You need a cleaner with good suction, the right types of accessories, and HEPA filters. We test the vacuum cleaners for a number of weeks (sometimes months) so we get a feel for the longevity and durability of each model. In some instances, we are also fortunate enough to keep the vacuum cleaners after writing up the review so we can continue to learn about them and share our findings with you.
Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. The BISSELL Lift-Off Vacuum has three major inner parts—the Inner Cyclone Separator, the Pre-Motor Filter, and the Post-Motor Filter. The Inner Cyclone Separator and the Pre-Motor Filter are both washable, but the Post-Motor Filter must be replaced every six months (depending on usage). You can clean debris off the Post-Motor Filter to optimize its performance, but you can’t wash it.
Best budget cordless pet hair vacuum
An effective cordless vacuum that won’t break the bank. There’s no shame in feeling frustrated every time you find a wad of soft fur on your black jeans. Yes, there are dozens of pet hair vacuums to choose from, but they’re often large, expensive and honestly a little scary. Sometimes big messes are unavoidable, and when you need a serious machine for larger-than-average areas, this vacuum cleaner will do the trick.
She tested the Shark Stratos Upright from her small homestead in Rhode Island. As the owner of two dogs and a cat, she’s always looking for the best products to help keep her home (at least somewhat) free of pet hair. What we loved on test
This vacuum looks like it’s travelled to the future from about 1980, so we were skeptical when we got our hands on it to test. If you want a vacuum to tackle nothing but fur, this is a very safe bet.
I tried out every attachment that came with the Pet Hair Eraser, as well as used it on its own to compare functionality. I also used it from full charge until it was dead to track the battery life. Pet dander, for example, are microscopic skin cells bissell handheld vacuum shed from animals that cause reactions in people with allergies. When the iRobot Roomba j7 detects that it is full, it automatically goes to eject into the Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal, a sealed system that can hold up to 60 days of debris.
Bagged vacuum cleaners have an extra level of protection, as the bags act as both additional filters to prevent particle escape, but you also remove and throw away the dirt without exposing it to fresh air. The hose and wand come off the back, so you can use the crevice tool and small turbo brush for smaller areas. The latter is particularly effective for tackling pet beds and upholstery. There’s a 29ft cleaning radius with this model, so you won’t need to keep swapping power sockets as you make your way around the house. Suction power is incredible, thanks to the 1500W motor, so cleaning across the board, not just for pet hair, is exceptional. What we loved on test
The Miele C1 Cat and Dog Canister vacuum has spacious 4.5qt bags that self-seal on removal and provide extra filtration on top of a HEPA filter.