Do You Really Need A Pet Vacuum To Tackle Your Furry Friend's Mess?

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Keeping your home clean with a furry friend around can feel like an impossible mission, especially if your pet is a heavy shedder. In an attempt to combat this, you've probably gone through the inevitable cycle of shopping for specialized cleaning products like pet vacuums. But what does a pet vacuum actually do, and is it really different from a regular one?

It depends on the model, but generally, most pet vacuums are just regular vacuums with some pet-focused enhancements, like odor control, power brushes, HEPA filters, and better suction. But at the end of the day, the decision comes down to your cleaning goals and lifestyle habits. Additionally, it's important to remember that while these extra perks are nice, they might not be necessary or worth the investment for everyone, especially if you don't have specialized needs.

With so many innovative vacuums around, it can feel daunting to determine what you need for your home. But by considering a few key factors, you can get much closer to an answer. These factors include the layout of your home, whether or not you're cleaning hardwood floors or carpet, the breed of your pet, and if there are bothersome issues like odor or dander that are affecting your quality of life.

If you have one or two pets that are known to be more allergy-friendly and shed less, like a Maltese dog or a Siamese cat, you'll probably do just fine with a standard vacuum. Most modern vacuums already come with powerful suctioning capabilities to tackle our everyday messes, some of which can arguably be worse than our pets' messes.

However, if you ever find yourself in that in-between space where you want a little bit of extra help but you can't justify purchasing a brand-new pet vacuum, consider grabbing a vacuum add-on instead. Many brands, like Shark, offer add-ons that attach to their vacuums, like this OEM Pet Hair Power Brush for Shark's Navigator Model NV22. By choosing an attachment, you'll be able to save yourself money and time compared to buying a brand-new pet vacuum.

Those with more demanding needs, like allergies or stubborn pet odors trapped in their carpet, might benefit from a full upgrade. For easy cleaning, opt for a cordless vacuum like the Shark Cordless Anti-Allergen lightweight stick vacuum. This product in particular is equipped with silicone "fins" that work to trap stubborn, odor-causing fur in carpets and hardwood floors. Additionally, it features an anti-allergen seal, which removes over 99.9% of allergy-causing offenders like dust and dander that regular vacuums won't catch. Regardless of which model you choose, the bottom line is to select a vacuum that makes your life easier. Oftentimes, it's simply the one that creates the best space for your pet and the whole family.