A vacuum cleaner speeds up the cleaning process and gives better results than manual cleaning. Moreover, it is a great way to clean various cleaning surfaces in your homes, such as carpets, hardwood floors, tiles, and marbles.
A vacuum cleaner can do wonders if you have pets at home; removing pet mess and pet hair manually can get pretty difficult. The pet hair gets stuck inside the carpet fibers, gathers under the furniture, and lodges on upholstery. Removing them manually is impossible, but a vacuum cleaner with the right attachment can make your work easy.
If you consider the flooring pattern and living style of an average American family, you will find different floors like carpets, hardwood, and tiles. Moreover, 70% of the US households, or 90.5 million families, own a pet.
Hence, it is safe to say that a vacuum cleaner for carpets, hardwood floors, and pet hair is the demand for more than half of the families in the US. The problem arises when you try to find a vacuum cleaner that can do everything for you. You would find 100s of models for carpets, pet hair, and hardwood floor, but you would rarely find a model that has the power and potential to be an all-in-one vacuum cleaner for your household.
This is where I come in; I have researched various models and found the ones that can clean carpets, hardwood floors and remove pet hair and pet mess. I have also included a buying guide and some FAQs to help you make a well-informed purchase decision.
You may be thinking, why only upright vacuum cleaners. Upright vacuum cleaners are easy to use, lightweight, easy to store, and give great results. They are also light on your pocket.
Let’s check the best upright vacuum cleaners for carpet, pet hair, and hardwood floors! But before we start, you should have a look on this (Best Upright Vacuum Cleaner under $200 & $100) and this (The 7 Best Upright Vacuum Cleaners with Bag) guide.
The 7 Best Upright Vacuum Cleaners for Carpet, Pet Hair, and Hardwood Floors
1. BISSELL 2254 Clean View Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner
Features
- Power Source: Corded
- Cord Length: 27 Feet
- Filter: Reusable
- Dust Capacity: 1.0 liters
- Dimensions: 13 x 14 x 46 inches
- Weight: 13.65 pounds
Review: Bissell is one of the best vacuum cleaners that you can use to clean carpets, hardwood floors and remove pet hair and pet mess from your home. The vacuum cleaner comes with all the essential attachments to make it an an-in-one vacuum cleaner.
The AC-powered vacuum cleaner comes with a 27 feet long power cord that frees you from the hassle of using extensions and changing plugs to clean a room. It also comes with an automatic cord rewind feature, making it easier to wrap up post-cleaning.
Bissell’s triple action brush roll with scatter-free technology is great for capturing pet hair and other dry mess on your floor. One thing I like about the brush roll is that you can adjust its height while transiting from carpets to the hard floor. The multi-adjustment feature makes it easier to clean your entire home in one go. Its 13.6-inch wide cleaning path is bigger than other vacuums and lets you clean your home with fewer sweeps.
The specialized pet tools like the pet hair corner tool and pet turbo eraser tool make it easier and quicker to suck all the pet hair and leave nothing behind. These tools with the cleaning hose will make it easy to work around tight spots and capture all the pet dander and dirt. Moreover, it comes with a swivel steering making it easier to work around furniture and tight corners.
The 1.0-liter dust can is good enough for cleaning homes up to 2100 Sq. Ft. and is easy to empty and reinstall. The top mount dust can allows the users to lay the vacuum flat and clean under the furniture.
This vacuum doesn’t have a HEPA filter, but it uses a multi-level filtration system to reduce household allergens. This filtration system works great and holds allergens and odor-causing bacteria effectively.
User Feedback: Buyers are happy with their purchase. They mention that a vacuum cleaner works really well and is super effective against pet hair regardless of the surface you are cleaning. Moreover, its extra-wide cleaning path gets the work done in less time compared to other upright cleaners. Many buyers also praise the specialized pet tools and how they make life easy with pets.
Some people mention that it would have been better if the vacuum had a crevice tool and attachments to work around tight spots and sofas.
Pros
- Easy assembly
- User-friendly dust can
- Powerful suction force
- Automatic cord retractor
Cons
- The brush roll can’t be turned off
- Slightly heavy
2. HOOVER Wind Tunnel 2 Upright Vacuum Cleaner
Features
- Power Source: Corded
- Cord Length: 25 feet
- Filter: HEPA
- Dust Capacity: 1.29 liters
- Dimensions: 13 x 13.5 x 44.5 inches
- Weight: 16.1 pounds
Review: If you are looking for a whole house vacuum cleaner for large homes, Hoover’s Wind Tunnel 2 is a great option. The vacuum comes with a 1.29-liter dust capacity that is best for large homes and people who have more than one pet in their homes.
