Best Handheld Vacuums for Pet Hair

Review & Comparison, Last Update December 11, 2023
All pet owners can agree that cleaning pet hair can be tricky, especially if you own breeds with long hair. While regular models are useless on some surfaces, handheld vacuums for pet hair can clean furniture and other hard-to-reach spots with ease. We have selected the top models on the market so that you could pick the right one for cleaning your home. ...Read more ...Read less
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PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Type
Cleaning
Tank Capacity
Power Source
Power
Brushes and Attachments
Convenience
Warranty
 
PROS

Triple-level filtration system not only cleans the surfaces from dirt but also purifies the air by capturing all the allergens inside the dust tank.

CONS

The suction power is rather low compared to similar products.

OUR VERDICT

This budget-friendly and practical model from Bissel is extremely compact and lightweight, which allows for hassle-free cleaning of most surfaces. Two detachable nozzles will help you clean floors and furniture equally well.

detailed parameters
Type

Handheld

Cleaning

Dry

Tank Capacity

24 oz dust cup

Power Source

Cordless (up to 20 min running time)

Power

14.4 V

Brushes and Attachments

Motorized brush (~5" cleaning path), Upholstery tool, Crevice tool

Convenience

Triple-level filtration system

Warranty

1 year

PROS

Dust cup has a capacity of 25.4 oz, so you won't have to empty it too often. The one-touch easy-empty bin design, on the other hand, will ensure a fast and simple empty process.

CONS

Quite noisy.

OUR VERDICT

This model features a motorized brush equipped with anti-tangle rubber bristles that enable it to pick up pet hair and dander with ease. In addition to that, there's the PowerBoost™ feature included which increases its suction strength for removing larger debris.

detailed parameters
Type

Handheld

Cleaning

Dry

Tank Capacity

25.4 oz dust cup

Power Source

Cordless (up to 20 min running time)

Power

20 V

Brushes and Attachments

Motorized brush (~5.5" cleaning path), Extra-long crevice tool

Convenience

Removable and washable filter (with additional pre-filter), One-touch easy-empty bin, PowerBoost™ feature

Warranty

2 years

PROS

The vac's built-in battery is fairly energy-efficient - the appliance can run for up to 30 minutes. With that, the charging process takes only 2-3 hours.

CONS

The filter is rather hard to pull out.

OUR VERDICT

If you are looking for a multi-function handheld vac that will be useful not only for cleaning around your house but also for vacuuming the car, then this model will be right up your alley. Fairly powerful and compact, it deals with most messes easily.

detailed parameters
Type

Handheld

Cleaning

Dry

Tank Capacity

20 oz dust cup

Power Source

Cordless (up to 30 min running time)

Power

12 V

Brushes and Attachments

Dust brush tool, Crevice tool

Convenience

HEPA filtration system (extra filter included), LED-light

Warranty

2 years

PROS

An Ergonomic handle design combined with a low weight of the vac provides comfortable cleaning and heightened control. To add more, an extra-long crevice tool will be useful for cleaning hard-to-reach spots.

CONS

The dust cup size is only good for picking up hair.

OUR VERDICT

Produced by a reputable brand, this Shark handheld vacuum is simply an ideal option for cleaning messes made by your pets. Designed to remove pet hair, as well as the small dirt and food particles, it will be a great addition to your standard vacuum model.

detailed parameters
Type

Handheld

Cleaning

Dry

Tank Capacity

2.5 oz dust cup

Power Source

Cordless (up to 10 min running time)

Power

10.8 V

Brushes and Attachments

Dust brush tool, Crevice tool

Convenience

Filtration technology, Ergonomic handle design

Warranty

2 years

PROS

The kit is equipped with a motorized brush (4.5-inch cleaning path) and an upholstery tool that will make cleaning furniture from pet hair a breeze. On top of that, you can switch the attachments at a whim.

CONS

Takes a while to fully charge.

