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If you’ve got pets at home then you’ll be only too familiar with the perennial bugbear of cleaning up after them.
From a deluge of hair and dander not to mention the other messes and spills they can leave behind, maintaining a spotless house can seem like a pipe dream.
Luckily, we’re here to help with these best pet vacuum cleaners reviews. We have scoured through the most effective vacs for this purpose and come up with a list of the top 5.
Although upright or canister vacuums are generally best for this job, we’ve also thrown in a handheld so there’s something for everyone. We’ve also included vacuums at a range of price-points so you can get the best pet vacuum cleaner regardless of your budget.
Once you’ve checked out this selection of pet hair vacs, we’ve got some handy hints for you to simplify your buying decision and guide you with what to look out for when you’re buying…
We’re going to get straight down to business with these 5 pet vacuum cleaner reviews:
Now, let’s go in detail about each of these top rated vacuum cleaners.
First up in our best pet vacuum cleaner reviews is a stunningly effective canister from the industry heavyweight SEBO.
This German outfit specializes in commercial vacuums that are equally suitable for use at home.
One thing to point out off the bat is this vacuum works better on hard flooring than carpets. Carpets generally require a motorized beater brush if the vac is to deal with stubborn dirt enmeshed in the fibers. The SEBO D1 is a straight suction model with no electric power in the head. It will acquit itself just fine on the occasional area rug but if you have predominantly carpets at home, look for the other models in the AIRBELT series or check one of the following vacs for superior results on soft floors.
The capable 1250-watt motor is extremely powerful and built to last for years even under heavy, sustained use. While the suction is first-rate at 120CFM of airflow, this vacuum is remarkably quiet so it’s ideal for use in hospitals delivering hard-hitting cleaning power without kicking up a racket.
At 24 pounds, this canister is not the lightest on the market. That said, it’s surprisingly nimble with its 4 casters allowing you to shift it around without straining yourself. The rubber coating ensures you won’t scuff up the flooring and the proprietary AIRBELT bumper guarantees the safety of any surrounding furniture.
Although the SEBO is corded, it avoids the usual fate of corded vacuums with an inspiring 40-foot cord. So many manufacturers cut these too close for comfort but with SEBO maneuverability is barely restricted. Alongside the generous cable, you’ll also get a flexible 7-foot hose and a telescopic wand so you’ll enjoy complete freedom of movement while you’re cleaning. The comfortable handle sits nicely in your hand and is ideal if you need to work for long stretches.
While bagless vacuums have their place, if you or anyone in your family has allergies, bagged vacs are the smart choice. You’ll have to factor in the expense of buying replacement bags but when it’s time to empty the debris, you won’t get a shower of dust blow back in your face. The bag takes an exceptional 1.5 gallons of dust and a hygiene cap makes disposal a breeze. There’s a handy indicator alerting you when it’s time to get rid of the bag taking all the guesswork out of it. It will also let you know if there’s any clogging so you can take prompt action.
Many regular vacuums use HEPA filters and, while this SEBO is not HEPA-rated, you get instead hospital-grade S-Class filtration so you’re in very safe hands. This is the US equivalent of HEPA so don’t think you’re being short-changed. All contaminants and airborne particles are wicked efficiently into this tightly sealed unit rather than belched back into the atmosphere. This type of filter must deal with 99.97% of all particles to qualify. The microfilter is electrostatic and there’s also triple-layered filter bag along with an exhaust filter.
Included in the package is SEBO’s patented Kombi Nozzle. This multi-purpose workhorse of a floor tool has a row of synthetic bristle that helps direct the debris into the intake. If you need to move from hard flooring to an area rug or any form of carpeting, these bristles retract at the slide of a switch. There’s a metal plate in place on the Kombi Nozzle which combines with a thread lifter to offer unsurpassed finesse if you’re cleaning rugs.
Along with the Kombi Nozzle, you’ll get the standard-issue crevice tool and dusting brush to cover all cleaning bases from hard-to-reach spots to stairs and upholstery.
SEBO offer an unbeatable warranty covering the vacuum for 5 years and the motor for 7 years meaning you can invest in the D1 without any worries about stiff repair bills.
The only real downsides involve its questionable performance on carpets and the price tag.
When you’re on the hunt for a pet vacuum cleaner, your needs are in many ways similar to those of someone looking for a vacuum for allergies. In the shape of the SEBO you get a truly superb solution for all that pet hair and mess while also offering you a general-purpose cleaner into the bargain.
