When choosing the best car vacuum for dog hair, you’ll need to consider several factors, including suction power, attachments, and cord length. We’ve rounded up the best 8 options on the market so you can keep your car clean and comfortable for both you and your furry friend. In this buying guide for the best car vacuums to remove pet hair, we’ll discuss our top 8 picks and give you a few tips on what to look for when making your purchase.
Dog hair can be challenging to clean up, especially if you don’t have the right tools. For example, a car vacuum specifically designed to tackle pet hair will make the job much easier and less time-consuming and help keep your car clean and comfortable.
Car vacuums come in many shapes, weights, and sizes, like home vacuums. Because they tend to be smaller and less powerful, you’ll need to decide which features are most important to you.
There are two types of car vacuum: corded and battery-powered. The performance will be consistent with either option. Still, they offer different features that could make your life easier depending on what you need to be cleaned in the vehicle – like corners or upholstery cleanings!
What to Look for in a car vacuum for dog hair
When choosing the best car vacuum to remove pet hair, there are several factors you’ll want to consider. First, here are some of the most important things to consider.
Suction Power: The first and most important thing to look for in a car vacuum for dog hair is suction power. You’ll want to ensure that the vacuum you choose has enough suction to remove pet hair from your car effectively.
Attachments: Another essential thing to look for are attachments. Many vacuums come with attachments that help you reach tight spaces and remove pet hair from upholstery and other car areas.
Cord Length: Another thing to consider is cord length. You’ll want to make sure that the vacuum you choose has a long enough cord to reach all areas of your car.
Price: Finally, you’ll want to consider the cost. Vacuums can range in price from around $30 to $300. It’s essential to find a vacuum that fits your budget and needs.
- Pros
- Direct-drive cleaner head drives bristles deep into the carpet to remove ground-in dirt.
- Quickly transforms to a handheld vacuum for the car with one click
- 150% more brush bar power than the Dyson V6 cord-free vacuum
- Powered by the Dyson digital motor V7
- Fine dust from hard floors and carpets
- Features hygienic bin emptying
- Instant-release trigger means battery power is only used while cleaning
- Cons
- Requires charging for 3.5 hours minimum before first use
The Dyson V7 Absolute is our top pick for the best high-end car vacuum for dog hair because it’s powerful, cordless, and comes with various attachments to make cleaning up pet hair a breeze. The Dyson V7 has more brush bar power than other cordless vacuums, making it ideal for removing pet hair from upholstery and carpets.
It also comes with a detachable mini motorized tool to remove pet hair from tight spaces, like between the seats. The Dyson V7 is a cordless vacuum, so you won’t worry about being tethered to an outlet while cleaning your car. It also has a run time of up to 30 minutes, making it ideal for vacuuming large cars or SUVs. The Dyson V7 is a bit on the pricier side, but it’s a high-quality vacuum that will make cleaning up pet hair a breeze.
The Dyson V7 has 150% more brush bar power than the Dyson V6 Animal cordless vacuum, making it ideal for removing pet hair from upholstery and carpets. It also features an instant-release trigger means battery power is only used while it’s cleaning, and requires charging for 3.5 hours minimum before first use.
If you’re looking for a powerful and versatile vacuum to remove pet hair from your car, the Dyson V7 Animal Cordless Stick Vacuum is perfect. This product features over 1,000 positive reviews.
Features
- 75% more brush bar power than the Dyson V6 cord-free vacuum
- Engineered for all floor types
- Crafted with twin power modes
- Lightweight & ergonomic
- Engineered for powerful suction
- A mini motorized tool with brush bar to tackle pet hair & dirt in tight spaces
- Versatile
- Created with crevice tools for corners
- Features a docking station for tidy storage & easy use
- Includes combo tool, crevice tool, mini motor head tool, & flexi crevice tool
- Over 1,000 positive reviews
- 30-minutes run times
- Pros
- Features a multi-layer filtration
- Uses the cyclonic cleaning system
- Crafted with a specialized rubber nozzle attracts hair
- Pulls out dirt on areas such as stairs & upholstery
- Powerful for quick & easy results
- Designed to pick up pet hair in cars & at home
- Lightweight & compact for easy use
- Easy-to-empty bagless cleaning.
- Specialized rubber nozzle to pick up pet hair
- Cons
- Corded
The BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser is a handheld vacuum specifically designed to tackle pet hair. It’s lightweight and cordless, making it easy to maneuver around your car. The vacuum has a powerful suction that can remove pet hair from upholstery and carpets and comes with a crevice tool to help you get into tight spaces.
The BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser also comes with a built-in lint brush to help remove pet hair from your clothes. The vacuum has a run time of about 15 minutes, so it’s best for small cars or spot-cleaning. It’s also one of the more affordable options on our list. This product features over 17,900 positive reviews, and is a good option for pet parents not wanting to spend a lot of money.
Features
- Handheld
- Affordable
- Features 2 styles
- Designed for pet parents
- Upholstery, auto, stairs, & home
- Power rating: 4 amperes
- 16 feet power cord
- Dirt cup capacity: 0.78 liter
- Includes two specially designed nozzles
- Features Bissell – pet hair eraser & Bagless hand vac – black pearl
- Corded electric
- Over 17,900 positive reviews
- Pros
- Easy to handle & ultra-maneuverable
- Compact size
- Long-lasting motor life
- Ultra-powerful suction
- Easy to empty dirt cup without touching
- Self-cleaning brush roll attachment for pet hair ( short & long pet hair)
- Cons
- No longer comes with a charging stand.
The Shark CH951 is a powerful and versatile cordless handheld vacuum perfect for cleaning up the house. It features an XL dust cup capacity and a powerful motor that provides the suction power to clean up even the most stubborn dirt and debris. The vacuum also comes with a detachable crevice tool and brush attachment, making it easy to reach tight spaces and clean upholstery in your car.
The detachable self-cleaning Pet Power Brush eliminates hair wrap from the floor, upholstery, and brush roll. The vacuum’s ergonomic design makes it comfortable to use for extended periods. This product has over 5,000 positive reviews. This pet car vacuum weighs only 2.8 lbs. making cleaning your car or home a breeze.
Features
- Affordable
- Fuses two cyclonic air streams to create ultimate suction power
- Durable
- Cordless handheld vacuum
- Versatile & convenient
- Lithium-ion battery technology
- Crafted with a self-cleaning pet brush
- Good battery life
- Over 5,000 positive reviews
- Pros
- Easy to carry & maneuver, even in tight spaces.
- Pulls up dog hair easily
- Nozzle rotates 180° to fit into tight spaces at different angles.
- Features a pull-out crevice tool for hard to reach areas
- Cyclonic action that spins dust and debris away from the filter
- Features a translucent dirt bowl that lets you see the dirt level
- Allows for easy & thorough cleaning of hard to reach areas in cars & homes
- Both the dirt bowl & filter are washable in the sink.
- Cons
- It may be louder than other models.
The BLACK+DECKER dustbuster Advanced Clean Cordless Handheld Vacuum is designed for robust, effortless cleaning. The patented design provides 50% more suction power than the leading handheld vacuum.
This dustbuster is ideal for cleaning upholstery, floors, stairs, and cars. The crevice tool helps clean tight spaces, while the 2-in-1 brush tool cleans surfaces with ease. Its slim nozzle rotates 180°, giving you great control over how and where you vacuum in your car and home. We like the pull-out crevice tool that provides extra-long reach for accessing your vehicle’s cramped areas and high spaces.
The dustbin empties quickly and easily so you can keep on going. The cordless design makes it easy to move around your car, and the built-in trigger lock prevents accidental activation. The BLACK+DECKER dust buster Advanced Clean Cordless Handheld Vacuum is a powerful and versatile cleaner for your home and car. This product features over 67,700 positive reviews.
Features
- Affordable
- Bagless design
- Cordless & handheld
- Designed with a rotating slim nozzle.
- Removes hair, dirt, and debris from carpets, car interiors, furniture, & high-traffic areas.
- Lightweight & portable
- Features a flip-up brush for dusting & vacuuming upholstery.
- Ergonomic design
- Features a rotating slim nozzle
- Over 67,700 positive reviews
- Pros
- Crafted with on-board hose & accessory storage
- Wet & dry pickup
- Features a detail brush for dashboards, vents & electronic components
- Deluxe car nozzle for optimal pet hair removal
- It easily converts to a blower to dry motorcycles, car grills & wheels.
