LogoPet-1.png
BestForPets is reader-supported. Your purchases via our links may earn us an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Our Affiliate Disclaimer

The 7 Best Car Vacuums For Pet Hair

As a pet owner, I understand the struggle of removing pet hair from your car.

Long car rides with your dog or trips to the vet with your cat can result in a lot of hair accumulation, which can be problematic, especially if you or your family members have allergies.

Using an upright vacuum cleaner in your car can be difficult, which is why investing in a handheld car vacuum is a smart choice.

However, with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one.

That's why BestForPets (bestforpets.org) has created an evaluation list of the best car vacuums for pet hair. We've reviewed each model, discussing the pros and cons, and what we liked and disliked about them.

Our goal is to provide you with all the necessary information to make an informed decision on which handheld car vacuum is best for you and your pet.

We're confident that our evaluation list will help you find the ideal vacuum that meets all of your requirements and effectively removes pet hair from your car.

icon Vet Approved
icon Reviewed & Fact - Checked by

Deborah R. Fletcher (DVM)

Veterinarian

The information provided is current and up-to-date, in line with the latest research conducted in the field of veterinary medicine.

Read more icon

Reviews

1. BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Corded Vacuum

Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Handheld Vacuum

View on Amazon

The BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Corded Handheld Vacuum is the best overall car vacuum for pet hair. This vacuum is specifically designed to remove pet hair and comes with two nozzles.

The first nozzle is a rubber one with small teeth that lifts and removes both hair and debris. The second nozzle is a suction nozzle that’s perfect for cleaning up dog food that has fallen into the car.

It’s lightweight and compact, which makes it easier to reach all the odd spots in your car like the footwells and beneath the seats.

The bagless dust cup is easy to empty, and you’ll never need to buy replacement bags. The 16-foot power cord eliminates the need for recharging the vacuum, although you may need an extension cord.

This Bissell handheld vacuum uses the cyclonic cleaning system and has a multi-layer filtration, making it ideal for cleaning stairs, upholstery, and hard surfaces. The dirt cup can hold up to 0.78 liters of debris.

Included with the vacuum are two specially designed nozzles – the contour nozzle, hard nozzle, and crevice tool. The specialized rubber nozzle attracts hair and pulls out dirt on areas such as stairs and upholstery.

In summary, the BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Corded Handheld Vacuum is the ideal choice for pet owners who want a lightweight, compact, and powerful vacuum that can clean pet hair and debris from their car with ease.

Pros

Outstanding value for money

A unique nozzle

Filtration with many layers

Lightweight and small

Cons

Corded


2. Best Price for ThisWorx Portable Car Vacuum Cleaner

ThisWorx Car Vacuum Cleaner

View on Amazon

If you’re looking for an affordable car vacuum for pet hair, the ThisWorx Portable Vehicle Vacuum Cleaner is an excellent choice. This vacuum comes with an array of specialist accessories that will leave your car’s upholstery clean and free of pet hair in no time.

One of the best features of this vacuum is that it’s powered by the 12-volt socket in your car, making it convenient to use on the go. You don’t need to worry about power outlets or extension cords when using this vacuum.

This handheld vacuum is compact, lightweight, and easy to use. Equipped with a HEPA filter, it’s ready to tackle ash, dust, or drive-thru food spills. It’s perfect for cleaning up after your pets.

The cyclonic force and strong suction of the 106w motor on this handheld vacuum will terminate any dirt, debris, or hard-to-reach crumbs. It even has a top-of-the-line washable filter.

The car cleaning kit includes three attachments for detailing (flathead, extendable, or brush nozzle), a carry bag, filter brush, and spare HEPA filter. These gadgets will help keep the interior of your car cute and tidy.

Pros

Outstanding value for money

Design for ergonomics

Incorporate a HEPA filter

There are numerous accessories.

Cons

Filters must be replaced.


