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Many people who have pets enjoy the companionship but not the cleanup. It can be a challenge to rid your home of pet hair, dander, and errant bits of kibble and cat litter, as well as dust, dirt, and debris. Fortunately, manufacturers have designed classic uprights and canisters, handheld vacuums, and even robotic models for households with furry family members.
The best vacuum for pet hair should work on hardwood floors, thick carpets, and furniture, thanks to ample power and such easy-to-use elements as long power cords, attachments, and tools for specific areas. Jennifer Rodriguez, cleaning expert and chief hygiene officer at Pro Housekeepers, a cleaning service company based in Tampa Bay, Florida, says, “When selecting a vacuum specifically for pet hair, the top features to consider are strong suction power, specialized pet hair attachments, and HEPA filtration.” These features are essential in ensuring that the vacuum “not only effectively removes pet hair but also contributes to a cleaner and healthier home environment.”
The top picks on our list have many of these features and more. Read on for some of the best vacuums for vanquishing pet hair.
- BEST OVERALL: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Pet Upright Corded Vacuum Cleaner
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Eureka FloorRover Bagless Upright Pet Vacuum
- BEST ROBOT: iRobot Roomba j7+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum
- BEST HANDHELD: Black+Decker Furbuster Cordless Handheld Vacuum
- BEST UPRIGHT: Bissell 24613 Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus Vacuum
- BEST FOR STAIRS: Kenmore Elite Pet-Friendly Canister Vacuum
- BEST FOR FURNITURE: Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Lithium Ion Cordless Vacuum
- BEST FOR HARDWOOD FLOORS: Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum
- BEST FOR THICK CARPET: Hoover WindTunnel 3 Max Performance Upright Vacuum
How We Chose the Best Vacuums for Pet Hair
The best vacuum cleaner for pet hair makes cleaning up after pets less of a chore, with features that tackle fur, pet dander, and everyday messes. Through researching product specifications and trusted review sources, we chose the top vacuums to tidy up after furry friends. The picks on our list are powerful enough to lift fur and other dirt and debris effectively and reliably from nearly every surface in the home.
While effectiveness is an important criterion, there are plenty of other features we considered when choosing the best pet hair vacuum models. We judged performance by looking at filtration type, suction power, bin capacity, and battery life (where applicable). We also considered ease of use and versatility, taking maneuverability, portability, and included accessories into account. Cleaning pro Rodriguez emphasized looking for fur-cleaning accessories. “Brushes and tools designed for pet hair can greatly enhance the vacuum’s efficiency,” she says. “These often include motorized brush heads and tools for upholstery that are adept at lifting hair from various surfaces.” Gretchen Boyd, president of NYC House Cleaners, also advises, “Choose a tangle-free brush roll model to avoid blockages and maintain top performance.”
When possible, we chose vacuums with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) or other effective full-machine filtration, since Rodriguez says that HEPA filters “ensure that allergens, including pet dander, are effectively trapped inside the vacuum and not released back into the air.” Models with this type of filtration can be pricier, so we have included other options as well, ensuring we have vacuums at several price points to suit a range of households.
Our Top Picks
The best vacuum cleaner for pet hair is powerful and includes a range of features to remove dirt, dust, fur, and allergens reliably. Read on for the top vacuums for pet hair that will help keep a pet-friendly home as tidy as can be.
Best Overall
Dyson Ball Animal 2 Pet Upright Corded Vacuum Cleaner
Product Specs
- Type: Upright
- Corded or cordless: Corded
- Weight: 17.5 pounds
Pros
- Powerful suction and tangle-free brush bar are effective at removing pet hair and other debris
- Self-adjusting cleaner head automatically raises and lowers in response to floor type
- Certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America; traps allergens and improves air quality
Cons
- Some users find the suction too powerful on soft flooring, making it difficult to maneuver
Those tired of clearing snarled hair from their current vacuum’s business end might wish to consider this bagless, upright turbine cleaner from Dyson. It efficiently picks up the finest pet hair in addition to thread, dirt, and other debris thanks to a tangle-free head that replaces the typical brush bar.
