Well-used rugs and sofas
If pet hair clings to your rugs, carpets and cushions, check the floor brush and upholstery tool separately. One brush may not be suitable for both jobs.
Who is each type of vacuum best suited to?
Small areas cleaned often
An appliance that’s easy to grab can work well for frequent clean-ups on floors and seating. If you’re considering a cordless stick vacuum, compare the runtime in the mode you’ll need, not just the maximum runtime advertised.
Keeping floors clean between manual sessions
A robot vacuum can take care of regular cleaning on floors and rugs. You’ll still need a suitable manual vacuum if pet hair also clings to sofas, stairs or other upholstery above floor level.
What should you check before buying?
Cordless stick vacuum
Consider one if: you want to pick up pet hair regularly from several surfaces with a handy, manoeuvrable appliance.
Bear in mind: maximum runtime may not reflect how long it will last in a powerful mode. UFC-Que Choisir notes that the advertised runtime is measured at minimum power.
Cylinder vacuum
Consider one if: rugs and carpets are a key part of your regular cleaning and the vacuum comes with a suitable turbo brush.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to move the appliance around and, depending on the model, replace bags or filters. However, your cleaning time won’t be limited by a battery.
Robot vacuum as an extra
Consider one if: you want to schedule floor cleaning between your own cleaning sessions.
Bear in mind: you’ll still need another way to clean sofas and stairs, and the brushes, bin and filter will need regular maintenance.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Pet hair on rugs and floors | The supplied brush and test results for the types of flooring in your home. As UFC-Que Choisir points out, power figures alone aren’t enough. | When pet hair gets embedded in my rugs, how well the vacuum picks it up matters more than its stated power; around 36% of consumers would make this their top priority. |
| Frequent cleaning | The weight of the vacuum in use and, for a stick vacuum, its runtime in the mode you’ll actually use. Check the measured noise level too, if that matters to you. | If I clean several small areas throughout the day, I want to be able to grab and use the vacuum without it running out too quickly; this would be the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Sofas and other upholstery | Whether the pack includes a mini brush or upholstery nozzle, and whether a separately purchased accessory is fully compatible. | When pet hair mainly clings to cushions, pet beds or seats, I need a tool that can reach these surfaces; around 21% of consumers would prioritise cleaning them. |
| Automated floor cleaning | The robot’s brushes, the surfaces it can clean, and how to maintain its bin, filter and rollers. | If I want to clean my floors manually less often, I’m happy to clean the robot regularly; automation would be the main need for around 14% of consumers. |
Mistakes that make cleaning harder
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Relying only on Air Watts, volts or Pa
These figures alone don’t tell you how well a vacuum picks up pet hair from rugs, carpets or hard floors. UFC-Que Choisir’s testing also looks at suction, runtime, noise and ease of use.
Look for test results on the flooring in your home, then check which brush comes with the model you’re considering.
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Assuming maximum runtime applies in powerful mode
UFC-Que Choisir says that the maximum runtime advertised for stick vacuums is measured at minimum power. A more powerful mode can shorten your cleaning session, especially if you use it on a rug covered in pet hair.
Check the runtime for the mode you expect to use and whether the model has a removable battery.
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Expecting a robot vacuum to clean sofas too
A robot vacuum moves around on the floor, so you’ll still need a suitable manual tool for cushions, mattresses, seats and stairs.
If pet hair clings to these surfaces, make sure you have a handheld vacuum with a compatible upholstery tool.
A robot also means spending time cleaning its brushes, filter, bin and sensors. The iRobot manual recommends more frequent maintenance of certain components in homes with pets.
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Forgetting to check access to the filter and rollers
Accumulated pet hair and dust mean regular cleaning is essential. Dyson recommends washing the filter in its cordless vacuums monthly, while the exact maintenance steps vary by model.
Before choosing, check the model’s maintenance instructions, how easy it is to access the roller, and whether the necessary parts and consumables are available.
Brands to consider for different needs
Dyson
Cordless stick vacuums and accessories to consider if you find pet hair on both floors and seating.
- Dyson describes its anti-tangle motorised mini tool as suitable for pet hair on sofas and mattresses. Check that it’s compatible with the specific model.
- The brand recommends washing the filter in its cordless vacuums monthly. Check which accessories are actually included with the pack you choose too.