- Features an automatic shut off to prevent overflow
- Crafted with a built-in air and noise diffuser for efficient & quiet use
- 2.5-gallon polypropylene tank is small enough to carry around
- Cons
- Not cordless
The Armor All Utility Vac is specifically designed to clean your car’s interior. It features a 2.5-gallon tank and two peak horsepower motor that provides powerful suction. The vacuum comes with a crevice tool and upholstery brush for cleaning tight spaces and upholstery. The wet/dry design allows you to use it for both wet and dry cleaning.
The vacuum also has a built-in blower for blowing debris out of hard-to-reach places. The Armor All Utility Vac features over 19,700 positive reviews. We like this pet hair vacuum for cars because it is specifically designed for cleaning cars, and it has a powerful motor that provides strong suction. The wet/dry design is also convenient for cleaning up both wet and dry messes.
Features
- Over 19,700 positive reviews
- 2 horsepower motor provides ample suction power
- Specifically designed to clean the interior of your car
- Utility pet hair car vacuum
- Great for cars, trucks, and RVs
- Two peak HP motor
- 10 Ft. cord with cord wrap
- Includes all accessories needed for complete interior cleaning
- Crafted with a 1-1/4″ diameter hose suitable for pet hair removal
- Pros
- Telescoping extension wand
- Upholstery tool cleans soft surfaces and furniture with felt by attracting more pet hair.
- Helps remove embedded pet hair
- Crafted with a motorized brush for fast & easy cleaning
- Lightweight & compact
- Detachable motorized brush helps capture more embedded dirt
- Cons
- A charge may not last as long as other brands.
The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser is a cordless vacuum specifically designed for pet hair. It has a powerful motor that provides strong suction, and it comes with several attachments that make it easy to reach all those nooks and crannies where pet hair likes to hide.
The dustbin on this vacuum is also clear, so you can see when it’s complete. The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser is an excellent choice for anyone who has pets and wants a vacuum that can handle pet hair. This product features over 5,800 positive reviews and is one of our top picks because the roller job does a great job picking up pet hair in cars. It also works great on floor mats and is easy to use.
Features
- Affordable
- Motorized foot provides powerful suction for a deeper clean.
- Features a two-stage filtration system designed to help extend the life of the filter
- Power Rating: 14.4 Volts
- Crevice tool helps clean hard-to-reach areas & tight spaces
- Developed for pet parents
- Cordless
- Lithium-ion battery type
- Pros
- Features cyclonic force and strong suction of the 106w motor
- It comes with a spare filter & cleaning brush
- The extension tube works well for under seats & corner areas
- 16-foot cord allows for easy cleaning with no snags
- Removes pet hair
- Cons
- It may not pick up pet hair as well as the other brands.
The THISWORX Car Vacuum Cleaner is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a portable and powerful car vacuum. This vacuum features a high-power motor that provides strong suction, and it comes with three attachments that make it easy to reach all those nooks and crannies where dirt and pet hair like to hide. The dustbin on this vacuum is also clear, so you can see when it’s complete.
The THISWORX Car Vacuum Cleaner is an excellent choice for anyone who wants a powerful and portable car vacuum to help eliminate pet hair and dirt. This product features over 208,500 positive reviews. This car pet hair vacuum cleaner comes with an all-purpose nozzle, a carrying bag, 16ft long power cord, additional HEPA filter, cleaning brush, making it easy to reach all nooks and crannies.
Features
- Affordable
- Ergonomic design for cars
- Easy to use
- Over 208,500 positive reviews
- Lightweight at 2.4 lbs.
- Handheld
- Plugs into car’s 12V outlet
- Pros
- Hepa filters effectively avoids clogging of filters
- Quick charge time
- Can be fully charged in 2.5-3 hours for 20 minutes run time
- Features a crevice nozzle tool & brush tool to meet different cleaning needs like pet hair.
- LED light to help with night cleaning or dark corners
- Cons
- Only for dry use
The VacLife handheld vacuum is a great option for those looking for a portable car vacuum specifically designed for pet hair. This cordless vacuum comes with a number of attachments, including a pet hairbrush, and it has good reviews from users. It’s also relatively affordable, making it a great choice for budget-conscious shoppers.
We like this pet vacuum in cars because it’s small and lightweight, making it easy to maneuver around in tight spaces. It’s also cordless, so you don’t have to worry about being tethered to an outlet while you’re cleaning. This product features over 7,000 positive reviews.
Features
- Affordable
- Strong motor with strong suction
- Cord-free & hassle-free
- Lightweight & portable
- Features enhanced HEPA filters with premium filter wrap.
