How to Select the Best Robot Vacuum For Hair
Whether you own cats or dogs, a robot vacuum will help you manage your furry family's hair and dander easier. Take into consideration the amount of hair shed by your pets and what the flooring requirements when you choose the best robot for your home.
A basic robot with a large dustbin that doesn't need emptying will suffice for the majority of pet owners. Look for one that can go back to its base to charge after each cleaning run.
1. Suction Power
You can tell that your robot vacuum for pet hair is efficient when it is able to pick even the most awkward of hairs and not get caught in its roller brush. The top ones also have suction that is strong and can take on crumbs and other debris from your floors, but not let dust cling to your walls or furniture.
Look for a model that has an extra large dustbin than the regular robot vacuum. This means you'll need to empty it less often which is ideal if you have allergies or want to reduce the amount of dust released into your air.
In our tests, the best robot vacuums for dog hair have a powerful suction opening and an intelligent sensor system that allows them to move around obstacles and furniture easily. They also have a feature called anti-collision that keeps them from hitting things like lamp cords and other objects.
The top robots are also silent, so you won't hear the whirring of them. They're usually between 60 and 70 decibels, which is much quieter than the typical vacuum. There are hybrid models that can mop along with their vacuuming, which could save time and labor.
Some robots utilize sensors to map out their space and remember any obstacles, such as stairs. Certain robots, such as the Samsung Jet Bot AI+ robot vacuum that comes with Object Recognition can be connected to your smart phone via Wi-Fi and controlled by voice commands. This high-tech solution is expensive and if your goal is to clean your floors quickly and easily, you may be interested in a lower-cost robot vacuum.
Consider the eufy BoostIQ RobotVac 11S MAX as an affordable alternative. It isn't smart-mapped, however it does come with drop-sensors and an anti-collision system that stop falls, and an extensive bin and suction power of 2000Pa. It's also quiet and has an easy charge. Once it's finished it will return to its dock and automatically empty itself into a large tin, which can be removed to dispose of it easily. It then resumes the cleaning job where it was when it left.
2. Brushes
Consider the type of flooring you have in your home, and the amount of pet hair your pets shed. If you have a cat who sheds many hairs You might want a vacuum that can function as combined with a mop as well as a vacuum. It will clean your floors and clean up litter. For dogs, you should look for a vacuum that has brushes that remove hair from their paws.
The type of brush used on a robot can also influence the efficiency of its operation with long hair. We suggest you pick one with no-tangle roller brushes. This can reduce the possibility of hair becoming stuck in the roller and being thrown into the bin. Our top pick, the iRobot Roomba J7+ Combo uses dual rubber rollers that are less likely than bristle ones to tangle. Shark IQ robot is another option for pets with long haired coats. It comes with self-cleaning brushes that don't require any maintenance.
A majority of the robot vacuums that we've reviewed come with an adjustable combination brush to sweep surfaces as well as a suction port for picking up debris. However, these brushes could become tangled by hair or other items particularly if you have lots of it in your house. The Neato D8 Intelligent robot vacuum includes a specific tool to help keep the spiral combination brush tidy and running effectively.
It is important to keep in mind that robotic vacuums, like traditional ones, need regular cleaning. You should empty your trash bin and clean the filters as well as other components as needed. Most manufacturers recommend cleaning your brushes at least once per week or more frequently if you pets have long hair.
It is recommended to clean the side brushes and filters on your robot at least once a year, and more frequently when there are pets living in the house. It's recommended to keep a can of compressed air in case you need to blow out any clogged gears or other areas.
3. Battery Life
The best robot vacuum for hair can generally run for 60 to 70 minutes before it requires recharge. This allows it to clean the entire room without having to stop and charge itself every time. Choose an item with an extended battery life when you have a large living space. This will let it run as long as possible. Many models can also be synced with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, as well as other digital voice assistants. This gives you a truly hands free experience.
A lot of the top robot vacuums for pet hair have self-emptying bins that can be programmed to empty them on a schedule, making them great options for busy families. They might also come with special features such as no-go zones, advanced mapping or twin-turbine suction for long strands of hair. If you choose to use a robot vacuum that self-empties, make sure to place the base in an open area where it will not block any entrances or doors. It will take a few minutes to empty its contents into the storage compartment. It will sound once it is ready for charging.
If you are looking for a robotic vacuum that can handle hair with long lengths be sure to choose a model that has at least 2500 pascals of power. This will pick up a significant amount of hair and dander from carpeting, hard floors and other surfaces without getting caught up in the brushes or getting blocked. We recommend iRobot's J7+ model for hair with long hair because it has a brush roll that's designed to avoid tangles and has 10 times more power than the standard Roomba 600 series for excellent removal of carpets with low pile and hardwood floors.
Another option for hair with long lengths is the ILIFE V3S Pro. It's the only model we've reviewed to make use of side brushes instead of the rotating rollers, so it doesn't get caught in long hair. It's also simple to use via its app and remote. It can be programmed to schedule automatically cleaning sessions, and then return to its charging dock when its batteries are depleted, recharging and then continuing where it began.
4. App Control
There are a variety of options for people who want to control their robot vacuum to remove pet hair using an app or digital assistant. Some robots such as the Eufy RoboVac G30 can be controlled via your smartphone and even provide maintenance reminders and instructions. Samsung Jet Bot AI+ can send you pictures as well as notifications about obstacles encountered during its cleaning task.
The more bells and whistles that a robot vacuum cleaner for pet hair comes with, the more expensive. You should decide which features are most important for your home and budget prior to making a purchase. Some of the most sought-after features include mapping, self-emptying containers and scheduling.
The mapping capabilities of the robot help it comprehend your home's layout and spot obstacles, which makes cleaner and easier cleaning. Some robots such as the Neato BotVac D8 can create a map that you can see on your smartphone. You can also create no-go zones for furniture legs and expensive rug. Certain models also let you set a timer for cleaning which can be beneficial for those who live in tiny homes or who aren't home when the robot is operating.
A robot that self-empty is another thing to think about. The bin or bag that is used to collect the debris and dirt will need to be emptied after each run, and some brands come with self-emptying models that automatically stop and empty their contents into a larger, sealed container. This can reduce the amount of dirt you have to touch, which is useful for those who have trouble touching dirt and pet hair in clumps.
You'll need to cut any long hairs that are tangled or clean the filters, brushes and main brush of a robot. Read self emptying robot vacuum for pet hair for specific recommendations on how to maintain your robotic cleaner for best results. Also, since the machine requires power to recharge, you should look for one with a docking station that can automatically return to its original location when its battery is low.