Tested by Few things in life bring quite as much joy into the home as a pet – the “hello” licks, long cuddle sessions and good morning kisses (if they’re allowed in the bedroom, of course!). However, our beloved furry friends can also create quite the mess, too.
That’s why having the right cleaning products is essential. Whether it’s a vacuum specifically designed to combat animal hair, or washable paint that can be wiped clear of mud with ease, at the Good Housekeeping Institute we’ve tested them all, so you can invest in the best-in-class buys to keep your home looking – and smelling! – fresh.
Read on for our expert’s favourite pet-friendly products that will see you through moulting season and beyond.
Why do pets shed so much?
The number one complaint of even the most patient pet-owners, fur has a way of getting everywhere. And we really do mean everywhere.
“Moulting is the body’s way of replacing old, dead or damaged fur with new fur,” explains Shauna Walsh, PDSA vet nurse. “Some animals shed more than others and it’s affected by a range of factors including time of year, exposure to heat and light, anxiety and stress, and if the pet is pregnant or has another health condition.”
Some pets moult all year round, although it’s often more noticeable in the spring or autumn when their thick winter coat is replaced by a lighter summer version, or vice versa. Indoor cats, house bunnies and “high-shedder” dog breeds such as labradors and german shepherds, are top of the list of constant (albeit very cute) moult offenders.
There’s no way to stop your pet shedding, but Shauna recommends keeping on top of their grooming needs: “This means they are less likely to shed all over the house – whether that’s a professional groom, or through brushing at home.”
What is the best vacuum for removing pet hair?
To find a vacuum that can master moulting season, our experts gave these vacuums the ultimate challenge: suction power vs. real pet hair. Read on for the vacuums that make light work of fluff removal.
SEBO Felix Pet ePower Upright Vacuum Cleaner
Score: 91/100
This upright vacuum is a smart investment for moulting season, picking up all the pet hair laid down in just one sweep. Plus, when we looked at the brush, we couldn't see any hair tangled up in the bristles.
It worked hard to lift dust and dirt on carpet, removing the majority with ease, and testers appreciated how smooth it was to manoeuvre. If you're going to battle with fluff every day, this is a smart buy.
Shark Classic Handheld Pet Vacuum CH950UKT
Score: 95/100
Sometimes you just need a speedy handheld vacuum for quick tidy-ups before guests arrive, and this nifty Shark is just the thing. We loved the motorised pet tool, earning it full marks for its ability to grab pet hairs – after a single swipe our surfaces were fur-free. Car owners take note, it also scored well for its car cleaning prowess. Excellent news for anyone with fluff-filled backseats!
Hoover Bagless Pet Cylinder Vacuum Cleaner BR71BRO2
Score: 85/100
If you’re on a budget, this tried-and-tested cylinder option from Hoover should be at the top of your list. Despite its value price tag, it has a powerful pick-up on both laminate and carpet. True to its name, the mini-turbo brush is ideal for loosening those pesky stray hairs, and at just 4.1kg, it’s nice and light for quick, grab-and-go clean ups.
Dyson Gen5Detect Absolute Cordless Vacuum
Score: 97/100
It took just one sweep for this cordless vacuum to lift all the pet hair in its path. Thanks to its savvy anti-tangling technology, none of the hair got stuck or matted in the brush during cleaning, and the aptly named “Fluffy Optic” head even has a light for spotting stray hairs with ease. With up to 70 minutes running time, it’s just the thing for serious deep cleans during moult season, too.
This powerful Dyson is a worthy investment, but if you’re looking to spend less, opt for the Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute. During testing, it also made quick work of pet hair removal with the mini motorhead brush.
Beko Beko Robot Cleaner
Score: 94/100
Spend more time snuggling your pet, and less time cleaning, with this robot vacuum. It thoroughly impressed our expert, lifting all the fur within two minutes and you can programme the robot to clean on a schedule so it can regularly tackle problem areas like around your pet's bed. Plus, who wouldn't want a robot to clean for them at such an affordable price?
Don’t have time to get your vacuum cleaner out, or need to de-fluff your favourite jumper? PDSA vet nurse Shauna recommends using rubber gloves for speedy hair removal. “Put on a rubber glove and dampen it with clean water. Then brush your hand over whatever fabric you’re cleaning. The hair will come off the fabric and stick nicely to your gloves.”
How do you clean muddy paw prints?
Whether your cat has returned from their latest great adventure with wet paws, or your dog met a puddle during their morning walk, mud and other muck is an inevitable nuisance. These stellar mops are here to help.
Score: 95/100
If you’re dealing with tough stains and dried mud, then you’re in need of a mop with serious cleaning power. From the simplicity of the push-to-dry wringing system to the absorbency of the microfibre strings, our experts loved this Leifheit’s smear-free results – it even made light work of dried mud with zero scrubbing required!
The wheels on the large, sturdy bucket make for easy transportation too – should you find muddy paw prints paraded throughout the house.
Score: 89/100
This spray mop is a clean floor gamechanger thanks to its electric design with two revolving microfibre pads to minimise scrubbing. It has two spray strengths and a flexible head for tackling tricky corners. Our testers were impressed with its ability to leave ceramic tiles and linoleum sparkling but it’s best kept for daily cleaning rather than lots of mud, as the microfibre tended to absorb and spread it.