3. BLACK+DECKER HHVK515JP07 Handheld Vacuum

BLACK+DECKER Furbuster Handheld Vacuum

View on Amazon

The Black+Decker Dustbuster Handheld Vacuum for Pets is an excellent choice for pet owners who want a reliable and powerful vacuum for cleaning pet hair from their car’s interior.

Equipped with specialized rubber bristles, this cordless portable vacuum effectively removes pet hair from carpets, upholstery, and hard-to-reach areas. The PowerBoost button provides up to four times the suction power to tackle stubborn dirt and debris.

The extra-large dustbin makes cleaning your entire car in one go easier than ever. Moreover, it is easy to empty thanks to the one-touch easy-empty feature.

The washable filter not only saves you money on replacements but also makes this vacuum ideal for people with allergies.

This vacuum’s efficient battery provides up to 145% more runtime than other handheld vacuums on the market.

The battery indicator lets you know how much battery life is left to complete your task. The vacuum also comes with an extra-long crevice tool to clean hard-to-reach areas with less effort.

In conclusion, the Black+Decker Dustbuster Handheld Vacuum for Pets is a great investment for pet owners who want an efficient and easy-to-use vacuum for cleaning their car’s interior.

Its adjustable suction, washable filter, extra-large dustbin, and long battery life make it a versatile and convenient tool to have on hand.

Pros

Cordless

Filter is washable

Feature of one-touch emptying

Cons

Expensive


4. Cordless Hand Vacuum BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser

Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Lithium Ion Cordless Hand Vacuum

View on Amazon

The BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Cordless Hand Vacuum is an excellent choice for pet owners who need a powerful and efficient vacuum to keep their car’s upholstery free of pet hair.

This cordless handheld vacuum comes with a variety of tools and attachments that are specifically designed to remove pet hair from even the hardest-to-reach spots.

The motorized brush tool and 14-volt lithium-ion battery work together to remove embedded dirt and pet hair. The vacuum also includes a triple filtration system to maintain its cleaning performance over time.

The vacuum’s large dirt bin allows for extended cleaning, and it’s easy to empty when full. Additionally, the vacuum’s handle is comfortable to hold, and swapping out the tools is a breeze.

The BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Cordless Hand Vacuum is a portable and versatile option that is perfect for pet owners on the go.

The vacuum’s specialized pet tools, including the motorized brush tool, upholstery tool, and crevice tool, make it easy to clean pet hair from your car’s interior.

By purchasing the BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Cordless Hand Vacuum, you’ll also be supporting a good cause. BISSELL will donate $5 for each Pet Hair Eraser Li Ion purchase upon activation, helping to save pets in need.

In conclusion, the BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Cordless Hand Vacuum is a fantastic investment for pet owners who want a reliable and efficient vacuum to keep their car’s upholstery free of pet hair.

Its powerful suction, specialized pet tools, and extended battery life make it an excellent choice for pet owners on the go.

Pros

Long running time

There are numerous accessories.

Cordless

Cons

Filters must be replaced.

Expensive


5. Carary Portable Handheld Vacuum 8Kpa

Handheld Vacuum Cordless Rechargeable

View on Amazon

The Carary Portable Handheld Vacuum is an excellent alternative for pet owners who want to eliminate pet hair from their car’s upholstery.

This cordless handheld vacuum is portable and comes with six accessories, including an extra-long crevice tool that can clean hard-to-reach areas, such as behind vehicle seats.

The Carary Portable Handheld Vacuum has two washable filters that are more environmentally responsible than paper filters, which need to be replaced more frequently.

The vacuum’s 8000Pa powerful suction can pick up food crumbs, dust, small stones, and liquids in your car or home.

The 2200mAh batteries ensure up to 30 minutes of continuous use, and the vacuum takes only 3-4 hours to be fully charged.

This handheld vacuum cleaner supports both wet and dry use and has multiple tools, including a crevice nozzle for hard-to-reach areas, a brush nozzle for baseboards and upholstery, and a rubber nozzle for liquids up to 100ml.

