It’s everywhere – blanketing your hardwood floors, embedding into your rugs and upholstery, and clinging to your clothes (good luck wearing black). As all pet owners know, pet hair is a constant, nagging battle. Having the right vacuum for the job can make all the difference – and help to purge your home of those pesky follicles.
It’s Not a Pet Hair Problem, It’s a Vacuum Problem
The good news is that you don’t need a special “animal” vacuum to clean pet hair. Instead, ask yourself these two questions:
- Does my vacuum have enough suction power to pick up pet hair?
- Am I using the best vacuum attachment for pet hair?
Weak suction power or using the wrong attachment makes the job significantly more complex – and less efficient – than it needs to be. Let’s take a look at how to tell if you have a vacuum problem – and what you can do about it (without breaking the bank!).
Why a HEPA Filter is Important
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Before we get rolling, let’s start with the ace-in-the-hole for all pet-cleaning-related things: a HEPA filter. While standard filters do an adequate job of stopping large particles, a HEPA filter is the best way to ensure your vac catches the most dangerous smaller particles like bacteria, pathogens, pollen, microbial spores, smoke, virus particles and more.
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Does My Vacuum Have Enough Suction Power?
In the land of vacuum cleaners, suction power reigns supreme. But how can you tell how much suction your vacuum has? Most brands use watts (W) to indicate power; however, air watts (AW) are a more accurate representation of how good the vac will be at picking up dirt, dander, and debris.
Why? Well, watts only measure the power of the vacuum’s motor, not how much suction power is actually produced. On the other hand, air watts take into account the watts used by the vacuum to carry a unit of air through an opening (i.e. the nozzle).
More air watts mean more suction power. But how many air watts does your vacuum need to pick up cat and dog hair effectively? For upright vacuums, you should be looking for at least 100 AW. For reference, the Greenworks Cordless Stick Vacuum produces 170 AW –more than the popular Dyson v10, which only has 150 AW of suction power.
Am I Using the Right Vacuum Attachments?
Now that we’ve tackled the power problem, it’s time to make sure you’re using the right vacuum attachments. Depending on the surface you’re cleaning, the wrong attachment could mean a significant loss of suction power and make cleaning pet hair a tedious nightmare. Not all vacuums come with the same attachments (some don't even come with any!) – but in general, most applications are universal across different brands and models.
Your vacuum manual should best describe when to use each attachment – but in case you’d like a quick refresher, let’s dive into the five attachments included with the Greenworks Cordless Stick Vacuum:
- Floor brush - The standard vacuum cleaner attachment. Great for everyday use on various floor surfaces.
- 2-in-1 round brush - For more detailed surfaces. Best for cleaning baseboards, cabinets and more.
- Soft bristle fur brush - For delicate surfaces. Bye-bye, pet hair!
- Deep cleaning motorized brush - For stubborn dirt and debris. Great for stairs and upholstery.
- Crevice tool - For those hard-to-reach places! Fantastic for stair seams and couch cushions.
Pet hair doesn’t stand a chance!
Other Ways to Clean Pet Hair
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Though vacuuming is usually the most convenient and practical method, sometimes it’s worth dabbling in some of the more unconventional ways to clean pet hair. Here are four tricks you can use to help keep your home fur-free.
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Greenworks Cordless Stick Vacuum: The Solution to Your Pet Hair Problem
If you’re looking for a vacuum with strong suction, plenty of attachments, and a certified HEPA filter at an affordable price, look no further than the Greenworks Cordless Stick Vacuum. Did we mention it is cordless and so quiet that your furry friend will remain happily snoozing as you clean? Winner!
The Cordless Stick Vac is designed for ease of use and comfortable maneuverability. Lightweight, quiet, and bagless, its slim frame and smooth brush roll swivel head make vacuuming a breeze! It even converts to a handheld vacuum for added mobility and quick spot cleaning.
Running on highly efficient lithium-ion batteries, the Greenworks Stick Vac boasts a runtime of 45 minutes when fully charged. And with a rapid charge time of only 30 minutes per battery, your vacuum will be ready to go when you are. With the Greenworks Stick Vacuum bundle, you’ll also get an extra battery – meaning by the time you’re done vacuuming, there’s a fully charged battery ready for action. Our batteries are even compatible with 100+ Greenworks tools—in one charge, a battery can be swapped between a vacuum, drill, saw, and more!
Happy cleaning!
