And what makes them more successful in their anti-fur campaign?
If you’ve recently gone shopping for a new vacuum, you may have noticed that there are a plethora of models on the market that are expressly designed for pet owners. So what exactly do “pet” vacuum cleaners perform, and do you need a pet to profit from their technology? Experts explain how pet-centric models vary from conventional ones and how to evaluate which one is best for you.
Language Matters
There are vacuum cleaners designed for certain uses, such as hardwood floors, high-traffic areas, and even households with four-legged pets. “Some vacuum manufacturers may identify their devices as a ‘pet’ model or ‘pet series,'” adds Hooman Shahidi, iRobot’s Vice President of Product Management. “Customers should think about what those marketing terms imply. Is the product genuinely effective at removing pet hair, or does it only imply extra accessories?” Generally, vacuums designed with pet hair in mind are made with unique bristles or special filters for dealing with fur and dander; they often come with accessories that can be used to remove pet hair from the surfaces your cat or dog frequents.
Pet-Centric Features
One of the common complaints with traditional vacuums is that hair easily becomes tangled in the bristles, making them inefficient at picking up extra fur until it has been thoroughly (and laboriously) cleaned. Pet-cleaning machines include coverings over the bristles to avoid the matted look and are often bagless, so they don’t lose suction over time.
Bottom Line
You don’t have to own a dog or a cat to benefit from the extra features of pet-specific vacuums, but most of these capabilities are geared at tasks that need a lot of hair. That being said, you don’t always need a pet vacuum to keep your house clean for your furry pals. “Almost all Roomba vacuums come standard with dual, multi-surface rubber brushes—a patented design that lifts pet and human hair from carpet and hard floors and passes it through to the robot’s bin, preventing hair tangles that are often found on bristle brushes,” Shahidi says. “These unique brushes are meant to combat the fluffiest, hairiest pets and their manes, each brush adjusting and flexing to stay in constant contact with carpet and hard floors.”
Other Considerations
Therefore, you should think about more than simply whether a vacuum is labeled as pet-friendly before purchasing it. These cleaning machines’ equipment, attachments, and convenience of use are all significant qualities. Ultimately, if your vacuum isn’t simple to use, it’s unlikely that you will turn to it frequently enough to stay on top of all that pet hair.