Top 5 Methods for Removing Pet Hair

Let us count the ways that we love our pets: their companionship, their unconditional loyalty and their overall cuteness. But let’s be honest, their shedding of hair can be a nuisance.

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Many pet owners face the challenge of managing pet hair that clings to clothing, carpets and furniture. Fortunately, there are several proven strategies and tools designed specifically for removing pet hair and ways to help prevent the problem.

Lint Rollers and Brushes

Sticky lint rollers are incredibly convenient for quick touch-ups on clothes and small fabric surfaces. The adhesive surface easily picks up pet hair and can be replaced once it's full. Specialized brushes designed specifically for pet hair removal often feature finely spaced bristles that effectively capture and remove hair from various surfaces, including upholstery and thicker garments.

Tip: If you don't have either specialized tool available, you can roll a piece of duct tape around your fingers with the sticky side out and use it in the same way.

Vacuum Cleaners with Pet Hair Attachments

Vacuums equipped with attachments designed for pet hair are essential for any pet owner. These attachments typically have rotating brushes or silicone pads that are more effective at dislodging hair from carpet fibers and furniture than standard vacuum tools.

Washing Machine Floating Pet Fur Catchers

These handy devices can be thrown into the washing machine with your laundry. They float around and collect pet hair during the wash cycle, preventing it from redepositing on fabrics. This tool helps keep both your clothes and your washing machine cleaner.

Dryer Balls

Dryer balls, particularly those made of wool, can help to remove pet hair during the drying cycle. As clothes tumble, the balls help to separate fabric and pull stray hairs out of the materials. They are a natural and reusable option that also speeds up drying time and can reduce static cling, which attracts more hair.

Rubber Gloves and Squeegees

By dampening rubber gloves and running your hands over fabric surfaces, you can gather pet hair into tufts that are easy to pick off with your fingers. This method is especially effective on furniture and can be done quickly. Squeegees work in a similar way. Typically used on windows, squeegees can be equally effective on carpets. The rubber blade pulls hair from deep in the carpet fibers, making it easy to vacuum up afterward.

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Tips to Prevent Pet Hair from Sticking to Clothes and Bedding

• Choose pet-friendly fabrics. When purchasing new clothing or bedding, opt for tightly woven fabrics, as they are less likely to attract and hold onto pet hair. Materials like microfiber, leather and silk are better at repelling pet fur than wool or flannel.
• Use appropriate grooming techniques. Regular grooming of your pet can really reduce the amount of hair that ends up around the house. Brushing your pet daily, especially during periods of heavy shedding, captures much of the loose fur before it can transfer to surfaces around your home.
• Maintain a clean home environment. Frequent vacuuming of floors and furniture —along with washing bedding regularly — will minimize the amount of hair that can be transferred back and forth from pets to your clothing. Keeping your pet’s favorite spots clean is particularly crucial.
• Implement pet-free zones. As hard as it might be, try making certain areas of your home, such as bedrooms or specific pieces of furniture, pet-free zones. This can also help reduce the amount of pet hair in areas where you don't want it.
• Use anti-static sprays and moisturizers. Applying anti-static spray on clothes and furniture can prevent pet hair from clinging due to static electricity. Additionally, using a fabric softener in your laundry cycle or a moisturizer on your pet can reduce static cling and help keep hairs from sticking to fabrics and your skin.

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How to Get Pet Hair Off of Hardwood Floors

• Sweep with a microfiber mop. Using a microfiber mop to sweep your hardwood floors can be highly effective in capturing pet hair. Microfiber material attracts dust and hair through static electricity, making it easier to collect and remove hair without spreading it around. Sweep regularly to prevent hair buildup.
• Vacuum with hardwood-friendly attachments. When vacuuming hardwood floors, it's crucial to use an attachment that won't scratch or damage the surface. A vacuum with a soft bristle brush attachment is ideal as it can pick up hair without harming the floor. Ensure that the vacuum setting is appropriate for hardwood to avoid any abrasion.
• Try robot vacuums. Robotic vacuums can be a convenient and effective solution for daily hair maintenance, especially on hardwood floors. These devices can be set to run automatically, ensuring that pet hair is collected consistently without requiring manual effort every day.
• Mop instead of sweeping. Occasionally, damp mopping with a well-wrung mop can help capture any remaining pet hair after sweeping or vacuuming. It's important to use minimal water to avoid damaging the wood. A gentle, wood-friendly cleaner can be added to the water to enhance the cleaning power and leave your floors shining.