Hold on… you’ve been chasing the perfect vacuum for tackling stubborn fur, but there’s a game-changing trick you might not know about!
Enter the carpet rake, the secret weapon professionals swear by. Think of it as a brush that preps your carpet for a deep clean. First, comb through the fibers to loosen and lift what’s trapped. Suddenly, vacuuming becomes effortless.
Here’s the kicker: no matter how powerful your vacuum claims to be, without that pre-rake step you’ll always leave some behind. The carpet rake also doubles as an inexpensive fur remover.
But wait, there’s more! A rubber broom with bristles can also work wonders on carpet and furniture.
So before you vacuum, grab a carpet rake or rubber broom and watch as trapped fuzz finally surrenders.
What Vacuum Should You Use?
A quick search online will show plenty of people recommending the Dyson Animal. And yes, it’s a solid machine.
But is it really the best?
With a carpet rake in play, I actually think a Shop Vacuum beats it. A model like the Vacmaster 4 Gallon with a floor attachment will pull up all the loosened fibers with ease.
If you want to step it up, consider the Henry Vacuum Cleaner. It’s essentially a shop vac that people love to use as their everyday cleaner.
Why do I prefer a Shop Vacuum most of the time? Because it’s not just for fur. If you’ve got a dog or cat, chances are they’ll leave messes, spills, accidents, even vomit. A shop vac handles those with no problem.
Why a Shop Vacuum is a Must
- Larger tanks than most household vacuums
- Simpler design means fewer clogs
- No rollers to get tangled with long fibers
- Handles wet and dry messes
- Tough and durable
- Can suck up coins, socks, and more without major risk
- Affordable
- Excellent on hardwood thanks to pure suction and tight reach
Common Questions About Shop Vacuums
Are they good for carpet?
Yes and no. With at least 3.5 HP peak power, you’ll get plenty of suction. Most shop vacs lack a beater brush, which actually helps, no spinning roller to trap fibers. Just make sure to get a multi-floor attachment that fits your hose size.
What about wet messes?
Huge advantage! From pet accidents to clogged sinks, a shop vac is a lifesaver. I usually spray enzyme cleaner on the spot and then vacuum it all up ,works wonders on stains.
Do they have strong suction?
Yes, just make sure everything is clipped and filtered properly. Over 3.5 HP peak is ideal.
Are they bulky?
Some are, but a 5-gallon range is perfect for home use. Bigger tanks equal more power, it depends on your needs.
Concerned about dander?
Choose a model with a true HEPA filter to help combat allergies.
The Other Option
Truth is, with a carpet rake before vacuuming, you don’t need a super high-end machine. You just need strong suction and something that won’t clog easily.
If you’re not sold on a shop vac, I recommend the Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet (despite the name, it works wonders beyond animal fur).
Why the Shark Lift-Away?
- Canister detaches to reach under furniture
- Attachments for stairs and upholstery
- Lighter to carry than many vacuums
- Long hose for high spots
- True HEPA filter for allergies
- Mini motorized brush for fabric cleaning
- Combines the best of upright, stick, and canister designs
The details, like LEDs for visibility and easy transitions between carpet and hard floors, make this machine shine.
Common Questions About the Shark
- Hard floors? Great performance, no fiber clumping. Use the hard-floor setting.
- Bags? None, just empty the container.
- Special attachments? Yes, comes with fur-cleaning tools.
- Shag carpet? Works well, adjust settings properly.
- Scratches floors? No, the wheels are safe.
- Cat litter? Handles it fine.
- Filter changes? Depends on use, check manufacturer guidelines.
What You Should Really Do
Ideally, you’d have all three:
- Carpet rake for lifting fibers
- Shark Lift-Away for daily deep cleaning
- Shop Vacuum for heavy-duty messes
If that’s not realistic, pick the rake and whichever two fit your lifestyle best. Multiple pets in a big home? Go with the shop vac. Smaller space or fewer animals? The Shark should be enough.
Fur in Your Car
If it’s in your house, it’s in your car too. For vehicle carpets, a shop vacuum is again my go-to. But since a carpet rake is too large, try a tool like the Fur-Zoff Remover, it loosens stubborn fibers so you can vacuum them up.
For delicate surfaces, a plastic brush works well without scratching.
Here’s a helpful video on getting rid of fur in your car: