Best Vacuum for Pet Hair on Hardwood Floors: Top Picks and Buying Guide

11 min readApr 17, 2024

Pet owners know the struggle of keeping their homes clean, especially when it comes to pet hair. Hardwood floors can be particularly challenging to clean, as pet hair tends to stick to the surface. This is where a vacuum cleaner designed specifically for pet hair on hardwood floors can be a game-changer.

When it comes to choosing the best vacuum for pet hair on hardwood floors, there are a few critical things to consider. First, the vacuum should have strong suction power to pick up pet hair and debris effectively. Second, the vacuum should have a brush roll that is gentle on hardwood floors to avoid scratching or damaging the surface. Finally, the vacuum should have a filtration system that captures pet hair, dander, and allergens to maintain indoor air quality.

We spent hours researching and testing various vacuums to identify the ones that can effectively clean pet hair on hardwood floors. In this article, we will share our findings and recommendations to help you find the best vacuum for your needs.

Best Vacuums for Pet Hair on Hardwood Floors

We know firsthand the struggle of keeping hardwood floors clean when you have pets that shed. That’s why we’ve done the research and testing to bring you our top picks for the best vacuums for pet hair on hardwood floors. These vacuums are specifically designed to effectively and efficiently remove pet hair without damaging your beautiful hardwood floors. So, without further ado, here are our top recommendations.

BISSELL CleanView Swivel Pet Upright Vacuum

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly vacuum that can handle pet hair on hardwood floors, the BISSELL CleanView Swivel Pet Upright Vacuum is a great option.

Pros

The TRIPLE ACTION Brush Roll effectively lifts, loosens, and removes embedded pet hair.
Swivel Steering makes it easy to maneuver around furniture and other obstacles.
Comes with specialized pet tools, including the Pet TurboEraser tool for cleaning stairs and upholstery.

Cons

The dustbin can be small for larger cleaning jobs.
The vacuum can be a bit loud.
Some users have reported issues with the vacuum tipping over easily.

We were impressed with the BISSELL CleanView Swivel Pet Upright Vacuum’s ability to handle pet hair on hardwood floors. The TRIPLE ACTION Brush Roll did a great job of picking up embedded pet hair, and we appreciated the Scatter-Free Technology that kept debris contained. Swivel Steering made it easy to navigate around furniture and other obstacles, and the specialized pet tools were a nice touch.

However, the dustbin can be on the smaller side, which may be an issue for larger cleaning jobs. Additionally, the vacuum can be a bit loud, which may be a concern for some users. We also noticed that the vacuum can tip over easily, so it’s important to be mindful of this when using it.

Overall, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly vacuum that can handle pet hair on hardwood floors, the BISSELL CleanView Swivel Pet Upright Vacuum is a solid choice.

Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum

We highly recommend the Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum for pet owners with hardwood floors. It is efficient, easy to handle, and comes with powerful pet hair pickup attachments.

Pros

The Lift-Away functionality makes it easy to clean under furniture and above the floor, on upholstery, furniture, stairs, and more.
The anti-allergen complete seal technology with a HEPA filter traps dust and allergens inside the vacuum cleaner, making it ideal for pet owners.
The swivel steering feature allows you to easily maneuver the vacuum in and out of tight spaces, in corners, around furniture, and more.

Cons

The vacuum can be a bit heavy to carry around for extended periods of time.
The dust cup capacity is 0.9 quarts, which may require frequent emptying during longer cleaning sessions.
The vacuum may be a bit loud for some users.

We found the Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum to be a reliable and efficient tool for cleaning pet hair on hardwood floors. The Lift-Away functionality is especially useful for cleaning tight spaces and hard-to-reach areas. The anti-allergen complete seal technology with a HEPA filter ensures that dust and allergens are trapped inside the vacuum cleaner, making it an excellent choice for pet owners who suffer from allergies.

The swivel steering feature allows for excellent control when maneuvering around furniture, and the brushroll shutoff feature allows for easy switching from deep carpet cleaning to gentle bare floor cleaning. The large-capacity dust cup is easy to remove and empty, and the included upholstery tool and crevice tool make cleaning pet hair a breeze.

