We know you adore your pets (us too!), but while they may be very cute bundles of fur, all that fluff and hair can also be a nightmare to clean up – let’s be real, It. Gets. Everywhere.
Not only can excess pet hair make your home smell, but it also causes allergies, poor air quality, and rashes if you have sensitive skin.
That’s why having a vacuum that picks up and removes every last hair from your flooring and upholstery is essential.
Not all tackle this chore with equal prowess (don’t get us started on getting hair tangled in the brush-rolls, for example). So, it’s important to look for a vacuum cleaner that’s designed with pet owners in mind; some come with specialised pet tools to help lift hair from deep within your carpets, while others have filters to trap odours and leave your house smelling as fresh as it looks post-clean.
What is the best vacuum for pet hair?
If you’re one of the millions of pet owners in the UK, then you’re in the right place. Here at the Good Housekeeping Institute, we’ve trialled hundreds of vacuum cleaners in our 100-year history, and we test with real pet hair, so we know a thing or two about the best models on the market.
Our homes writer has carefully combed through our latest results to bring you our pick of the best vacuums for lifting pet hair in a matter of sweeps, whether you want a cordless, handheld, robot, upright or cylinder model. Here they are in a handy list but read on to find out why we loved each one.
How we chose and tested the best vacuums for pet hair
We’re lucky; vacuum cleaner technology just keeps getting better, and here at the GHI, we test the latest models as soon as they hit the shelves (or even sometimes before). This means we’re well-placed to offer vacuum recommendations, whatever you’re looking for.
Every vacuum is tested on three different floor types (laminate, floorboards and carpet) and our testers assess how it picks up set amounts of dust and dirt, weighing out exactly how much the vacuum has collected.
Of course, pet hair pick-up also plays a key role. Our experts use genuine pet hair and grind it into the carpet in our floorcare testing room, creating a worst-case scenario. Then, they analyse how swiftly it’s lifted by each vacuum.
We used this test as the basis for the vacuums highlighted below, picking the ones with a perfect score. We also looked at which one had the highest overall score.
Some of these models are a little pricey, though, so we also hunted out some budget buys. These ones had to score an eight or above (out of ten) in our pet hair test. From there, we then chose the vacuums with the most affordable price tags (they’re all below £200), so you can shop with confidence no matter your budget.
What is the best cordless vacuum for pet hair?
Cordless vacuums are a popular choice for many homes thanks to their fuss-free, wireless design. Also known as stick vacuums, they come with a range of attachments, which can include a motorised brush for dealing with pet hair.
Pet hair removal score
Dyson’s newest vacuum is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to dealing with dust, dirt, and most importantly, pet hair. The cordless model had excellent suction skills thanks to the high-powered motor, and it was strong enough to pick up fur in one smooth sweep.
Dyson’s special ‘Detangling Digital Motorbar’ cleaner head adapts its suction power to the floor type, while the stiff nylon bristles dig into the carpet fibres to remove dirt. Testers found the detangling claims true too, with no pet hair getting stuck or twisted around the brush head. A pet-owners dream.