Before we round out with our verdict, a swift glance at the shower of benefits offered by this awesome pet vacuum cleaner…
Pros.
- Hospital-grade S-Class filtration so perfect for pet hair and anyone with allergies
- Unrivalled 40-foot hose combined with 7-foot hose and telescopic wand for an incredible 52-feet radius
- 1250-watt motor delivers super-strong and adjustable suction fit for even ingrained hair and dander
- Rubber-coated casters let you glide around hard flooring with ease without leaving any scrapes or scratches
- AIRBELT bumper helps protect your furniture from any bumps and bangs
- Flexible hose swivels through 320 degrees for a fantastic cleaning radius
- Bagged vacuum so ideal for anyone with allergies or sensitivities as you won’t be exposed to dust and contaminants when emptying
- Substantial 1.5-gallon bag with hygiene cap allowing for seamless disposal
- Extremely quite in use despite such raw power and performance
- Class-leading 5-year warranty for parts and labor with motor covered for 7 years for total security
Cons.
- Most effective on hard flooring so think about another vac if you’ve got mainly carpeted floors
- Extremely expensive
Conclusion
Not everyone wants a commercial-grade vacuum but if you have pets, particularly a houseful of them, stepping up to an industrial vac makes sense.
The SEBO AIRBELT series offers you incredible value for money with outstanding performance for little more than the cost of a Dyson. It’s undeniably expensive but you get a great deal of bang for your buck.
Whether you’re cleaning at home or in a commercial setting, sucking up pet hair and dander or general dirt and debris, we really can’t recommend the SEBO D1 highly enough. It’s just about the strongest canister vacuum for any purpose and among the very best pet vacuum cleaners money can buy.
Shark has a hard-won reputation for producing exceptional vacuums at a pretty reasonable price-point. In many ways, you get technological innovation to rival Dyson but without the eye-watering cost.
One of the leading models in their impressive range is the Rotator which comes in several iterations. Today, we’ll look at the Rotator Powered Lift-Away True Pet which is a powerful upright built to deal with any mess your animals leave behind.
You’ll have 3 choices with the Rotator:
- Vacuum Only
- Vacuum with Premium Accessories
- Vacuum with Premium Accessories and TruePet Motorized Attachment
Although it’s not disclosed front and center on the listing, the blue model is actually a little weaker than the alternative red colorway. That said, the motor is still rated at 800 watts so there’s more than enough power at your disposal. We opted for the red model with all the bells and whistles and we’d gently point you in the same direction for best overall value. There’s not much of a price discrepancy but you get much more for your cash with the red TruePet.
Although it’s not the cheapest vacuum on the market, you’ll get winning brand heritage and also 2-in-1 cleaning capability…
In its regular incarnation, the Rotator is a potent if rather bulky upright. It weighs just 14 ½ pounds so it’s not particularly heavy but the design does prevent you from using it easily around and under furniture or in awkward spots. The solution, though, comes in the form of the detachable canister. If you need to get into hard-to-reach places, simply detach the Lift-Away section and you’re ready to roll.
Above-floor mode offers still further scope and ensures every inch of your home is spick, span and free of cat or dog hair.
Shark doesn’t hold back when it comes to filtration and the money they pour into R&D in this area shows. The HEPA-rated filter married to Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology makes sure that pet owners and allergy suffers alike are protected from just about all airborne pollutants. To make the grade as a HEPA unit, a filter needs to dispose of 99.97% of all fine particles and the Shark qualifies on this count.
The dust capacity is 0.8 gallons which is nowhere near as generous as the SEBO but setting this against the D1 is like comparing apples and oranges. There’s still more than enough room to do plenty of cleaning before you need to ditch the contents of the container. Since the Rotator is bagless, you’ll save plenty of money over time as you won’t need to keep scurrying out for replacement bags.
The Rotator works equally well on carpets or hard flooring. The No Loss suction power is regulated so you won’t end up chewing up rugs or deep-pile carpet and you’ll comfortably blitz all wooden flooring without leaving any imperfections.
If you find that after cleaning with the upright, some stubborn residue from your pets remains, break out the pet multi-tool and the motorized mini-brush and put paid to any lingering debris. As the name suggests, the Rotator TruePet is designed with the animal-lover at heart.
