As much as Aussies enjoy having a pet to love and cherish, it’s hard to ignore the stress of pet hair on furniture, clothes and virtually everything else. Whether it’s a fluffy cat or a dog that’s shedding, managing pet hair can seem almost never ending. However, with the right know-how and tools, it is possible to manage to keep your home, outfits, and car interiors clean and pet hair-free.
In this article, we’ll discuss some effective ways to control pet hair.
1. Regular Grooming: Your First Defense
The frontline defence against pet hair accumulation is regular grooming. Using a pet brush on your dog or cat’s hair can radically reduce the amount of hair that sheds. This is because brushing removes hair that’s about to shed before it even leaves your pet’s coat.
However, make sure you use the right grooming tools depending on your pet’s coat type if you want to get the maximum benefit from it.
- For dogs with undercoats, such as Huskies or Golden Retrievers, use deshedding tools like the Furminator to tackle the thick underlayer.
- For cats and short-haired dogs, slicker brushes or grooming gloves are better for getting loose fur without irritating their skin.
2. Invest in High-Quality Vacuum Cleaners
Getting a really good quality vacuum cleaner designed especially for dealing with pet fur can radically help with reducing overall pet fur.
- Robotic vacuums can help with catching fur that falls on the floor with minimal effort.
- Upright vacuums with attachments tailored for pet fur can help for deeper cleaning sessions. Their powerful suctions and brushes can pull fur that’s caught deep within carpet fibers and upholstery.
3. Use Lint Rollers and Hair Removal Brushes
For clothing and furniture, lint rollers are a quick and effective tool. Keep one in your home, car, and workplace to handle hair on your clothes before meetings or social events. Additionally, consider a reusable hair removal brush for larger tasks:
Reusable brushes work wonders on couches and cushions, grabbing more hair than traditional lint rollers and being environmentally friendly.
4. Protective Covers and Throws
Having protective covers on furniture can prevent pet fur from getting stuck within the fabric of your furniture. Machine washable covers can be placed in your pet’s favourite spots and can be regularly removed and cleaned to prevent fur from getting spread around.
5. Dryer Sheets and Washing Tips
When laundering pet-laden clothes and linens, use your dryer to your advantage. Doing a pre-wash dryer spin without heat can help loosen pet fur, which can then be removed from the lint trap before other Dryer sheets can remove static, preventing pet fur from clinging to fabrics.
Dryer sheets can help reduce static, preventing hair from clinging to fabrics. A pre-wash dryer spin with no heat can loosen pet hair, which can then be removed from the lint trap, before clothes go into the wash.
6. Manage Pet Hair in the Car
Keeping your car interior clean from pet hair requires specific strategies. Having pet seat covers or seat protectors for pets is a great way to protect your car if you travel with your pet. These covers can easily be removed and washed, protecting your car from pet hair, spills and accidents. It may also help to get a handheld vacuum designed for pet hair to quickly clean up after each ride so that fur doesn’t spread around.
7. Flooring Considerations
If you’re thinking about redecorating or renovating, certain flooring options can make living with pets a lot easier. Hardwood, tile, or solid floors collect less hair and are much easier to clean than carpets or rugs. If you must have a rug, low-pile options are much easier to clean than high-pile ones and tend to collect less hair.
8. Air Purifiers and Filters
Pet hair and dander can cause allergies and be irritating if not properly dealt with. It helps to get air purifiers with HEPA filters to help improve the air quality in your home and reduce tiny hairs and allergens that could be floating around. Doing so could significantly reduce allergies
Conclusion
Having a pet is a wonderful experience that shouldn’t be hampered with the nuisance of pet hair. However, grooming regularly, using the right tools, and having the right cleaning techniques can help make pet hair a manageable part of pet care. By following the tips outlined in this article, you’ll not only keep your home and car clean, you’ll also create a healthier environment for both you, your pet, and your family.