All pet owners know the struggle of removing pet hair from their car, sofas, bed, and floor. If you have a hairy friend at home and take him out on a car trip now and then, you know how difficult it can be to remove all the hair from the car. Pet hair can settle down in hard-to-reach places, get stuck in the car’s upholstery, and can be a pain to remove unless you don’t have the right tool to do it.
Car cleaning experts believe that nothing works better than a vacuum cleaner when it comes to cleaning pet hair from your car. You may be aware of car vacuum cleaners, but the ordinary ones don’t work well when removing pet hair from your car.
This is why a burgeoning market exists for car vacuum cleaners for pet hair. Getting a new vacuum cleaner for removing pet hair from your car is no easy deal. There are hundreds of models available from various brands, and all claim to be the best. This is a problem that an average car owner cannot deal with. Hence, I decided to solve this problem for you.
I reviewed the best car vacuum cleaners for pet hair available in the market and shortlisted the top 7 models. All of the vacuums in this list have been carefully vetted to ensure that you get the best machine as per your needs. Moreover, I have also included a buying guide and some FAQs to help you make the best purchase decision.
And don’t forget to read this guide–> Best Car Vacuum Cleaners with Tire Inflator
Let’s get the pet hair out of your cars!
Best Car Vacuum Cleaner for Pet Hair
1. THISWORX Car Vacuum Cleaner for Pet Hair
Features
- Power Source: Corded
- Suction Power: 106W & 8.8 amps
- Filter Type: HEPA filter (single paper)
- Dimensions: 13.4 x 4 x 4.3 inches
- Weight: 2.4 ounces
Review: Thisworkx car vacuum is a purpose-built machine to remove all the pet hair, dust, debris, and pebbles from your car. The lightweight machine is best for small cars, trucks, RVs, and camper vans.
The 12V DC car vacuum cleaner works like magic when looking for detailed deep cleaning of your car. Its 16 feet long power cable facilitates cleanup from all the areas of your car. You don’t need to worry about cleaning the trunk, under the seats, or the back of your car as its wire reaches your entire car.
The unit features a powerful 106 watts motor that generates a powerful suction force for removing stuck pet hair from your car. The included attachments (flathead, extendable, or brush nozzle) facilitate cleanup on all the areas of your car. It works great on foot mats as well. Moreover, the package includes a carry bag, a filter cleanup brush, and a spare filter for hassle-free long-term use.
Overall, this is a no-complain, easy-to-use, and reliable pet hair vacuum cleaner that you can use anywhere anytime without the tension of recharging the battery. The best thing I like about this vacuum is its sturdy built quality. The included components and parts are also made from high-quality materials. It offers the best value for money.
User Feedback: Buyers are extremely happy with their purchases. This machine is the most frequently bought, and there are no bad reviews about it. The most common praises include powerful suction force, great cleaning, and high-quality built quality.
There are no major complaints about this vacuum cleaner. A few people complain about feeble suction, but it all gets sorted once you connect the right attachment tool.
Pros
- Good cord length
- Sturdy and well-built
- Ergonomic design
- Spare filter
Cons
- None so far
2. BISSELL 1782 Pet Hair Eraser Cordless Hand and Car Vacuum
Features
- Power Source: Cordless
- Filter Type: Washable
- Dimensions: 4.5 x 16 x 6.75 inches
- Weight: 3 pounds
Review: This is the best cordless car vacuum cleaner for pet hair. If you don’t like hanging cords while working around your car, you need a cordless battery-operated vacuum cleaner.
The unit comes with NiMH batteries. The batteries are rechargeable, and the charging cord is included in the box. All you have to do is unbox the pack, hook up the charger, and you are good to go once the unit is completely charged.
You can also use this tool to clean your carpets, hardwood floors, or other surfaces. However, you must not overload the machine and never allow the battery to be drained completely. The included upholstery tool in the box is great for cleaning the upholstery of your car. You can also use it to clean the wet messes of your pet.
Its crevice tool is best for cleaning hard-to-reach areas in your car, such as spaces between the seats, below the seats, and under the dashboard.
One thing I don’t like about this unit is the long charging time and only 15 minutes of activity. You will have to wait 5 hours to have 15 minutes of cleaning time. This is where a corded model comes in handy. There is no limitation on how long you can run the machine.
The cleaner comes with a 1-year warranty for parts and labor.
User Feedback: The only issue with this cleaner is a low operation time. Buyers mention that they have to put the vacuum on charging one night before cleanup. It fails to deliver in case of any accidents.
