Homes with carpet covered in pet hair
If hair gets caught in the fibres, compare carpet test results and check which floorhead comes with the vacuum. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between fibre pick-up on carpets and performance on hard floors.
Who is this choice for?
Homes that clean little and often
If you want to tackle hair as soon as it reappears on the floor or furniture, consider how easy the vacuum is to handle, its run time on the setting you’ll use and how easy the bin is to empty. UFC-Que Choisir also highlights the importance of regularly maintaining cordless stick vacuums.
Homes with a sofa or fabric pet bed
If upholstery is where the hair builds up, check that the right tool is included in the kit or is compatible with the exact model number. Bosch, Rowenta and Dyson product information lists accessories by model and version.
What to look for
Cylinder vacuum cleaner
Worth considering: if carpets and longer cleaning sessions are your priorities, compare carpet-fibre test results and check which brush is included.
Bear in mind: the cord and storage can be less convenient, while a bagless model needs its bin emptied.
Cordless stick vacuum cleaner
Worth considering: if you often do short cleaning sessions by hand, check the weight in the configuration you’ll use and the run time on your chosen setting.
Bear in mind: the bin, filter and rotating brush need maintenance. Maximum run time may not reflect how long it lasts on a powerful setting on carpet.
Robot vacuum cleaner
Worth considering: if you want to schedule cleaning on floors the robot can reach, check test results for the types of flooring in your home.
Bear in mind: a robot won’t clean the sofa or stairs, and its brushes, filters and bin still need maintenance.
In a home with pets, match the brush and maintenance routine to the surface that causes you the most trouble.
| What you’re concerned about | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Pet hair embedded in carpets | Test results on fibres and carpets for the exact model; type of floorhead supplied. | If my carpets hold on to pet hair, I want to compare fibre pick-up and the included floorhead before relying on the advertised power. Around 31% of consumers prioritise carpets. |
| Frequent quick clean-ups | Weight in the configuration you’ll use; run time on the required setting; how easy the bin is to empty. | If I want to quickly pick up visible hair, I check whether the vacuum is easy to handle and will last for the duration of my clean on the setting I’ve chosen. Around 31% of consumers prioritise quick clean-ups. |
| Sofa, cushions and pet bed | Whether an upholstery tool is actually included; compatibility with the exact model number. | If the sofa or pet bed is where the hair builds up, I check for a suitable tool rather than assuming one is included. Around 23% of consumers prioritise upholstery. |
| Scheduled floor cleaning | Test results for the relevant floor coverings; clearance under furniture; brush and filter maintenance. | If I want to schedule floor cleaning, I check which areas the robot can reach and what maintenance I’ll still need to do. Around 15% of consumers make scheduled cleaning their top priority. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing based only on watts or advertised power
Results also depend on the floorhead and surface. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between tests on hard floors and the removal of fibres embedded in carpets.
Compare results for your floors and check which brush comes with the exact version you’re buying.
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Assuming a stick vacuum’s maximum run time applies on its highest setting
The advertised figure may be for a specific configuration and an energy-saving setting, rather than powerful cleaning on carpet. Rowenta states that the X-Force Flex 14.80 Animal’s maximum run time is measured in Eco mode in handheld configuration.
Check the run time for the setting and configuration you’ll actually use.
Depending on the surface and setting, you may need to recharge the vacuum or buy an extra battery.
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Assuming a ‘pet’ model comes with a sofa brush
An upholstery tool may be sold separately or included only in certain kits. Attachments are not always compatible with every model.
Before buying, check what’s in the box and make sure the tool is compatible with the full model number.
If you buy an attachment separately, you’ll need to check that it fits and is suitable for the upholstery you want to clean.
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Thinking a robot or its docking station needs no maintenance
Brushes, the bin and filters still need cleaning or replacing, and some stations also use bags. Scheduling cleaning doesn’t get rid of these tasks.
Check the maintenance tasks and consumable part numbers for the model you choose.
Maintenance may include cleaning or replacing filters and brushes, as well as bags for some stations.
Brands to consider
Bosch
The ProAnimal range includes bagged and bagless cylinder vacuums, which you can compare based on how they’re emptied and the consumables they need.
- Bosch lists a 4.0 l bag and an AirTurbo Pro turbo brush for the BGB41PET1; the upholstery nozzle is built into the appliance.
