As pet parents, we all love our pets. But their fur? Not so much.
Still, getting rid of pesky pet hairs can be a near-impossible challenge. Dog and cat hairs seem to seek out clothing and furniture, permanently embedding themselves there. But with the right tools, you could say goodbye to hairy carpets and sofas.
Let’s review how to pick the right pet hair vacuum for your household, what to look for, and which factors are most essential.
1. Look for Suction Power
Nearly every vacuum sucks in air and debris, but some are far more powerful than others. When choosing a pet hair vacuum for your home, you’ll want to select one with superior suction power, as weak vacuums struggle to pull pet hairs out of carpets.
But how can you tell the suction power of a pet hair vacuum cleaner? Many people assume suction is dependent on the motor strength, but this is only part of the equation. The vacuum’s airflow, cyclonic design, and floorhead all play a role in the strength of suction.
Fortunately, there is a little trick that you can use to make things easier on yourself. Try looking for a specification that lists air watts (AW). Anything above 100 should be suitable for pet hair, although if you’re buying a cylinder vacuum you’ll need at least 200 AW.
2. Don’t Forget About Ease of Use
Suction power and cleaning performance are obviously important, but it’s also vital to choose a vacuum that’s easy to use. Cleaning pet hair is a never-ending task, so you need a vac that doesn’t feel like a chore to get out of the cupboard or move around the house.
Vacuum cleaners that are too small or awkwardly shaped can be a pain to use. If you live in a large home, these devices can fail to provide the in-depth cleaning you need to banish pet hair. Consequently, you’ll always want to consider your vacuuming needs when choosing a size.
If your home has stairs, it’s also a great idea to choose a lightweight option. Otherwise, you may struggle to safely carry your new pet hair vacuum up and down the staircase. Cordless vacuums tend to be lightest, weighing just a few kilograms.
And do you let your pet ride around town with you when you drive? If so, you might want to consider investing in a specialized handheld car vacuum. This way, you won’t accidentally bring pet hairs back inside with you each time you exit your vehicle and walk inside.
3. Motorized Floor Head and Pet Turbo Tool
A key consideration when buying a pet vacuum is the floor head. Having a motorised brush roll can make a big difference to the amount of hair the vacuum picks up – particularly when cleaning thick carpets.
If possible, choose a vacuum with a powerful brush bar in the floorhead. The stronger the brush bar turns, the more pet hair it’ll dig out of carpet fibres.
It’s also vital to choose a vacuum with a motorised pet tool. These are typically smaller attachments that are perfect for car interiors, stairs, and upholstery. Without a rotating brush bar, many vacuums will struggle to remove large quantities of pet hair.
4. Pick a Vacuum With Helpful Features
Not all vacuums are created equally. Some have more powerful suction than others, some can reach tiny spaces, and some are easy to manoeuvre thanks to their lack of cords. However, the real cherry on top is a vacuum that comes with practical features.
Some examples can include:
- LED headlights to illuminate dirt and hair when cleaning under furniture or in dark rooms.
- An easy-to-empty bin that’s quick to detach and re-attach (you’ll need to empty it regularly when cleaning pet hair!)
- Quick release tools, as there’s nothing more frustrating than tools that are difficult to attach.
5. Consider the Filtration System
Lastly, you should consider the vacuum’s filtration system. Anyone can benefit from an efficient filter, as this ensures pet dander and dust particles aren’t released back into the air, but it’s particularly important for people with pet allergies.
There are quite a few pet vacuums that come with HEPA air filters. These are fantastic filters that are the “gold standard” for a household vacuum cleaner. Some pet vacuums even have a charcoal filter to absorb pet odours and leave your house smelling fresh.
The filter isn’t the only consideration for people with allergies though. Bagged vacuums are much easier to empty without releasing allergens into the air, as most bags are self-sealing. The vacuum’s design also affects whether allergens can escape. Look for a model with whole machine filtration and a sealed design.
Final Thoughts
When choosing a pet hair vacuum, it’s crucial to consider suction power, manoeuvrability, and filtration. Otherwise, you could end up with a vacuum cleaner that simply moves hairs around the house.
Additionally, a motorized brush bar and miniature pet tool could help get rid of stubborn hairs. Without a powered brush roll, most vacuum’s will fail to remove hair that’s caught deep in carpet fibres.
