Sticky rollers run out at the worst moment, and the sheet always comes off in the wrong direction. A reusable roller with a chamber solves both problems at once: it picks up on the push and on the pull, and what it collects goes into a compartment you tip into the bin rather than onto a pile of peeled paper by the door. Over a year with a shedding cat, that adds up.

The two-directional head is the part doing the work, with fibres angled one way for the push stroke and the other way for the pull, so every pass lifts hair instead of half of them simply redistributing it. Nothing needs replacing, so it lives in a drawer indefinitely and never turns into a running cost. It is light and small enough for a bag or a glovebox, which is where most people actually need it.

• Picks up in both push and pull directions
• Built-in chamber empties into the bin
• Reusable, with no adhesive sheets to buy
• Works on sofas, bedding, car seats and clothing
• Handles fine and coarse coats
• Small enough for a drawer or a bag

Where it works and where it does not. Rollers like this are at their best on flat woven fabric, upholstery and car seats. Deep-pile carpet and chunky knitwear hold hair below the reach of any roller, and a rubber brush or a damp glove will do more there.

Who it's for: Anyone living with a shedding cat or dog who is tired of buying sticky sheets.