- The bagless BGS41PET1 has a 2.4 l bin that needs emptying. These features alone don’t tell you how well it will perform on your carpets.
Rowenta
The X-Force Flex 14.80 Animal is designed for cordless cleaning on floors and furniture.
- Rowenta states that a mini motorised brush is included in the Animal kit.
- The advertised maximum run time is measured in Eco mode in handheld configuration; it doesn’t indicate how long the vacuum lasts in Boost mode on carpet. The ZR900701 turbo brush has diameter requirements and is not compatible with the Lock System.
Dyson
The V8 Advanced is a cordless option for cleaning floors and upholstery, depending on what’s included in the kit.
- Dyson advertises a Motorbar brush and up to 40 minutes of run time for the V8 Advanced.
- A small motorised upholstery brush is listed separately as a compatible accessory, so check whether it’s included with the version you’re considering.
iRobot
The Roomba j7+ is an example of a robot vacuum that lets you schedule floor cleaning.
- iRobot presents solid pet-waste avoidance as a feature exclusive to the j7+, subject to conditions.
- The brushes, bin and filters still need maintenance, and consumables must match the relevant series. A robot won’t replace upholstery cleaning.
Joybuy products related to this topic
This selection includes cylinder and cordless stick vacuums, plus a robot for floor cleaning. Some models are also presented as suitable for carpets or upholstery. A robot won’t replace manual cleaning of the sofa or stairs.
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Hoover H-POWER 300 HP322PET 011
Worth considering if you’re looking for a bagless cylinder vacuum for cleaning floors and upholstery.
850 W; 2 l bin; washable EPA filter. The bin needs emptying.
The product description mentions a Mini Turbo tool for pet hair on upholstery and carpets; check which accessories are included in the box.
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Eureka E20 Plus
Worth considering if you want to schedule cleaning on accessible floors; it won’t clean sofas or stairs itself.
Self-emptying station; advertised suction power of 8 000 Pa; advertised run time of up to 180 minutes.
The product description mentions obstacle-avoidance navigation. Check the scheduling features and what maintenance will still be needed.
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ROUNY V14 cordless stick vacuum cleaner
Worth considering if you prefer to clean different surfaces by hand, including carpets and upholstery.
Advertised suction power: 45 kPa. The stated run time varies by setting: 15 minutes on high and up to 40 minutes on low.
The product description says it can be used on sofas and stairs; check which accessories are included with this version.
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MONSGA X UNINELLHOME UV5
Worth considering for cleaning floors and carpets by hand, with an accessory listed for upholstery.
Advertised suction power: 60 000 Pa; advertised run time of up to 65 minutes.
The product description states that an upholstery tool is included. Check what’s in the kit and the run time for the setting you’ll use.
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UNINELL HOME UV1
Worth considering if you want a stick vacuum that can move between floors, carpets and upholstery.
450 W power; advertised suction power of 45 000 Pa; advertised run time of up to 60 minutes.
The product description mentions a removable battery and a combination brush for upholstery; check which accessories are included with this version.
Frequently asked questions
Why compare performance on hard floors and carpets separately?
UFC-Que Choisir’s testing protocols assess different floor coverings and distinguish between the removal of fibres embedded in carpets. If you have carpets, look for results for the model you’re considering rather than assuming its hard-floor performance will be the same.
What should I check before choosing a brush for the sofa?
Check that the brush or upholstery nozzle is included with the exact model number, or that a separately sold accessory is compatible with your model. Accessories and their fittings vary between versions.
How should I compare the run time of a cordless stick vacuum?
Compare the advertised run time for the configuration and setting you’ll use. A maximum run time measured in Eco mode won’t tell you how long the vacuum will last on a high setting on carpet.
Can a robot vacuum replace cleaning the sofa?
No. A robot cleans accessible floors, not sofas or stairs. Its brushes, bin and filters also need regular maintenance, as set out in the model’s instructions.
What information about your rights and repairability should you check in France?
The DGCCRF states that the legal guarantee of conformity can be invoked within two years of delivery, for new or second-hand goods, subject to the applicable conditions. This guarantee is separate from a commercial warranty. The Ministry of the Economy states that vacuum cleaners must display a repairability index. The index provides information about repairability, not pet-hair pick-up.