How to Get Rid of Dog Hair (Easy Cleaning Hacks!)
If you’ve ever shared your home with a dog, you already know that dog hair has a way of sneaking into every corner of your life. It lands on your couch, your clothes, your bed, and somehow even makes its way into places your dog has never been—how exactly it ends up in the fridge is still a mystery. Living with a shedding dog can feel like a constant battle, but the truth is, you don’t have to surrender your home to the fur. With the right strategies, you can control shedding, keep your home cleaner, and even enjoy wearing black again without worrying about stray hairs sticking everywhere.
1. Brush Your Dog Regularly
Brushing your dog is the foundation of managing shedding. When you brush, you remove loose fur before it falls all over your home. It also stimulates the skin, distributes natural oils, and keeps your dog’s coat healthy and shiny. Think of it as a spa day for your pup that doubles as a cleaning hack for you.
Why It Works
Regular brushing prevents loose hair from spreading everywhere, so you spend less time vacuuming or lint-rolling. It also keeps your dog’s skin healthier by stimulating blood flow and reducing matting. Long-haired dogs especially benefit from frequent brushing because it stops tangles before they form, while short-haired dogs get a quick and effective way to remove dead fur.
How to Do It
Choose a brush that matches your dog’s coat type. Slicker brushes are perfect for long, flowing coats, while rubber curry brushes work wonders on short-haired dogs. During regular seasons, brushing two to three times a week is usually enough, but in heavy shedding seasons like spring and fall, daily brushing makes a noticeable difference. Whenever possible, brush outside so loose fur doesn’t float back into your living room. Keep a small trash bag or your vacuum close by—you’ll be amazed at how much hair comes off in a single session. Brushing isn’t just about the hair you can see; it’s also about preventing it from spreading into every nook and cranny of your home.
2. Invest in a Quality Vacuum
A standard vacuum might work fine for crumbs, but dog hair requires a more specialized approach. Pet hair is sticky, stubborn, and can quickly clog a regular vacuum. Using a vacuum designed for pets makes cleaning faster, easier, and more thorough.
What to Look For
When choosing a vacuum, prioritize strong suction to pull hair out of carpets, rugs, and upholstery. HEPA filters are also essential because they trap allergens and help keep the air in your home cleaner. Attachments that reach tight corners, stairs, and furniture make a huge difference in removing hair from tricky areas.
Tips for Maximum Efficiency
Vacuum in multiple directions to lift hair from deep within carpet fibers. Empty the canister frequently—dog hair takes up more space than you might expect. Use upholstery tools for couches, chairs, and even car seats. Focus on your dog’s favorite spots first; it’s easier to keep hair under control if you catch it before it piles up. Regular vacuuming prevents fur from embedding deeply and saves hours of cleaning later.
3. Use Washable Covers on Furniture
Your dog has probably already claimed their favorite spot on the couch or bed. Instead of fighting a losing battle against dog hair, consider using washable covers. They act as a barrier between your dog and your furniture, making cleaning simple and keeping your home looking neat.
Why It’s Worth It
Covers catch fur before it embeds itself into fabric, reducing hours spent scrubbing or lint-rolling. They also protect furniture from muddy paws, drool, and general wear and tear that comes with having a furry friend around.
How to Use Them
Place covers over the furniture your dog uses most. Choose fabrics that are machine-washable so cleaning is fast and easy. Rotate covers weekly to ensure everything looks fresh, and keep spare covers on hand for emergencies, like when guests arrive unexpectedly and your couch looks like a fur bomb went off. Washable covers are a small investment that pays off in cleanliness and sanity.
4. Dryer Sheets: The Static-Zapper
Dog hair clings to fabric mainly because of static electricity. Dryer sheets neutralize that static, making it easier to remove hair from clothes, furniture, and curtains. They’re a simple tool that can save you time and frustration.
How to Use Them
Rub a dryer sheet over clothing or upholstery to loosen hair, toss one into the dryer when doing laundry, and keep a few in your car for quick fixes on the go. Unscented sheets work just as well if you prefer no fragrance. This is a quick and inexpensive way to tackle stubborn fur on fabrics that are harder to clean otherwise.
5. Rubber Gloves for Furniture
It might sound unusual, but damp rubber gloves are a surprisingly effective tool for removing hair from furniture. The slightly sticky surface of the gloves attracts fur, pulling it off fabrics faster than a lint roller. They’re also reusable and eco-friendly.
How to Use Them
Dampen a pair of standard rubber gloves and run your hands over couches, chairs, or car seats. Rinse off the collected hair and repeat as needed. This method works especially well on car interiors, where fabric seats trap fur in tricky spots. It’s an easy, low-cost solution that gives you instant results.
6. Don’t Forget the Floors
Dog hair tends to accumulate in corners, under furniture, and other areas where vacuums might struggle to reach. Hard floors, in particular, respond well to brooms and microfiber mops, which grab fur without kicking it back into the air.
Quick Hacks for Floors
For carpets, sprinkling a little baking soda before vacuuming loosens stubborn hairs. Check under furniture regularly, as hidden fur piles can grow unnoticed. Robot vacuums are excellent for daily maintenance, but make sure the model you choose is designed to handle pet hair without clogging. Consistently addressing the floors keeps your home looking tidy and reduces the buildup that makes cleaning overwhelming.
7. Wash Your Dog’s Stuff Regularly
Your dog’s bed, blankets, and toys are magnets for hair. Washing these items weekly not only reduces the amount of fur in your home but also keeps your house smelling fresh and clean.
How to Do It
Wash all washable items using a pet-safe detergent, and vacuum non-washable items like collars or harnesses. Dry on low heat to avoid shrinking or damaging fabrics, and adding a dryer sheet or wool dryer ball can help remove even more hair. Regularly cleaning your dog’s belongings prevents fur from spreading throughout your home with every movement your dog makes.
Bonus: Keep Your Dog Healthy
Excessive shedding can sometimes indicate underlying health issues, such as allergies or poor nutrition. Maintaining a healthy diet and regular veterinary checkups can dramatically improve coat quality and reduce shedding.
What to Watch For
Be aware of sudden increases in shedding, bald patches, irritated skin, or excessive scratching and licking. If you notice any of these signs, consult your veterinarian. Adding supplements like fish oil or omega-3s can enhance coat health and help manage shedding naturally. A healthy dog isn’t just happier—they also leave less hair behind.
Final Thoughts of How to Get Rid of Dog Hair
Dog hair might be inevitable, but a home overrun with fur doesn’t have to be. With consistent brushing, smart cleaning strategies, and a few simple tools, you can enjoy a cleaner, more comfortable living space without constantly battling stray hairs. And remember, a little dog hair is just a small reminder of the love and companionship your furry friend brings into your life.