Dyson credits this vacuum’s power to its Radial Root Cyclone technology, which channels airflow through the vacuum to maximize suction. Whole-machine filtration ensures 99.97 percent of fine dust (including pet hair and dander) stays trapped within the machine. To tackle different flooring types, this vacuum features a flexible self-adjusting cleaner head, which automatically adjusts to surfaces like hardwood and carpet.
Other features include a wand and long hose for stairs, curtains, and other hard-to-reach places; a 35-foot cord; and a filtration system that traps allergens. This Dyson measures 15.35 inches long by 13.39 inches wide by 42.13 inches tall and weighs 17.5 pounds.
Get the Dyson vacuum for pet hair at Amazon, Walmart, or Dyson.
Best Bang For The Buck
Eureka FloorRover Bagless Upright Pet Vacuum
Product Specs
- Type: Upright
- Corded or cordless: Corded
- Weight: 14.5 pounds
Pros
- Easy-Glide wheels and swivel steering head help with easier maneuverability
- Features a 35-foot cord; detachable handle gives this vacuum a 12-foot extended reach
- Multi-Angle Adapter snaps onto the hose and other accessories to allow cleaning at a variety of angles
Cons
- Large wheels can make it difficult to fit the vacuum head under some furniture
While some upright vacuums have a reputation as being difficult to maneuver, Eureka’s Easy-Glide wheels let this budget-friendly model move smoothly and evenly over hardwood, tile, linoleum, and all carpet, including those with deep piles. The vacuum has an automatic nozzle height adjustment that detects and adjusts to floor types as it suctions up clumps of pet hair and other dry debris.
One standout feature of this affordable vacuum is the Multi-Angle Adapter, an accessory that snaps onto the hose to clean the tops of bookcases, doorways, and other difficult-to-reach angled areas. This vacuum has powerful suction and uses a HEPA filter to trap small and large particles, as well as pet hair and dust.
This vacuum measures 12.36 inches deep by 12.25 inches wide by 43 inches tall and weighs 14.5 pounds. Features include a 35-foot cord, a detachable handle, and a hose that reaches up to 12 feet. Apart from the Multi-Angle Adapter, other accessories include a Pet Turbo brush, crevice tool, and dusting brush to clean virtually any spot in the house—all at a great price.
Get the Eureka vacuum for pet hair at Amazon, Menards, or Blain’s Farm & Fleet.
Best Robot
iRobot Roomba j7+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum
Product Specs
- Type: Robot
- Corded or cordless: Cordless
- Weight: 7.49 pounds
Pros
- Self-empties into the charging base, which holds up to 60 days worth of dust and debris
- Sensors help to detect obstacles, including solid pet waste, that get in the way of cleaning
- Smart mapping and scheduling features are convenient and offer excellent control
Cons
- Self-emptying base uses a bag to store debris; buying bags is an additional cost
Robot vacuums are a huge time-saver, and the iRobot Roomba j7+ robot vacuum is designed to save as much time as possible. Not only does this robot vacuum putt around collecting dirt, debris, and pet hair, but when it’s full, it also empties itself into its charging base. The base can hold up to 60 days’ worth of debris in an enclosed bag, which means dust won’t escape. Talk about convenience!
Ideal for pet parents, this vacuum can detect obstacles (like solid pet waste, cords, and shoes), which means fewer mishaps. A sensor helps to detect dirtier areas, prompting the vacuum to spend more time cleaning these spots. Powerful suction, an edge-sweeping brush, and multisurface rubber brushes help to pick up messes. Measuring 13.3 inches wide by 3.4 inches high, it’s slim enough to fit under a lot of furniture.
Mapping features (available through the smartphone app) let users decide where the vacuum should and should not go to clean. It’s also easy to set schedules through the app, so cleaning days aren’t accidentally missed.
Get the iRobot vacuum for pet hair at Amazon, Lowe’s, Walmart, PC Richard & Son, or iRobot.
Best Handheld
Black+Decker Furbuster Cordless Handheld Vacuum
Product Specs
- Type: Handheld
- Corded or cordless: Cordless
- Weight: 4.2 pounds
Pros
- Great accessories for pet parents: an extended crevice tool and motorized pet-hair brush help to pick up fur
- Large-capacity 750-milliliter dust bin needs less frequent emptying than some smaller handheld vacs
- 1-touch emptying feature simplifies emptying the vacuum, with no need to touch the debris inside
Cons
- Does not have a regular brush attachment, which is helpful for some cleaning tasks
It’s not always necessary to bring out the full-size vacuum, especially where pets are concerned. That’s where this lightweight Black+Decker handheld vacuum can be an asset, as it’s great for removing pet fur and other small messes from furniture, car interiors, or just about anywhere. This handheld cordless vacuum cleaner is well suited for pet parents, with plenty of features to help lift fur from surfaces.
The powerful little unit is cordless and is designed to access hard-to-reach areas. It has a long built-in crevice tool that extends from the vacuum as needed to grab dust bunnies in tight corners or under furniture. To clean soft surfaces, attach the motorized pet brush. This handy brush has anti-tangle rubber bristles to lift stubborn fur. For the toughest messes, activate the Powerboost mode for even stronger suction.
A battery indicator lets users know how much power the vacuum has left. This vacuum holds all debris in an ample 750-milliliter dustbin. When full, a one-touch easy-empty feature makes it simple to clear out the bin. Users will occasionally want to wash the internal filters, which are easy to remove and hand-washable (no filter replacements needed!).
Get the Black+Decker vacuum for pet hair at Amazon, Lowe’s, Wayfair, Walmart, or Black+Decker.
Best Upright
Bissell 24613 Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus Vacuum
Product Specs
- Type: Upright
- Corded or cordless: Corded
- Weight: 13.75 pounds
Pros
- Easy to maneuver due to swivel feature and reasonably lightweight build (for an upright vacuum), plus 1-touch emptying for convenience
- Tangle-free brush roll and edge-to-edge cleaning are design features for excellent removal of pet hair
- With the optional Febreze Pet Odor Eliminator filter (not included), this vacuum can also help keep the home smelling fresh
Cons
- Does not have HEPA filtration, though it does have a SmartSeal Allergen System, which claims to trap fine dust and allergens
With excellent suction power and plenty of pet-friendly features, the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus is designed to banish fur from surfaces. It’s agile and easy to maneuver, and most importantly, has a tangle-free brush roll so pet (and human) hair won’t cause clogs. LED lights mounted on the vacuum head help users see messes they might otherwise miss, especially on dark hard flooring. Edge-to-edge suction also ensures that stray furballs aren’t left behind.
Once sucked up, fur and dander stays inside the machine due to the Smart Seal Allergen System. Users can also add the optional Febreze Pet Odor Eliminator filter to further cut down on pet smells. Included with the vacuum are the 2-in-1 Pet Dusting Brush and Pet TurboEraser tool, which both help to remove debris from household surfaces. It’s possible to tackle messes up high and in tight spaces with the quick-release extension wand.
Once full, clear out the vacuum with the one-touch emptying feature. Just press a button with the dust cup over a bin and the fur and dirt pop right out, keeping hands away from the mess.
Get the Bissell 24613 vacuum for pet hair at Amazon, Wayfair, or Bissell.
