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The Best Car Vacuums For Pet Hairs

  • Pet hair can be a nightmare to remove from car seats
  • Ideal machines for ridding stubborn pet hairs
  • Also perfect for use around the home

Written by Aaron Hussain Updated: 21 September 2023

Pet hairs are an element of car vacuum cleaning that can take a considerable toll. From picking out those pet hairs that seemingly glue themselves to the seat to making sure they don’t jump in mid-clean. Giving your car’s interior a deep clean can require patience, and you can read our guide on how to do it properly.

But as the summer months roll on, there will undoubtedly be occasions when your pet(s) will join you in the back of your car on family outings, and you will have a sea of pet hairs to clean out afterwards. Keeping your car’s upholstery spotless is one thing, but pet fur in particular can be a pain to try and vacuum after they’ve ran several circuits in the back seat or boot area. But happily, we’re here to help in regard to your furry friends.

This list comprises of the best vacuum cleaners available to deal with those pesky pet hairs that formed seemingly unbreakable bonds with your car’s interior. This is a job that can perhaps be tackled after washing the exterior. For that, we’ve made a guide of the best compact pressure washers for that.

The best choice for car vacuums for pet hairs
Price: $179.99
The Gtech is reinforced proof that handheld, cordless vacuums have mighty suction power when it comes to dealing with various elements, including those stubborn pet hairs that often cling to car seats. Designed for tackling pet hair, the K9 features aluminium internals to deal with the added street of pet hairs.

Unlike a long, corded vacuum, it's relatively light at just 1.5kg, and because of its compactness, it can reach awkward areas of your car's cabin where pet hairs may be lurking.

Read our review of the Multi MK2 K9 here.

Pros

  • Powerful suction
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • Battery life isn't the best
Weight 1.5kg
Power Source Battery powered
Voltage 22 volts
Run Time Up to 20 mins
Charging time 4 hours
Dimensions 25cm x 13.6cm
Bin bag capacity 0.4L
The most advanced car vacuum for pet hairs
Shark vacuums are renowned for their seamless capability to transform a dirty pet-ridden carpet into one that makes your nose smile with cleanliness.

As well as its powerful suction and 40 minute run time, the Shark vacuum boasts an anti hair wrap brush roll that prevents tangling as you sweep the surfaces - a reassuring feature if you happen to own a longhair pet.

The Shark also comes with plenty of add-ons including a crevice and upholstery tool to tackle the most precise of jobs.

Pros

  • Designed with pet hairs in mind
  • Powerful suction
  • Lengthy run time

Cons

  • Heavier than other vacuums
Weight 2.2kg
Power source Battery powered
Voltage 25.2 V
Run time 40 minutes
Dimensions 119cm x 27cm
The most versatile car vacuum for pet hairs
Removing pet hairs from your car is a task that the Dyson V8 will happily tackle with ease. With 40 minutes of running time and the ability to dig hard into the inner depths of surfaces, it is a vacuum to be relied on when cleaning up after your pooch.

When detached from the main vacuum, it can easily be stored on the wall-mounted charging dock, meaning it can be as easy to access as it is powerful at cleaning up pet hairs.

Pros

  • Clean machine filtration
  • Durable

Cons

  • Not the lightest vacuum on sale
Weight 2kg
Power source Battery powered
Voltage 21.6 V
Run time 40 minutes
Dimensions 125cm x 25cm x 21cm
The most reasonably-priced car vacuum for pet hairs
Price: $157.20
A separate Bosch battery pack is required, but not included in the brand's Home & Garden cordless vacuum. However, the competitive price balances out the cons and it is capable of tackling those stubborn pet hairs inside your car.

With its compact dimensions and precise nozzle add-ons, it can reach up the pet hairs in all the awkward areas that the more expensive vacuum cleaners can. And if you need it to, the Bosch can even be used for cleaning up pet hairs on your garden decking.

Pros

  • Attractively priced
  • Durable
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Battery not included
  • Lower suction power than others
Weight 1.1kg (with battery)
Power source Battery
Running time Approx 20 mins
Voltage 18 V
Dimensions 15.2cm x 5.8cm x 8.35cm

The best value car vacuum for pet hairs
Designed with pet hairs at the front of the cleaning agenda, this vacuum is a considerably cheaper option than the other shark on our list.

The CH950UKT was designed from the ground up to be an easy-to-handle cordless device capable of tackling the most frustrating of pet hair coverings in your car.

The only real downside is that due to its incredibly short 10 minute running time, you might have to recharge it if you've had quite a few dogs on your journey.

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Good value

Cons

  • Very short running time
Weight 1.2kg
Power source Battery
Running time 10 minutes
Voltage 10.8 V
Dimensions 20.5cm x 3.75cm x 4.27cm

Some things to consider when buying a cordless vacuum cleaner

Running time: Usually, the more expensive vacuums have a longer stint than the cheaper ones. Consider how much pet hair you’ll have to tackle and decide whether you need more running time or not. If you need more time to tackle stubborn marks such as ink, it might be worth considering a spot cleaner.

Attachments: Almost all handheld vacuums have added nozzles and crevice tools for different jobs and reaching more awkward areas. These include tight spaces between your car’s seats. Consider which ones are more suitable for your needs and how many are included with each product.

Build quality: More likely than not, cheaper vacuums will have a less durable feel. This is probably due to it being made from cheaper materials. Make sure to look at consumer reviews and determine how well the product has been received. The same principle applies if you opt for a more traditional corded vacuum cleaners to deal with the pet hairs.

Weight/bulk: As with corded vacuum cleaners, each one varies in weight and general bulkiness. As you will be leaning at awkward angles in your car, how easy it is to handle is essential. Have a look at the product’s weight and decide whether you can easily clean the area that is required.

Aaron Hussain is a commercial content writer at Bauer Media writing for Parkers and CAR. He is obsessed with classic cars and anything with a fascinating story to tell.

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