Anyone who owns pets will know that keeping your home clean can seem like a never-ending battle. Animal hair gets everywhere – it builds upon the floor, it sticks to furniture, and no matter how often you vacuum, it always reappears.
If you have a home with hard surfaces and you also live with animals, you need the right machine for the job – so to help you decide, here are our picks for best vacuum for hardwood floors and pet hair On the Market.
The Best Vacuum For Hardwood Floors And Pet Hair On the Market Combo 2022
1. Best Overall: Shark NV501 Vacuum for Hardwood Floors
image: Shark
When it comes to high-performance vacuum cleaners on the market, Shark is among the best-known names, and this upright corded bagless model is an excellent addition to the company’s range.
It features an anti-allergen seal and HEPA filters that trap 99.9% of dust and allergens inside, making it ideal for homes with pets – it will actively improve the quality of the air and help reduce allergic reactions.
It also incorporates a large dust cup that allows you to keep working for longer. When it gets full, it is easy to empty, and since it doesn’t require a bag, you simply fit it back on and keep going.
We love the swivel steering system that makes it highly mobile and easy to maneuver. It’s a great option if you need a vacuum that can easily navigate furniture and other obstacles. The LED headlights will also help you see what you are doing, even when cleaning under furniture.
This vac also has a particularly innovative design. It is primarily an upright vacuum, but it can also be converted into a handheld mode, giving you greater versatility over your cleaning.
On the downside, it is heavier than some other options. While most people won’t have trouble using it, if you prefer something lighter, you might be better off looking at other models.
Also, it is slightly top-heavy. This means that when you are using the hose, it is easy for it to tip over, making this something you have to pay attention to.
There’s a lot to like about this vacuum cleaner. It is powerful, reliable and also represents great value for money.
If you are looking for a machine that is ideal for all surfaces on the market – including hard surfaces – and that is suitable for homes with animals, this Shark vacuum should be high on your list of options.
What We Like
- Anti-allergen seal and HEPA filter – ideal for homes with pets
- Bagless dirt collection – extra-large easy-open dust cup
- Swivel steering system – great mobility to navigate furniture
- LED Headlights – illuminates under furniture or in dark corners
- Lift-Away technology – converts from upright into portable vacuum
What We Don’t Like
- Heavy unit – some people might prefer a more lightweight vacuum
- Not great balance – can tip over when used as an upright vac
2. Best Budget: Bissell 81L2A Vacuum
image: Bissell
If your home has hard floors and you are also a pet owner, this specially-designed vacuum could be just what you need.
It features an innovative V-shaped foot that funnels larger debris into the center where it is picked up by the powerful suction. Smaller particles are also sucked up along the edges, giving a thorough clean, even around furniture and along walls.
It boasts rubber squeegees on the bottom that help when collecting pet hair, another addition that makes it particularly suitable for households with animals.
At only 7.5lbs, it is extremely lightweight, making it easy for anybody to use, and with its swivel steering system, it is a highly practical unit when it comes to navigating furniture or other obstacles like pet food bowls.
It incorporates a bagless dust collection system that is easy to empty. When it fills up, you simply press the button to open the lid and eject the waste – and then you’re ready to keep on working. The cyclonic filtration also means it doesn’t lose power as it fills up.
One downside is that it doesn’t work on rugs. This unit is designed for hard surfaces only, so if you need something that works on a range of surfaces, this is not a good choice.
Also, it lacks a hose, meaning it can only be used for cleaning the floor. If you want something with accessories that allow you to clean furniture and more, you are probably better off considering other options.
However, despite these limitations, if you are looking for a budget-friendly vacuum that excels when it comes to cleaning hard floors in homes that have pets, this could be the ideal choice in the market. If that sounds like what you need, this is a highly recommended option.
If you want a vacuum especially for hard floors, you should read our post: Best Vacuum For Hardwood Floors On The Market
What We Like
- Specially designed for hard floor surfaces – also designed for homes with pets
- Innovative V-shaped foot – funnels in larger debris while sucking up finer particles
- Easy to empty – simply open the dust cup, no bags required
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver – light enough for anyone to use
- Swivel steering – makes it easier to navigate furniture and other obstacles
What We Don’t Like
- Won’t work on rugs – made for hard surfaces only
- No hose – offers less flexibility than models that have one
3. Best Upgrade: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Vacuum
When it comes to top-end vacuums on the market, Dyson is known as one of the market leaders. The brand is synonymous with high-quality innovative products, and this model follows in that tradition.
It is specifically designed for pet owners and features several adaptations to this end. As with all Dyson vacuums, it boasts extremely strong suction power. Whether it’s dust, dirt or animal hair, there’s very little that will be able to resist this vacuum.
It also features a self-adjusting cleaner head seal that locks in the suction power, whatever the surface you are vacuuming.
It incorporates whole machine HEPA filters that trap dust and allergens inside. This will help improve the air quality and reduce allergic reactions to your pets.
It also comes with several accessories, including a tangle-free turbine, a stair tool, and a combination tool, making it a highly versatile vacuum that you can use to clean floors, furniture and more.