OUR VERDICT

If a compact and powerful vac is what you have been looking for, then this model from Bissel will be a good option for your home. It picks short and small pet hair alike relatively easy even at lower power settings, while the rich assortment of attachments makes it useful for any occasion.

detailed parameters
Type

Handheld

Cleaning

Dry

Tank Capacity

23.7 oz dust cup

Power Source

Cordless (up to 15 min running time)

Power

14.4 V

Brushes and Attachments

Motorized brush (5" cleaning path), Upholstery tool, Crevice tool

Convenience

Two-stage filtration system

Warranty

1 year

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Bissell 2390A

Extremely Powerful

If you own several pets, especially long-haired dogs that believe shedding is the mission of their life, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better vacuum cleaner that the Bissell 2390A. So, let's check what exactly makes it so special?

With a 14-volt motor under its hood, this vac does a great job of picking stubborn, ingrained dirt and fine hair from carpets, upholstery, and furniture. Like all Bissell vacuum cleaners, the 2390A isn't that big, yet it delivers exceptional suction power. You can use it for cleaning just about any kind of dirt including pet hair and dander from various surfaces without putting too much elbow grease into it.

However, what makes the Bissell 2390A even more attractive is its triple-level filtration system which allows it to capture not only hairs but also microscopic bacteria and allergens, making it the best choice for those individuals that are sensitive to dander and hair. Moreover, the included dust cup is quite large at 24 oz, meaning you will not need to empty it often.

All this makes the Bissell 2390A one of the most powerful handheld vacuum cleaners on the market. Yet, you shouldn't forget it's still a handheld vacuum cleaner, and using it for collecting larger debris might negatively affect its performance.

Review of Bissell 2390A Pet Hair Eraser Lithium Ion Cordless Hand Vacuum

For Your Convenience

Like all new Bissell vacs, the 2390A hand vacuum comes with a special motorized brush which, combined with high suction power, allows erasing dirt from any carpeted floors. Two other additional attachments that you get with the purchase include an upholstery tool for cleaning soft furniture like armchairs and a coach, for example, and a crevice tool for cleaning under them.

The runtime of the 2390A is pretty decent compared to other handheld vacuums. In total, you get about 17 minutes of continuous use on one full charge. When used at lower power modes, the total runtime can be extended for up to 20-25 minutes, and this puts the 2390A model close to professional-grade models.

However, no product is perfect. With regard to the 2390A, we wish its battery wouldn't have been built-in so that it would be possible to replace it when it dies. However, that's the only gripe we found about this vac. Other than that, like all Bissell vacuums, the 2390A is a decent model that can help you in performing plenty of cleaning tasks. It can help you remove pet hair from upholstery, carpets, and spots that are otherwise unreachable with a standard vacuum.

Bissell 2390A Pet Hair Eraser Lithium Ion Cordless Hand Vacuum in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $99.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B07CB6RBSP

 

BLACK + DECKER Pet AdvancedClean Cordless

Surprising Output Power

The BLACK + DECKER pet advanced cordless handheld vacuum is one of those all-in-one devices that don’t require additional maintenance throughout their service life, which surely makes it worth your attention.

To begin with power, this BLACK + DECKER model can boast a mighty 20-volt electric motor that enables picking up debris and dirt in one go. Designed for dry cleaning, this vac model can deal with different types of messes and, of course, particularly pet hair.

The aspect of the vac that we didn’t really appreciate, though, is that it can get quite noisy, especially at the highest power settings. That said, you will forgive that quirk the very second you see the results of the vacuuming since this cleaner can remove dirt and pet hairs with ease to match.

For added convenience, the device is equipped with a motorized brush that allows sucking up pet hair, crumbs, dust, as well as other small particles from various surfaces without putting too much effort into it. Moreover, the brush features anti-tangle rubber bristles that make picking up the most stubborn hairs simple. Likewise, these bristles also ease the vacuuming of carpets and furniture. As a bonus, you are getting a basic yet handy crevice tool that will allow for removing the dirt from spots where the brush tool can't reach.

Review of BLACK + DECKER Pet AdvancedClean Cordless Handheld Vacuum

What's Hidden Within the Compact Body?

As for the filtration means, this vac model has a removable and washable filtration system. Although it is not a fully-fledged HEPA option, it is still capable of blocking off the smallest particles from getting back into the air. The way the filtration system works is simple yet quite effective - by utilizing two filters instead of one, the vac can pick up the finest particles without leaving dirt behind. The additional piece of the system is a pre-filter that works in tandem with the main one, and together they effectively sift through all the debris. As we mentioned, both of the filters are washable, meaning they will only require rinsing in regular tap water. Afterward, they can be put back into the vac.

