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If you are a proud dog and/or cat owner, you must be aware of the challenge of cleaning the house. You might be familiar with the frustration you go through when your normal vacuum cleaner is unable to suck up your pets’ hair. Well, in this article, we will try to reduce your frustration by pointing out some elements one must look for when buying a vacuum cleaner for sucking up pet hair.
A lot of vacuum cleaners are not properly equipped when it comes to cleaning pet hair. The power of the vacuum is one thing that needs to be considered. The higher the power, the better for pet hair. However, power alone is not as effective as if it is combined with other important elements.
You would need a vacuum cleaner that not only is powerful but also comes with well-designed rollers and brushes perfect for getting hair out of sofas and carpets. Maneuverability and versatility are also essential when it comes to buying a vacuum cleaner for cleaning pets’ hair. Light weight is another useful aspect when you have to carry the cleaner around your house. You also need a cleaner that is equipped with features and attachments that can rid the house of any pet hair.
We have listed down some of the features, attachments and elements that a good vacuum cleaner for pet hair must have.
Power and Performance
The foremost thing to look for when buying a vacuum cleaner is its suction power. A cleaner with low power will only remove the dust present on the surface. It will not be able to suck up pet hair stuck in the carpet, sofa or upholstery.
When finding a powerful vacuum, look at AW (air watts) or CFM (cubic feet per minute). AW is the best measure of power as it indicates the actual amount of power a vacuum uses to suck up dirt. A higher number of AW means more suction power.
The general rule of thumb is to look for at least 100 to 220 AW, depending on the type of vacuum cleaner. Upright cleaners must have at least 100 AW and cannister ones should have at least 220 AW of suction power.
Cleaners with HEPA filter also need more power, as they require a higher suction pull to suck up the dirt through the filter with tiny openings.
Upright or Canister
These two types of vacuum cleaners vary in their physical structure and appearance. However, the performance is equal and depends on the model you purchase.
Cannister vacuum cleaners are the ones that have a wheeled body tagging along with the hose. They offer increased maneuverability and flexibility as one is able to move the hose to reach difficult areas such as under the couch and tables. The con is that it is not compact, and the body has to be dragged along.
Upright vacuum cleaners are compact as they have the body and head in one device. They are great for cleaning floors and easier to store because of their compact design.
HEPA Filter
HEPA is an essential feature in modern vacuum cleaners that filters out the particles in the air such as dander and pet hair to make your house free of allergens. HEPA basically stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air and is considered the best feature to ensure air quality.
This filter comes in two forms: washable and non-washable. The non-washable type is to be replaced on a daily basis or according to the recommendations of the manufacturer. The washable type does not need to be replaced and lasts for as long as the vacuum does.
Bagged vs Bagless
Bagged vacuum cleaners basically collect the dirt and dust in a bag, which is supposed to be replaced every now and then as the bags have limited space. You will need to buy the replacement bags every now and then. While bagged cleaners have a low upfront cost, the cost of replacement bags adds up, making it expensive in the long run.
Bagless vacuum cleaners are easier to handle and do not need you to replace anything. They have a higher upfront cost, but they are a good investment in the long run. Thus, it is cheaper as well as convenient to go bagless.
Attachments and Accessories
Attachments of vacuum cleaners allow for more personalized cleaning. There are a lot of useful attachments for getting rid of pet hair such as a motorized roller brush. A roller brush is perfect for deep cleaning the house by sucking up pet hair from upholstery, carpets, furniture and curtains.
Other attachments like pet brush, dusting tool, upholstery tool, crevice tools to get around baseboards and between couch cushions, mattress tool, disinfection tool, and grooming kit can also be quite helpful. Determine your needs and choose the attachments accordingly.
Conclusion
If you have pets at home, a quality vacuum cleaner that is well designed and equipped specifically to clean up pet hair is a must. When looking for such a vacuum cleaner, always take into account the features mentioned above so that you will not regret your purchase.
It is very important to first identify what you need from your vacuum cleaner. The kind of mess you have to deal with and the kind of surfaces you have to clean are some things you need to figure out. Do your research.
After identifying your needs and researching thoroughly to gain a better understanding, go online or in the market and look for a good vacuum cleaner that has the least shortcomings and checks off most of the boxes on your list.
The bottom line is to do your research, compare the models, and look for the one that has good suction power, pet-friendly attachments and an easy-to-clean bag or, better yet, a bagless version. It should also be able to reach difficult areas.
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