Households that regularly clean sofas and carpets
If pet hair clings to cushions or carpets, check the floor head and the tool designed for upholstery. It’s also worth considering how easy it is to clean stairs and pet beds.
Who is this guide for?
Households dealing with long hair on brushes
Check whether the anti-tangle feature applies to the main floor head, the mini brush or both, and how to remove any hair left on the roller.
Households with a large home or several carpets
Cleaning time and access to plug sockets may matter more than how easy the vacuum is to get out. In this case, it’s worth comparing a cylinder vacuum with a suitable upholstery tool against cordless stick vacuums.
What should you look for?
Cordless stick vacuum with an upholstery tool
Consider this if: you often switch between floors, sofas, stairs and pet beds.
Bear in mind: the maximum run time advertised may not reflect how long it will last on carpets with a motorised brush.
Cylinder vacuum with a suitable brush
Consider this if: you need to clean a large area or lots of carpets without relying on a battery.
Bear in mind: the vacuum and cord are less convenient to move around, particularly between floors.
Robot vacuum for floors
Consider this if: you want to limit the build-up of pet hair on floors between manual cleans.
Bear in mind: you’ll still need a suitable solution for sofas, cushions and other upholstery.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Pet hair on carpets and upholstery | Look for carpet test results using fibres designed to simulate pet hair, and check which upholstery tool is included. | When pet hair gets stuck in the sofa and carpets, I want to clean these surfaces without having to go over them repeatedly. Around 36% of consumers would make this their priority. |
| Large areas | Compare the operating radius and capacity; for a cordless stick vacuum, check the run time in the mode you’ll use on carpets. | If I have several carpets to clean in one go, I’d prioritise a vacuum that won’t force me to stop mid-clean. Around 29% of consumers would make this continuity a priority. |
| Brush maintenance | Check which brushes have an anti-tangle feature and how to clean the roller and dust container. | If long hair often winds around the roller, I mainly want to spend less time stopping to clear it. Around 21% of consumers would make this their top priority. |
| Everyday floor cleaning | For a robot vacuum, check its navigation, brush design and emptying process. | When pet hair quickly reappears on the floor, I want to do fewer manual cleans without relying on the robot to clean the sofa. Around 14% of consumers would prioritise automated cleaning. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing based only on watts or pascals
These figures alone don’t tell you how well a vacuum picks up pet hair from carpets. UFC-Que Choisir tests hard floors, carpet and synthetic fibres designed to simulate pet hair separately.
For the model you’re considering, look for test results on the surfaces you need to clean and check which brush is included.
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Expecting a robot vacuum to clean sofas too
A robot vacuum looks after floors, while cushions, armchairs and pet beds need a vacuum and attachment that you can use directly on them.
If upholstery is part of your regular cleaning routine, plan to use a cordless stick vacuum, cylinder vacuum or handheld vacuum with a suitable tool.
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Assuming the maximum run time applies to carpet cleaning
According to UFC-Que Choisir, the maximum advertised run time for a cordless stick vacuum is measured at its lowest power setting. It therefore doesn’t tell you how long it will last with the brush and setting you’ll use on carpets.
Compare run times for the setting you’ll use; for a long cleaning session, consider a corded vacuum too.
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Assuming a HEPA label guarantees health benefits
A filter’s class describes a feature of the component, not a medical benefit. Compatibility and maintenance are also important when choosing a model.
Check the filter’s reference, its stated class and the replacement instructions for your vacuum.
Miele recommends replacing its SF-HA 50-1 filter annually; it’s compatible with certain models.
Brands to know for this type of cleaning
Dyson
Some Dyson cordless stick vacuums pair a floor head with a mini brush designed to pick up pet hair from upholstery.
- Dyson describes the V16 Piston Animal’s conical rollers as being designed to untangle hair.
- An anti-tangle mechanism alone doesn’t prove how well a vacuum picks up dirt: Les Numériques observed debris left behind by some cordless stick vacuum heads during its tests.
Shark
Depending on the model, Shark cordless stick vacuums focus on roller maintenance or emptying the dust container.
- In its test, Les Numériques reported favourable results for the PowerDetect Speed Clean & Empty’s floor head when it came to debris left behind.
- This result doesn’t apply to the whole range, so check the upholstery tool and run time for the model you choose.
Miele
For some Miele models, you can look for an upholstery tool or a filter with clearly stated specifications.
- Miele recommends the Triflex HX2 Cat & Dog’s Electro Compact brush for carpets, cushions and car interiors.
- Miele states that the AirClean HEPA SF-HA 50-1 filter meets HEPA 13 class according to NF EN 1822/2019; check that it’s compatible with the vacuum you’re considering.
Rowenta
The brand’s robot vacuums are worth considering for regular floor cleaning, alongside a separate solution for upholstery.
- Rowenta lists an anti-tangle system and a collection station for the X-Plorer Série 380+.
- These features don’t replace an attachment that lets you clean a sofa or pet bed directly.
Cordless stick vacuums available on Joybuy
These four stick vacuums are designed for cleaning floors by hand and, depending on their accessories, upholstery too: three are cordless and one is corded. For pet hair embedded in a sofa, pay particular attention to the tool included with the model you choose.
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BISSELL PowerClean FurGuard Select
Worth considering if you regularly switch between floors and areas your pet uses. For carpets and upholstery, compare the model’s test results and check which accessories are included.
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Monsga ME03 cordless
Worth considering for frequent cleaning of floors and carpets. If the sofa is a priority, check whether it comes with a motorised mini brush. The product title lists 55 kPa, 550 W and up to 55 minutes’ run time, but doesn’t specify how long it lasts in carpet mode.
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MONSGA X UNINELLHOME UV5 cordless
Worth considering if you want to switch from floors to furniture with a vacuum that converts into a handheld model. The product title lists an anti-tangle brush, 60.000 Pa and up to 65 minutes’ run time; check whether the upholstery tool is motorised and how long the vacuum lasts in the setting you’ll use on carpets.
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ochama 2-in-1 corded stick vacuum
A corded model may suit you if you’d rather avoid battery-related interruptions in a small space. The product title lists a 4,5 m cable, a 550 W motor and a 0,5 L dust container; check which tool is included before choosing it for pet hair embedded in upholstery.
Frequently asked questions
Does an anti-tangle brush mean you won’t need to remove hair by hand?
No. It’s designed to reduce tangling or blockages, not eliminate all maintenance. Check which brushes have the feature and how to clean the roller and dust container on the model you choose.
What tool should I look for to clean a sofa or pet bed?
A motorised mini brush specifically designed for upholstery is a useful feature. Les Numériques highlights the benefits of these tools on upholstery, but check that one is included with the version on sale rather than relying on the range name alone.
Does a cordless stick vacuum’s advertised run time also apply to carpets?
Not necessarily: according to UFC-Que Choisir, the maximum advertised run time is measured at the lowest power setting. To plan a carpet-cleaning session, look for the run time with the brush fitted and the setting you’ll use.
What should I check when a vacuum claims to have HEPA filtration?
Check the filter’s class and reference, whether it’s compatible with the vacuum, and how to maintain it. For example, Miele states that its SF-HA 50-1 filter meets HEPA 13 class according to NF EN 1822/2019; this filter specification does not demonstrate a medical benefit.