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You love your dog, but all those long evenings cuddling on the couch together has likely led to a buildup of dog hair on your furniture. In fact, there's probably hair in the carpet, in the corner of every room, and even on your clean clothes. Dogs, especially those with long coats, love reminding everyone where they have been. Luckily, there is a variety of tools and grooming products that will help you combat dog hair buildup in your home.
Brush Your Dog
Before you even start to remove hair from your home, remove it from your dog, and do it outside if you can. Grab a dog brush such as the U-Groom Slicker Brush for Dogs and Cats and work through your pet's fur, starting at the head and moving toward the tail. Don't forget to get his chest and underbelly, which is often where his hair buildup begins to transfer to your home. If your dog has very long hair, has tangles in his fur, or also needs his paw pads trimmed or nails clipped, it's a good idea to take him in for a full groom. Not only will he look and feel better, but you'll have less hair to worry about in your home.
Vacuum Your Carpets
If you have a long-haired dog or live in a multi-dog household, your basic vacuum cleaner probably isn't going to cut it. Consider investing in a vacuum made specifically for pet hair instead. These vacuums not only have designs that are made specifically to reach deep into your carpets and remove unwanted hair, but they usually also have a HEPA filter. The filter helps to remove pet dander and other allergens from your home, allowing your entire family to breathe easier. Look for something that is easy to maneuver into corners. Even with a good vacuum, you may need to vacuum twice to remove all the hair. Going forward, empty the vacuum cleaner regularly and vacuum at least every few days to prevent hair and dander buildup.
Clean the Upholstery
Use a handheld vacuum or the attachments on your upright vacuum to clean your couches, chairs, beds, and curtains. Vacuum over each section at least once, although you may need to do it twice. If hair is particularly stuck on and refuses to budge, try using a pet hair remover tool. Rubber brooms, window squeegees, or even a dampened rubber glove are good for catching stray hairs and pulling them off of your upholstery.
Use an Anti-Static Spray
Dog hair more easily sticks to furniture and clothing that has static in it. Using an anti-static spray on various surfaces can help. If you have wooden furniture, use a soft cloth and the spray to remove hair and keep it on the cloth. The spray is also useful for pulling stuck pet hair out of carpets, off of cushions and curtains, and even off of clothes when used in combination with a lint roller. Keep in mind, though, that every fabric reacts differently to these types of sprays. Always do a spot test before spraying an entire item.
Wash and Dry the Hair Away
Use hot water to wash your pet's blankets and remove their hair, as well as germs and bacteria. Using a liquid water softener or a bit of white vinegar in the washer loosens the hair even further. After you wash the items, pick off any visible hair and then allow them to dry in a closed area away from your pet. If you're in a hurry and lint rollers aren't doing the trick, you can also toss clothing in the dryer on a tumbler setting for a few minutes to loosen pet hair as needed.
Get Your Dog His Own Blanket
If your dog has a favorite spot on the couch, sleeps on the bed, or loves to curl up in the corner of your carpet, put a pet blanket over each of his favorite spots. Using blankets is beneficial for several reasons. It keeps the hair away from your furniture, protecting them from looking dirty, and allows you to use your vacuum less rigorously, prolonging its life. Wash the blankets at least once a week to prevent hair and dander buildup. If your pet has his own bed, be sure to wash those at least once a month as well.
Add a Robot To Your Arsenal
The truth is, in most homes, staying completely hair-free would mean vacuuming or sweeping every single day. Who has the time for that? The solution, of course, is to add a robot to your list of tricks. A robot that vacuums your home at regular intervals will help to prevent fur and dander buildup and make your job easier when you do vacuum floors and furniture.
Keep Lint Rollers in Every Room
Your lint rollers are more versatile than you realize. You already know you can grab one to remove excess dog hair right before you head out the doors. But consider other uses as well. Run it over the couch after our dog is done cuddling you for the day, roll it over your tables to prevent hair from sticking to them, and use them on your curtains if you start to notice a buildup. You can even use the lint roller on your dog. If you notice loose hairs on him, rolling one over him will keep him from shedding too much before his next full brushing.