The vacuum cleaner makes use of 2 cleaning channels to remove dust, debris, and pet hair from different floors such as carpets, tiles, and hardwood. One thing I like about this vacuum cleaner is the on/off the multi-floor brush roll. You can turn it on while working on carpets and turn it off while cleaning hardwood floors.
Another good thing about this vacuum cleaner is the 16 feet long cleaning hose. You can use this to clean stairs, high-up spots and even use this vacuum cleaner in your cars. The vacuum cleaner comes with a crevice tool, a pet turbo tool, and a pivoting dusting brush.
This vacuum features HEPA filtration. It is great for capturing allergens and odor-causing bacteria to keep your carpets and floors clean and free from germs.
With a 25 feet, long power cord with a 1.29-liter dust capacity, the cleaner will not bother you during a cleaning session. The automatic cord rewind system helps pack up quickly after a cleaning session.
One thing I don’t like about this vacuum cleaner is that it is heavy; weighing 16 pounds, you will have to do some heavy lifting while working with this vacuum cleaner.
User Feedback: Buyers are happy about the purchase. They mention that this vacuum cleaner works well and delivers a strong suction force to remove stuck hair and debris from carpets. It performs exceptionally well on hardwood floors as well. The included accessories, especially the pivoting dusting brush, make this vacuum cleaner an all-rounder.
Some users complain about the vacuum cleaner getting loud at times, particularly when the dust bag fills up more than 50%. A couple of reviews also mention power fade.
Pros
- Strong suction
- Very long hose
- Rubber pads on attachment work great
- HEPA filter
- Durable hose
Cons
- The on/off button is located in an awkward position
- Flimsy attachments
- Heavier
3. SHARK ZU62 Navigator Upright Vacuum Cleaner
Features
- Power Source: Corded
- Cord Length: 25 feet
- Filter: HEPA
- Dust Capacity: 2.6 liters
- Dimensions: 9.84 x 11.97 x 45.28 inches
- Weight: 16 pounds
Review: If you are looking for a large capacity vacuum cleaner, this is the best one you will find. Shark’ ZU62 navigator upright vacuum cleaner is a great machine for large homes and people who have 2-3 pets at home.
The corded upright vacuum cleaner delivers a powerful suction force that provides non-stop fade-free power to remove embedded and stuck pet hair on carpets, hardwood floors, and other surfaces.
One thing I don’t like about this vacuum cleaner is that it doesn’t come with a crevice tool or any other tool. The lack of these tools limits the vacuum’s functionality to only cleaning floors. However, it comes with an extendable cleaning hose and a cleaning brush. You can use the cleaning brush with the extendable hose to clean high-up areas and hard-to-reach spots.
The vacuum’s filtration system is excellent. Combining the HEPA filter with an anti-allergen seal technology ensures that the dust particles and odor-causing bacteria are trapped by the vacuum effectively.
The extendable cleaning hose is 12 feet long, and the power cord is 25 feet long. However, the cleaning hose is not as long as the Hoover Wind Tunnel reviewed above but gets the job done.
The best thing about this vacuum cleaner is its self-clean technology. You don’t need to spend hours cleaning its brush-like other vacuum cleaners. The self-clean brush speeds up the cleaning process and gives great results.
Its cleaning path is not as wide as the two cleaners reviewed above. The 11.97-inch wide cleaning path covers less area in a sweep, and you will need to do more sweeps to clean your house. It has a swivel steering that makes it easier to navigate the cleaner around tight spots.
User Feedback: This vacuum cleaner’s most commonly praised feature is its self-cleaning brush roll. Buyers like this vacuum cleaner because it frees them from the tedious job of cleaning brush roll, picking, and cutting pet hair.
Other praises for this vacuum cleaner include powerful suction force, large dustbin capacity, silent and user-friendly operation.
Many buyers are not happy with its pricing. They mention that this vacuum cleaner misses out on crevice and upholstery tools that are very important for cleaning furniture items and hard-to-reach spots.