This vacuum cleaner can easily clean dust, sand, ashes, crumbs, and pet hair on stairs, kitchens, cars, furniture, and other places.

The Carary Portable Handheld Vacuum boasts an enhanced HEPA filter and multi-stage filter system that extends the runtime and effectively avoids clogging of filters.

The HEPA filter is reusable and washable, and the filtration technology captures both dust and large debris.

This handheld vacuum cleaner comes with a charging dock for quick access and fast charging. The 600ml dust bowl is large enough to store more dust and is also easy to clean.

The LED light indicates charging status and remaining battery life, making daily cleanups a breeze.

In conclusion, the Carary Portable Handheld Vacuum is a powerful and versatile option for pet owners who want to keep their car’s upholstery free of pet hair.

Its strong suction, multiple tools, and improved reusable washable HEPA filter make it an excellent choice for pet owners on the go.

Pros

Charging in one step

No-bag dirt basin

Filters that are washable

Cons

Runtime is limited.

Heavy


6. Shark Pet-Perfect II Cordless Bagless Pet Hand Vacuum

Shark Pet-Perfect Cordless Bagless Portable Hand Vacuum

View on Amazon

The Shark-Pet Perfect II Cordless Bagless Hand Vacuum is a popular brand known for its powerful suction from its 10-volt power source.

This cordless vacuum is designed for convenient cleaning on all surfaces, making it an excellent option for pet owners who want to keep their homes clean and tidy.

One of the standout features of this vacuum is its Twister Cyclonic Technology, which provides consistent strong suction while cleaning.

This means you can easily pick up pet hair, debris, and other messes from carpets, upholstery, and hard floors without losing suction power.

The Shark-Pet Perfect II Cordless Bagless Hand Vacuum comes with a rechargeable 15.6V battery that provides long-lasting power for your cleaning needs.

The motorized brush is effective at picking up debris from all surfaces, and the easy-to-empty dust cup means you don’t have to worry about replacing bags.

Although this vacuum is well-loved for its strong suction power, it does have a few disadvantages to consider. For one, it is noisier than some other vacuums, which can be a drawback if you have a nervous pet.

Additionally, the battery life is not as long-lasting as some other models, so you’ll need to recharge it more frequently.

Another factor to consider is the price. While the Shark-Pet Perfect II Cordless Bagless Hand Vacuum is a quality product, it is more expensive than some other models that received higher ratings in our testing.

However, if you’re looking for a cordless vacuum with strong suction power that’s easy to use and maintain, this may be a good option for you.

Pros

Filter is washable

Lightweight

Cons

Expensive

Noisy

Inadequate battery life


7. Handheld Vacuum Cleaner EUREKA NEH100 RapidClean

Eureka NEH100 RapidClean Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Handheld Vacuum Cleaner

View on Amazon

The EUREKA NEH100 RapidClean Handheld Vacuum Cleaner is a budget-friendly option that effectively removes short-haired pet hair. However, it may struggle to lift embedded dirt and can become clogged with long-haired pets’ hair.

The suction power is not exceptional, so you may need to go over certain areas multiple times to achieve the desired results.

Additionally, the battery life is limited to 20 minutes, which could be inconvenient if you have a lot of cleaning to do.

That being said, if you’re looking for an affordable solution, this vacuum cleaner is worth considering. It has a dust cup capacity of 0.5 liters and a rechargeable battery that provides up to 20 minutes of cleaning time with one single charge.

The cyclonic filtration system efficiently removes dust and other debris from all types of surfaces.

One of the advantages of this vacuum cleaner is that it does not require any maintenance costs. You can easily rinse the washable filter and empty the dust cup to keep it running smoothly.

It is also lightweight and portable, weighing only 2 pounds, making it easy to carry around and reach difficult places.

The EUREKA NEH100 RapidClean Handheld Vacuum Cleaner comes with a rubber cap and a crevice tool, which are useful for cleaning hard-to-reach places.

Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable and portable option for cleaning pet hair and other debris from your home or car, this vacuum cleaner is a good choice.

Pros

Excellent value for money

Lightweight

Cons

Small trash can

Runtime is limited.

Suction is inadequate.

Long-haired breeds should avoid it.

Types of Car Vacuums For Pet Hair

handheld vacuum cleaner

Car vacuums come in different shapes and sizes, but they can be broadly categorized into two types: corded and cordless.

1. Corded Car Vacuums

Corded car vacuums are powered by an outlet or a cigarette lighter socket in your car. They offer unlimited run time and consistent power, but they are limited by the length of the cord and the availability of an outlet.

They are usually cheaper and more powerful than cordless models, but they are also heavier and less portable.

2. Cordless Car Vacuums

Cordless car vacuums, on the other hand, are powered by rechargeable batteries. They have no cords and can be used anywhere, but they have limited run time and may lose suction as the battery drains.

They are usually more expensive and less powerful than corded models, but they are also lighter and more portable.

Within these two types, there are also different subtypes of car vacuums, such as handheld, canister, wet/dry, and more.

3. Handheld Car Vacuums

Handheld car vacuums are small, compact, and designed to be held in one hand. They are ideal for cleaning small areas and tight spaces in your car, such as seats, carpets, upholstery, dashboards, and more.

They are usually cordless and come with various attachments for different surfaces.

4. Canister Car Vacuums

Canister car vacuums are larger devices that have a separate motor unit and a hose with a nozzle. They are designed to clean large areas and hard-to-reach places in your car, such as floors, trunks, roofs, and more.

They are usually corded and have more capacity and power than handheld models.

5. Wet/Dry Car Vacuums

Wet/dry car vacuums are versatile devices that can handle both dry and wet messes in your car, such as dust, dirt, hair, spills, liquids, and more.

They have a special filter and a drain plug that prevent water from damaging the motor or leaking out of the device. They can be either corded or cordless and come with various attachments for different surfaces.

Overall, it’s crucial to choose the right car vacuum that fits your cleaning needs, budget, and portability requirements. With the right vacuum, you can keep your car clean and free of pet hair and other debris, no matter where your adventures take you.

Features to Look For in a Car Vacuum For Pet Hair

Features in Car vacuum cleaner for pet hair

When choosing a car vacuum for pet hair, there are some features that you should pay attention to. These features can affect the performance and convenience of the car vacuum and make your cleaning experience easier or harder.

1. Suction Strength

Suction strength is the most crucial aspect of any vacuum cleaner, especially for pet hair. The stronger the suction, the better the vacuum can lift and remove pet hair from your car.

Suction strength is measured in air watts (AW) or pascals (Pa), but these numbers may not always reflect the actual performance of the vacuum.

You should also consider other factors that affect suction strength, such as battery life, filter quality, nozzle design, and more.

2. Attachments

Attachments are accessories that attach to the nozzle or hose of the vacuum cleaner to enhance its functionality or versatility. For pet hair, some of the most useful attachments are:

  • A motorized brush: This is a rotating brush that agitates the surface and loosens up pet hair for easier removal.
  • A rubber nozzle: This is a nozzle with small teeth or ridges that attract pet hair by static electricity.
  • A crevice tool: This is a narrow nozzle that reaches into tight spaces and corners where pet hair tends to accumulate.
  • An upholstery tool: This is a wide nozzle with soft bristles that gently cleans delicate fabrics and surfaces.

3. Filters

Filters are components that trap dust, dirt, and allergens from the air that passes through the vacuum cleaner.

For pet hair, you should look for a vacuum cleaner that has a high-quality filter that can capture pet dander and other particles that may cause allergies or asthma. Some of the most common types of filters are:

  • A HEPA filter: This is a filter that meets the standards of the High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) and can capture 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns.
  • A washable filter: This is a filter that can be washed and reused, saving you money and hassle from buying and replacing filters.
  • A cyclonic filter: This is a filter that uses centrifugal force to separate dust and dirt from the air, reducing the need for frequent cleaning or replacing.