Best For Stairs
Kenmore Elite Pet-Friendly Canister Vacuum
Product Specs
- Type: Canister
- Corded or cordless: Corded
- Weight: 22 pounds
Pros
- Stair-grip feature allows this vacuum to rest safely on steps while cleaning
- Ultra Plush nozzle offers a deep clean and easy push-and-pull, even on plush carpet surfaces
- Has a HEPA filtration system and is a bagged vacuum, which means it traps debris, fur, and dander very well
Cons
- Though light for a canister, its 22-pound weight may be difficult for some users to carry around
Stairs can be a hassle to clean, but the job is easier with this Kenmore vacuum. The pet-friendly canister vacuum has a lightweight, adjustable wand that extends to 10 feet to reach up steep staircases. It also lifts stubborn pet hair, dander, and dirt quickly from carpet, hardwood, and other surfaces. Helpful features include an Ultra Plush nozzle for more powerful suction as well as pile height adjustment, a motorized pet brush, and a crevice tool.
This vacuum has a HEPA filter system that traps 99.7 percent of large and small particles of pet hair, viruses, dirt, and more. It’s also a bagged vacuum, which helps keep allergens contained. For better safety on steps, it has a stair grip that enables the unit to rest on a staircase securely. The unit measures 27.76 inches long by 17.91 inches wide by 13.98 inches high, weighs 22 pounds, and has a 26-foot retractable cord.
Get the Kenmore vacuum for pet hair at Amazon or Walmart.
Best For Furniture
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Lithium Ion Cordless Vacuum
Product Specs
- Type: Handheld
- Corded or cordless: Cordless
- Weight: 3 pounds
Pros
- Cordless design and 3-pound weight mean this model can go almost anywhere
- Up to 17 minutes of runtime to tackle most small jobs
- Includes specialized pet tools for cleaning multiple soft and hard surfaces
Cons
- Large for a handheld vacuum; may have trouble cleaning tight corners
Most pets love to cuddle up in the same cozy spots that we do, which can result in furry couches, beds, and chairs. With this powerful and versatile handheld vacuum from Bissell, cleaning furniture is simple. The vacuum’s handheld design is perfect for sweeping over upholstery, bed, and curtains. Weighing 3 pounds and with a 17-minute runtime, it’s an agile pick for cleaning surfaces anywhere, and as a cordless model, it’s ultimately portable.
A motorized brush tool helps to remove embedded hairs from tricky soft surfaces, while an included upholstery tool and crevice tool can help clean other messes, like dropped crumbs and kibble. To keep dirt and dust contained, this handheld vacuum has a triple filtration system. It also has a large 0.7-liter dustbin that is easy to empty with a twist of the filter, making it easy to dispose of debris and fur.
What our tester says: Glenda Taylor, Bob Vila staff writer and product tester, notes in The Best Cordless Vacuums for Pet Hair that “for quickly removing pet hair from furniture and stairs, it’s hard to beat the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser cordless hand vacuum. The handheld vacuum features triple filtration to keep dust and dander from recirculating, and it’s well suited for cleaning small areas in a hurry. The dust canister pops right off for easy emptying.” Get the Bissell cordless vacuum for pet hair at Amazon, Wayfair, Target, or Best Buy.
Best for Hardwood Floors
Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum
Product Specs
- Type: Upright
- Corded or cordless: Corded
- Weight: 13.9 pounds
Pros
- Lift-Away pod feature detaches the canister from the rest of the vacuum to simplify cleaning hard-to-reach areas
- HEPA filter and Anti-Allergen Complete Seal technology traps small particles inside the vacuum
- Manual brush roll shutoff allows the vacuum to tackle carpet and delicate bare floors
Cons
- Doesn’t perform too well on very thick carpets and rugs; suction can be too powerful to move it easily
A gentle but powerful vacuum is the best choice for lifting pet hair off of hardwood floors. The Shark Navigator Lift-Away upright vacuum fits the bill with a range of features to clean hardwood floors and more. This upright vacuum has a lightweight build and swivel steering to glide across hard floors. The optional brush roll can be shut off at a touch to switch to gentle hard-floor cleaning or switched on to deep clean carpeted floors and area rugs.