One thing we like is Dyson’s Ball technology. This makes it extra-mobile, allowing you to clean around furniture and to reach all the most difficult spots in your home – including those corners where animal hair always seems to accumulate.
One of the only downsides comes from the fact that this machine is so powerful. If you use it on deeper carpets, vacuuming can become hard work as it is harder to push – but this is not a problem if you are shopping for a vac for use on hard floors.
The only other major downside is the price tag since this vacuum is not cheap. However, you have to expect to pay more for a top-end model – although you know you are buying a quality machine.
Overall, this is an excellent option for pet owners with hard floors in their homes – but it can also be used on other surfaces if required. If that sounds like you – and the price doesn’t put you off – this is a vacuum that should be worth considering.
What We Like
- Powerful suction – adapts to floor type to lock in suction
- Whole machine HEPA filters – traps in dust and allergens
- Includes several accessories – tangle-free turbine, stair tool and more
- Dyson Ball tech – gives improved maneuverability
- Suitable for most floor types – can be used on hard floors or carpets
What We Don’t Like
- Expensive option – some people won’t want to pay this much for a vacuum
- Less effective on deep carpet types – powerful suction makes it hard work
4. Best With Accessories: SOWTECH 2 In 1 Lightweight Stick Vacuum
This is an affordable cordless vacuum on the market. At only 4lbs, it is light enough for anyone to use – even your kids.
It comes with a set of six attachments, including a mattress tool, a crevice tool, a square brush tool, and others. This gives you greater flexibility over what you can use it for.
It’s ideal for cleaning furniture or inside a car just as much for vacuuming the floor – and the attachments also make it a great option if you have pets.
We like that it is a very quiet unit. This would be a good option if you are sensitive to loud noise. Another plus is the washable filter, meaning you don’t have to worry about buying a replacement when it becomes clogged.
On the downside, it is slightly lacking in power when used on carpets and can’t match more top-end units. However, for something in its class and at this price point, it still provides an acceptable level of suction – and it performs well on hard surfaces.
Another slight issue is that the dust cup is on the small side. This means if you have a larger home, you may find you need to empty it quite frequently.
All in all, a good budget option if you want a vacuum for light to moderate cleaning jobs, mainly on hard floors, and in a home with animals. If that sounds like what you are looking for, this could be a good pick.
What We Like
- Super-lightweight – at only 4lbs even kids can use it
- Comes with 6 attachments – mattress tool, square brush, crevice tool and more
- Quiet operation – suitable for people who are sensitive to noise
- Washable filter – no need to buy replacements
- Affordable option – ideal vacuum for those on a budget
What We Don’t Like
- Slightly weak suction on carpet – but performs well on hard surfaces
- Small dust cup – may need to empty often in larger homes
5. Best for Pet Hair: Kenmore Elite 31150 Vacuum
image: Kenmore
This is an upright bagged vacuum cleaner from Kenmore that is specifically designed for pet owners. It offers plenty of suction to pick up hair and other debris and includes several design features that make it ideal if you share your home with animals.
The high RPM turbine brush picks up dander and stubborn pet hair while the triple HEPA filter traps 99.7% of dander, dust, and other allergens, helping improve the quality of the air.
It includes three attachments for extra versatility, and the long 35ft cord gives you plenty of mobility. The wide 14” cleaning path helps reduce time spent vacuuming, and the LED headlights let you see what you are doing, even when cleaning underneath furniture.
One issue we found with this model is that the exhaust ports blow air out of the side. This can have the effect of bowing pet hair or debris around the room as you are trying to clean.
Also, we found that the hose is a little short – a minor complaint, but a longer one would have been better.
To summarize, a solid option if you are looking for a powerful traditional-style vacuum for hard or other surfaces and one that performs well in picking up animal hair.
If you need a vacuum especially for pet hair, you should read our post: Best Vacuum For Pet Hair On The Market
What We Like
- High RPM turbine brush – picks up dander and stubborn pet hair
- 3 attachments – for extra versatility
- Triple HEPA filter – traps 99.7% of dander, dust, and allergens inside
- 35ft cord – allows you to reach further and work for longer
- Wide 14” cleaning path – reduces vacuuming time
What We Don’t Like
- Exhaust ports on the side – can blow debris around your room
- Short hose – would have been better with slightly more reach
6. Best Upright: Hoover UH71250 Vacuum
image: Hoover
Hoover is among the best-known makers of vacuum cleaners on the market, and this corded upright model is a solid option for anyone with pets.
Hoover’s WindTunnel technology works to funnel all dirt and debris into the vacuum, and the HEPA filters trap 99.97% of dust, dirt, pollen, and other allergens inside, making it perfect for anyone who suffers from allergies related to household animals.
It also includes an air-powered hand tool that is highly effective at picking up stubborn pet hair from floors, furniture and elsewhere.
Other features we like include the automatic cord rewind that winds the cord in for you and the system check that alerts you to any blockages or other issues.
