Pets can make wonderful companions and benefit your mental health, but they don’t always benefit your home’s cleanliness. Luckily, pet vacuums like the Miele C3 Cat and Dog vacuum have made it much easier to maintain a clean home, simplifying your ability to quickly remove your pet hair. These cleaning machines are not the same traditional vacuums your grandmother used. They are designed with power in mind to pick up the most stubborn pet hair along with dust and pollutants in your home.
If your home is also home to a furry companion a vacuum cleaner is a must-have cleaning tool. Shedding is a common nuisance most pet-owners find themselves faced with, especially during particular seasons. Unless you have a pet of the hairless variety, you may find yourself in a hairy situation without a proper vacuum for the job.
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What Should You Look For in a Pet Vacuum?
There are unique features specific to vacuum cleaners that are designed for picking up pet hair which set them apart from traditional units. A pet vacuum is designed for lifting up hair and fur with key features that minimize tangles and hair wrap around the bristles. Many of the modern vacuums today also feature advanced filtration systems to help reduce allergen-inducing pollutants in your home that may be brought in from your pet. These special features offer better cleaning power than just brute suction those other vacuums offer.
VIDEO | Explained : Turbo vs Suction Nozzles / Miele
Tangle-Free Brush Rolls – Pet vacuums typically have specifically designed brush rolls with detailed features that prevent long hair from getting wrapped up and tangled. This can be beneficial in households where pets aren’t the only house members with shedding issues.
Rubber trim or raised ‘fingers’ – The floor nozzles and attachments of the vacuum with these features help eliminate static to make pet hair easier to lift.
Attachments – Vacuum cleaners with added attachments add versatility for use on multiple surfaces. Specific attachments also make cleaning tight spaces much easier. With pet vacuums, an upholstery tool and crevice tool are very useful in lifting pet hair from couch cushions and getting in those hard to reach areas.
Power – Vacuums made for pet hair are usually designed with a more powerful suction than traditional vacuums. A vacuum’s power rating is usually referred to as air watts which relates to the air flow, suction and power consumption of the vacuum. When shopping for a pet vac look at the air watts listed for the model. Higher watts will translate to higher power. Don’t opt for less than a model under 200 watts as this won’t pick up pet hair very well.
Air filter system – with pet fur also comes pet dander so a vacuum cleaner with a decent air filter is a must. Air filters keep dust and pet dander from re-entering your home. A high-efficiency particulate air filter or HEPA-filter is a plus for added filtration of common allergens.
Canister vs. Upright vs. Stick / Vacuum Comparison
When you’re looking at different types of vacuum cleaners you will see words like canister, upright, and stick. Each of these offers a unique function which sets them just slightly apart. Likewise they each have their own advantages as well as disadvantages over the other. Ultimately choosing the best option from these three types will come down to preference and your individual needs.
A canister vacuum contains the motor in the main body of the unit, separate from the intake which is attached by a hose. The design makes these ideal for use on stairs, upholstery, and getting under furniture. The powerhead being separate from the main body also makes them lighter and more comfortable to use when cleaning; however, they can be bulky to carry around from room to room. The design can also make storing a bit more awkward than with other types.
Upright models are composed as one piece standing upright with the intake port at the bottom, the motor contained in the middle and the handle at the top. These require taller storage and can be heavy to push and pull while cleaning. Upright models tend to be more moderately priced than canister types if budget is your main concern.
A stick model is similar to an upright except the main motor of the unit is found at the top near the handle while the intake port is located at the bottom attached by a stick. These are more lightweight than upright models making them easier to maneuver and clean in a hurry. These models are not really designed for heavy-duty deep cleaning like full-size canister vacuums.
VIDEO / Commercial : Miele C3 Cat & Dog Vacuum
What Type of Vacuum Cleaner Do You Need?