The common praises include strong built quality, low noise operation, ergonomic design, good warranty, and helpful customer service.
Pros
- Easy to use and clean
- Decent suction
- Silent working
Cons
- Poor battery timing
3. SHARK Pet-Perfect Cordless Bag-less Portable Hand Vacuum for Cars, Carpet, and Hard Floor
Features
- Power Source: Cordless
- Filter Type: Washable
- Dimensions: 61 x 15.55 x 6.14 inches
- Weight: 5 pounds
Review: This is yet another good-quality car vacuum cleaner for pet hair. The unit uses a cyclonic twister technology that delivers a strong suction while cleaning so that no pet hair, mess, or food spills are left on your car.
The unit uses a 15.6V lithium-ion battery. A lithium-ion battery is more durable than a NiMH in durability and charging time. Please note that you must not charge the battery below 32F temperature as lithium-ion batteries don’t support low-temperature charging.
One thing I like about this vacuum is its motorized brush. The rotating brush picks up debris and pet hair from all the surfaces. This makes the unit more effective and powerful against pet hair. The unit also includes a crevice tool for removing pet hair from hard-to-reach areas.
The total dust capacity is 1.8 quarts. The cleanable filter doesn’t need a bag to store the dust.
User Feedback: The overall feedback for this product is great. Buyers are extremely satisfied with their purchase and mention how this vacuum cleaner has solved the pet hair problem in their cars. Users also exclaim that this vacuum cleaner is a great tool for removing pet hair from other surfaces like carpets, hardwood floors, and tiles.
The common negative points highlighted by buyers include battery dying after 8-12 years and random suction problems when you work with the wrong attachment.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Easy to clean
- Brush attachment for pet cleanup
- Good suction
Cons
- Battery durability issues
4. BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Handheld Corded Vacuum Cleaner for Cars
Features
- Power Source: Corded
- Filter Type: Multi-level filter
- Dimensions: 10 x 5 x 8 inches
- Weight: 3.7 pounds
Review: If you don’t like a battery-operated pet hair car vacuum, this corded vacuum cleaner is a good option. The one-of-a-kind vacuum cleaner can handle different applications such as cars, carpets, hardwood floors, stairs, upholstery, and many other surfaces. However, you must not overload the machine as it has a small motor and is specifically meant to remove pet hair and pet mess.
The pet hair vacuum uses multi-layer filtration for improved cleaning, and it is built around a cyclonic cleaning system. One thing I like about this vacuum is its long power cord. The 16 feet long cable doesn’t become a hassle while cleaning your car. Please note that the unit works only on an AC outlet, and it doesn’t support your car’s 12V DC outlet. So, you will have to arrange a power connection near the cleaning area.
Its dirt capacity is also larger than other cleaners reviewed above. This helps facilitate longer cleaning sessions. The bag-less dirt container is easy to empty, and the filter comes with an easy and hassle-free washing.
The package includes a flexible contour nozzle and hard nozzle. It comes with a 1-year warranty.
User Feedback: The buyers are happy with their purchase. Many people mention that this unit has everything they need for cleaning pet hair from their cars, carpets, sofas, beds, and many other places.
The only issue with this machine is that you need an AC outlet every time you use it. If you don’t have a power cord extension, this can be a hassle.
Pros
- Powerful suction
- No battery recharging problem
- Easy to clean and use
Cons
- Long hairs get wrapped around the rubber part
- Loud operation
5. VACLIFE Handheld Car Vacuum Cleaner for Pet Hair
Features
- Power Source: Cordless
- Filter Type: HEPA filter
- Dimensions: 54 x 4.72 x 5.51 inches
- Weight: 76 pounds
Review: VacLife’s battery-operated vacuum cleaner is a good choice for people who don’t like cords and prefer to own a compact and lightweight vacuum cleaner.
Apart from good suction power, this unit is known for its low weight and aesthetic appeal. The gray and black color makes this cleaner look attractive. It comes with 2 attachments and a filter cleaning brush to help you clean the filter quickly and effectively.
Please note that this unit will charge on an AC outlet. It can’t be run on your car’s 12V cigarette lighter. The unit takes 3-4 hours to recharge fully, and a fully charged battery lasts for 20 minutes. Please note that the runtime may vary depending on the cleaning load. Its battery timing is better than battery-operated car vacuum cleaners on my list.
One thing I like about this machine is the included LED light that illuminates the working area. It is a great feature for cleaning dark spots in your car, like under the seats and below the dashboard. Please note that turning on the LED light will impact the vacuum’s battery timing.