Finally, the BLACK + DECKER advanced cordless vacuum for pet hair will be a great pick for people searching for a handy mini-vac that can clean spots unreachable by regular models like furniture, corners, as well as the car upholstery. Fairly light and plenty powerful, it turns picking up pet hair from a chore into a quite easy job.

BLACK + DECKER Pet AdvancedClean Cordless Handheld Vacuum in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $99.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B07R89PJY6

 

VacLife Cordless Rechargeable

Something Special

The VacLife cordless rechargeable handheld vacuum is another one-piece vac model that is built to deal with annoying pet hair. However, what exactly separates it from other devices on our list? Let’s plunge deeper into details and find out what makes it worth your attention.

To start off, it has a nice design. By integrating all the parts into a one-piece body, the folks at VacLife have managed to make a vacuum that requires little to no maintenance, except emptying the dust bin and occasionally cleaning the filters from dust.

Speaking of the dust bin, this vac has a fairly sizeable one (20 oz capacity), and it can deal with most messes caused by your pet without breaking a sweat. Once full, the cup can be detached and emptied in a matter of seconds, which further improves the overall usability of this handheld appliance.

When it comes to the heart of this cleaner, a 12-volt electric motor is not too powerful yet it is still capable of picking up dust, dirt, and more importantly, the annoying pet hair. It is balanced enough to operate for up to 30 minutes straight before it needs to be recharged, which makes it quite energy-efficient and ideal for larger houses or trickier cleaning tasks.

Review of VacLife Cordless Rechargeable Handheld Vacuum

A Great All-In-One Package

To make your life a tad bit easier, the appliance is equipped with a mini-HEPA filter that can block up to 99% of all dust picked by this vac. What makes it great, though, is that it can be washed with regular tap water and put back in once it’s dry, which simplifies the vac maintenance quite a lot. For a more precise cleaning, the package includes a filter brush that allows for removing larger dirt particles from the sides of the filter.

As an added convenience, the vac has a handy LED light that will illuminate the spots right in front of the nozzle to help you clean darker spots of your house and corners. Moreover, the vacuum comes together with a dust brush and a crevice tool. While the former will be ideal for use on furniture and upholstery, the latter will come in handy for cleaning corners and spots that are hard to reach.

In the end, the VacLife cordless rechargeable handheld vacuum for pet hair will be a good option for people that are looking for a handy little vac that won't break the bank. Despite its relatively modest price, it can handle most common messes caused by pets in a blink of an eye while its maintenance will be fairly straightforward and simple.

VacLife Cordless Rechargeable Handheld Vacuum in the use
Last updated price $34.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B08576D2RL

 

Shark WV201 WANDVAC

Ultra Sophisticated

Trying to make cleaning as effortless as possible, Shark has come up with the new ION W1 vac, an extremely lightweight and portable dustbuster. It boasts a stylish design, weighs only 1.4 pounds and is very easy to maneuver, thanks to its sleek and compact construction, which is certainly a very beneficial feature, especially for elderly people or those individuals with limited mobility.

Another great thing that contributes to the ease of use is single-touch emptying. You simply need to push the latch to release the dust container, and all the debris will fall out right into the trash bin. This way is quick, simple, and, more importantly, hygienic - no getting your hands dirty.

Despite incredibly light weight and small dimensions, the ION W1 has very strong suction. Equipped with a high-speed brushless motor, this little beast delivers an 80-air watt suction, which is almost twice more than other cordless vacuums offer. Hence, it easily picks up both large debris and fine dust. However, the price for this unbelievable suction is relatively short run time. After a full charge, it runs about 15 minutes and even less (5-10 minutes) if used on tough surfaces. On the upside, it charges fairly quickly compared to other models - only 2.5 hours for a full charge. So, the vac can quickly get back in business.

The best thing is that the cleaner comes with the ION charging dock that can always keep it ready for work. Both the vacuum and the charger look stylish, meaning you won't need to hide them in the closet when not in use. This dustbuster really looks nice sitting on a countertop, desktop, or any other prominent places.

Review of Shark WV201 WANDVAC Handheld Mini Vacuum

Excellent for Pet Owners

The thing that makes this dustbuster very appealing for pet owners is a special Multi-Surface Pet Tool that comes in the set. Using this attachment, you'll be able to increase the cleaning path up to 3.6 inches and remove per hair from tough surfaces like carpets and upholstery. And if you need to clean car interior or other tight spaces, you can benefit from using the Duster Crevice Tool.

