My Pro Cleaner
How to Get Dog Hair Out of Carpet: Best Practices
We love our cats and dogs, and pet owners know that keeping your carpet clean can seem like an almost impossible challenge with all those stubborn pet hairs stuck between the carpet fibers. Pets shed hair – during some seasons more than at others — and if you live with a high-shedding Golden Retriever or Siberian Husky, you may wonder about giving up on keeping your carpets clean.
Please don't worry! I've written a lot of articles on how important it is to keep your carpets clean for your family's health, and in this article, I have some tips and tricks on how to control pet hair in your carpet.
10 Tried-and-True Methods for Getting Pet Hair Out of Carpets
If a regular vacuum isn't making much of difference for you, try one of the following methods to remove dog and cat hair from your carpets.
1. Lint Rollers
A lint roller is useful for removing more than lint! This inexpensive tool works like a charm for picking up pet hair from carpets. Depending on your preferences, you can choose a model with or without adhesives.
The great thing about lint rollers (or specialized pet hair rollers) is their versatility. You can use them not only on carpets and rugs, but also on your couches, car seats, mattresses, and any fabric-covered area where your pet's hair accumulates.
2. Rubber Gloves
Yes! A simple rubber or latex glove can help you remove pet hair from your carpet or furniture in a simple, affordable way. Here is how to use a disposable rubber glove for removing pet hair:
1) Put on a rubber glove (try getting it a little bit damp first)
2) Rub the carpet in one direction to collect hair.
3) Dispose of the accumulated lump of hair, rinse off the glove, and repeat.
Running a rubber glove over your furniture, rugs and carpets creates a bit of static electricity that causes the pet hair to stick to the glove.
You might consider keeping a rubber glove handy by keeping it under the cushion of your pet's favorite furniture.
3. Grooming Gloves
A specialized pet grooming mitt with short silicone bristles works extremely well as a gentle de-shedder when you rub your dog with it. The same glove can help remove hair from your carpet. It may be a little more expensive than a common rubber or latex glove, but it should work more effectively.
4. Fabric Softener
If your keep running a vacuum over your carpet, but the pet hairs just won't budge, pull out some regular fabric softener and a spray bottle, then do the following:
1) Mix one part fabric softener with three parts water and place the solution in the spray bottle.
2) Lightly mist the carpet with the fabric softener and water solution. Avoid soaking the carpet.
3) Once the carpet dries, try vacuuming again. The fabric softener should have helped to loosen up the pet hairs and make them easier to remove.
5. Baking Soda
Unpleasant odors often accompany a build-up of pet hair in a carpet. Baking soda, a common staple you'll probably find in your kitchen cabinets, will help loosen stuck dog hairs and also deodorize the carpet.
Do the following to use baking soda for dry carpet cleaning:
1) Spread a light layer of baking soda across the carpet. Use a broom, if needed, to spread it evenly.
2) Wait a few minutes.
3) Vacuum thoroughly to remove the baking soda and pet hair.
6. A Carpet Rake
Most carpet owners know how important it is to vacuum their carpets regularly. However, when pet hair, dirt, and debris get trapped deep in the carpet, a vacuum may not be very effective. A carpet rake will fluff up your carpet and help you remove those hard-to-reach dog hairs.
A carpet rake resembles a pet brush but with a long handle. It moves your carpet fibers and brings debris to the surface. Here is how to use a carpet rake:
1) Adjust the rake handle's length to ensure a comfortable operation.
2) Using short strokes, pull the rake through the carpet. Pull upwards for carpets and rugs with long fibers.
3) Once the rake head fills up, remove the hair and proceed to the next carpet area.
4) Vacuum to remove residual hairs.
7. A Hair Brush
Like a carpet rake, a simple hair brush with stiff bristles can help you remove pet hair from your carpet. Brush in vigorous strokes to agitate the carpet fibers and bring trapped hairs to the surface. From time to time, stop to remove accumulated hair from the brush. Hand-pick hair clumps from the carpet and finish up by vacuuming.
8. A Rubber Broom
If you're still wondering how to get dog hair out of carpet, many pet stores carry rubber brooms meant specifically for removing hair from carpets and furniture. These multi-surface brooms attract pet hairs like a magnet and usually have telescopic handles to extend to your preferred length.