LED lights are a nice touch. Cleaning in basements or any other gloomy areas, especially if they are somewhere your pets visit regularly, can leave you scratching your head and wondering if you’ve dispatched all the mess. You’ll enjoy a fully illuminated cleaning path with the Shark and put an end to these headaches.
This is a true multi-surface vacuum. You will benefit from all the suction power you need for sucking up ground-in mess from carpets along with the gentleness required to buff up hard floors without leaving a criss-cross of scratches behind you. Switching from one surface to the other is as simple as switching modes on the ergonomic fingertip controls.
While it’s a cordless vac and you’ll need to be tethered to a power outlet, the 30-foot cable gives you adequate room for maneuver.
To ice the cake, Shark products come with exceptional 7-year limited guarantees which takes all the sting out of your buying decision.
We’ll highlight now where this superb pet vacuum cleaner stands and falls then serve up our verdict…
Pros.
- Great value for such a high-performance pet vacuum cleaner
- 2-in-1 functionality thanks to detachable canister vacuum to complement the upright
- HEPA-filtration combined with Shark’s patented Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology meaning 99.97% of all irritants and contaminants are trapped inside
- Use pet multi-tool and TruePet motorized brush to get rid of any lingering pet mess left behind after vacuuming for the complete pet hair solution
- Hard-Floor Hero perfect for enhanced bare floor cleaning results
- LED lights ideal if you’re cleaning in dim areas
- Relatively lightweight at just 14 ½ pounds so highly maneuverable
- Added agility thanks to swivel steering system so a pleasure to use
- 30-foot power cord offers ample freedom of movement
- Pet tools, wand and crevice tools thrown in along with a bag so you can keep everything to hand
Cons.
- Relatively bulky if you have split-level home but mitigated by the lift-away canister
- Some reported issues with long dog hair sticking to the filter
- Pretty noisy with a high-pitched whining sound under heavy use
Conclusion
If you don’t feel the need for a commercial-grade vacuum but you’re not prepared to compromise on cleaning quality, the Shark Rotator is a strong contender for the best pet vacuum cleaner in its class.
As well as a ruthlessly efficient upright, you’ll get the agility and flexibility of a canister thrown in making the Rotator tailor-made for larger homes with lots of areas on different levels where you might not want to lug around a heavy upright as you clean.
Kiss goodbye to the wreckage left behind by your pets and say hello to an impeccable and debris-free house. Check out the Shark Rotator TruePet today.
We promise, you won’t be disappointed.
No pet vacuum cleaner reviews would be complete without an entry from the legendary Dyson.
Few brands worldwide have such a reputation for pioneering technology matched with a fantastic user-experience and there are millions of satisfied Dyson customers to attest to this.
With a very broad range to choose from, pet owners would be well advised to focus their energies on this Cinetic Big Ball Animal Plus Allergy.
As mentioned above, the requirements of animal lovers and allergy sufferers are very similar when it comes to getting the best vacuum cleaner for the job. Dyson hit both sweet spots perfectly with this awesome upright.
Corded vacuums generally deliver more power and performance at the expense of maneuverability but the Cinetic bridges the cap between complete freedom of movement and top-tier cleaning the double-win…
Tipping the scales at almost 20 pounds, you might think the Dyson would be a pain to wield but it’s a relative breeze to push around. Patented Big Ball technology means it’s perfectly balanced and glides around the living room without putting strain on your back.
Dyson rate their suction power in air watts unlike most other manufacturers. At 180 AW, the Cinetic offers all the power you need to suck up any filth and hair in your path regardless of the surface. The cleaner head automatically adjusts itself so, whether you’re dealing with carpet, hardwood floor or tiling, the Dyson munches through any dirt in its way.
Cleaning above floor and underneath your furniture can be problematic with a larger upright. Dyson addresses this issue with a wand and hose that detach allowing you total flexibility whatever the application.
When you’re hunting for the best pet vacuum cleaner, effective filtration is crucial. With the Big Ball, you’ll get whole machine HEPA-filtration so you won’t end up with pet hair and dander or any other pollutants spewed back into the room through the exhaust. 99.97% of all fine particles are trapped safely away.
The added bonus is that the filter is completely maintenance-free. You won’t need to replace it or even wash it. Part of the reason for this is Dyson’s fabled Cinetic science technology. With a bunch of oscillating tips, none of the fine dust kicked up will interfere with the airflow. Since the dust is so efficiently separated, there’s also no need for a pre-filter. By combining simplicity with bleeding-edge technology, Dyson once again delivers a fantastic cleaning experience with minimum hassle for the user.
