable suction power
- 11-inch turbo brush for removing pet hair
- Sealed system with Active AirClean filters
- 33-foot cleaning radius
- Combination floor tool for carpets and hard floors
4. Bissell Cleanview Swivel Pet Upright
Offering outstanding value, the Bissell Cleanview Swivel Pet is a budget-friendly option that still packs powerful suction and specialised pet hair tools.
Key features:
- Swivel steering for handling pet hair on furniture
- Triple Action Brush Roll loosens, lifts and removes pet hair
- Scissors action on the brush roll cuts stubborn pet hair
- Large capacity bottom-empty dirt tank
- Washable filter helps capture dust and allergens
5. Kenmore BU1017 Pet Friendly Upright
Kenmore offers an affordable pet vacuum option with useful tools for cleaning upholstery, stairs, crevices and more. The BU1017 Pet Friendly bagged upright has five height settings to handle any carpet pile.
Key features:
- PowerFlow technology provides constant suction
- LED lights to illuminate pet hair and debris
- Telescoping wand, pet upholstery tool and crevice tool
- Arm and hammer odor absorbing bags
- 5 height adjustment settings
Buying Considerations
While the vacuums above are top recommendations, there are a few factors to consider when deciding on the best vacuum for your needs and budget:
- Type – Upright, canister, stick or robotic?
- Suction power – Measured in air watts. More power picks up more pet hair.
- Filtration system – Look for true HEPA to capture allergens.
- Tools & attachments – Crevice tool, turbo brush and more for pet hair hot spots.
- Cord length – Longer cords provide extended cleaning reach.
- Bagged vs bagless – Bags help isolate dust and allergens.
- Special features – Things like swivel steering, lift-away, headlights, etc.
- Warranty – Varies by brand, longer is better.
- Budget – Prices range from $100 to $700+ for pet hair vacuums.
Tips for Vacuuming Pet Hair
While having the right vacuum for pet hair makes a big difference, technique and maintenance are also key for best results. Here are useful tips for conquering pet hair with your vacuum:
- Vacuum frequently to prevent buildup – Every few days is ideal for homes with shedding pets.
- Use the proper attachments to lift hair on upholstery, stairs, crevices, etc.
- Adjust height settings as needed based on flooring type and carpet pile.
- Give special attention to pet zones like their beds, favorite laying spots, under dining tables, etc.
- Use low gear settings on power heads when vacuuming delicate rugs or small area rugs.
- Check the brush roll regularly and cut out any wrapped pet hair with scissors.
- Empty dust bins before they reach max capacity for best ongoing performance.
- Replace filters based on your vacuum’s schedule to maintain suction and filtration.
- Use carpet cleaning solutions periodically to break down oils and deep clean carpets.
Conclusion
Pet hair can be a challenge, but a quality vacuum tailored for pet hair removal can make all the difference in keeping up with the mess. Models like the Dyson V11 Torque Drive, Shark NV752 Rotator, Miele Dynamic U1 Cat and Dog, Bissell Cleanview Swivel Pet, and Kenmore BU1017 Pet Friendly provide the combination of power, specialised tools and features needed to manage pet hair in homes with shedding fur babies. Focus on identifying the right vacuum type, features and budget for your needs. Then be diligent about regular vacuuming and maintenance. With the right vacuum and techniques, you can get ahead of pet hair and keep your home’s floors and furnishings fuzz-free!