4. Noise Level

Noise level is the amount of sound that the vacuum cleaner produces when in use. For pet hair, you may want to look for a vacuum cleaner that has a low noise level, as loud noises may scare or stress your pets.

Noise level is measured in decibels (dB), but this number may not always reflect the actual loudness of the vacuum. You should also consider other factors that affect noise level, such as motor size, airflow, design, and more.

5. Weight

Weight is the amount of mass that the vacuum cleaner has. For pet hair, you may want to look for a vacuum cleaner that has a low weight, as heavy vacuums may be hard to maneuver or carry around your car.

Weight is measured in pounds (lbs) or kilograms (kg), but this number may not always reflect the actual feel of the vacuum. You should also consider other factors that affect weight, such as battery size, capacity, materials, and more.

Overall, it’s crucial to choose a car vacuum that fits your cleaning needs and preferences. With the right vacuum, you can keep your car clean and free from pet hair, dust, and dirt, making your rides more enjoyable and comfortable for you and your pets.

FAQs

1. What is the difference with pet hair vacuum?

Pet vacuums have a better filter system and more accessories, such as turbo brush heads,” he says. These brush heads have the ability to loosen and lift pet hair from hard floors, upholstered surfaces, and carpets.

2. How often should pet owners vacuum?

We would recommend vacuuming at least once or twice a week—and more often if you have pets—with the right tools to remove dust quickly and effectively.

3. Why is it important to vacuum your car?

In the case of automobiles, the car upholstery might look clean, but it can be a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, fungus, and viruses.

A vacuum cleaner eliminates bacteria, dust, and infectious viruses from the car cabin to help you drive in comfort.

4. Is it good to use a car vacuum cleaner?

A car vacuum cleaner is the most effective tool to remove dirt and debris from your car’s interior. It can easily reach tight spaces, such as under seats and between cushions.

5. How long should a vacuum work?

On average, according to Consumer Reports, vacuum cleaners last a median of eight years. But the lifespan varies wildly not only by brand but also by your personal use.

Conclusion

When it comes to finding the best vacuum cleaner for your pet’s hair, you can be overwhelmed with the plethora of options available.

However, we’ve carefully researched and tested many different models to provide you with our top picks.

Our top pick for the best overall car vacuum for pet hair is the BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Corded Handheld Vacuum .

This powerful corded vacuum cleaner comes with a dedicated nozzle designed to pick up stubborn pet hair, making it easy to refresh your car’s interior.

For the greatest value, we recommend ThisWorx Portable Car Vacuum Cleaner . This kit includes a variety of accessories to help you clean pet hair on any surface in your car. It also has a HEPA filter, making it a great choice for allergy sufferers.

Whether you’re planning a camping trip or simply looking for a great buy, we’ve got something for everyone on our list of the best car vacuums for pet hair removal.

We are confident that one of our best car vacuums for pet hair will meet your needs and leave your car clean and smelling good.

At BestForPets (bestforpets.org), we understand the importance of keeping your car free of pet hair.

With the right vacuum cleaner, you can maintain a healthy and comfortable environment for you and your furry friend. So go ahead and hit the road with confidence knowing that next to you is the best pet hair vacuum cleaner.

Author Image

Dr. Deborah Fletcher

Deborah R. Fletcher, DVM, is a skilled veterinarian with more than 15 years of experience dealing with companion and exotic animals. She has experience caring for a variety of animals, including household cats and dogs, reptiles, birds of prey, and even primates. Dr. Fletcher is a valuable part of the BestForPets team, where she contributes to their aim of providing pets and their owners with the finest possible treatment and services.

Veterinarian (DVM) Dr. Deborah Fletcher

Comment

0.0
Rated 0 out of 5
0 out of 5 stars (based on 0 reviews)
Excellent0%
Very good0%
Average0%
Poor0%
Terrible0%

There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.

Related articles