Accessories are plentiful. The soft, carbon fiber dusting brush comes fully to the fore if you want to ensure hard surfaces have no unattractive covering of dust left behind after you’ve vacuumed through. It’s slimline design lets you get into tight nooks and crannies without contorting yourself.
A mattress tool is a sublime touch if you have pets that can’t resist climbing up onto your bed and leaving their fur behind them when they climb down. There’s a multi-angle brush that works brilliantly for cleaning up high and you can twist it into multiple configurations.
Last but not least, a reach-under tool is a paddle-like instrument packing durable bristles that will leave the area below your furniture spotless and hair-free. Keep all of these attachments in the attractive soft bag provided.
You’ll be covered by a 2-year limited warranty but it’s essential to remember that you need to register your Dyson to take advantage of this. Make sure you don’t overlook this then end up disappointed in the unlikely event of something going awry.
A glance now at the principal advantages and drawbacks of this mighty pet vacuum cleaner before we let you know our closing thoughts…
Pros.
- Flawless brand heritage and unsurpassed cleaning power in one stunning package
- Harnesses Dyson’s Cinetic science so dust is kept away from clogging up the filter
- 180 air watts of suction power which is regulated thanks to the self-adjusting cleaner head so get optimum results whatever the surface
- Clean above floor or under furniture with ease thanks to quick-release wand and hose
- No need to wash or replace filters so enjoy a zero-maintenance experience and focus on the job at hand instead
- Whole machine HEP-filtration which is spot-on for pet owners and anyone with allergies or asthma
- Turbine tool gets rid of all pet hair without it tangling up the innards of your vacuum
- Excellent range of accessories and soft tool bag thrown in to cover all cleaning requirements
- Register your Dyson to qualify for 2-year limited warranty
Cons.
- Undeniably expensive but you do get what you pay for
- Just under 20 pounds so make sure you can handle the weight
- Lithium-ion batteries required but not included
Conclusion
There are vacuum cleaners and then there are Dysons…
All pet owners will be acutely aware of the perennial headache of cleaning up after them. Not only will you get the majority of the work done in a single pass with the Dyson, the tangle-free turbine tool included makes light work of anything left behind whether it’s on the carpet or upholstery.
While it’s a large and reasonable bulky vacuum, it doesn’t feel heavy and it’s amazingly light on its feet.
For a first-rate pet hair vacuum cleaner also suited to anyone with sensitivities and allergies, you really can’t go wrong with the Dyson Cinetic Big Ball Animal Plus Allergy. Road test one today and see if it meshes with your cleaning needs.
Next up in our pet vacuum cleaner reviews is a mid-range bagless upright from the industry stalwart Bissell.
The name might not pack the same prestige as Dyson but you’ll get first-class cleaning results which is far more important than brand snobbery.
If you are operating on a lesser budget but you’re simply not prepared to sacrifice quality in the pursuit of saving, the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser delivers fully on the promises made by its name.
Taking props from Dyson, the transparent Bissell comes across like a real mean machine and its superb suction power means it’s not just a looker.
The Bissell is an able performer in homes with mixed flooring. More and more of us now have both carpets and hard floors and don’t want the expense of buying two separate vacuums. Suction power is variable so it’s fine-tuned depending on the floor. You can simply activate or de-activate the brush roll which is key. You then get the full-blast suction you need to scour your carpets but you won’t ruin your wooden floors with a beater bar scuffing them up.
An extra benefit with the brush roll is the way it’s designed not to get tangled up with pet hair. There’s nothing worse than having to clean up after you’ve already been beavering away for hours.
Edge-to-edge suction allows you to make a single pass and get comprehensive cleaning coverage so you won’t be darting painstakingly back-and-forth. Get more done in less time and get it done better with the Bissell.
Another way in which the Bissell is extremely versatile is its ability to convert from a powerful upright to a much more maneuverable canister. This can be tough to get to grips with at first, but once you’re familiar with the process, you’ll be able to move back and forth between the different variants standing on your head.
One of the inbuilt flaws with bagless vacuums is the way in which you come into direct contact with the dust and contaminants when it’s time to ditch the contents of the dirt cup. There’s no such nonsense with the Bissell and you’ll be able to empty the container hands-free without getting a face full of dust.
While you won’t get HEPA-filtration, the SmartSeal Allergen system keeps all the tiny particles trapped securely inside. The addition of a Febreze filter leaves your home smelling delectable as well as looking faultless.