If you have pets then you can understand how tough it can be to keep the pet hair in your home under control. It’s like a magnet to your furniture, upholstery, and carpets; not to mention the balls of fur that pop up in corners and along baseboards, etc. You may be well aware that not all vacuums are created equal when it comes to picking up after your four-legged housemate. If you settle for just any cheap vacuum you could end up with more headache than you bargained for. You need the right cleaner for the job and one made specifically for tackling pet hair.
Attention to the specifications and features are important when you’re searching for the best pet vacuums. Another key factor to keep in mind is which type of pet vacuum will best suit your home. Different types of households will have different needs; for example, a large home with multiple pets will require different needs than a single-person home with just one pet.
Household Size
For larger households: In homes with multiple people or pets you will need something with heavy-duty capability. It wouldn’t make much sense to use a small handheld unit when you have multiple rooms, furniture, and more surface area in general to clean. An upright or canister vacuum is the best fit for the job. These types of vacuums are designed with optimal power to take on big jobs. They are also typically designed with wider coverage to clean more area and they can hold more debris than vacuums with dust collection cups which have to be emptied more frequently.
Smaller households or apartments: In smaller homes of just one or two people or apartments a stick vacuum or cordless model may be ideal. These are much easier to maneuver around obstacles in smaller living spaces and are less cumbersome to store. Stick vacuums and cordless models may also be ideal in multi-story homes with stairs. Their lightweight design makes it easier to carry flights of stairs for more practical cleaning.
Flooring Type
The type of flooring throughout your home is something to consider when you’re shopping for a new vacuum as well. If the flooring throughout your home is mostly carpeting an upright model is the way to go. Canister and stick vacuums are suitable in homes primarily laid out with hard floors. If you have a combination of carpeting and hard floors or area rugs be sure to opt for a vacuum with the versatility to switch between different floor types.
Bagged vs. Bagless
There are pros and cons with each of these varieties so it’s hard to pinpoint which is the better option. Bagged systems are convenient in that they trap all of the debris inside and when full you simply toss it out. Most are designed to close off or seal closed when removed so you never come in contact with dust and dirt. The downside is you have to purchase replacement bags. Bagless upright vacuums have removable canisters or cups which collect the debris that you have to empty when full. The plus side is these are easy to clean and simply snap back into the vacuum for continued use. The downside- you will have to clean or eventually replace the filters which keep the dust and particles from reentering the room in bagless models.
Bagged systems are not as eco-friendly or economical as bagless since you have to keep purchasing new replacement bags after disposal. They are, however, easier to maintain and more allergy-friendly. With bagless models you have to remove the dust bins to empty which can stir up dust and debris and trigger allergies. You will also likely be emptying these more than bagged systems because they don’t hold the same capacity. In bagged systems you have to ensure the bag isn’t full before each use. Bagless models with removable dust cups let you see how much debris is collected so there is no guessing. In bagged vacuum models you might want to look for one that features an indicator to let you know when the bag needs to be changed.
The following vacuums mentioned here offer some of the best all around features to give you what you need for your pet-loving needs. Key features like multiple carpet-pile settings to adjust from low to high and ease of use are what stand out in these vacuums to accommodate a wide variety of households.
Before I get too carried away on specifics, let me start out by telling you a little bit about Miele vacuums to understand why these are top the list. They may not be as widely known or popular as some of the standard names you see on store shelves but these machines are a true gem. Miele is a German-made brand specializing in manufacturing vacuum cleaners with versatile performance. They are not your average run-of-the mill vacuums that will lose suction after just a few months.The brand has been recognized by Good Housekeeping and tested for durability proving to last for years under residential use, giving you dependable quality and durability.
These vacuum cleaners are acoustically designed with an insulated structure to minimize the noise output from the motor making these among the quietest vacuum cleaners on the market. This is a thoughtful touch considering how highly sensitive cats and dogs are to loud sounds. Most traditional vacuums will typically send your pet running out of sight as soon as the motor kicks on.