Miele
Cylinder and Cat & Dog stick vacuum options to compare based on your rugs, upholstery and cleaning habits.
- According to Miele, the Guard M1 Cat & Dog Flex comes with a turbo brush for rugs and carpets, as well as an upholstery nozzle.
- The Guard M1 uses a bag. Miele says the Duoflex HX1 Cat & Dog stick vacuum has a 0.3 L dust container, so check whether this capacity suits your cleaning routine.
Rowenta
An Animal stick vacuum may suit households that switch between cleaning floors and small areas of upholstery.
- Rowenta says the X-Force Flex 14.60 Animal comes with a mini LED motorised brush and a washable 0.9 L dust container.
- Rowenta’s advertised runtime of 70 minutes is based on its own test conditions. Don’t assume this is how long it will last on rugs in powerful mode, and check the exact contents of the pack.
iRobot
Robot vacuums to consider for regular floor cleaning, alongside manual cleaning of upholstery.
- iRobot says the Roomba Max 715 Vac comes with two rubber brushes, an anti-tangle side brush and an automatic emptying base.
- The robot can’t reach your sofa. The brand also recommends maintaining the brushes, filter, bin and sensors; how often you’ll need to do this depends on the model and whether you have pets.
Vacuum cleaners available on Joybuy
This selection includes stick vacuums to consider for cleaning floors and rugs, as well as a robot vacuum for floor maintenance. If sofas and cushions are a key part of your decision, check the upholstery accessories supplied with each stick vacuum: a robot won’t replace them.
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MONSGA X UNINELLHOME UV5 cordless stick vacuum
Worth considering for cleaning rugs and hard floors. Check which accessories are included if you also want to clean upholstery.
The product title mentions an anti-tangle brush and up to 65 minutes of runtime. Check how long it lasts in the mode you’ll use and whether it has a brush suitable for sofas.
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UNINELL HOME UV1, 450 W cordless stick vacuum
Worth considering for regular floor cleaning. If pet hair also gets onto your seating, check which tool is included.
The product title mentions a removable battery, an anti-tangle brush and an advertised runtime of 60 minutes. Check how long it lasts in carpet mode and how to maintain the brush and filter.
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Monsga ME03, 550 W cordless stick vacuum
Worth considering for pet hair on hard floors and rugs, with a handheld format designed to reach other areas.
The product title mentions an anti-tangle brush and an advertised runtime of 55 minutes. Check how long it lasts in carpet mode and whether the included tool is suitable for sofas.
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EUREKA E20 Plus robot vacuum cleaner
Worth considering for scheduled floor cleaning between your own cleaning sessions. You’ll need another tool for sofas and stairs.
The product title mentions an anti-tangle brush and app control. Check how it performs on your rugs and what maintenance the brush needs.
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PII Ultra cordless stick vacuum
Worth considering for frequent cleaning on floors and rugs. If you also clean cushions, check that it comes with a suitable upholstery tool.
The product title mentions an anti-tangle brush, an adjustable telescopic tube and a wall mount. Check the runtime for the mode you expect to use.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a mini brush to remove pet hair from a sofa?
Choose a suitable upholstery tool if pet hair mainly clings to cushions or seating. Depending on the model, a motorised mini brush, mini turbo brush or upholstery nozzle may do the job. Check that it’s included in the pack or compatible before buying it separately.
How do you compare two cordless stick vacuums for pet hair?
First compare test results for the types of flooring in your home and the accessories included, then check the runtime in the mode you need. UFC-Que Choisir assesses factors including suction performance, ease of use, runtime and noise, so an Air Watts, volts or Pa figure doesn’t tell you the whole story.
Does a robot vacuum need more maintenance in a home with pets?
You may need to clean it more often if its brushes and filter collect a lot of pet hair. For the models covered by its manual, iRobot recommends cleaning the brushes and filter twice a week in homes with pets, compared with once a week otherwise. Check the maintenance schedule for the robot you’re considering.
How can you prevent a cordless stick vacuum from losing suction?
Empty the bin and maintain the filter according to the model’s instructions, and remember to check the roller too. Dyson recommends washing the filter in its cordless vacuums monthly. For another brand or appliance, follow the schedule in its manual.