Although an initial and thorough clean with the Bissell should eliminate the vast bulk of the mess left behind by your pets, there will doubtless be some lingering residue and stray hairs. You’ll get a selection of proprietary pet tools to make certain that nothing gets left behind.
When you need to use a crevice tool, chances are you’ll be trying to clean somewhere where lighting is not the best. Neat little LEDs on the tool allow you to spotlight where you’re working and ensure no stone is left unturned in your quest for an immaculate home.
Before moving on to our final pet vacuum cleaner review, check out the pros and cons of the Bissell and decide whether this excellent upright/canister combo deserves a place in your cleaning arsenal…
Pros.
- Looks superb aesthetically but certainly not a case of form over function
- Multi-purpose cleaning solution since this upright converts neatly to a versatile canister
- Tangle-free brush roll means you won’t end up with hair wrapped around the beater bar
- Suite of pet tools meaning you can zap away hair and dander wherever it may end up
- Cyclonic hair spooling system allows you to empty the container without coming into contact with the debris, perfect for anyone with allergies
- SmartSeal Allergen system complete with Febreze filter which not only removes irritating fine particles and traps them inside but also leaves everything smelling fresh
- Crevice tool with LED lights is great for cleaning dull, small spaces like cupboards or basements
- Works well on all surfaces with variable suction and brush roll you can toggle on or off fuss-free
- 5-year limited warranty means you don’t need to worry about expensive repair bills
Cons.
- Some reported issues with general build quality so treat the vacuum with care
- Can be tricky to detach the canister until you’re accustomed to the procedure
Conclusion
If you’re on the lookout for a top-notch pet vacuum cleaner but you don’t want to lash out a fortune in the process, the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser is a wise choice.
Although a few users have complained about build quality, in our opinion it’s a pretty solid unit. As long as you don’t abuse it, you should get plenty of years of service. The manufacturer’s generous warranty indicates just how they stand behind their vacuum.
For anyone with pets in the home and a limited budget, the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser is a first-class vacuum at a second-class price. You won’t be compromising cleaning performance though so you really should check out this upright/canister combo today!
To complete our pet vacuum cleaner reviews, we have an incredibly value-packed combination, again from Bissell, giving you all the power of a full-blooded upright along with the adaptability of a handheld.
The 9595A is a common sighting on just about every list of the best vacuum cleaners. It’s a design classic offering superb performance at an extremely attractive price.
Pet owners, along with anyone who has allergies, asthma or sensitivities, needs to be sure the vacuum they choose pays close attention to providing top-notch filtration. The Bissell does not come equipped with HEPA-filtration but it does boast multi-level filters. This type of system is the next best thing and the filters do an admirable job of trapping the finer particles inside which might otherwise work their way back into the atmosphere. Febreze in the post-motor filter leaves a lovely fresh fragrance behind after you’ve cleaned up.
You can choose from a range of options tailored to your specific requirements. Whether your prime focus is on stain removal, deodorizing or eliminating the nasty smells left behind by your animals, there’s something for everyone so choose accordingly.
The cyclonic system on the Bissell translates into sterling suction capable of blitzing even the most awkward stains left behind by your pets. The brush is designed to dig really deep into your carpet so you’ll get the majority of the mess cleaned up on the first pass. This is particularly valuable if you have a larger house and don’t want to spend all day cleaning it.
A corded vacuum, you’ll lose the total mobility offered by a cordless alternative but in return you’ll be rewarded by superior performance. The cord is 25 feet long. Although it’s not the lengthiest offered, it’s more than enough for most reasonable cleaning needs and means you won’t be constantly swapping power outlets.
The key selling point of this combo package is the additional handheld vac that’s included free of charge. If you have dogs, chances are you’ll take them out in the car. This can end up leaving your pride and joy covered with hair. Rather than heading to an expensive detailing service, use the Pet Hair Eraser handheld and make light work of any hair spoiling the upholstery of your vehicle. With the Pet Hair Eraser, you’ll get the benefit of a cordless to accompany your corded mainstay for the double win.
Despite being a budget-friendly vacuum, you’ll get some decent accessories with the Bissell. As well as the cordless handheld, there’s a turbo brush tool and crevice tool so you’ll be able to take care of all the tight corners that escape the attention of regular vacuuming.
