How to Remove Pet Hair from Carpet: 7 Proven Methods

Keep your carpets fur-free (or as close to it as possible) with these tips and tools for removing pet hair.

Welcoming a new furry family member into your home brings lots of benefits. But one thing that isn’t quite so nice is the inevitable hair that gets everywhere, especially when you have a fluffy Fido or feline known for their shedding, such as German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Persian cats.

Dust bunnies might sound cute, but when clumps of pet hair weave their way into carpet fibers, they can be tricky to get out. And a carpet thick with fur causes more problems than just a dirty appearance. A buildup of hair (and accompanying dander) is more likely to trigger asthma and problems with pests, such as fleas. Plus, it’s all-round not very hygienic.

Thankfully, there are plenty of clever hacks to help keep things as fur-free as possible. Check out these tried and tested ways to remove pet hair from carpets.

1. Vacuum

Nothing beats using a good quality vacuum cleaner at least once a week to keep pet hair from gathering in the carpet pile. One with an extendable, angled brush attachment allows you to clean deep into the carpet fibers, even in that awkward-to-reach corner your cat or dog loves to snuggle up in. Go over the area twice to catch any stubborn strands. And don’t forget to regularly empty the canister and clean the filter to maximize the vacuum's longevity and effectiveness.

If your furry family member is a super shedder, it’s worth investing in a pet-specific model. The best vacuums for pet hair will have a HEPA filter to reduce allergens, super strong suction, and specialized attachments.

Related: We Tested 37 of the Best Vacuums for Pet Hair, And These 8 Are a Lifesaver for Dog and Cat Owners

2. Rubber Gloves

If your vacuum is on the fritz or there’s a hard-to-reach area full of embedded fur, try teasing the pet hair out with a pair of rubber gloves. The static the rubber generates on the carpet fibers acts like a magnet for pet hairs.

This low-cost strategy is best for patches of carpet where the hair gathers most or on the area rug your dog loves to sleep on. Cleaning an entire carpet with this method would be a back-breaking task. And it’s most effective on low-pile designs. Rubber gloves are also great for removing pet hairs from sofas.

3. Squeegee

Long-handled squeegees aren’t just convenient for cleaning shower doors and windows. They also do a pretty good job lifting pet hair out of low-pile carpets. Get into a rhythm, using long, forceful strokes, and watch the pet hair gather in clumps you can easily lift. This technique is better for your back than relying on rubber gloves.

4. Carpet Rake

Carpet rakes dig deep to loosen pet hairs tightly woven around high-pile fibers. However, if you’re thinking about adding a rake to your repertoire of tools, there are a few things to consider:

• Choose one suitable for your fiber type—the last thing you want is for it to damage your heirloom antique rug.

• These tools aren’t the best choice for delicate, looped rugs.

• Use it before vacuuming so any loosened debris is fully lifted afterward.

• Using a rake after vacuuming is best for helping to make the carpet look fluffy and full.

5. Pumice Stone

If you’ve got a scratchy pumice stone hanging around your bathroom, it’s handy for grabbing hold of hairs and loosening them before vacuuming. However, this hack is only suitable for low-pile carpets in targeted areas where your pet loves to lounge.

6. Lint Roller

Sticky lint rollers or brushes are go-to pet hair removers for clothes, but they can also be a quick fix for carpets. While these can lift a lot of hair, they won’t pull out the fur stuck deep down in high-pile materials. Plus, it would take hours of elbow grease and a lot of tape to roll over each inch of an entire living room carpet or area rug.

7. Fabric Softener Sheet

Another practical tip for removing pet hair from low-pile carpets is to grab a damp fabric softener sheet and smooth it over the surface of your carpet before running the vacuum over it. This can help loosen deeply embedded hairs so it’s easier for the vacuum to suck them up. Alternatively, mix 1 part fabric softener with 3 parts water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist your carpet. Once it’s dry, go at it with the vacuum.

Always test the mixture on a less visible corner of your carpet that is covered with furniture before spraying it all over. A bonus of this hack is that the fresh fabric softener scent is ideal for covering up pet odors.

Related: 7 Ways to Banish Common Household Odors for a Fresher Home

Tips for Preventing Pet Hairs Gathering in the Carpet

Preventing pet hair from hitting your carpet in the first place makes cleanup a lot easier. Try the following to minimize a pet hair pile-up:

• Groom your pet regularly with a suitable brush. This also helps keep your pets comfortable and their coat in good condition.

• Bathe your pet when their coat is blowing out with a quality de-shedding shampoo.

• Run a humidifier when the air is dry to help reduce allergens in the home and moisten skin, hair, and eyes. It also reduces static electricity that can cause pet hairs to be attracted to carpet fibers.
  

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