User Feedback: This is quite a famous model. The buyers are happy about its performance and mention that it performs well compared to other battery-operated vacuum cleaners they have tried before. Some of the buyers even mention higher battery timing than 20 minutes.
A handful of buyers complain about suction problems.
Pros
- Good battery life
- Silent operation
- Good suction
Cons
- Air vent blows up dirt and hair
- No automatic battery recharging shutoff
6. CHERYLONVAC Handheld Car Vacuum Cordless for Pet Hair
Features
- Power Source: Cordless
- Filter Type: Reusable
- Dimensions: 13.46 x 7.17 x 6.26 inches
- Weight: 3.03 pounds
Review: CherylonVac’s pet hair vacuum cleaner is best for people looking for a super-powerful vacuum cleaner. The unit has two working modes with variable suction speeds. One mode generates 6500 Pa suction force, and the other one generates 10000 Pa suction force. Please note that battery time will vary as per the mode selected and the cleaning load.
The vacuum cleaner uses three 2200mAh lithium-ion batteries with quick charge technology. Its battery life is greater than all the vacuum cleaners reviewed above. It runs for 30 minutes after a full recharge, and the batteries take around 3 hours for a full recharge.
The filters are easy to clean. One thing I like about this machine is the spare filter in the box. You can use the additional filter if one is dirty. The package includes 3 multi-purpose nozzles, 2 filters, a carry bag, and a charging adapter.
Ensure that you don’t use the machine if charging. It is best to charge the vacuum 100% before using it.
User Feedback: This is one of the most powerful vacuums as per the user feedback. However, it has some serious issues. Most buyers mention that the cleaner died after 3-4 months of use. Moreover, it is more costly than other vacuums on our list.
Pros
- Lightweight
- It comes with 2 filters
- Powerful suction
- Good battery life
Cons
- Not a durable machine
7. XREXS Portable Hand Held Car Vacuum Cleaner for Pet Hair
Features
- Power Source: Cordless
- Filter Type: Reusable
- Dimensions: 12.83 x 4.02 x 3.58 inches
- Weight: 1.3 pounds
Review: The last pet hair vacuum cleaner for cars on my list is yet another cordless vacuum cleaner. The machine delivers a powerful suction force of 8000 Pa. It will remove all the hair from your car, carpets, upholstery, and even hardwood floors.
It uses a lithium-ion battery that can last for 20 minutes and takes around 4-5 hours for a full charge. One thing I like about this unit is the charging system. It offers 3 layers of battery protection in the shape of temperature protection, input voltage protection, and input current protection. The protection system enhances the battery life.
Another mentionable thing about this vacuum cleaner is it’s lightweight. It weighs only 1.3 pounds. Low weight is great while cleaning because it doesn’t stress your hands. Another good thing about this machine is its compact design. A small machine makes it easy to clean hard-to-reach areas. The package includes a 2-in-1 crevice tool, a dusting brush tool, a hose, a cleaning brush, a wall charger, and a USB cable.
User Feedback: The product gets mixed feedback from buyers. Overall, it has everything you need in a pet hair vacuum cleaner, but it isn’t a durable machine.
The most common complaint is about the machine dying after 6-9 months of use. Some people also mention poor suction, build quality problems, and poor battery timing.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Good design
- Ergonomic shape
Cons
- Poor suction
- Not so durable
Best Car Vacuum Cleaner for Pet Hair Compared
Buying Guide
Any pet owner knows that a vacuum cleaner is the best way to remove all the pet hair from the car after a trip with your hairy friend, but not everyone is aware of the features you must consider before buying a pet hair vacuum.
In this section of this review, I will walk you through all the features that you need to consider before buying a pet hair vacuum cleaner for your car.
Features to Consider before buying a Vacuum Cleaner for Pet Hair
Power Source
When it comes to the power source, you have two options; battery-operated or corded. Corded machines run on your car’s 12V cigarette lighter or an AC outlet. These machines have a wire length, and it varies from one machine to another. Hence, you must consider the cord length before making the final purchase. Moreover, managing wires may be a hassle for some users.
The other option is battery-operated pet hair vacuum cleaners. These machines need to be charged before usage. A high-quality battery-operated vacuum cleaner takes around 4-5 hours to recharge, and the battery lasts for 20-30 minutes. This is a big limitation. If you want to use your machine for extended times, you should buy a corded vacuum cleaner.
