If carpets, the sofa and bedding need a thorough clean, start by looking at cylinder vacuums with the right brushes for these surfaces. A cordless stick vacuum is better suited to quick, frequent clean-ups, while a robot can maintain accessible floors between manual cleans, but won’t tackle soft furnishings above floor level. In every case, check which accessories are included and how to maintain the brush and dust container. For a stick vacuum, also compare the battery life in the mode you’ll use.
If pet hair builds up on carpets, cushions, the sofa or bedding, choosing the right floor head and upholstery accessories matters just as much as choosing the type of vacuum. UFC-Que Choisir looks at how well vacuums remove fibres from different surfaces.
If you want to pick up visible pet hair throughout the day, an appliance that’s easy to get out can be handy for quick spot cleans. With a rechargeable stick vacuum, though, you’ll need to factor in charging and regular maintenance, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
A robot can clean accessible floors between manual cleaning sessions. It won’t clean your sofa or bedding: UFC-Que Choisir recommends looking at its performance on different surfaces rather than assuming it will replace every other cleaning task.
First, choose according to the surfaces where pet hair bothers you most, then consider how often and for how long you’ll be cleaning. Each of the three types suits different needs, but performance also depends on the brush and accessories supplied with the model you choose.
Consider it : if carpets, rugs and soft furnishings are part of a thorough clean across several rooms.
Bear in mind : you’ll need to take the appliance out and move it around. If you choose a bagged model, you’ll also need compatible bags. UFC-Que Choisir presents cylinder vacuums as an option for larger areas.
Consider it : for quick, frequent clean-ups on floors or furniture, with an upholstery attachment if needed.
Bear in mind : according to UFC-Que Choisir, the battery life and suction of rechargeable stick vacuums can limit longer cleaning sessions, particularly on the highest setting.
Consider it : to schedule cleaning on accessible floors between manual cleans.
Bear in mind : you’ll need another appliance for the sofa and bedding. UFC-Que Choisir also notes that robot vacuum performance varies depending on the floor surface.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Pet hair on carpets and soft furnishings | Check which brush is designed for carpets and whether an attachment for the sofa or cushions is included with the exact variant. | When pet hair gets stuck in carpets and on fabrics, I want to be able to clean these surfaces rather than relying on the floor head alone. Around 42% of consumers would make this thorough clean their priority. |
| Quick, frequent clean-ups | Compare the battery life in the setting you plan to use, and check how easy it is to access the brush and dust container for maintenance. | If pet hair reappears in high-traffic areas every day, I’d rather be able to deal with it quickly than wait for a big cleaning session. Around 33% of consumers would make this convenience their priority. |
| Automated floor cleaning | Look at performance on your floor coverings, access to edges and how the dust container is emptied. | To reduce how often I need to clean manually, I want accessible floors to be vacuumed regularly while still having a solution for furniture. Around 25% of consumers would prioritise this automation. |
The advertised battery life may apply to a less demanding setting than the one you’ll use on a carpet covered in pet hair. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between maximum battery life and use at high power.
Compare battery life in the mode you’ll need and check whether one charge will cover the areas you plan to clean.
A robot cleans accessible floors, but can’t vacuum the sofa, cushions or bedding. Its performance can also vary from one floor covering to another, according to UFC-Que Choisir.
If soft furnishings are part of your regular cleaning routine, keep a manual vacuum and check that it comes with a suitable attachment.
You’ll need a suitable head for each surface to pick up pet hair from both carpets and sofas. Rowenta and Miele offer different accessories with different models.
Check the list of items included with the variant on sale and make sure any separately sold brush is compatible.
Pet hair and threads can get wrapped around a roller. For its ZR084002 robot turbo brush, Rowenta recommends cleaning it weekly; this frequency doesn’t automatically apply to other accessories.
Before choosing, check how to access the roller, filter and dust container, then follow the maintenance instructions for your model.
Rowenta offers cordless stick, cylinder and robot vacuums to consider according to the surface you need to clean.
The Cat & Dog bagged cylinder range is worth considering if carpets, rugs and soft furnishings are a priority.
Dyson cordless stick vacuums and their motorised brushes may appeal if you switch between carpets and hard floors.
These models include cordless stick vacuums for manual cleaning and robots for additional floor maintenance. If pet hair on your sofa or bedding is your priority, pay particular attention to the upholstery accessories supplied with a stick vacuum: the robots featured here don’t clean these surfaces.
Image unavailable
Worth considering for regular floor cleaning if picking up pet hair is part of your routine. The model name indicates an anti-tangle brush and up to 65 minutes of battery life. Check how long it lasts in the setting you’ll need for carpets and which upholstery accessories are included.
Image unavailable
A style to consider for occasional cleaning in areas where pet hair is visible. The model name mentions a removable battery, an anti-tangle brush and up to 60 minutes of battery life. Compare the battery life in the mode you plan to use and check which attachment is designed for your fabrics.
Image unavailable
Worth considering for manual cleaning on floors and carpets. The model name indicates an anti-tangle rotating brush and up to 45 minutes of battery life. Check the battery life in the setting intended for carpets and what’s in the box if you also need to vacuum the sofa.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you want to automate cleaning on accessible floors, alongside an appliance for furniture. The model name mentions LiDAR navigation, an anti-tangle system and an automatic-emptying dock. Compare its performance on your floor coverings and around edges before choosing.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you want to maintain your floors between manual cleans, without relying on it to clean the sofa or bedding. The model name mentions an anti-tangle brush and a dust collector. Check its performance on your types of flooring and how the collector is maintained.
No, not if you need to clean both floors and the sofa: a robot stays on the floor. For cushions, the sofa or bedding, you’ll need a manual vacuum with an attachment that’s compatible with these fabrics.
Because the advertised maximum battery life may not be what you get when using the setting you need for carpets. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the limits of rechargeable stick vacuums’ battery life. Compare the battery life for your intended use and the surface you need to clean.
Follow the instructions for your attachment and remove any pet hair or threads you find wrapped around it. The frequency depends on the model: for example, Rowenta recommends cleaning its ZR084002 robot turbo brush weekly, but that advice doesn’t apply to every brush.
If it’s being recycled, take it to a collection point for waste electrical and electronic equipment. The French Ministry for Ecological Transition describes the recycling scheme in France; ecosystem recommends removing the vacuum cleaner’s bag before recycling it.