9. A Squeegee
Squeegees do a great job not just on windows, but also on carpets that collect a lot of dog hair. As the rubber squeegee runs over the carpet, it creates friction and pulls on embedded hairs. Any squeegee will do, but a long-handled one will let you clean your carpet without bending or kneeling.
Here is how to use a rubber squeegee for carpet cleaning:
1) Drag the squeegee across the carpet towards you, applying some pressure.
2) Pick up and dispose of loosened hair clumps.
3) Run a vacuum cleaner to remove remaining loose hair.
10. A Pet Hair Vacuum Cleaner
Even high-quality vacuum cleaners aren't always good at picking up pet hair. Dog hairs can tangle around a vacuum brush, clog its bristles, and keep it from rolling properly.
If your dog sheds heavily, consider investing in a designated pet hair vacuum cleaner. Pet vacuum cleaners have sturdy brushes that loosen pet hair. Many models feature motorized rotating brushes that lift even deeply embedded hair from both low- and high-pile carpets.
More Tips for Keeping Carpets Clean
If you want simpler carpet upkeep, focus not just on how to get dog hair out of carpet but on preventing hair from accumulating and getting stuck there in the first place. Here are a few tips.
• Vacuum often. Vacuuming works well for removing loose pet hair that hasn't worked its way deep into the carpet fibers yet. A powerful vacuum will also collect pet dander and other debris.
• Clean hair from rug regularly. Newly shed hair is easier to remove, and a quick hair-picking session is not as daunting as cleaning a large area full of old shed hair.
• Relocate your rugs. If you're dealing with an extra heavy shedding season, consider rolling up expensive rugs and storing them for a few weeks until your pet's shedding gets back to regular levels.
• Keep your pets well groomed. Of course, regularly brushing your dog or cat will keep the hair from ever ending up on your carpet or furniture. And your pet will love you for it!
Most pup parents have noticed that their dog doesn't shed consistently throughout the year. One week, you think you have shedding under control. Next, you walk in and realize you can barely see the carpet under the layer of pet hair.
Your canine companion will usually shed most in the spring and fall. In the fall, your dog will start growing out a winter coat and shed existing hair. In the spring, all that heavy winter layer will fall out to end up on your carpets and couches.
In all seasons, it's vital to maintain a regular brushing and grooming schedule for your pet. During shedding season, grooming is especially important to control the amount of hair that ends up on carpets, rugs, and furniture. If your dog sheds heavily, you may want to brush its coat daily until shedding subsides.
Which Types of Carpet Go Well With Dogs?
Some people love the soft, cozy feel of carpets but believe pets can only coexist with hardwood or laminate floors. Should you give up on carpets altogether if you have a four-legged companion?
Certain types of carpeting are a sensible choice for homes with dogs. Nylon is a durable and stain-resistant material that stands up well to many years of hard use. Recycled polyester and frieze-type carpets are also sturdy and easy to clean. Choose short-fiber carpets with tight weaves that aren't prone to snagging.
If you plan to install carpets, we recommend checking the maintenance requirements of your chosen carpeting material. The same is true for furniture and upholstery.
When It's Time to Call a Carpet Cleaning Pro
Even if you diligently adhere to a carpet maintenance routine, all carpets require professional cleaning on a regular schedule. The refreshed, almost-new look of your carpet after a proper professional cleaning will astonish you.
Most carpet types will need professional cleaning about once a year. However, in homes with pets or small children, carpets may call for more frequent services. It might be time to call My Pro Cleaner if you notice:
• Persistent carpet discoloration
• Stubborn stains that don't respond to home treatments
• Lingering unpleasant odors
• A dull, matted appearance
• A rough and gritty feel
My Pro Cleaner is Houston's most Trusted Local Carpet Cleaning Service
For pet hair issues and a lot more, feel free to browse our website to view for top-level pro advice, and hire My Pro Cleaner for top-of-class professional carpet cleaning in Spring Texas and the Northern Houston area.
If you have any questions about this article, or anything related to cleaning carpet, upholstery, tile and grout, and maintaining a healthy home, please feel free to give me a call, and let's talk!