This vacuum is also excellent for tackling hard-to-reach surfaces, thanks to its Lift-Away pod feature that allows the vacuum to detach from its floor-cleaning base. Users can then carry the vacuum around to clean above-floor messes on stairs, furniture, shelving, and more. An extended wand offers even more reach, and a HEPA filter and anti-allergen seal ensures fur and allergens are contained. To clean more surfaces effectively, this vacuum comes with a wide upholstery tool and a crevice tool.
Get the Shark vacuum for pet hair at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Wayfair.
Best For Thick Carpet
Hoover WindTunnel 3 Max Performance Upright Vacuum
Product Specs
- Type: Upright
- Corded or cordless: Corded
- Weight: 18.1 pounds
Pros
- Has 4 levels of height adjustment to better cater to different carpet heights
- HEPA and carbon filter trap both allergens and odors for a cleaner and fresher home
- Pivoting dusting brush is a useful tool for cleaning dust and pet hair from on top of shelves or fans
Cons
- Can be difficult to maneuver under furniture due to bulky head
For pets that shed a lot of fur, a vacuum with enough suction to handle the mess is a must. And if they have accidents, a method to absorb the odors is also beneficial. The upright bagless Hoover WindTunnel seeks to address both of these issues.
It features powerful three-channel suction to remove pet hair, dirt, and debris from thick carpets. Users can choose from four height positions to cater to carpet thickness. The on/off brush roll makes cleaning soft and hard surfaces a breeze. A HEPA filter traps 99.7 percent of large and small particles of pet hair, viruses, dirt, and more. This vacuum also features a carbon
eliminator filter to lessen the release of pet odors while cleaning.
There’s a pivot dusting tool, a crevice tool, and a Pet Turbo tool to remove pet hair from furniture. The vacuum measures 44 inches tall by 15 inches wide by 14 inches deep, weighs 18.1 pounds, and has a decent 30-foot cord.
Get the Hoover vacuum for pet hair at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Vacuum for Pet Hair
Folks who live in a small house will likely have different criteria for the best pet hair vacuum compared to those who live in a multilevel home. Floor plan, square footage, furnishings, and the type of flooring all play roles in which features will work best.
Types of Vacuums for Pet Hair
The best pet hair vacuum models come in upright, canister, handheld, and robotic configurations. Consider the elements of the home—including floor types, carpet pile, upholstery, and hard-to-reach places—to determine which style is best for the space.
Upright
Upright vacuums, which have either a bag or a cup to collect debris, are generally more effective on thick-piled carpet than other types and are equally effective as their counterparts on thinner carpets and bare floors. Thanks to its vertical design, an upright full-size vacuum may be easier to operate because there’s less bending, plus the slim profile takes up less space for storage than a canister. Uprights are also generally less expensive than canister and robotic vacuums. The best upright vacuum for pet hair will often include features like a nonsnagging brush roll and filtration to tackle shed fur and allergens.
The main downside to uprights is the combination of weight and single-body construction, which makes them especially unwieldy for use on stairs. Some manufacturers offer hoses and other attachments to broaden cleaning capabilities, but uprights in general come with fewer attachments than canister models.
Canister
Canister vacuums are lighter, more powerful, and more maneuverable than uprights. Some people find them easier to use because for most of the cleaning process, the user only moves a wand and not the entire vacuum as with an upright. Canister models tend to have better suction than uprights, which can speed the user through vacuuming faster, and most canisters come with a number of attachments, such as an upholstery brush. However, users must drag the canister behind them as they go, and there’s bound to be some bending over to use the wand.
Handheld
Handheld vacuums are lightweight, easy to use, and highly portable. Users generally leave them on their electronic chargers until ready to vacuum. Although some handhelds have low suction power, the best handheld vacuums for pet hair are more robust.
Most of these vacuums hold dirt and debris in a bagless compartment/dust bin; larger bins/cups are capable of holding at most 15 ounces—far less than the 50-ounce-plus capacity of some full-size vacuums. Therefore, these vacuums are more popular for quick spot-cleaning or using in the car.
