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Best Cordless Vacuums for Pet Hair – 2024

The current Vacuum Wars Best Cordless Vacuums for Pet Hair ranking based on our own independent evaluation.

Shark Vertex Pro

Top Pick for Pet Hair

Dyson Gen5detect Cordless Vacuum

Dyson Gen5detect

Dyson’s Flagship Cordless

Dyson V12 Detect Cordless Vacuum

Dyson V12 Detect

Anti-tangle hair screw tool

Tineco Pure ONE Fur Free Cordless Vacuum

Tineco Pure ONE Fur-Free

Self Cleaning Station

Shark IZ163H Pet Plus Cordless Vacuum

Shark IZ163H Pet Plus

Pet Multi-Tool

Choosing the Best Cordless Vacuum for Pet Hair

The primary advantage of cordless vacuums is their sheer convenience and user-friendliness. Without a power cord, these vacuums enable smooth transitions between rooms and spaces, eliminating the need for constant unplugging and plugging. For pet owners, the need for a versatile vacuum that can handle pet hair on various surfaces is crucial.

This guide is designed to help you select a cordless vacuum that will meet the specific needs of your pet-friendly household and assist in maintaining a cleaner, more comfortable home.

Pet Hair Pickup Test

Debris and Pet Hair Pickup

Debris pickup is vital for any vacuum, but for pet owners, the ability to efficiently pick up pet hair is a game-changer. Success in picking up pet hair involves a combination of factors such as the type of roller, suction strength, and the design of the floorhead. Vacuums with lower suction can still excel in pet hair removal due to a well-designed floorhead and roller combination. Conversely, a vacuum with strong suction might perform excellently when the roller and floor head are not optimally designed.

The blend of these elements is why cordless vacuums, despite generally having less power than upright models, can still be remarkably effective at removing pet hair from the surface of carpets and hard floors.

Fluffy Rollers for Hard Floors

We’ve found that fluffy (or soft) rollers are particularly effective on hard floors. Their soft fibers create a tight seal against the floor, capturing both small and large debris along with pet hair, and even dusting the floor in the process. Some vacuums use a combination of soft and standard rollers for maximum efficiency.

Cordless Vacuums on Carpet

For tackling pet hair on carpeted areas, a cordless vacuum needs powerful suction and a floorhead designed to make a good seal on carpet surfaces.

Anti-Hair Wrap Technology

Pet hair tends to wrap around brush rolls, causing vacuums to lose efficiency and requiring frequent maintenance. Some cordless vacuums feature anti-hair wrap technology, preventing hair from tangling around the brush roll. This feature is especially beneficial for pet owners, simplifying maintenance and enhancing vacuum performance.

Anti Hair Tangle Technology
Looking at the anti-tangle technology on a cordless vacuum. © Vacuum Wars

HEPA Filter and Whole Machine Filtration

For pet owners concerned about allergens, a HEPA filter is essential. It traps particles as small as 0.3 microns, including pet dander, ensuring that the air in your home stays clean. A sealed system is also important to prevent unfiltered air from escaping, making sure that all air passes through the HEPA filter.

Battery Life of Cordless Vacuums

Battery life remains a crucial consideration, especially for thorough cleanings in pet-friendly homes. Models with medium settings or automatic suction adjustment can provide a balanced approach to battery consumption and cleaning power.

Versatility and Attachments

Attachments can greatly enhance a vacuum’s ability to deal with pet hair. Look for accessories specifically designed for pet owners, such as motorized brushes for upholstery or specialized tools for reaching into crevices where pet hair tends to accumulate.

Vacuuming Pet Hair Off a Chair with Tineco Cordless
Vacuuming upholstery with a cordless vacuum attachment. © Vacuum Wars

Lightweight and Ease of Use

Keeping on top of pet hair often means more frequent vacuuming, so look for features and designs that will keep your vacuuming sessions easy on you. Lightweight models can be easier on the forearm during extended cleaning sessions.  Swiveling floorheads maneuver around furniture more effortlessly, and vacuums that can bend at the wand or recline low to the ground will tend to fit under furniture and reach the pet hair that has wafted far back and out of usual reach. 

Conclusion

The advent of lightweight, cordless vacuums has revolutionized cleaning for pet owners. With features tailored to tackle pet hair, allergens, and the unique challenges of maintaining a pet-friendly home, these vacuums offer an efficient, user-friendly solution to keep your living environment clean and comfortable.

Still cordless vacuum shopping? Check out our cordless vacuum reviews, comparisons and guides.

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Christopher White

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Christopher White CEO
Christopher White is the CEO of Vacuum Wars, the premier YouTube channel dedicated to vacuum cleaner reviews. Over the past eight years, Vacuum Wars has become a trusted resource, meticulously reviewing hundreds of robot vacuums, cordless vacuums, carpet cleaners, and various floor care products. Known for their comprehensive in-house testing, Vacuum Wars has built one of the most extensive databases of vacuum cleaner metrics available. Under Christopher’s leadership, the channel has maintained a strict no-sponsorship policy, ensuring that all reviews remain unbiased and trustworthy. This dedication to integrity has garnered a loyal following of over 300,000 subscribers who rely on their expert advice. Christopher is also a recognized authority on robot vacuums, boasting one of the largest private collections of these devices worldwide. Learn more.

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