Moreover, if you plan to use the machine in areas other than your car, you will need extended operation hours. A battery-operated vacuum cleaner will not be able to do this.
Type of Filter
Vacuum cleaners for pet hair mostly have a HEPA filter. HEPA filters are great for removing dander that can cause allergies and rashes. Some have washable filters, and some have paper filters. I would recommend that you go with a HEPA filter vacuum as it is best for removing most of the dust and dander. The next best option is a washable filter, as it can be reused and is economical in the long run.
Suction Power
The next important thing to consider is the suction power. Make sure that you select the machine that has the highest suction power. Moreover, if you have pets with long hair, a low-powered vacuum cleaner will not do any good for you. Hence, checking the suction power is critical before making your final purchase decision.
Car Size and Interior
Your car vacuuming needs will change depending on the size of your car. If you have a big car, you must buy a vacuum with a big dust cap and powerful suction. For such cases, a corded model with a large dust container will be the best.
A cordless vacuum cleaner with 20-30 minutes of battery timing will do the needful for small car owners. Moreover, a small car has many hard-to-reach areas; a small and compact cleaner will do great in such environments.
The type of interior in your car also matters while selecting the vacuum cleaner. Make sure you pick the right attachment as per the seat material. If you have leather seats, a soft brush attachment with medium suction force is the right recipe for cleaning. On the contrary, fabric seats need more suction power to dislodge the stuck hair.
Attachment and Tools
Don’t forget to check the included attachments and the tools in the vacuum cleaner. Choosing a vacuum with the right set of attachments and tools is critical because these attachments and working tools will determine the machine’s usability.
The vacuum must have at least two tools; a crevice for cleaning the narrow and hard-to-reach areas and a rubber brush to help lift ingrained hair on seats and mats.
Design and Weight
The vacuum cleaner must have an ergonomic design as the process will take some time. You must check the vacuum cleaner handle and make sure that you will be able to hold it comfortably. Look out for a design with an ergonomic handle.
The vacuum must be lightweight. It will take you at least 15 minutes to remove all the dander and pet mess from your car. I don’t want you to have pain in your hands and arms after cleaning. Hence, consider the weight of the machine before buying it.
Portability
If you want to keep the vacuum cleaner in your car, look for one with a 12V power rating or a cordless one. Corded (AC-powered) models aren’t meant to be portable. They are best for people that detail cars at their homes.
Cordless vacuum cleaners are also great for commercial vehicles such as Uber, Lyft, and taxis. Drivers can perform a light cleaning session for 1-2 minutes between rides or whenever a pet accompanies a passenger.
FAQs
Which is the best car vacuum for cleaning pet hair?
THISWORX Car Vacuum Cleaner is the best cordless vacuum for removing pet hair, and Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Handheld Vacuum is the best corded vacuum cleaner for removing pet hair.
Can I use a car vacuum in other areas?
Yes. You can use a car vacuum for pet hair removal on other areas like stairs, carpets, sofas, beds, and hardwood floors. However, make sure that you don’t overload the machine.
Why is my vacuum not performing optimally?
The most common reason behind a vacuum cleaner not performing optimally is a dirty filter or a filled-up dust container. Your vacuum can start creating problems if its motor gets heated too early or the brush is broken. If the connected attachment is not working properly or broken, the vacuum will not perform optimally. Battery-operated vacuums can stop working in the right way if the unit is not properly charged.
Why is my vacuuming too loud?
A vacuum can get extra loud if the filter is dirty, the motor is overloaded, and the attachment is not properly connected or broken.
How can I clean a car vacuum?
A car vacuum cleaning regime includes emptying the dust bag, cleaning the filter, and cleaning the interior. Each model has different needs, and this is why you must not clean the interior parts without going through the user manual.
How do I clean hard-to-reach areas and between the seat spots of my car?
Most car vacuum cleaners come with a crevice tool and an extension hose. These attachments are best for cleaning car areas under the seats, between the seats, and below the dashboard.
Will a car vacuum affect the car’s battery?
If you are using the vacuum on the 12V DC outlet of your car, make sure that your car is powered on. This is the basic precaution to take while using anything on your car’s battery. Other factors like your battery’s charging, age, condition, vacuum power, and working duration will impact battery usage.
Final Words
Pets are one of the most loving, caring, and sensitive beings in your life. However, they come at a cost, and the biggest cost of keeping pets is cleanup. We have reviewed the best car vacuum cleaners for pet hair removal from your cars. These little but powerful machines can be used for other applications as well. Buy one as per your needs and make pet hair removal easy.
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