One downside of handheld vacuums is that users must generally bend or squat when operating them, which can be difficult for those with mobility issues. Some models do come with a detachable wand for use in a standing position. Even so, their small capacity means they’re not suitable for deep-cleaning floors.
Robot
Robot vacuums automatically vacuum (and some also mop) when they are signaled or scheduled to clean. They offer the convenience of remote control when people are away from home or otherwise busy. Most robot vacuums suck dirt into a bagless bin that holds about 20 ounces.
Depending on the model, the user either manually detaches and empties the debris, or the robot automatically empties it into its own base. Thanks to a robot vacuum’s low height—generally about 3.5 inches—it can easily go under beds, sofas, and other low-clearance furniture where some more traditional vacuums can’t reach.
Possible downsides of a robot vacuum include the inability to navigate around obstacles such as toys. If that happens, users must manually free them so they can continue. There have also been complaints of robot vacuums rolling over pet waste and spreading it throughout the house. Many people tend to rely on robot vacuums for touch-ups and spot cleaning as a supplement to traditional vacuuming.
Corded vs. Cordless
- Cordless vacuums, typically powered by rechargeable batteries, allow for free movement since they’re not tethered to an electrical outlet, but they may run out of power before the cleaning job is done. When cordless stick vacuum batteries run low, attach them to the included charger and plug into a standard 120-volt household electric outlet.
- Corded vacuums, which tend to cost less than cordless models, are powerful cleaning options that won’t run out of battery life.
Tangle-Free Brush Rolls
A tangle-free brush roll is designed (in varying ways among manufacturers) to prevent hair from wrapping around the roll or bar at the intake port. This feature of a high-powered floor vacuum is often recommended for homes with a lot of hair and fur-covered carpets. Without it, hair can easily become snarled in brush-roll bristles. That reduces suction power and, in some cases, stops the brushes from rotating.
Weight and Maneuverability
Vacuuming can take some effort, and it can be frustrating when the machine doesn’t glide over the carpet, around corners, or into tight spaces. The heavier the vacuum, the more work it takes to push, pull, or carry it up and downstairs. Canister vacuums generally weigh between 9 and 24 pounds, while uprights weigh between 13 and 18 pounds. Consider home size, the floors and covering, and the number of stairs to determine the need to prioritize a lightweight and ultramaneuverable vacuum.
Bagged vs. Bagless
The top vacuums for pet hair are available in both bagged and bagless versions. Each of these vacuum types has its benefits and drawbacks. Choosing the right type for each household will come down to cost, convenience, and allergy considerations.
- Bagged vacuums suction dirt, hair, and debris into a disposable bag; the vacuum’s efficiency decreases somewhat as the bag fills. Once full, the user opens a latch, removes the bag, throws it in the garbage, and then inserts an empty bag.
- Bagless vacuums collect dirt and debris in a (usually) clear cup, so it’s easy to see when it needs to be emptied between cleaning sessions. The cup is snapped off, the contents dumped into the trash, and the empty cup replaced.
Of the two, bagged versions are often a better bet for allergy sufferers because the bag contains the dirt and dust, preventing it from escaping into the air where it could otherwise be inhaled; the bag also lessens the need for frequent filter changes. With a bagless vacuum, dust and other allergens can get into the air when the cup is removed. Filter changes tend to be more frequent with bagless models. Regardless of the vacuum type, since pet hair can quickly fill a small vacuum, it may also make sense to consider the dust bin or bag capacity as well.
Suction Strength
Canister vacuums have the strongest suction strength of all types of vacuums. However, there are upright, robot, and handheld vacuums with suction control that allow the user to increase the suction strength when vacuuming carpet. Although greater suction strength is typically considered an asset to capture dust bunnies and fur, too much suction can make it difficult to move a vacuum.
A vacuum with a motorized brush (a rotating brush the user can often turn on or off) cleans carpets better than one that has suction only. A switch that can deactivate the brush will help protect the finish of bare floors and avoid scattering debris across the surface. Consider models with a manual carpet-height adjustment control along with suction control for cleaning draperies and other delicate fabrics.