Overall, we highly recommend the Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum for pet owners with hardwood floors. It is a reliable and efficient tool that will make cleaning pet hair a much easier task.

EUREKA PowerSpeed Lightweight Powerful Upright Vacuum Cleaner

If you’re looking for a lightweight, powerful vacuum cleaner that can handle pet hair on hardwood floors, the EUREKA PowerSpeed is a great option to consider.

Pros

Lightweight and easy to maneuver around furniture and tight spaces
Powerful suction with 5 height adjustment settings for cleaning both hard floors and carpets
Large capacity dust cup with easy emptying and washable filter for less maintenance

Cons

May require frequent cleaning of the roller brush and belt to prevent clogs and malfunctions
Some users have reported that the vacuum can be loud during operation
No cordless option available

We’ve been using the EUREKA PowerSpeed for a few weeks now and have been impressed with its performance. The vacuum is incredibly lightweight, making it easy to carry up and down stairs or move around the house. The suction power is impressive and we’ve noticed a significant reduction in pet hair on our hardwood floors and area rugs.

The 5 height adjustment settings are handy for switching between cleaning hard floors and carpets without having to switch out any attachments. The dust cup is also larger than our previous vacuum, so we don’t have to empty it as frequently.

One thing to note is that the roller brush and belt may require frequent cleaning to prevent clogs and malfunctions. We’ve made sure to clean these parts every 2 weeks as recommended by the manufacturer to avoid any issues.

Overall, we would recommend the EUREKA PowerSpeed to anyone looking for a lightweight, powerful vacuum cleaner for pet hair on hardwood floors.

Kenmore DU4080 Featherlite Lift-Up Bagless Upright Vacuum

If you’re looking for a lightweight and powerful vacuum to clean pet hair on hardwood floors, the Kenmore DU4080 is a great option to consider.

Pros

With its Lift-Up technology, this vacuum can be easily transformed into a lightweight pod for cleaning stairs and above-floor areas.
The HEPA filtration system ensures that the air you breathe stays clean by trapping 99.97% of dust down to 0.3 microns inside the vacuum.
The swivel steering and LED headlight make it easy to maneuver around furniture and corners, leaving no dirt behind.

Cons

The base of the vacuum does not cover as wide of an area as some other models, which may require more passes to clean a room.
The hose length of 9 feet may not be long enough for some users to reach high areas or ceilings.
The plastic material used for the vacuum may feel flimsy to some users.

Overall, we recommend the Kenmore DU4080 Featherlite Lift-Up Bagless Upright Vacuum for its powerful suction and lightweight design. It’s a great option for pet owners who want to keep their hardwood floors free of pet hair and dander.

In our experience, the Lift-Up technology is a game-changer for cleaning stairs and other hard-to-reach areas. The HEPA filtration system also gives us peace of mind knowing that the air we’re breathing is clean.

However, the base of the vacuum could be wider to cover more area with each pass, and the hose length may not be sufficient for some users. Additionally, the plastic material used for the vacuum may feel flimsy to some users.

Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and efficient vacuum for pet hair on hardwood floors, the Kenmore DU4080 is definitely worth considering.

Eureka PowerSpeed Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner

If you’re looking for a vacuum that can handle pet hair on hardwood floors, the Eureka PowerSpeed Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner is a great option.

Pros

The powerful motor and brush roll can easily lift stubborn pet hair and debris.
The lightweight design makes it easy to maneuver around your home.
With five height adjustments, it can clean various surfaces including hardwood floors, carpets, and rugs.

Cons

The dust cup may need to be emptied frequently if you have a lot of pet hair.
The power cord may be too short for larger rooms.
The vacuum may be a bit noisy for some users.

We’ve been using the Eureka PowerSpeed Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner for a few weeks now and we’re impressed with its performance. The motor and brush roll work together to easily lift pet hair and debris from our hardwood floors. We also appreciate the lightweight design, which makes it easy to move from room to room.