Another type of vacuum to consider is a robot vacuum cleaner. They’re fully automated and are now advanced enough (and powerful enough) to clean pet hair. Read our buying guide on robotic vacuums. They’ll surprise you.
Best Cat and Dog Vacuum Cleaners
Review : Miele C3 Cat and Dog Vacuum
Features :
- High suction power – 1200 W
- Odors are neutralized more effectively – Active AirClean filter
- Quick cable rewind / One Click
- No need to stoop thanks to plus/minus foot controls
- High suction power even when the dust bag is full
- Convenient and versatile with three integrated accessories
- Silence motor with 6 speed settings controlled via +/- foot-switch controls
- 36′ operating radius
- Active AirClean filter
- SEB228 Electro Plus Electrobrush
- SBB300-3 Parquet Twister
- Recommended for all flooring types
- Performance- A robust Vortex Motor System provides powerful suction and precise adjustment – no matter the surface being cleaned.
- Filtration- Miele’s unique AirClean filtration system captures and retains over 99.9% of all lung damaging particles.
OVERVIEW —
This company produces some of the best cat and dog vacuums on the market with great attention to detail and features that matter. The Miele Complete C3 Cat and Dog pet vacuum is a bagged canister model with incredible power capability yet quiet performance. It has multiple features that set the bar high in quality, versatility, and efficiency.
Let’s talk about the floorheads for a minute. It is designed with an electrobrush that can take on thick carpeting from medium to high-pile types to smooth surfaces by adapting the height adjustment. The lowest setting allows you to get deep down cleaning by lifting dust, dirt, and pet dander from deep in the carpet. For use on hard floors, it also comes with the Parquet Twister Floorhead designed with soft bristles for gentle cleaning that won’t damage your flooring. It’s called the Parquet twister because the floorhead rotates up to 180-degrees to provide notable agile cleaning.
The vacuum has a powerful suction to lift up stubborn pet hair even when the bag is full. There are 6 speed settings to adapt for the surface you are cleaning. The footswitch controls allow you to easily adjust the settings without having to stoop down for more comfortable handling. Speaking of comfort, the handle and flexible hose connector are ergonomically designed giving you easy maneuverability of the floorhead without putting pressure on your wrist. It also comes with an STB 101 Mini Turbobrush for use on delicate upholstery or on cut-pile type carpeting. This tool is ideal for use in heavy trafficked areas such as stairs or to pick up crumbs and pet hair from furnishings.
The Active AirClean filter uses AirClean technology to neutralize odors and incorporates a sealed filtration system to prevent harmful particles from reentering the room. This filtration system will actually leave the air quality in your home cleaner than it was before. When you are done vacuuming a single-touch control rewinds the entire cable to keep it neatly out the way.
Includes : Miele Complete C3 Cat and Dog
- Parquet Twister Floorhead SBB 300-3
- Handheld Mini Turbo Brush STB 101
- Electro Plus Floorhead SEB 228
- Upholstery nozzle
- Crevice nozzle
- Dusting brush with synthetic bristles
Review : Miele Classic C1 Cat & Dog
Features :
- High suction power – 1200 W
- Optimum carpet care – electrobrush for intensive deep cleaning
- Adjustable working height – Stainless steel telescopic tube
- Effortless vacuuming of large areas w/ 29.5 ft operating radius
- Odors are neutralized more effectively – Active AirClean filter
- AirClean Sealed System Construction – Perfect for any Allergy or Asthma Sufferer
- 20-Year Average Life-Span
OVERVIEW —
The Classic C1 model shares many of the same qualities and features as its latest competitor, but may be more within your budget. The Classic C1 comes with multiple tools and accessories for cleaning around your entire home. Powered with the trusted 1,200-watt Powerline Motor, it will pick up what your pet leaves behind. It also has protective features such as a temperature limiter to prevent your unit from overheating. It will also shut off automatically if a beloved toy gets accidentally sucked up to protect the motor and save Fido’s favorite lovey. There is also an indicator which lets you know when the collection bag is full.