- Low noise
- Lithium-ion battery included
Tips for using a car vacuum
Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your car vacuum.
- Start by vacuuming the areas of your car that your pet spends the most time in; this includes the seat, floor, and trunk.
- Pay special attention to areas where hair can accumulate, such as under the seats and in the crevices of the door panels.
- If you have an attachment for upholstery, use it to remove pet hair from your car’s seats and other upholstery.
- Empty the vacuum’s canister or bag regularly to avoid losing suction power.
- If you have a cordless vacuum, make sure to charge it regularly always to be ready to use.
You’ll want to consider these factors when choosing the best car vacuum for dog hair. With these tips in mind, you’re sure to find the perfect vacuum for your needs.
What to look for in a car vacuum?
While car vacuums are not as complicated as other types of vacuums, there are still a few things you should look for to ensure you’re getting a good quality product.
Weight: A good car vacuum should be lightweight and easy to carry around. This is especially important if you plan on taking it with you on trips or to different locations.
Attachments: A good car vacuum should come with various attachments, such as a crevice tool, upholstery brush, and dusting brush. These attachments will help you clean every nook and cranny of your car.
Power: A good car vacuum should have plenty of suction power to pick up all the dirt, dust, and debris in your car.
Portability: A good car vacuum should be easily stored away when not in use. It should also come with a carrying case or bag for easy transportation.
Power source: A good car vacuum should be cordless or have a long cord so you can reach all areas of your car. Most car vacuums can plug directly into your car’s 12V outlet making car vacuuming a breeze.
If you opt for a cordless option instead, ensure that it has enough run time to finish the job. You don’t want to be in the middle of cleaning your car and have the vacuum die on you. A good car vacuum should have a long runtime so you can clean your entire car on one charge.
Wet/dry capability: A good car vacuum should be able to handle both wet and dry debris. This will come in handy if you spill any liquids in your car or if you need to clean up after your pet.
Price: Car vacuums can range from $30 to $100. It’s essential to find one that fits your budget but still has all the features you need.
What to avoid
When shopping for a car vacuum, there are a few things that you should avoid.
Cheap materials: A good car vacuum should be made from high-quality materials that will last. Avoid vacuums made from cheap plastic as they are more likely to break and will not stand up to regular use.
Short cords: Avoid car vacuums with short cords as they limit your reach and make it difficult to clean your car.
Low suction power: Avoid car vacuums with low suction power as they will not be able to pick up all the dirt, dust, and debris in your car.
No attachments: Avoid car vacuums that do not come with any attachments. These attachments are essential for cleaning hard-to-reach areas of your car.
Now that you know what to look for in a car vacuum, you can be sure to find one that meets your needs and budget. With so many different options on the market, there is sure to be a car vacuum that’s perfect for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use a car vacuum to clean pet hair between the car seats?
A good car vacuum should come with various attachments, such as a crevice tool, upholstery brush, or dusting brush. These attachments will help you clean pet hair between the car seats and other hard-to-reach areas.
What is the best way to clean pet hair off my car’s floor mats?
The best way to clean pet hair off your car’s floor mats is to vacuum them. First, remove the floor mats from your car and shake them off to remove any loose dirt and debris. Then, vacuum the mats using the upholstery brush attachment to remove any remaining pet hair.
How do I clean a car vacuum?
It’s essential to clean your car vacuum regularly to keep it functioning correctly. Most car vacuums have a removable filter that can be washed in the sink with warm, soapy water. Once the filter is dry, replace it in the vacuum. You should also empty the dustbin after each use to avoid clogging the vacuum.
Will using a car vacuum wear down my car’s battery?
If you are using a cordless car vacuum, ensure the battery is fully charged before use. Additionally, you should avoid using the vacuum for extended periods, which can wear down the battery. If you notice the battery is losing power quickly, stop using the vacuum and allow the battery to recharge. It’s unlikely that a quick cleanup will completely deplete your battery, but if you have an older car, it’s worth checking to see if the vacuum is the cause of a dead battery.
Do you want to learn more about car vacuums for your dog? Check out the video below:
Claudia Bensimoun is a writer who specializes in dog content and veterinary topics! Aside from writing for We Love Doodles, Claudia also writes for other major dog blogs like Fido Friendly, Animal Wellness Magazine, and the United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA). She has a ghostwritten over 50 different dog e-books. Her passions include animal welfare, veterinary research, and wildlife conservation.
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