If pet hair gets embedded in rugs, carpets or fabrics, start by comparing test results on fibres and checking that the brush is suitable for each surface. A cylinder vacuum may suit longer cleaning sessions, a cordless stick vacuum is handy for short, frequent cleans, while a robot vacuum is mainly for keeping floors clean between more thorough cleans. Whatever you choose, check the accessories and maintenance requirements for the specific model.
If pet hair is left in the fibres or on your sofa and pet beds, look at test results for carpets and check which brush is designed for each fabric. Also check the flooring care instructions before using a rotating brush: the Dyson V8 Cyclone manual warns that some carpets may fray.
If you need to remove pet hair from hard floors and high-traffic areas several times a week, manoeuvrability and runtime in the mode you use are especially important. UFC-Que Choisir includes runtime and ease of use in its tests of cordless stick vacuums.
A robot vacuum can clean clear floors on a schedule. However, according to UFC-Que Choisir, results vary depending on the type of floor. Check how the specific model performs on carpets, fibres, edges and corners, as well as how to maintain its bin or docking station.
First choose a vacuum based on the surfaces you need to clean and how long your sessions usually last. Then check the brush and how it collects dust.
Worth considering: for cleaning a large area or tackling carpets and fabrics in one session, if you’re happy to use a cord and move the appliance around.
What to bear in mind: it’s less convenient to get out for a quick clean; bagged models need replacement bags.
Worth considering: for frequently removing pet hair from high-traffic areas without having to set up a corded appliance.
What to bear in mind: runtime depends on the mode you use, which can be a consideration for longer sessions.
Worth considering: for scheduling cleans on clear floors between manual cleans.
What to bear in mind: results vary across surfaces, and a robot won’t clean sofas or pet beds.
| Your concern | What to check before buying | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Embedded pet hair | Test results on fibres and carpets for the specific model; a brush that’s suitable for the fabrics you need to clean. | If pet hair is left in rugs or on the sofa, removing it thoroughly matters more than a quick clean; around 31 % of consumers put this need first. |
| Frequent cleaning | Runtime in the mode you use and manoeuvrability in the areas you need to clean. | If I need to vacuum floors and high-traffic areas often, I want to be able to get the appliance out easily for a quick clean; this is a priority for around 31 % of consumers. |
| Dust disposal | Bagged or bagless collection; access to the filter, bin and brush roll for maintenance. | Emptying a bin full of pet hair and dust is my main concern, even if I have to buy bags; around 23 % of consumers prioritise this. |
| Scheduled cleaning | How the robot performs on your floors and how its bin or docking station works. | To cut down on manual cleaning between more thorough cleans, I want to schedule floor cleaning; this is a priority for around 15 % of consumers. |
These figures alone don’t tell you how much pet hair a vacuum will remove from a carpet. UFC-Que Choisir’s test methods assess fibres and different surfaces separately.
Compare the results for the specific model on the surfaces in your home, then check which brush is included.
The name of a kit doesn’t guarantee that the version on sale includes a mini brush for sofas or stairs.
Check what’s included with that version and the reference numbers of compatible accessories.
Depending on the model, you may need to buy a mini brush or replacement brush separately.
A robot keeps floors clean, but can’t reach sofas, and its performance on carpets varies by model, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
If pet hair also builds up on fabrics or in carpets, make sure you have a suitable way to clean those surfaces by hand.
A brush covered in pet hair needs regular cleaning. Choosing between a bag and a bin also affects how you handle the dust: UFC-Que Choisir says that, in its tests of cylinder vacuums, bagged models expose users to less dust than bagless ones.
Before buying, check how to access the brush roll and filter, and which replacement consumables you’ll need.
Worth considering if you’re looking for a cordless stick vacuum and a compatible mini brush for small spaces or fabrics.
Rowenta cylinder and stick vacuums feature among the models reviewed by UFC-Que Choisir, including the X-Force Flex 14.80 Kit Animal in the stick vacuum category.
The Bosch BGS41PET1 ProAnimal Série 6 cylinder vacuum features on UFC-Que Choisir’s list of tested models.
Worth considering for scheduled floor cleaning; the Qrevo Edge 5V1 features on UFC-Que Choisir’s list of tested robot vacuums.
These cordless stick vacuums are for manual cleaning of floors and, depending on the accessories included with each version, fabrics too. Robot vacuums are better suited to scheduled floor cleaning. Compare how they perform on your surfaces before deciding whether one would complement your usual cleaning routine.
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Worth considering for manual cleaning of floors and fabrics, provided the version you choose includes the accessory you need.
The product name states a runtime of up to 65 minutes; check how long it lasts in the mode you’ll use and how it performs on fibres if pet hair gets caught in your carpets.
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Consider this if you prefer to grab a stick vacuum for quick cleans, and check separately which accessories you’ll need for your sofa.
The product name states a runtime of 45 minutes and an anti-tangle rotating brush. Compare the runtime in the mode you use and clean the brush roll according to the instructions.
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Worth considering for regular manual cleans; check which brush is included if you also want to clean sofas or pet beds.
The product name states a runtime of 60 minutes, a removable battery and an anti-tangle brush roll. If carpets are a priority, compare the specific model’s test results on fibres rather than relying on its stated power alone.
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Worth considering for scheduled floor cleaning between manual cleans, but not for vacuuming fabrics.
The product name mentions LiDAR navigation, an anti-tangle system and automatic emptying. Check the Q7 L5+ test results on carpets, fibres, edges and corners; the station and brushes also need maintenance.
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Worth considering for scheduled floor cleaning; make sure you have a way to clean fabrics by hand if pet hair builds up on them.
The product name mentions an anti-tangle brush and a bin designed to reduce how often you need to empty it. Check the specifications of the version on offer and compare test results on fibres and carpets, rather than relying on the stated suction figures alone.
Look at separate results for fibres, carpets and hard floors for the model you’re interested in. In its test method for stick vacuums, UFC-Que Choisir embeds 1 g of fibres similar to pet hair in a carpet; for robot vacuums, also check results for edges and corners.
A motorised brush is worth considering when pet hair gets caught in fibres, but it won’t necessarily be suitable for every surface. Check whether it’s included or compatible with the exact model, then read the care instructions for the fabric or carpet before using a rotating brush.
Follow the instructions for your model and check these parts according to how much pet hair it collects. UFC-Que Choisir reminds users that brushes need regular cleaning; the manufacturer’s instructions explain which parts can be removed, washed or dried.
Don’t assume a robot will replace manual cleaning of carpets covered in pet hair or fabric surfaces. UFC-Que Choisir says that robot vacuum performance varies depending on the floor, so use the test results for the model on your surfaces to see how useful it will be between more thorough cleans.