Tips for Using Your Vacuum for Pet Hair
A cleaner home means happier pet parents, and happier pet parents means happier pets. While banishing shed hair from flooring and furniture is one of the tougher household messes, a powerful vacuum for dog hair and cat fur can really help. Plus, there are several other steps folks can take to keep the home as fur-free as possible.
The first factor to consider is the type of surfaces pet hair accumulates on—the surface will determine the best vacuum settings or tools for the job. For example, a brush roll cleans pet hair from carpets or rugs, pulling fur out of the fibers. For tight corners or carpet edges, a crevice tool will suck up stuck fur. Suitable settings and attachments will prevent the fur from sticking to the surface or blowing around and help trap as much hair as possible.
Frequent vacuuming helps prevent pet hair from building up, and it’s easier to vacuum up a thin spread of hair than a thick layer that’s been matted down. Take extra time to vacuum where pets spend the most time, like pet beds, couches, and food or litter areas. Maintaining the vacuum is also important: Emptying the vacuum frequently and changing or cleaning the filters as needed will keep the unit performing efficiently to trap fine pet hair. In short, to take full advantage of a pet hair vacuum:
- Use the right settings and attachment tools
- Vacuum frequently
- Concentrate on areas where pets spend the most time
- Empty the vacuum frequently
- Keep up with recommended maintenance
Maintaining a Pet Hair-Free Home
Anyone with a shedding pet knows it’s hard to maintain a fur-free home. While it may not be possible to banish every last pet hair, there are a few steps pet parents can take to reduce the amount of fur indoors.
Prevention starts at the source: the pets themselves. It’s important to groom pets frequently, especially during shedding season. Use a suitable brush for the pets’ coat type and, if appropriate, bathe pets as often as recommended. Adding a good air purifier can also help remove fur and dander from the air before it has a chance to settle.
It’s impossible to stop all pet fur from settling onto surfaces, but folks can prevent it from sticking to some areas. Cover valuable or difficult-to-clean furniture either with a furniture cover or throw blankets, which are much easier to toss into the washing machine. For all other surfaces, vacuum or clean frequently, taking care to clean spots where pets spend most of their time. Lastly, empty the vacuum often and maintain filters so the vacuum can perform at its best.
FAQs
You may still have questions about the best vacuum cleaner for pet hair for your home. Check out the most frequently asked questions below for answers.
Q. Can the same vacuum for pet hair work on different floors?
Yes, the best vacuums for pet hair adapt to different floor surfaces, and many also adjust to the various thicknesses of carpet.
Q. Are cordless vacuums for pet hair less powerful?
Not always; some cordless vacuums for pet hair are as powerful as their corded counterparts. The main downside to a cordless vacuum is that it may run out of power before the cleaning job is finished.
Q. Are bagged or bagless vacuums for pet hair better for allergies?
That is a personal choice, but bagless vacuums expose users to more dust and dirt upon emptying. Opening a bagged vacuum, on the other hand, will not release the contents to the air because the bag is sealed.
Q. How do you unclog a vacuum for pet hair?
Some of the best vacuums for pet hair are designed so that pet hair doesn’t clog the hose. If a hose does get clogged, it’s recommended to stretch or detach the hose and use a long stick to remove the hair.
Why Trust Bob Vila
Bob Vila has been America’s Handyman since 1979. As the host of beloved and groundbreaking TV series including “This Old House” and “Bob Vila’s Home Again,” he popularized and became synonymous with “do-it-yourself” home improvement.
Over the course of his decades-long career, Bob Vila has helped millions of people build, renovate, repair, and live better each day—a tradition that continues today with expert yet accessible home advice. The Bob Vila team distills need-to-know information into project tutorials, maintenance guides, tool 101s, and more. These home and garden experts then thoroughly research, vet, and recommend products that support homeowners, renters, DIYers, and professionals in their to-do lists.