Pros
- Excellent cleaning and suction power
- It can handle a cleaning load of 4-5 pets
- Innovative self-cleaning
- Grey color; it doesn’t attract much dust
Cons
- No additional tools
- Small wheels make it difficult to push on lush wheels
4. KENMORE BU4022 Intuition Bagged Upright Vacuum Lift-Up Carpet Cleaner
Features
- Power Source: Corded
- Cord Length: 30 feet
- Filter: HEPA
- Dust Capacity: 3.1 liters
- Dimensions: 33 x 12 x 11.1 inches
- Weight: 14 pounds
Review: Before I review this vacuum cleaner, you must understand what a bagged vacuum cleaner is. A bagged vacuum cleaner comes with a dusting bag instead of a dust bin. The dust, debris, and pet hair gather in the bag, and you replace the bag when it gets full.
These machines are great for people living in large homes and can easily manage to throw away dust bags. Bagged vacuum cleaners need replacement bags, so you’ll have to deal with an additional operational cost.
Kenmore’s BU4022 is a powerful bagged vacuum cleaner that provides a suction force up to 19500 Pa to ensure that nothing is left behind once you sweep the floor with this vacuum cleaner. Moreover, a 30 feet long power cord provides enough slack to clean an entire room without using power extensions or unplugging.
The dust bag in this vacuum cleaner has a capacity of 3.1 liters and comes with a no-contact change mechanism. You don’t need to touch the bag to clean it. However, you must keep an eye on it as the vacuum gets louder when the bag is about to fill. But you don’t need to worry, as this vacuum’s bag fill indicator makes it easy to know the right time to change the filter.
One thing I like about this vacuum cleaner is the built-in LED lights. It helps clean in dark spots and facilitates nighttime cleaning as well. The vacuum is lightweight compared to the bagless models reviewed above, which makes it easily maneuverable with its swivel steering.
Another thing worth mentioning is the 5-year warranty on this cleaner. Most manufacturers offer a 1-2 year warranty on their upright cleaners. The included parts like dusting brush, 3-in-1 combination tool, pet handi-mate, and 6 HEPA bags make this vacuum worth every cent.
One drawback of this vacuum cleaner is that it is loud. The manufacturer states it operates at 75 dBA, but it can get loud when the bag is full or cleaning a heavy load. Overall, the vacuum is a great buy.
User Feedback: User reviews and feedback reveals that this is a great machine for all-in-one usage. They mention powerful suction, much higher than bagless models, large dust capacity, and lightweight design. The included attachments make it easier to handle various applications, making it a great machine to own.
The complaints include loud operating noise and small cleaning hoses. You need a step stool to clean high-up places using this vacuum cleaner.
Pros
- Versatile: Can be used in different ways
- Best value for money
- Easy assembly
- Big warranty
- 6 spare bags
Cons
- Loud operation (louder than a 10,000-watt generator)
- No automatic cord retractor
5. EUREKA Power Speed Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner
Features
- Power Source: Corded
- Cord Length: 25 feet
- Filter: Reusable
- Dust Capacity: 4.1 liters
- Dimensions: 13.4 x 14 x 44.5 inches
- Weight: 10 Pounds
Review: This vacuum cleaner is best for large homes with many pets. The 4.1-liter dust capacity with a powerful suction force will unleash the power you need to clean and remove pet hair, dust, and debris from your floors. Moreover, it comes with a pet turbo tool, dusting brush, and an upholstery tool to ensure that you never feel limited while working with this vacuum cleaner.
The 5-height adjustment option on this model makes it super easy to transit from carpets to hardwood floors. It is a lightweight machine and won’t tire your hands like heavy machines.
The power cord is long enough to clean a standard-sized room without any hiccups. You may need to connect the extension cord or change plugs while cleaning large rooms.
One thing I like about this vacuum cleaner is the onboard storage space for tools and attachments. It comes with a 7 feet long hose to clean stairs and high-up areas without any issues. The cleaning width is 12.6 inches to provide a wide cleaning path, enabling you to complete the cleaning session in fewer sweeps.
Overall, it is a good machine for under $100. This is the best option for budget buyers with large homes and pets.
User Feedback: The vacuum gets mixed reviews from buyers. Some people are so happy with its performance that they rate it above costly vacuum cleaners from leading brands like Bissell, Hoover, and Shark. The common points praised by buyers include strong suction, a wide cleaning path, and onboard storage.
On the other hand, some buyers don’t like this machine because it stopped working for them after a couple of months. A handful of reviews mention durability issues. Some buyers also mention power fade if the vacuum runs continuously for more than 30 minutes.
