Tips and Tricks for Removing Dog and Cat Hair
If you’re a pet parent, you’ve probably accepted that a little fur on your clothes and furniture comes with the territory. But when shedding season hits (or if your pet sheds year-round), it can feel like a losing battle against the fluff.
The good news? With the right tools and techniques, you can keep your home, clothes, and car cleaner, and more fur-free.
Here are some tried-and-true tips and tricks for removing dog and cat hair from every surface.
Hair on Furniture
Rubber gloves (yes, really!)
Dampen a rubber glove (like dishwashing gloves) and run your hand over fabric surfaces. The hair will cling to the glove and form easy to pick up clumps.
Lint rollers and sticky tape
A classic solution for quick touch ups. Use heavy duty or extra sticky rollers for upholstery.
Vacuum with pet attachments
Look for vacuums designed for pet hair, especially those with motorised brush heads or upholstery tools. Use in multiple directions for best results.
Fabric softener spray
Mix water and a bit of fabric softener in a spray bottle. Lightly mist your furniture and wipe with a microfibre cloth to loosen hair and reduce static.
Pro Tip: Use a dry squeegee (the kind for windows) to pull fur off sofas and car seats. It works surprisingly well on fabric surfaces!
Hair on Clothing
Dryer sheets before the wash
Toss clothes in the dryer for 10 minutes with a dryer sheet before washing. This helps loosen fur so it ends up in the lint trap instead of stuck to clothes.
Lint rollers or reusable hair removers
Keep one in your bag, your car, and near the door. There are also eco-friendly reusable versions made of silicone or fabric.
Wash with vinegar
Add half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. It helps break up hair clinging to fabric.
Hair on Floors
Vacuum often (with the right vacuum)
Vacuum 2–3 times a week during heavy shedding seasons. Vacuums with HEPA filters are best if you have allergies.
Use a dry mop or electrostatic cloths
Dry mops attract hair and dust better than regular brooms, which tend to stir it up.
Damp mopping for hard floors
Follow up dry mopping with a slightly damp microfibre mop to catch the finer hairs.
Hair in the Car
Pet seat covers
Use washable covers to protect your seats and contain most of the shedding.
Pumice stones or rubber brushes
Use gently on fabric seats. These grip onto hair and lift it out of fibres.
Vacuum with a narrow nozzle
A handheld or shop vac with strong suction works well for tight spaces and stubborn crevices.
Prevent the Shedding Frenzy
While you can’t stop all shedding, you can manage it at the source:
Brush regularly: Use grooming tools that match your pet’s coat type. Daily brushing reduces loose hair before it hits the furniture.
Bathe occasionally: Bathing with a gentle pet shampoo helps loosen dead fur. Just don’t overdo it as too many baths can dry out their skin.
Feed a healthy diet: Omega-3 fatty acids can improve coat health and reduce excess shedding.
Use pet-safe anti-shed sprays or wipes: Some grooming wipes help reduce shedding and static buildup.
Pet hair is a fact of life when you share your home with a furry friend but it doesn’t have to take over. With a consistent cleaning routine, the right tools, and a little prevention, you can keep your space clean and still enjoy cuddles on the couch.