What Is The Best Vacuum Cleaner for Pet Hair?Finding the perfect vacuum for dog hair, cat hair, and other hard to remove substances
So, why are there so many different types of vacuum cleaners? The answer to that is we all have different needs when it comes to our vacuums and problems which need to be solved. One of the most common problems in the home is pet hair. Pet hair doesn't just lye on top of carpet fibers, it builds up deep in the fibers and on top of the carpet backing. Static electricity compounds the problem by make pet hairs actually stick to fibers.
Unfortunately, not all vacuum cleaners are up to task of removing deep down pet hairs without problems like hair wrapping around the brushes. For these reasons, we have listed the best performing vacuums for pet hair removal based on consumer feedback and tests from Consumer Reports. Keep in mind these are not necessarily listed in any particular order. Although the main purpose of this article is to list the best vacuums for pet hair, there are other issues involved when choosing the right vacuum cleaner for your needs. Dyson:  Dyson calls it's DC17 the "Animal" for a reason. The DC17 bagless upright is specially designed for removing that stubborn, deep down dog and cat hair most other vacuums will leave behind. Dysons are known for power, and the DC17 is no exception. If you spend some time reading through consumer feedback, you'll find a common thread and that is that pre-vacuum with their old vacuum cleaner then go right behind it with their new DC17. Most are astonished by the amount of pet hair, as well as fine dirt particles, this vacuum picks up over their old vacuum.
The DC17 uses Dyson's patented Cyclonic Technology to ensure full suction power as the dirt bin fills. The handy 5/8 gallon dust bin with emptying trigger makes it easy to empty the dirt and hair into the garbage without having to touch the dirt. The DC17 also comes with a turbine brush cleaning attachment for quickly removing pet hair from upholstery and drapes. The main drawback to the Dyson is the price (Appox. $499 at the time of this writing). Some consumers simply are not willing to or cannot afford to pay that much for a vacuum cleaner. Not a problem. This is not the only vacuum cleaner that's up to the task. Kenmore:  This is from a 2006 Consumer Reports test, but the Kenmore Progressive 35922 upright tested the best out of 65 vacuum cleaners tested and is still available at Sears for $350.00 with new and used models available at Amazon.com. The Kenmore progressive uses a direct drive to efficiently power the brush without slipping or the need to replace belts.
The 35922 also features an Inteli-Clean setting which provides a boost of power for better cleaning. This vacuum uses a HEPA filter bag which may be better for allergy sufferers as dust and allergens are not released into the air when changing bags, as may happen with bagless models. The Kenmore Progressive proved to be very good for picking up stubborn cat hair and this test is supported by a number of consumer feedback sites. Hoover:  Many people simply prefer a canister vac over an upright. Obviously, the cleaning head is much more light-weight and easier to maneuver. Canister vacuums are also great for cleaning hard to reach drapes and stairs. There is no CR testing data available but the Hoover S3765-040 WindTunnel Electronic Bagless Canister Vacuum is highly rated among the consumers themselves.
The stylish WindTunnel uses no bags and offers powerful suction with aggressive, variable speed, agitator (beater bars), and a powered brush attachment for drapes and upholstery. If you're on a tight budget and have pets, this may be the vacuum cleaner you're looking for at a current price of only $180.00 at Amazon.com. Not good for pet hear: Just FYI, Consumer Reports reported that the Electrolux Harmony canister vac, currently $220.00, failed testing for pet hair cleaning. This is partially do to the fact that the beater brush is air powered instead of being powered by a motor and pet fur tended to get wrapped around the brushes. I should note that this Electrolux is not the only model to fair poorly in tests and customer reviews. I hope this guide will help all you pet lovers out there to choose the best vacuum cleaner for keeping your home free of pet hair and the allergens that come with it. Feel free to include your opinions below.
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