There are a few snags that bear pointing out so you go in forewarned…
A number of users have complained about build quality. What we would say is to keep your expectations realistic. You can’t expect a Rolls-Royce for Ford money and the Bissell is certainly not going to start falling apart on you after a month so don’t let this be of too much concern. With any user feedback, you always need to try separating the wheat from the chaff.
The hose is slightly too short so take this into consideration. The design is also a little top-heavy so the vacuum can be prone to toppling over if you’re not careful.
These minor gripes aside, you get stupendous value for money with these two excellent pet vacuum cleaners so check out the pros and cons and see for yourself whether it’s worth your while investing in a pair of Bissells for the price of one…
Pros.
- Ultimate flexibility with a highly capable upright alongside ultra-portable handheld
- Multiple bundles available including stain removal, deodorizing and odor eliminating packages
- Suction gives great cleaning power but the Bissell only weighs 15 pounds so you’ll be able to throw it around with ease
- Capacity of dirt container is more than ample and you’ll be able to empty the contents without spilling dust everywhere or becoming irritated
- Generous pack of attachments which is surprising for such a cheap pet vacuum cleaner
- Dust and debris graded nicely thanks to cyclonic system which means it’s great news for anyone with allergies or asthma
- If you need to clean up and down the stairs or suck away pet hair from your cars, the cordless handheld is a great extra weapon
- Get more suction and an even deeper clean with the nifty motorized foot
- Unique design of brush allows you to penetrate deeper into the fibers of your carpets to see off even ingrained hair and other mess
Cons.
- Serious limitations on the warranty so read the fine print closely to avoid any nasty surprises
- Build quality could be improved but it’s fit for purpose considering this is a budget vacuum
- A few complaints about the short hose
- Top-heavy so can tumble over if you’re not careful
Conclusion
Bissell’s 959A is a tried and true favorite and it’s easy to see why. It’s highly affordable while delivering more than sufficient performance for most home cleaning needs.
With the handheld Pet Eraser thrown in free of charge, this package really does represent exceptional value for money.
For any pet owners looking for a robust, all-purpose upright with the added range of a handheld, this combo deal is well worth further investigation. While there are a few downsides, the positives certainly far outweigh these minor niggles.
Check out the Cleanview if you want one of the best pet vacuum cleaners at a price you’ll love!
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Now you’ve got 5 seriously good vacs to choose from, we’ll give you a little background on what you need to look out for when you’re buying a pet vacuum cleaner…
Pet Vacuum Cleaner Buying Guide
We’ll round out these pet vacuum cleaner reviews with a selection of handy nuggets of information to simplify your buying decision and help you make the best choice with the minimum of fuss.
Rather than launch into a mind-numbing rundown of everything vacuum-related, we’ll pare things down to what’s relevant to choosing one fit for cleaning up after your pets.
First off, you’ll need to think about the type of vacuum you feel is the best fit…
Type of Vacuum
With vacuums coming in all shapes and sizes, it pays to double down on what type you think would work best for the configuration of your home and your cleaning needs…
These powerful beasts have the suction head and canister in a single device and generally offer the strongest suction of any vacuum cleaner.
If you have a bigger home and you want to cover as much ground as possible in little time, there’s no doubt an upright is the best choice.
Given their exceptional cleaning ability, they work brilliantly for loosening any really stubborn dirt ground into your carpets. This is essential if you have dogs that shed lots leaving a real mess everywhere.
Uprights are more expensive and also take much more room when it comes to storage.
When it comes to a first-rate clean-up job for pet owners, an upright would be our first choice overall if you are only planning to buy a single vacuum. If you need a little added versatility, consider the Shark or one of the Bissells as they also offer a handheld or canister to accompany the upright.
While at first glance a handheld might not seem up to the job, handhelds certainly have their place in the war against pet hair.
We’re not going to try to convince you that a handheld is adequate as a primary vacuum but for cleaning up and down the stairs or taking out into the car, they are well worth investing in as a supplementary vac.
If you don’t fancy buying a handheld separately, consider the Bissell combo above which has one to partner a powerful upright for a win-win as you try to combat the mess from your pets.
Canisters continue to improve and they come in the form of a hose with a separate body.
This wheeled body offers you a great deal of maneuverability and freedom of movement so they work especially well for cleaning stairs or around furniture. You’ll be able to reach underneath tables and couches without any fanfare so you can get rid of all traces of pet mess without a hitch.