The five height adjustments are a great feature, as we can use it on different surfaces throughout our home. The dust cup is easy to remove and clean, although we have noticed that it fills up quickly with pet hair. The extra-large capacity helps to reduce the number of times we need to empty it.

One downside to this vacuum is that the power cord may be too short for larger rooms. We’ve also noticed that it can be a bit noisy when in use, although this may not be a problem for everyone.

Overall, we think the Eureka PowerSpeed Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner is a great choice for anyone looking for a vacuum that can handle pet hair on hardwood floors. It’s powerful, lightweight, and versatile, making it a great investment for any home.

Buying Guide

When shopping for the best vacuum for pet hair on hardwood floors, there are a few key features to consider. Here are some factors to keep in mind to ensure you choose the right product for your needs.

Suction Power

One of the most important features to look for in a vacuum for pet hair is strong suction power. Pet hair can be difficult to remove from hardwood floors, so you’ll want a vacuum that can pick up even the most stubborn hairs. Look for a vacuum with a high wattage motor and multiple suction settings to ensure you can adjust the power as needed.

Filtration System

Pet hair can also cause allergies and other respiratory problems, so it’s important to choose a vacuum with a good filtration system. HEPA filters are the gold standard for trapping allergens and other small particles, so look for a vacuum with a HEPA filter or similar technology.

Accessories

When it comes to cleaning pet hair from hardwood floors, having the right accessories can make all the difference. Look for a vacuum with a crevice tool and upholstery brush to clean tight spaces and furniture. A motorized brush roll can also be helpful for removing pet hair from carpets and area rugs.

Maneuverability

Finally, consider the maneuverability of the vacuum. Hardwood floors can be delicate, so you’ll want a vacuum that won’t scratch or damage the surface. Look for a vacuum with rubber wheels and a swiveling head for easy maneuverability. A lightweight design can also be helpful for carrying the vacuum up and down stairs.

By considering these factors, you can find the best vacuum for pet hair on hardwood floors that meets your needs and keeps your home clean and allergen-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

What features should we look for in a vacuum to handle both pet hair and hardwood floors effectively?

When selecting a vacuum for pet hair on hardwood floors, it is essential to choose a model with strong suction power, a motorized brush roll, and a good filtration system. The motorized brush roll will help pick up pet hair and debris from hardwood floors, while the filtration system will ensure that allergens and dust are trapped inside the vacuum and not released back into the air.

How do specialized pet hair vacuums compare to regular vacuums on hardwood surfaces?

Specialized pet hair vacuums are designed with features that make them more effective at removing pet hair and debris from surfaces. They often have stronger suction power, motorized brush rolls, and specialized filters that can capture pet hair and allergens. However, regular vacuums can also be effective on hardwood surfaces if they have the necessary features.

Can a single vacuum be efficient for pet hair, hardwood floors, and carpeted areas?

Yes, there are many vacuums that are designed to be versatile enough to handle multiple surfaces, including pet hair on hardwood floors and carpeted areas. It is essential to choose a vacuum with adjustable suction power and brush roll settings to ensure that it can effectively clean all surfaces.

What are the top-rated vacuums for pet owners with hardwood flooring?

Some of the top-rated vacuums for pet hair on hardwood floors include the Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute, Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional, and Bissell PowerEdge Pet Hardwood Floor Corded Vacuum. These vacuums have strong suction power, motorized brush rolls, and effective filtration systems.

How can we prevent a vacuum from clogging with pet hair during cleaning?

To prevent a vacuum from clogging with pet hair during cleaning, it is essential to empty the dustbin or replace the vacuum bag regularly. It is also helpful to use a vacuum with a detachable brush roll that can be easily cleaned. Additionally, some vacuums come with specialized tools for removing pet hair from upholstery and carpets.

Which is more effective for pet hair on hardwood floors: upright, canister, or stick vacuums?

All three types of vacuums can be effective for pet hair on hardwood floors, depending on the specific model and features. Upright vacuums are often more powerful and have larger dustbins, while canister vacuums are more maneuverable and have longer hoses for reaching tight spaces. Stick vacuums are lightweight and easy to use but may not have as much suction power as upright or canister vacuums.