PET HAIR REMOVAL

Constant pet hair removal is one of the most frustrating challenges we face when we make the decision to share our homes with our furry friends.

We have gathered some tips below to help with keeping up with pet hair removal from the surfaces in our homes (and cars). We hope these tips will provide some solutions to this messy task.  

PREVENTION

Most dogs and cats shed, some seasonably, some all year round. As an example, Labrador Retrievers can shed as much as 70 lbs. of hair in one year!

Even non-shedding species can lose some fur. Preventing pet hair from building up is the first most important step to take for successful pet hair removal. Preventive measures include the following:

• Have animals checked for any diseases or conditions that may increase shedding, especially flea and tick infestations or skin infections of any kind.

• Make sure the food you are feeding your animals includes essential fatty acids. The food should have the correct balance of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids for healthy skin and hair. (Check with your veterinarian). Sometimes a change in diet (especially for cats) can lead to less shedding.

• Groom dogs and cats regularly, including cutting excess hair. Make sure to match the style of brush to the length and coarseness of your pet’s hair. If possible, groom your animals outside. Start the brushing in the opposite direction of hair growth first. Regular brushing is an excellent way to bond with your pet as well! NOTE: If your pet will allow it, try putting a stocking or thin sock over the vacuum hose and vacuuming your pet’s coat with it.

• Remember that oils build up as well as hair. So make sure to schedule regular cleaning appointments for your furniture, carpet, and area rugs. Wash bedding frequently, especially where animals frequent.
• Try to control static electricity and low humidity, especially during cold winter months.
• Bathing dogs and cats can be helpful. Cats usually clean themselves but may need an occasional bath. The type of coat is important when bathing dogs. Too many baths could remove natural oils from their coats, especially dogs whose coats are water repellent. (Check with your veterinarian).
• Keep clothes in an area away from animals, if possible.
• Vacuum upholstered furniture, carpets, and area rugs regularly.

PET HAIR REMOVAL FROM UPHOLSTERED FURNITURE

• The most effective method of removing pet hair from upholstered furniture is to use a rubber glove (some are made specifically with pets in mind) to run over the areas of the upholstery fiber. Make sure to dampen the rubber gloves and periodically rinse them off. This method will also work with a slightly dampened sponge.

• You can also use a lint roller or a handheld vacuum for small areas of pet hair.

• Another method is to lightly spray a mix of water and fabric softener on the fabric and then wipe it off.

PET HAIR REMOVAL FROM NON-UPHOLSTERED FURNITURE

• Make static electricity work for you and run a microfiber cloth over non-upholstered and wood furniture to catch and remove the pet hair.

REMOVE PET HAIR FROM HARDWOOD FLOORS

• Rather than using a regular upright vacuum (which has the tendency to make the hair fly all over) to remove the pet hair from hardwood floors, use a dry mop or a microfiber mop to capture the hair.
• A good robot vacuum cleaner can also work for you, constantly picking up the pet hair while you are doing something else! (Works on carpet as well!)
  

• Caveat: If you find yourself bending over too many times to remove hair from cracks in the wood, it may be time to apply another coat of sealer.

REMOVE PET HAIR FROM CARPET

• A rubber broom works very well for this chore.

• Sprinkling some baking soda over the carpet can help to loosen hair and remove some odors before a thorough vacuuming as well.

• When vacuuming, make sure to go over areas twice and in alternate directions to loosen stubborn hair.

• A pumice stone (available at beauty supply stores) run lightly over the carpet will also help to gather up the excess hair.

PET HAIR REMOVAL FROM AREA RUGS

• For the majority of area and especially oriental rugs, a thorough cleaning job for pet hair removal should be done by a professional. It is too difficult and time consuming for a homeowner to clean most area rugs at home. They must be cleaned both back and front and hung to dry to prevent mold, mildew, dye bleeding, and possible shrinkage.
• Please note: One cleaning may not successfully remove all excessive pet hair. Subsequent cleanings may be necessary. This is why regular vacuuming is necessary to prevent buildup of hair.

PET HAIR REMOVAL FROM CLOTHING

• Keep a lint roller close at hand (especially handy at the door before leaving the house) for removing small amounts of hair.

• Add ½ to 1 cup of white vinegar to each load of wash to help loosen the hair.

• Use a dryer sheet or a rolled up ball of aluminum foil in the dryer to loosen the hair and send it into the lint filter.

REMOVE PET HAIR FROM CAR INTERIORS

• Always keep a lint roller in the vehicle to use for small amounts of hair removal.

• Especially with fabric seats, if the lint roller doesn’t get it all, try using a pumice stone (carefully), for a more permanent pet hair removal solution.

HOW ABC CAN HELP

• Schedule regular cleaning appointments for your carpets and upholstered furniture.
• Bring your area rugs in for cleaning in to our specialized rug cleaning plant on a regular basis as well. (No appointment needed unless you need them to be picked up by us).

• Pet hair can weave its way in and through some textiles making it very difficult to remove completely once it is built up.  Again, preventing buildup of hair is the first step to keeping up with pet hair removal.

• Call our office at 607-272-1566 to make an appointment or for information. We are open from 8 to 5 Monday through Thursday, closing on Friday at 4:30. We are also open on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays from 10 to 1.

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