On the flipside, canister vacuums are a little more awkward to control so you’ll need to work with care to avoid smashing up your furniture in the quest of a clean floor.
We haven’t covered any stick vacuums in our pet vacuum cleaner reviews but they rate a mention.
While they are not normally man enough to take care of all the mess left behind by your animals, the convenience of these cordless and lightweight vacuums means they work very well for any sudden spills.
Robot vacuums occupy a class all of their own and in a forthcoming article, we’ll break down 5 of the best robot vacuums available.
It’s a common misconception that robotic vacuums are lacking in power. Although you’ll certainly need to pay out for the privilege, some of the better models are more than capable of sucking up anything left behind by your pets without being overburdened.
Come back soon for our robot vacuum reviews!
Bagged or Bagless?
Once you’ve got the type of vacuum that best suits your needs nailed down, you’ll need to make a very simple choice…
Should you go for a bagged or bagless model?
Bagged Vacuum
The lion’s share of bagged vacuums come with HEPA-filtration. This means that 99.97% of all particles down to a size of 0.3 microns must be captured. This is essential if you have pets in the house and you want to make sure all that irritating dander is kept out of harm’s way.
Bagged vacs are much more hygienic to empty since you just remove a sealed bag and dispose of it rather than dealing with a dirt container and directly coming into contact with the hair, dust and dander.
Given a more direct path of suction, you’ll usually find bagged vacuums win out in terms of both power and efficiency. You also tend to find they clog up less frequently and you’ll be able to keep going until the bag is almost full with no noticeable dip in performance.
On the downside, the expense and inconvenience of buying and replacing bags is tiresome.
Bagless Vacuums
Bagless vacuums truly dominate the market and with just cause…
Once you’ve purchased your vac, the expense ends there. All you need to do is ditch the contents of the dirt cup and you’re good to go. As well as being easier on your pocket, they are also much more environmentally-friendly.
Most of these cleaners come with transparent containers so you’ll be able to see at a glance when you need to empty it.
Filter maintenance tends to be simpler with bagless vacuums. They generally just need shaking or brushing off rather than being deep-cleaned. The disadvantage is that these filters don’t actually last very long so you’ll need to factor in the cost of regular replacements.
The other key drawback with bagless vacuums is the fact you’ll be directly exposed to the dirt, hair and pathogens when you upend the dirt container and empty it out. Some bagless vacs make this a cleaner process than others but there’s no contest with a bagged vacuum for hygiene.
So…
There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to the issue of bagged or bagless so think carefully about your requirements and go for what gels best with those needs.
HEPA Filtration
If you have pets in your home, it’s imperative that you look for a vacuum cleaner with first-class filtration. You’ll want to make sure that all that icky mess stays safely sealed inside the vacuum.
All of the models we reviewed above have highly effective filters, most of which are HEPA-rated. These filters trap even the finest particles so you won’t have the bugbear of any lingering dander marring your clean-up job.
Within the US, the equivalent filter is known as S-Class so, whatever name it goes by, you should place the effectiveness of the vacuum cleaner’s filter at a premium when you’re on the lookout for the best pet vacuum cleaner.
This type of filter is also a boon if anyone in your family is an asthma sufferer or has any other allergies so take the time to study this element when you’re choosing your vacuum and it will be time very well spent.
Tools and Attachments
Most vacuums these days come with a selection of accessories and attachments.
The models we explored above come with additional pet tools which come in very handy once you’ve carried out your main cleaning.
Using small motorized tools specifically designed to cope with pet hair is the ideal way to get an immaculate finish.
Other Handy Hints
First and foremost, brush your pets regularly, especially when they are shedding. They say prevention is the best cure and, if you keep on top of grooming your furry friend, you’ll simplify your cleaning job considerably.
Vacuums with deodorizers or odor neutralizers are a great way to deal with the whiffs left behind by your animals so keep your eyes peeled for vacs that help out in this area.
A Final Word
We trust you’ve found these pet vacuum cleaner reviews have helped you to choose the most effective method of keeping your home hair-free.
If you take the time to read plenty of user reviews and work out in advance the type of vacuum that would work best considering the layout of your home and the kind of pets you have, choosing the best pet vacuum cleaner is a breeze.
Come back soon as we are in the process of building out this site to cover all aspects of the home and garden.
Feel drop to drop us a line if you have anything you’d like us to cover. We’re here to bring you the very best products on the market along with some comprehensive buying guides to help you on your way.