There’s no need to worry about electric cords around curious pets either, the Vileda Looper can be charged up and used cordless too.
Score: 96/100
Steam mops are the kings of hot water cleaning. With no chemicals required, they’re a pet-safe solution for disinfecting floors and soft furnishings. Our winning buy scored near perfect marks on test – with minimal scrubbing it left ceramic tiles and vinyl flooring sparkling and smear-free.
Mud on carpets proved to be a touch more challenging. The built-in bristles removed dirt but struggled with stubborn stains. Still, the long 7.5-metre cord and flexible head makes cleaning fuss-free. For blitzing bacteria, mud, and muck from hard floors and tiles, it’s a must-buy.
Shauna warns that the ammonia found in many floor cleaners is toxic for pets. You should also avoid benzalkonium chloride which is found in lots of disinfectants and bleach. If you’re wondering what to use for a sparkling finish instead, opt for a natural cleaner. Our GHI experts find that a distilled white vinegar solution (mix one part vinegar with one part water) is a great pet-safe floor cleaner for sealed laminate, tiles and even dirty windows.
Do air purifiers really work for pets?
Air purifiers have high-grade filters that detect and trap tiny pollutant particles, including pet dander. In case you’re wondering what pet dander is, it’s the dead skin that pets shed – delightful! They can also help cleanse nasty odours.
Score: 94/100
This Bluair model proved a hit with pet owners on our panel. One tester said it was “great at purifying the air with no more sneezing from dust and dog hair”, adding “the smell in our flat has greatly improved”. Testers also liked its striking modern design that not only doubles as a chic side table but can also be controlled with the Blueair app in real-time.
GHI TIP: Flowers are a great way to add a touch of finesse and a fresh scent to your home, but many flowers – including tulips, bluebells, daffodils and lilies – are toxic for different pets. To save yourself from checking the potential toxicity of every stem in a bouquet, opt for single-stem posies from tried-and-tested delivery company FlowerBx. They even have a handy guide on their website with blooms that are safe for cats and dogs.
How do you remove pet stains?
It’s best not to think too much about the many different stains, smudges and ‘happy accidents’ you can discover as a pet owner – especially during the early litterbox and toilet training days!
Distilled white vinegar is a star household product when it comes to urine accidents. For fresh stains, mix 15ml of vinegar with 500ml of cold water and sponge it away. If nasty odours linger, sprinkle bicarbonate of soda over upholstery, carpets and pet beds to neutralise the smell.
But it goes without saying, the best way to avoid unsightly permanent stains is to opt for protective prevention. Trust us, you’ll thank yourself later! We recommend investing in washable paint, mattress protectors and thick, cosy blankets that are reserved exclusively for your fluffy friend – simply pop the blanket in the wash for fuss-free cleaning.
Score: 87/100
Small scuff marks are acceptable but a muddy smear running the length of the wall, not so much. This Frenchic chalk paint proved durable, scrubbable and even scuff-resistant during testing.
Stains were easy to wipe off, especially with immediate treatment. There are over 100 colours to choose from too, so you’ll be sure to find one to match the look and feel of your home. But you may need several coats to achieve your desired finish.
Panda Bamboo Mattress Protector
Score: 100/100
This impressive hypoallergenic option from Panda ticks every pet-friendly box. It’s made from 70% bamboo and even when our expert tipped a glass of water on it, the mattress stayed completely dry. Plus, its thin design and elasticated mesh finish allow for a cool and comfortable sleep.
Simply pick the right size for your bed and then pop it in the wash when any accidents occur. It can be tumble-dried too.
GHI TIP: Most pet owners will be familiar with nose smudges and paw prints on glass doors. The quickest and safest way to keep on these is with a quality microfibre cloth. Rub the dampened cloth over the offending smudge to polish away, no chemicals needed.
Megan is the Good Housekeeping Institute’s senior homes and lifestyle writer. She loves diving into the latest product releases to find the very best buys on the market and has written hundreds of product reviews on everything from the best vacuum cleaners and coffee machines to the best ice cream makers and robot window cleaners.
When she’s not writing about the newest gadgets and gizmos for your home and garden, you’ll find her running every distance from 5km to 100km or relaxing at home with her cat – there really is no in between.
Megan has an MA in Magazine Journalism and has previously written for Stylist, Glamour, Women's Health, TimeOut, SquareMeal, and YOU magazine. You can find Megan on Instagram @meganlouisegeall.
Blossom is passionate about finding the best home products and appliances for GH readers. As head of the homes testing team, she has led reviews across multiple categories, from pizza ovens, and smart plugs to portable fans and hobs. She enjoys delving into the intricacies of products and refining testing protocols to ensure we’re testing them against their claims. Her aim is to find the top-performing products on the market, to help take the hard work out of housework. Blossom’s most notable accomplishment in the lab has been toasting 528 slices of bread in her quest to find the best toasters money can buy. In her free time, she openly admits to being a music geek and indulges her creative side through crocheting, baking, singing and writing.