The motor-driven Electro Plus Electrobrush provides intense, heavy-duty cleaning with 5 adjustable height levels to tackle various carpeting types. It also comes with the Parquet Brush for cleaning hard floors efficiently using natural bristles. Another feature this model shares with the Miele C3 Cat and Dog pet vacuum is the practical locking system integrated with the connector parts. This feature ensures that no parts come loose while operating with a secure mechanism that locks the telescoping suction wand and handle into place. To disengage all you have to do is simply push the button when you want to change out the tools. In addition to the flexible mini turbo brush the vacuum also comes with 3 accessory tools including an upholstery brush, dusting brush and a crevice tool for reaching into tight spaces.
Comfort and convenience are not missed in this classic model with specific features that make cleaning up much easier on you. The Comfort Handle features a lever action with the flexible hose to provide ease of use and maneuverability. There are touch controls featured on the handle to turn the brush roll on/off for the surface you are cleaning. Other notable qualities include the Active AirClean filter which captures and absorbs potential lung-damaging particles while neutralizing odors using a charcoal filter.
Review : Miele Triflex HX1 Cat & Dog
Features :
- As powerful as a full size Miele vacuum cleaner
- Triflex HX1’s Vortex technology, combined with the powerful electrobrush, offers extreme suction as strong as Miele’s most powerful corded vacuum series. A final HEPA(4) filter removes ultrafine particulates.
- Automatically adapts to all floor types, so you can experience faster deep cleaning on every surface.
- Innovative 3-in-1 function for ultimate flexibility
- Maximum air hygiene with HEPA AirClean lifetime filter
- Replaceable Li-ion rechargeable battery. Up to 60 min runtime
- 11″ wide Electrobrush with BrilliantLight for all flooring types
- Miele’s unique 3in1 design for exceptional flexibility. Comfortable cleaning in all areas – floors, furniture and hard to reach spots (e.g. ceilings).
- As strong as Miele’s most powerful corded vacuum series. For perfect cleaning results on all floors.
- Exchangeable VARTA Li-Ion battery for up to 60 minutes run-time.
- Extra-wide electrobrush Multi Floor XXL (11″) with BrilliantLight LED lighting and automatic floor detection. For effortless and quick cleaning of all surfaces.
- Ideal for allergy sufferers and pet owners. The maintenance-free HEPA Lifetime Filter with >99.999% dust retention capacity.
- Easily ‘self parks’ in an upright position
- One switch turn-on, eliminating the need for continuous finger compression
- Made in Germany
- The Twist2Open feature allows you to easily open the dust container with a single twist.
- HEPA LIFETIME FILTER : It captures and filters >99.999% of all microscopic particles and allergens.
OVERVIEW —
If you don’t want to get hung up with a corded vacuum the Triflex HX1 Cat and Dog is battery powered to give you more freedom and flexibility. It is powered by a VARTA Lithium-ion battery with a run-time of 60 minutes. The bagless stick vacuum does not disappoint when it comes to power which can be matched to the corded vacuum series, even on the lowest power setting.
You can adjust the power setting of the vacuum to your needs by using a sliding switch located on the main unit. The 3-in-1 design also offers different modes for added convenience to go from a stick vacuum to handheld. The compact mode can be used as a handheld vacuum for easy cleaning in tight living spaces. When you need more of a reach for top to bottom cleaning, the reach mode offers easy cleaning in hard to reach ceiling corners by moving the main unit to the end near the handle. It comes with a PowerUnit for recharging which can be mounted to charge in an upright position to save even more space or charge in the lower position. The exchangeable battery can be swapped out with a fully charged battery to extend your run-time for optimal cleaning with minimal interruption.