The vac has a pre-filter screen to capture larger debris and a fabric filter to trap smaller particles and dust. The filters are washable, meaning you can save up quite a bit on replacements in the long run. The manufacturer recommends rinsing the filters under lukewarm water once a month to keep the vacuum working on its peak performance.

All in all, this handy little vacuum has lots of uses around the house. It has enough power to remove a pet's hairballs from furniture, bugs from corners, dust from hanging pictures, and more. The Shark ION W1 is the answer to the everyday messes.

Shark WV201 WANDVAC Handheld Mini Vacuum in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $119.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B07FX5K4D6

 

Bissell 1782

An Energy-Efficient Handheld Vac

The Bissell pet hair eraser cordless hand vacuum is light, speedy, and easy to use. And these are not the only aspects that make it an outstanding vacuum cleaner. What sells this model before anything else is that it's also a great hair remover. Using this vac, you will be able to pick your pet's hair and dander from everywhere regardless of whether it has settled on your furniture, throw blankets, carpets, floor mats or in any other spot where your furry friend prefers to play and rest. To add, because this model is cordless you won't be hindered by any cords - simply charge it an advance and you can take it with you on your car trips and elsewhere. The recharging takes around 5 hours and provides up to 15 minutes on a full charge. Naturally, this isn't too long but it will be sufficient for quick spruce-ups and car cleans.

Pivoting towards the vac performance, it offers a great deal of suction power and provides a solid cleaning path of 4.5 inches, which will be enough to accomplish cleaning in a short amount of time without the need to go over the same area multiple times. What's more, it doesn't make a loud noise and operates considerably quieter than most other handheld models, which adds to its selling points.

Review of Bissell 1782 Pet Hair Eraser Cordless Hand and Car Vacuum

Gets Just Anywhere

When it comes to vacuuming on surfaces tougher than tiles and linoleum this model is supplied with a motorized brush that does an excellent job of picking crumbs and removing fine particles of dust from all flooring types including carpets with a low pile. You can even use it on your or your pet's bed (or both) to clean it off dirt and freshen its look. And although the Bissel 1782 vac might not be that great at deep cleaning thick-pile carpets, it will prove useful for keeping most surfaces around your home spic and span.

In addition to the motorized brush, the vac includes a crevice tool for removing dirt and hair in hard-to-reach areas and an upholstery tool for cleaning soft couches, armchairs, and cars. Besides, you can use those two attachments together. Simply put the upholstery nozzle on the end of the crevice nozzle and you'll extend your reach several times. As far as filters go, the Bissel 1782 is equipped with a two-stage filtration system which can effectively trap fine dust particles and prevent them from getting back into the room.

All in all, this is a solid hand vac for pulling up pet hair from sofas, cushions, mattresses, car seats, as well as other surfaces. Though take note it is somewhat low-powered for cleaning carpets.

Bissell 1782 Pet Hair Eraser Cordless Hand and Car Vacuum in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $76.48
Stock In stock
ASIN B01E0472TI

 

What Is a Handheld Vacuum for Pet Hair?

The symptoms of pet allergy can be a real problem for many people. Sneezing, runny nose, coughing, itchy and red eyes as well as other symptoms are surely no fun, especially when you live with a pet that molts several times a year. Although the main trigger of pet allergy is dead skin flakes that domestic animals leave, the pet hairs can be even more dangerous since they can get almost everywhere from your bed to your table. That is why it is so important to remove them in time. That being said, one of the best ways to clean your house from pet hair is vacuuming.

While regular vacuums are of no use, the pet hair vacuum cleaners are an effective solution when it comes to an effective cleaning. The handheld models are compact, easy to use, and as effective as their bigger options. The difference between them is that the majority of handheld models are powered by batteries and some of them have smaller dirt cups. Nonetheless, they are still quite powerful and can perform cleaning of furniture and even carpets.

Yet, if you are looking for more powerful cleaning tools for your house, we recommend that you take a look at regular-sized vacuums for pet hair and canister vacuum cleaners to make your rooms allergen-free.

