Top-Rated Pet Hair Vacuums for Apartments (Small Spaces)

Living in an apartment, especially one with limited space, can present unique challenges when it comes to cleaning. This is especially true for pet owners. The constant shedding of fur can leave your floors, furniture, and other surfaces covered with pet hair, which not only looks messy but can also trigger allergies and contribute to poor indoor air quality.

When you live in a small space, it's crucial to choose the right vacuum cleaner---one that is compact, efficient, and specifically designed to deal with pet hair. This guide will explore the best vacuums for apartment living, focusing on models that are excellent at removing pet hair and ideal for small spaces.

Why Choosing the Right Vacuum for Pet Hair is Crucial in Small Spaces

1. Limited Storage Space

In an apartment, storage space is often at a premium. You need a vacuum that is not only powerful but also compact and easy to store. The ideal pet hair vacuum for apartments should be easy to tuck away in a closet or under a bed without taking up too much room.

2. Efficient Cleaning in Tight Spaces

Small apartments have limited floor space, but that doesn't mean your cleaning needs are any less. You still need a vacuum that can effectively clean carpets, rugs, furniture, and even hard-to-reach corners, all while maneuvering easily in tight spaces.

3. Multiple Surface Types

Apartments often have a variety of surfaces, including hardwood floors, carpets, and tile. A vacuum designed for pet hair should be versatile enough to handle these different surfaces without requiring constant adjustments.

4. Noise Concerns

Living in close quarters with neighbors means noise can be an issue. A noisy vacuum can disturb others in your building, so finding a quieter option is essential for apartment dwellers.

5. Allergen Control

Pet hair can trigger allergies, and in small spaces, allergens tend to accumulate more quickly. Choosing a vacuum with strong filtration is crucial for reducing allergens and improving indoor air quality.

Key Features to Look for in a Pet Hair Vacuum for Apartments

When selecting a pet hair vacuum for your apartment, there are several factors you should consider. Here are the key features that make vacuums well-suited for apartment living:

1. Compact Design

A compact design allows the vacuum to fit into small storage spaces, such as closets or under furniture. Upright vacuums may be too bulky, so consider models like stick vacuums or handheld vacuums, which are easier to store.

2. Cord-Free or Cord Management

Cordless vacuums offer the advantage of maneuverability without being restricted by the length of the power cord. However, if you opt for a corded vacuum, look for one with a retractable or manageable cord that won't take up extra space when stored.

3. Strong Suction Power

Pet hair, especially on carpets and upholstery, can be tough to remove. You'll need a vacuum with sufficient suction power to grab hair from deep within carpet fibers while also being gentle enough to not damage more delicate surfaces.

4. Pet-Specific Attachments

Vacuum cleaners designed for pet owners often come with specialized tools, like motorized brush heads or pet turbo brushes, to lift pet hair from upholstery, stairs, and other hard-to-reach areas. Make sure the vacuum you choose includes these attachments.

5. Filtration System

Look for vacuums with HEPA filters, which are effective at trapping pet dander and other allergens. This is particularly important for apartments, where airflow can be limited, and allergens can quickly build up.

6. Noise Level

Since you'll be cleaning in close proximity to neighbors, choose a vacuum with low noise levels. Many modern vacuums have noise-reduction features that keep the sound to a minimum.

Top-Rated Pet Hair Vacuums for Apartments

1. Dyson V8 Animal Cordless Vacuum

Key Features:

• Cordless design for maximum flexibility.
• Powerful suction with 115 AW of suction power.
• HEPA filtration system traps allergens and pet dander.
• Up to 40 minutes of runtime on a single charge.
• Lightweight and easy to store (5.75 lbs).
• Motorized pet hair tool for upholstery and furniture.

Why It's Great for Apartments: The Dyson V8 Animal is an excellent choice for small apartments because of its powerful yet lightweight design. The cordless nature makes it perfect for maneuvering around tight spaces, and the pet hair-specific tools ensure that you can tackle stubborn fur on furniture, stairs, and floors. Plus, its compact size makes it easy to store when not in use.

Best For: Pet owners looking for a lightweight, high-performance vacuum that can clean all surfaces in small spaces without the hassle of cords.

2. Shark ION F80 MultiFLEX Cordless Stick Vacuum

Key Features:

• MultiFLEX technology allows for easy storage and flexible cleaning under furniture.
• 2x the run time with removable, rechargeable batteries.
• Up to 80 minutes of runtime with two batteries.
• Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology and HEPA filter.
• Powerful suction with a brushroll designed for pet hair.

Why It's Great for Apartments: The Shark ION F80 is a great option for apartment dwellers who need versatility. The MultiFLEX design allows the vacuum to bend, making it easy to clean under low furniture and other tight spaces. Its lightweight nature and removable batteries also make it perfect for quick cleaning sessions in apartments, without the need to recharge after every use.

Best For: People who want a cordless, flexible vacuum that can clean from floors to ceilings in tight spaces.

3. Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Lithium Ion Cordless Hand Vacuum

Key Features:

• Cordless design for easy handling.
• Lithium-ion battery for powerful suction.
• Motorized brush tool for removing pet hair from upholstery.
• Lightweight and compact (3.8 lbs).
• Easy-to-empty dirt bin.

Why It's Great for Apartments: This handheld vacuum is perfect for pet owners living in apartments because of its small size and powerful suction. It's ideal for cleaning pet hair from furniture, pet beds, and small areas that might be difficult to reach with a full-sized vacuum. The lightweight design and cordless feature make it easy to use and store.

Best For: People who need a compact and efficient vacuum for spot cleaning in small spaces.

4. iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO Robot Vacuum

Key Features:

• Automatic dirt disposal into a self-emptying base.
• Powerful suction for deep carpet cleaning and pet hair removal.
• Smart mapping technology for efficient, systematic cleaning.
• Works with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control.
• Dual multi-surface brushes to pick up pet hair and debris.

Why It's Great for Apartments: For pet owners who want a completely hands-free cleaning solution, the iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO is a game-changer. This robot vacuum autonomously cleans your apartment and empties its dirt bin automatically, saving you time and effort. Its small size and smart navigation make it perfect for tight spaces, and it's particularly effective at picking up pet hair from all floor types.

Best For: Pet owners who want a no-fuss, automated vacuum that can clean without requiring manual effort.

5. Hoover Linx Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner

Key Features:

• Cordless design for hassle-free cleaning.
• WindTunnel technology for effective pet hair removal.
• Battery indicator light to monitor remaining charge.
• Low-profile design to fit under furniture.
• Lightweight (only 7.3 lbs) for easy use.

Why It's Great for Apartments: The Hoover Linx is a versatile and affordable cordless stick vacuum that works well in small spaces. Its low-profile design makes it easy to clean under furniture, and the powerful suction ensures that pet hair is removed from both carpets and hard floors. The vacuum is compact and easy to store, making it a perfect fit for apartment living.

Best For: Pet owners looking for a simple yet effective cordless vacuum for apartment use.

Conclusion

When choosing the best pet hair vacuum for your apartment, it's important to consider the size of your living space, the type of surfaces you need to clean, and how much storage space you have. The vacuums listed in this guide are all well-suited for small apartments and specifically designed to tackle the challenge of pet hair removal. Whether you prefer a lightweight handheld model, a versatile cordless stick vacuum, or an advanced robot vacuum, there are plenty of options available to help you maintain a clean, hair-free home.