The Triflex HX1’s multi-floor XXL electrobrush offers a wide coverage to pick up more surface dirt and pet hair in less time. It features automatic floor detection to adapt to multiple floor types for a seamless performance that gets the job done efficiently. The integrated HEPA filter captures ultra-fine particles and allergens. To empty the dustbin you simply twist the container to open.
Visit the Miele site to learn more about their fantastic line of vacuum cleaners.
Review : Kenmore Elite 21814 Pet Friendly CrossOver
Features :
- From carpeted stairs to smooth hardwood floors and the space behind the fridge, the Kenmore Elite 21814 Pet Friendly CrossOver Canister Vacuum can take on your weekly floor chores. Stubborn pet hair and piles of dust bunnies are no match for this powerful vacuum. With attachments like the Pet PowerMate and a 2-motor system that creates some serious suction, tackling vacuuming is a breeze. A variable speed control makes switching from plush carpets to hardwood floors hassle-free while the swiveling 8′ hose makes it a cinch to suck up cobwebs from the ceiling.
- Tackles Pet Hair and Dander : The Pet PowerMate attachment that comes with the Kenmore Elite 21814 Pet Friendly CrossOver™ Canister Vacuum lifts up stubborn pet hair, dander and more from carpeting, furniture and corners with ease.
- Breathe Cleaner Air : The True HEPA certified air filter removes almost all allergens and dust from the air, perfect for asthma and allergy sufferers.
- Top to Bottom Cleaning : Stair Grip helps keep this canister vacuum upright as you work your way up the stairs while a 8′ hose helps you reach cobwebs from ceiling corners. The swivel steering nozzle lets you spot clean with ease.
- Multi-Surface Cleaning : The crossover handle makes switching from linoleum to hardwood flooring to carpeting super simple. Pick up pet hair and suck up dust without having to bend down to adjust the brush height. The dirt sensor lets you detect dirt being picked up while the vacuum is in use.
OVERVIEW —
This crossover gives you convenience and versatility across your home with enhanced cleaning capability and unique features. The bagged canister vacuum is powered with a 2-motor system to easily switch from hard floors to carpeting. It has been designed to clean effectively for the thickest carpets yet gentle on your hard floors using a combination of rotating brushes and suction. It comes with 4 additional tools for versatile cleaning options which are conveniently stored on board when you need them and easy storage.
The swivel and steering system integrated into the floorhead makes the Kenmore Elite easy to maneuver around furniture and get into tight corners. The hose features a 360-degree swivel action to prevent twisting or tangling as you clean. The lightweight telescoping wand of the vacuum can be extended up to 11’ to reach those truly hard to reach areas such as ceiling corners. Use the fan tool or the dusting tool for above-floor cleaning. Use the Pet PowerMate tool for heavy-duty pet hair removable on upholstery, stairs, and furniture.
The Kenmore Elite crossover is also rated with an AllergenSeal with its enhanced HEPA filtration system. It traps in much more than just dirt, trapping dander, pollen and bacteria inside. The motorized floor nozzle features an electronic dirt sensor to pick up dirt you can’t see and alert you when the area is absolutely clean. The LED light on the front also illuminates to alert you when the bag is full.
Any of these options offer the best pet vacuums for your specific needs whether it’s power that matters most or the ease of portability.
Pet Hair Cleaning Tips
We know how stubborn pet hair can be to clean but there are a couple of tricks to help make this chore a little bit easier. Use an anti-static spray before vacuuming carpets and sofas. Static electricity is often the culprit to making hair cling to fabrics so tightly. A light spritzing of an anti-static spray such as Static-Guard can help make those strands of pet hair come up a little easier when vacuuming.
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation on cleaning and replacing air filters. While some vacuums come with reusable filters that can be cleaned for multiple reuse this may cause damage to HEPA filters. A good rule of thumb is to replace them at least once a year or more often if it’s not reusable. If you notice a musty smell while vacuuming it may need to be replaced sooner.