Pros
- Great vacuum for the price
- Lightweight and easy to move around
- Adjustable floor settings
- Works great on pets
- Large dust bin
Cons
- Wheels stuck in plush carpets
- Loud operation
- Flimsy attachments
6. DIRT DEVIL Endura Max XL Upright Vacuum Cleaner
Features
- Power Source: Corded
- Cord Length: 25 feet
- Filter: Pleated filter with foam
- Dust Capacity: 2 liters
- Dimensions: 13 x 14 x 45 inches
- Weight: 13 pounds
Review: Dirt Devil’s vacuum cleaner is the penultimate vacuum cleaner on my list. This vacuum cleaner is a great buy for budget buyers who want to remove pet hair and keep their homes neat and clean.
The vacuum features a 2-liter dust capacity which is good enough for large homes or mid-size homes with two floors. Moreover, you can empty it with just a push of the button, making it easier to empty during a cleaning session or post-cleaning.
The vacuum cleaner comes with 4 level height adjustments that allow you to quickly transit from hardwood floors to carpets. Its Spin4Pro brush roll with clean path technology with a 14-inch wide cleaning path provides matchless cleaning and gets the job done in fewer sweeps.
Another mentionable feature in this vacuum cleaner is a 12-feet long cleaning hose. It allows you to clean high-up areas, stairs, and even your cars without lifting the vacuum. The vacuum uses a carbon filter instead of a HEPA filter. Carbon filters are great for capturing odor-causing bacteria and allergens.
You get a pet tool, a 2-in-1 dusting brush, and a crevice tool for cleaning hard-to-reach areas. Overall, this is a good vacuum at the price it comes.
User Feedback: The vacuum cleaner gets mixed reviews from buyers. It has some great features to its credit that buyers love, but it also has some complaints. Some users mention that attachments break after a couple of months, and the vacuum starts to drop power as it gets old.
The biggest complaint highlighted by buyers is that the release handle doesn’t work. You have to push it hard to make it work, which breaks in the process.
Pros
- Long cleaning hose
- Easy to empty dust canister
- Good suction on the floor and the hose
Cons
- Flimsy attachments
- Loud operation
7. LG Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner
Features
- Power Source: Battery
- Battery Type: Lithium-ion
- Recharging Time: 3-4 hours (one battery)
- Work Time: 80 minutes (with 2 batteries)
- Filter: Reusable
- Dust Capacity: 0.4 liters
- Dimensions: 10.2 x 44.1 x 10.6 inches
- Weight: 5.63 pounds
Review: If you don’t like to deal with power cords, this is a good option. However, the cordless vacuum cleaner from LG comes at almost double the price of the models I have reviewed above.
However, considering the features and runtime this vacuum cleaner offers, the price hike is justified. It offers up to 80 minutes of runtime and comes with a spare battery. You can use one battery and recharge the other one while cleaning.
The vacuum’s design is also versatile. You can convert the vacuum into a handheld model, making it an ideal option to clean your cars, sofas, and other hard-to-reach spots. Since this is a convertible model, it misses out on a cleaning hose.
One thing I like about this vacuum cleaner is that it comes with multi-level speed modes. The vacuum cleaner offers a turbo mode that boosts the suction power when dealing with something tough and stubborn on your floor.
The vacuum comes with a wall-mount charger that is a great and convenient way to store or charge your machine when not in use. Its controls are also easy to use, and the one-touch control system makes this vacuum cleaner user-friendly.
The vacuum’s filtration system is one of a kind. A total of 5 filtration stages ensure that it captures the tiniest of particles on the floor. The first stage, a metal dust filter, catches large dust particles. The second and third stages are cyclone stages, the third stage is a pre-filter, and the last stage is a fine dust filter that catches ultra-fine dust particles.
One thing I don’t like about this vacuum cleaner is its small dust capacity. You will need to empty the dust container at least twice while cleaning your home. However, the easy release system makes it easier to empty and clean the dust container.
User Feedback: This is one of the best cordless vacuum cleaners you will find in the market, but it is not very popular due to its high price. People who bought this vacuum cleaner praise it for its extended runtime and powerful batteries. The vacuum cleaner delivers a powerful suction force that makes catching all the dust particles from the floor easier.
The common complaints include high price and a small dust can. There is no use in having an extended runtime when you have to empty the dust can now and then.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight
- Long working time
- Spare battery included
- Quiet operation
Cons
- Extremely costly
- Small dust bin
Best Upright Vacuum Cleaner for Carpet, Pet Hair & Hardwood Floor Compared
Buying Guide
You don’t buy a vacuum cleaner every day. A vacuum cleaner should last for at least 5 -7 years. To ensure that your machine lasts for this much time, you must check all the features present in it before buying one.
I have compiled a list of all the features you need to consider before buying a vacuum cleaner. It will help you finalize your decision and make a well-informed purchase decision.
