If you’re a pet owner, you already know the struggle—no matter how often you vacuum, it seems like pet hair has a mind of its own. It winds up on furniture, embedded in carpets, floating through the air, and even lurking in the corners you didn’t realize existed. Traditional vacuums can manage some of the mess, but many fall short when it comes to removing stubborn fur and dander effectively. That’s where the Bissell PowerClean FurGuard 280W Cordless Stick Vacuum steps in—a vacuum cleaner designed specifically for homes with pets.
With a powerful motor, pet-specific attachments, a HEPA-sealed filtration system, and advanced features like self-cleaning brush rolls and FurFinder™ headlights, this vacuum aims to elevate your cleaning game. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s take a deep dive into everything this cordless stick vacuum has to offer.
Overview: Purpose-Built for Pet Messes
The Bissell PowerClean FurGuard isn’t just another cordless vacuum—it’s engineered for households with pets. Featuring a powerful 280-watt motor and FurGuard™ Self-Cleaning Brush Roll, this vacuum is built to handle embedded hair and fine dust with ease. Whether you’re cleaning area rugs, hardwood, upholstery, or those hard-to-reach corners, the Bissell PowerClean FurGuard provides a versatile and highly mobile solution.
The vacuum weighs just 7.3 pounds, making it lightweight and easy to maneuver. It also features a self-standing design, which is a surprisingly convenient feature—especially for quick clean-ups or when you need to pause mid-task.
Key Features
1. Powerful 280W Motor
Let’s start with the heart of this vacuum—the 280-watt motor. This power level is impressive for a cordless stick vacuum, delivering strong suction performance that can lift pet hair from both hard floors and carpets. Unlike some cordless vacuums that struggle with thicker debris or embedded fur, the Bissell PowerClean FurGuard doesn’t lose suction under pressure.
2. Up to 50 Minutes of Cordless Runtime
Cordless convenience is one of this vacuum’s key selling points. With a runtime of up to 50 minutes, it provides ample cleaning time to tackle your entire home. The removable battery is another bonus—great for charging separately or swapping out for extended cleaning sessions.
Note: Runtime can vary depending on the power mode and tools used, but 50 minutes is generous compared to many competitors.
3. FurFinder™ Headlights: Find Hidden Debris
One standout feature is the FurFinder™ Headlight Technology. These bright LED headlights illuminate pet hair and dust that would otherwise be invisible—particularly on dark flooring or under furniture. Bissell PowerClean the technology helps users see three times more pet hair, and for anyone who has ever missed a clump of fur in a dim corner, this feature is a game-changer.
4. Self-Cleaning FurGuard™ Brush Roll
Hair wrap is one of the most annoying parts of vacuum ownership—especially for pet owners or households with long-haired individuals. The FurGuard brush roll is self-cleaning and designed to handle hair up to 16 inches long, preventing the bristles from clogging or tangling. This means less maintenance and better cleaning efficiency over time.
5. HEPA Sealed Allergen System
If you or someone in your home suffers from allergies, you’ll appreciate the HEPA Sealed Allergen System. It captures fine dust, pet dander, and allergens as small as 0.3 microns, preventing them from recirculating into the air. This makes the vacuum not only a surface cleaner but also a contributor to better indoor air quality.
6. Versatile 3-in-1 Cleaning Capabilities
The Bissell PowerClean FurGuard isn’t just for floors. It quickly transforms into a handheld vacuum or high-reach tool, making it ideal for:
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Upholstery
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Stairs
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Car interiors
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Drapes
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Baseboards
It comes with several tools designed specifically for pet messes, including:
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FurFinder™ Upholstery Tool – Ideal for removing embedded hair from furniture.
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2-in-1 Dusting Brush/Crevice Tool – Great for cleaning tight spaces and delicate surfaces.
Ease of Use and Design
Lightweight and Self-Standing
At 7.3 pounds, the vacuum is lightweight enough for almost anyone to carry up and down stairs. Its ergonomic handle and flexible swivel steering make it easy to maneuver around furniture and into tight spaces.
The self-standing feature is a rare but welcome addition. It allows the vacuum to stand upright on its own during breaks or while charging—no more propping it against a wall and hoping it doesn’t fall.
Wall Mount and Charging Dock
The included charging dock and wall mount make it easy to store and recharge the vacuum without cluttering your space. The removable battery can also be charged separately, which is convenient if you decide to buy a second battery for extended sessions.
Performance: Real-World Results
Based on Bissell PowerClean’s internal tests and third-party comparisons, the PowerClean FurGuard offers impressive performance metrics:
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Removes up to 95% of embedded pet hair from upholstery using the FurFinder Tool.
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2x faster at lifting pet hair than some competing cordless models.
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Maintains suction power even with continuous use, including on thicker rugs and high-pile carpeting.
In real-world use, pet owners report that the vacuum excels at removing fur from upholstery and stairs, where fur tends to accumulate most. It also glides seamlessly across hardwood and tile without scattering debris.
Capacity and Maintenance
The dustbin has a capacity of 0.3 liters, which is adequate for regular cleaning in medium-sized homes but may require more frequent emptying in homes with multiple pets. The bagless design makes it easy to empty, though you’ll want to clean the filter regularly to maintain optimal performance.
The HEPA filter and other washable components help reduce long-term costs and ensure consistent suction.
Eco-Conscious Pet Ownership
One of the more heartwarming aspects of purchasing this vacuum is knowing that your money contributes to a good cause. BISSELL donates a portion of every purchase to the BISSELL Pet Foundation®, which has donated over $26 million to help save pets and reduce shelter populations. So, while you’re cleaning up after your furry friend, you’re also helping others find their forever homes.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 240 customer reviews, it’s clear that most users are impressed with the vacuum’s performance.
Pros Frequently Mentioned:
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Outstanding suction for pet hair
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Lightweight and easy to maneuver
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Effective attachments, especially the FurFinder tool
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Long battery life
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Self-standing feature is convenient
Cons to Consider:
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Small dustbin requires frequent emptying in high-pet households
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No digital display or suction level indicator
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Louder than some other cordless stick vacuums
Bissell PowerClean FurGuard vs. Competitors
Let’s quickly compare this vacuum to similar offerings in the market:
Feature | Bissell PowerClean FurGuard | Shark IX141 | Dyson V8 Animal |
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Suction Power | 280W | Approx. 180W | Approx. 115W |
Runtime | Up to 50 mins | Up to 40 mins | Up to 40 mins |
Self-Cleaning Brush Roll | Yes | Limited | No |
HEPA Filter | Yes | No | Yes |
Pet Tool Included | Yes (FurFinder™ Tool) | Yes | Yes |
Price Range (as of 2025) | $$ | $ | $$$ |
Final Verdict: Is the PowerClean FurGuard Worth It?
Absolutely—especially if you have pets. The Bissell PowerClean FurGuard 280W Cordless Stick Vacuum checks all the right boxes for a pet-friendly cleaning machine:
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Strong, consistent suction
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Tools tailored for pet hair and upholstery
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Bright headlights to reveal hidden fur
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Excellent runtime and cordless convenience
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Thoughtful, allergy-friendly filtration
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A brand mission that supports animal welfare
While it’s not the cheapest stick vacuum on the market, its combination of performance, versatility, and pet-specific features make it a standout value for pet owners. If you’re tired of fighting the endless battle against fur and dander, this vacuum might just become your new favorite tool in the home.
Where to Buy
You can find the Bissell PowerClean FurGuard 280W Cordless Stick Vacuum on Amazon here.
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