What Features to Compare

Motor Suction Power

One of the most important things to consider is the motor power. The more power a vac has, the more pet hair it will be able to pick up in one run. Usually, bigger vacuums have higher speeds.

Battery Capacity

The battery capacity determines how long you will be able to perform cleaning. Even though handheld models are less powerful than their full-size versions on the whole, they still should have batteries capacious enough to allow you to use the vac without having to recharge it.

Charging Time

Knowing the charging time of a vac, you will have an idea of how quickly you will be able to finish the cleaning. The quicker, the better. And if you have several pets at home, we'd recommend that you stick with models that not only recharge quickly but also provide enough runtime for performing at least a couple cleaning cycles per day.

Dirt Bin Capacity

Another aspect that is worth taking into account when selecting a handheld vacuum cleaner is how big the dust canister is, since the bigger it is, the less often you will need to empty it. Not like cleaning the dust container is big of a fuss, and yet, if you have a big house and own several pets, doing it frequently might be bothering. Saying that, we would not recommend you to opt for the most sizeable dustbin only for sake of it because the bigger the bin the heavier the cleaner. Choose a cleaner that has the right weight and the right dimensions.

Filter Service Life and Reusability

Most vacuum cleaners come fitted with special filters that keep all collected dirt so that it won't get inside the motor. The service life and reusability of the filter will determine the length of time during which you'll be able to use your vac without buying any replacement parts. Vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters are the best choice since they can not only sift dirt but also purify the air (Learn more about HEPA technology here).

Additional Cleaning Equipment and Flexibility

Last but not the least, you should also see to how many accessories come included in the purchase. The more additional tools the vac includes the more cleaning jobs you will be able to perform. As we've mentioned earlier the weight of the cleaner is also important, so make sure to check it too. Vacuum cleaners that are ergonomic and light in weight are easier to operate in hands. Also, it's easier to lift them when extending to hard-to-reach spots and cleaning in-between furniture. All vacuum cleaners including handheld models fall into corded and cordless models. If you choose to go for a corded one, make sure to check whether it has a cord long enough to use it without extension cables. If it's not (which will mostly depend on the area of your house), purchase an extension wand additionally. 

Did you know?

How to Clean Your Vacuum Cleaner

In order to significantly extend the service life of your vacuum and its filter, you must clean the inner parts of the device as well as its dust bin timely. So, if you intend to use your vacuum cleaner for longer than a couple of months, here are some tips on how to clean a vac properly.

First things first, so let’s take a look at the most popular types of vacuum filters out there. The most common types are foam, cartridge, and HEPA filters. HEPA filters are more efficient yet less popular since their cost is significantly higher.

While the foam and cartridge filters are basic types, the latter one will have to be replaced over time, since there is no way to clean the HEPA filter without strong industrial chemicals.

  • To successfully clean the foam filter, you will need to put it in water and gently squeeze to let the dirt go away. After that, you will have to dry it out before inserting it back into the appliance. Additionally, you can add a few drops of essential oils to make the air in your room fresher.

  • Although cartridge filters look like plastic cups, they are actually made of synthetic fabrics and can be disposed of. However, their service life can be easily prolonged with proper maintenance. To clean a cartridge filter, you will have to manually remove the dust and dirt from the cartridge, which will improve the airflow inside the device.

  • The HEPA filters are perhaps the most sophisticated type of all filters listed because they are capable of cleaning even the smallest (down to microscopic) particles. Thus, it will be much easier for you just to purchase a new one instead of trying to clean it using different chemical solutions.

The Dangers of Pet Hair to Your Health

We can all agree that pet dander is not a pleasant thing, especially if you have a pet with long fur. It can be difficult to clean the hair from all the surfaces inside your house, and that is why it is important to have a special tool that can pick up all the fur and hair of your four-legged friend. This is extremely important in case you or other members of your family are allergic to the cat or dog hair. This reason alone explains how pet in bed can be even more dangerous than mites.

According to a common belief, the pet hair can get into many human organs such as liver, lungs, or even brain. The truth is, however, the pet dander can only get into your stomach. The only reason this misconception exists is that there might be some parasites that lurk in cat or dog hair that penetrate into these organs. So, if your pet hasn’t been treated by the professional veterinarian yet, it is high time to do so.

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Publish Date: 2018-08-13 11:19:27