Features to Consider before Buying a Best Upright Vacuum Cleaner for Carpets, Pet Hair, and Hardwood Floors
Power Source: Corded or Cordless Vacuum Cleaners
Most of the vacuum cleaners you will find in the category are corded. There are two things you need to consider regarding the corded machines. First is the cord length; the vacuum’s cord length must be long enough so that you can navigate a room easily without unplugging or using extensions. Make sure you buy a vacuum cleaner with at least 20 feet long power cord.
The other thing to consider is the automatic cord rewind. After a tiresome cleaning session, no one wants to roll a 20-feet long power cord. So, it is better to buy a vacuum cleaner with an automatic cord rewind feature.
If you are going for a cordless vacuum cleaner, don’t forget to check the battery type, recharging time, power, and cleaning time. I recommend buying a vacuum cleaner with lithium-ion batteries as they are more durable than NiCad batteries. Moreover, the standard time for a full battery recharge is 3-4 hours, and these batteries work for 30-40 minutes. Some high-end models like the LG cordless vacuum I reviewed above offer runtime up to 80 minutes.
Bagged or Bagless Vacuum Cleaners
You can select from a bagged or bagless vacuum cleaner when it comes to corded models. Bagless vacuum cleaners have onboard dust canisters that collect the dust, and you can empty them once they get full.
Bagged vacuum cleaners come with bags that collect dust. You will have to change the bag once it gets filled. Bagged vacuum cleaners have more capacity than bagless models but have an operational cost in the shape of dust bags.
Suction Power
The next important thing to consider is the suction power. The suction power is almost the same whether you buy a cordless or corded; bagless or a bagged model. However, removing pet hair requires high suction power; you must consider your usage pattern.
Dust Capacity
You must check the dust capacity of the machine you are buying. A 1-liter dust capacity is enough for homes up to 2100 Sq. Ft. area. So, you need to check it out as per your usage pattern and the number of pets in your home. The dust container fills up pretty quickly when you have pets at home.
Filtration
I suggest HEPA filtration when you have pets at home. HEPA filters are great for capturing odor-causing bacteria and allergens. Other types of filters are reusable and carbon filters.
Cleaning Hose Length
Don’t forget to check the cleaning hose length. You will frequently use the cleaning hose to clean high-up areas, stairs, under the furniture, and many other things. A long cleaning hose will make things easy for you and free you from the hassle of using step stools or ladders.
Tools and Attachments
If you buy a multi-purpose vacuum cleaner, it must have all the required attachments like a pet tool, crevice, and a dusting brush. Without these attachments, the vacuum’s usability will be limited, and you will not be able to use it for more than one purpose.
Design and Weight
The vacuum must be lightweight and easy to maneuver. Make sure you check its design features like wheel size, handle, weight and steering. All these features impact the machine’s usability in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which are the best upright vacuum cleaner for carpet, pet hair, and hardwood floor?
BISSELL 2254 Clean View Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner is the best vacuum cleaner for carpets, pet hair, and hardwood floors.
What is the average life of an upright vacuum cleaner?
An upright vacuum cleaner lasts for 5-7 years if you take good care of the machine.
How often should I vacuum my home?
The answer to this question depends on your lifestyle. Most pet owners complain about pet hair despite vacuuming their homes 1-2 times a week. To avoid pet hair in your home, you can vacuum the high-traffic areas of your pet, its bed, and home daily and vacuum the rest of the home thrice a week.
How can I avoid power fade from my vacuum in the long run?
To avoid loss of suction power, you must keep your vacuum clean. You can do two things to ensure that no power is lost during cleaning; empty the dust canister halfway or replace the dust bag when it is 90% full. You must also clean/replace the filters timely.
How to clean an upright vacuum cleaner?
Cleaning an upright vacuum cleaner is not a difficult task. You don’t need any specialized tools to do this.
- Turn off the power or remove the battery before cleaning.
- Remove the dust canister or remove the dust bag if you have a bagged model.
- Empty and wash the dust bin; replace the bag if it is full.
- Inspect the filter; clean it or replace it.
- Clean all the parts of your vacuum cleaner with a soft microfiber cloth or use cans of compressed air cans to blow out the dust on the vacuum’s body.
- Assemble all the parts back once the dust can is dry.
Final Words
Now that you know everything about the best upright vacuum cleaners for carpets, pet hair, and hardwood floors, I hope making the final decision will be easier for you. The vacuum cleaners can make your life easy in so many ways, provided you know how to get the best one as per your needs.
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