There are one or two negatives to mention, too. This vacuum is on the heavy side, so if you prefer something lighter, this might not be the right pick for you. Also, the hose is a little on the short side – although this is not a big issue unless it’s particularly important to you.
In sum, a solid option if you want a no-frills vacuum that will get the job done and that will help you in your battle against pet hair. Suitable for carpet as well as hard floors. A recommended product.
What We Like
- Air-powered pet hand tool – helps pick up stubborn hair from furniture, etc
- HEPA filters – trap 99.97% of dust, dirt, and pollen down to 0.3 microns
- WindTunnel technology – helps funnel dirt into the vacuum
- Cord rewind – winds in the cord for you
- System check – alerts you to any blockages or other problems
What We Don’t Like
- Heavy – not among the lightest models available
- Short hose – doesn’t give you as much reach as you might like
7. Best Robot: IRobot Roomba 690 Robotic Vacuum
For an alternative solution to keeping your floors clean and free of pet hairs, this Roomba robot vacuum could be of interest. Instead of vacuuming yourself, have a robot take care of the cleaning for you.
It is compatible with Google Assistant – and can also be controlled by voice command via Amazon’s Alexa.
It has a low profile, allowing it to clean beneath furniture, features three-stage cleaning to pick up more dirt and also incorporates Dirt Detectors that increase the power when required.
One drawback is that this model doesn’t feature virtual mapping like the most advanced robot vacuums – it simply cleans in a random pattern.
Also, if you are planning to use it in a house with lots of animal hair, you will have to empty it quite frequently. This is purely because of its compact size, although this is hardly a big problem and will take much less time than actually vacuuming manually yourself.
This robot vacuum will appeal to the kind of person who likes to keep their home clean and tidy but who doesn’t have the time to spend on household chores. If that sounds like you, this Roomba robot vacuum could be worth checking out in the market.
What We Like
- Compatible with Alexa or Google Assistant – control from app or via voice command
- 3-stage cleaning – designed to pick up the maximum amount of dirt
- Low profile – easily cleans beneath furniture
- Dirt Detect sensors – increases power when needed most
- Includes virtual wall barrier – to block off areas you don’t want it to enter
What We Don’t Like
- No virtual mapping capability – cleans in a random pattern
- Needs to be emptied often if lots of hair – due to compact size
Buyer’s Guide
If you are looking for a vacuum that works well on hardwood floors and is also suitable for a home with pets, you are probably wondering which factors to consider when choosing. Let’s think about some of the most important ones now.
Suction power
Scour the market for a vacuum cleaner, the first things to consider is the suction power it can generate. However, if you have animals, it’s even more important since pet hair can be particularly stubborn.
For this reason, make sure any vacuum you are interested in is going to be powerful enough for your needs.
HEPA filter
HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air and is a standard for air filters. These filters can trap over 99.95% of particles down to 0.3 microns and above. A vacuum fitted with a HEPA filter can therefore remove almost all dust, pollen, and animal-related allergens as you clean.
If you have pets but you or anyone in your family suffers from pet-related allergies, choosing a vacuum with a HEPA filter is a must.
Multiple surfaces
While this review is focused on vacuums for hard surfaces, you may want a vacuum that can also be used on carpets. Some hardwood vacs are not suitable for carpets while others are more versatile.
If you need one that works on both types of surfaces, make sure you check for this capability before buying.
Battery or corded
When choosing a vacuum cleaner on the market, you have a decision to make over corded vs battery-powered models.
Corded vacs are generally more powerful, and you can use them for as long as you like without stopping. However, you are restricted by only being able to use them within range of a power outlet.
Battery-powered models don’t have this restriction, but you can only use them for a certain amount of time before they need to be recharged.
Battery power could be a good choice if you only have a small apartment – but for larger houses, corded versions might be a better option.
Mobility
The mobility and maneuverability of a vacuum can be important, especially when you need to clean hard to reach corners where pet hair can accumulate.
Make sure you think about factors like the weight of the unit as well as how easy it is to push, steer and carry.
Another thing to note – if you choose a corded version – is the length of the cord. Will it be long enough to allow you to clean everywhere in your house? Or will you need to use an extension? Of course, if you choose a battery-powered model, this won’t be an issue.
Accessories
How many accessories and attachments does the vacuum come with? This is another important point to note if you have animals because having the right attachments can help you do a thorough clean that otherwise wouldn’t be possible.
For example, some vacuums on the market include special attachments designed to pick up stubborn pet hair from furniture. Also, crevice attachments will allow you to clean in between gaps and in furniture where hair may build up.
Noise
Some vacuums can be loud, and if you are sensitive to noise, you might prefer to choose a quieter model. This could also be an issue if you have pets that are scared of noisy vacuum cleaners.
Lots of options to pick from
As you can see, there is a wide range of vacuums to pick from in a variety of styles and at prices to suit any budget.
Choosing the right vacuum for the eternal fight against pet hair is vital – and if you still haven’t made up your mind which model to opt for, any of our top picks would be a perfect place to start looking.
