How to deal with pet hair on carpet

Our beloved four-legged companions bring immense joy in our lives. But their shedding can be quite a hairy ordeal. Now, shedding is a seasonal event, most pet owners tell you. But that’s a bald-faced lie.

If you live with a pet (and if you’re reading this article, I assume you do), you know pets shed all the time. Seasonal fur change is when things get extra complicated, but it’s not like your pet is not shedding throughout the rest of the year.

Maintaining a pristine home with a fur ball spreading hair everywhere can then be quite a challenge. Especially when you have professional commitments and want to make a striking impression in London.

So in this comprehensive guide, I’ll share some of the methods and techniques I use to make my life easier. I hope this helps you to keep your home more or less free from pet hair. And, let’s face it – it’ll probably be less. 

Note: Several pet hairs flew into my face as I was typing this sentence. Shedding never stops. But we can manage the results from it. Here’s how.

In this article:

  • Equipment for Pet Hair Removal
  • Fabric Softener Pet Hair Removal Technique
  • Squeegee Method
  • Lint Rollers and FURemover Brooms
  • Rubber Glove/Flip Flop Technique
  • Baking Soda Method
  • Regular Maintenance
  • Conclusion

Equipment for Pet Hair Removal

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s lay down the groundwork. There are a few pieces of equipment that are absolutely essential for effective pet hair removal. The choice of equipment should align with your unique needs and the size of the task at hand. A British shorthair is not the same as a Golden retriever. Here’s a concise list of tools to consider:

  • Fabric softener: The key ingredient in a pet hair removal technique.
  • Spray bottle: For concocting a fabric softener solution.
  • Squeegee: More versatile than you thought.
  • Rubber gloves or rubber flip flops: An unconventional yet effective method.
  • Lint roller/FURemover broom: Specialised instruments for pet hair removal.
  • Baking soda: If you’re a regular reader, you know we love baking soda for cleaning around here.
  • Vacuum cleaner: Opt for one specifically designed for removing pet hair from your carpet. They’re a bit pricier, but well worth the investment. Once you start looking at cleaning as an investment, you’ll realise many of the so-called “expenses” are worth it.

With our arsenal assembled, let’s explore a plethora of techniques for cleaning pet hair from your carpets.

Fabric Softener Pet Hair Removal Technique

One of the most effective methods for ridding your carpets of pet hair is by employing a fabric softener. Here’s how to finesse your way into this elegant solution:

  • Create a solution by mixing one part fabric softener with three parts water in a spray bottle. You need the fabric softener diluted for this to work properly. Otherwise, you’d also need carpet cleaning.
  • Spritz your rug lightly with the concoction. Exercise restraint – a delicate mist is all you need. If your carpet starts to get wet, you’ve overdone it.
  • Allow the sprayed area to dry; it won’t take long if you’ve done it right.
  • Now whip out your trusty vacuum cleaner, especially one tailored for pet hair removal. The fabric softener should have helped to loosen the pet hairs, rendering it a breeze for the vacuum to remove from your carpet.

Squeegee Method

If you have a squeegee at your disposal, this technique is remarkably effective, particularly if it’s extra-wide:

  • Run the squeegee across your carpet’s surface.
  • Watch in amazement as the rubber edge of the squeegee raises pet hair. This will make it child’s play to clean your carpet.
  • Same as above – vacuum the now loosened pet hairs. Don’t forget to take before and after photos – it’s so satisfying.

Lint Rollers and FURemover Brooms

Two indispensable tools specially created for pet hair removal are lint rollers and FURemover brooms:

  • Lint Roller: This pint-sized champion boasts a sticky surface. A mere roll over your carpet or clothing is all it takes to amass pet hair. It’s ideal for compact spaces. The downside is you will have to change the roll often.
  • FURemover Broom: This is a carpet brush for pet hair removal. You can get it online or at your local pet store. Using it is the same as using a conventional broom, but the magic happens when you sweep your carpet. It’s pretty effective.

Rubber Glove/Flip Flop Technique

Believe it or not, rubber gloves and flip-flops come together to tackle pet hair when they grace your hands and feet:

  • Slightly moisten the rubber gloves or flip-flops.
  • Glide them over your carpet’s surface.
  • Watch as the pet hair sticks to them, ensuring their swift removal.

Baking Soda Method

While baking soda often graces kitchens, it possesses a hidden talent in the realm of carpet care. It’s not just for general cleaning; it can also aid in pet hair removal:

  • Sprinkle baking soda evenly over your carpet: Let it sit for roughly 15 minutes, then perform the grand finale – vacuum it away. Baking soda’s alchemy helps clean and deodourise your carpet, while also making pet hair easier to remove.

Regular Maintenance

You don’t have to wait until you have a hairy situation on your hands. Here are a few maintenance tips for you to consider:

  • Regular vacuuming – maintain a regular vacuuming routine to ward off pet hair accumulation. Opt for a vacuum cleaner tailored for pet hair removal.
  • Brush your pets – Conscientious grooming of your pets reduces shedding. This leads to a noticeable decline in loose hair around your home. Just make sure you’re brushing them somewhere where you can easily clean them afterwards.
  • Wash and groom your pets – regular grooming is not only for your beloved pet’s appearance appearance. It’s also good for their health and, as cherry on top, reduces shedding.
  • Washable rugs and covers – get rugs and furniture covers that can be effortlessly laundered when they inevitably bear the brunt of fur.
  • Pet-free zones – I know some of you cringe at the idea. However, creating designated pet-free zones in your home or training your pets to respect certain places can be remarkably effective. Boundaries can be healthy. Yes, even for pets.

Conclusion

Maintaining a pet hair-free home doesn’t have to be a Herculean task. With the right techniques, tools, and a dash of regular maintenance, you can revel in a clean and fresh home.

Whether you try the fabric softener method, baking soda, or are intrigued by any of the other methods discussed, the key is to stay diligent.If all else fails , consider enlisting the services of professional cleaners. As always, if you need us, we’re never more than a phone call away.

Samyx Cleaning - Branding Consultant - Atanas
Author: Atanas Dzhingarov

Hi, I’m Atanas - brand consultant and writer. I’m helping Samyx Cleaning create the best cleaning company blog on the Internet. Join us on our journey and learn how to live a cleaner, healthier, happier life in the process.