Pet hair can be notoriously difficult to remove from carpeting. As much as we love our furry friends, constantly picking up hair and lint from carpets can be a nuisance. Fortunately, there are many methods and tools that can help make quick work of cleaning up pet hair in carpets.
The most effective way to get pet hair out of carpet depends on the type of carpet you have and how much hair has accumulated. For light, daily hair clean-up, simple lint rollers, vacuums, and damp rubbing may suffice. For dealing with heavy shedding seasons or long-neglected carpets, more thorough grooming and deep cleaning methods are required.
Here is an overview of the most common and effective methods for removing dog, cat, and other pet hair from carpeted floors.
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Use a vacuum cleaner
Vacuuming is often the first line of defense against pet hair on carpets. While vacuuming alone usually won’t remove every hair, it lifts up the bulk of loose hairs on the carpet surface.
Be sure to use a vacuum with enough power to pull up pet hair. Canister vacuums and uprights designed for homes with pets are ideal. Check that the vacuum head has bristles or rubber strips that help dig into carpet fibers and dislodge hair as the vacuum runs over the surface.
Pass the vacuum slowly over the entire carpeted area, overlapping your passes to cover all areas. Go over higher traffic zones multiple times where more pet hairs accumulate. Vacuum against the grain of the carpet nap to lift more hair.
Vacuuming frequently, such as a few times per week, prevents excessive hair buildup. It’s easier to maintain lightly hairy carpets than to tackle carpets matted with hair.
Vacuum types for pet hair removal
| Vacuum Type | Features for Pet Hair |
|---|---|
| Canister Vacuum | Powerful suction. Bristled power head reaches deep into carpet fibers. |
| Upright Vacuum | Motorized brushroll pulls up pet hair from carpet surface. |
| Handheld Vacuum | Great for small areas and touch-ups. Not ideal for entire rooms. |
| Robot Vacuum | Convenient daily maintenance. Limited suction compared to full-sized vacuums. |
Use a lint roller
A simple lint roller can swiftly pick up pet hairs from carpets in between vacuuming sessions. They work best for taking care of a few stray hairs here and there.
To use a lint roller on carpet, simply roll it across areas with visible hairs. The sticky sheets grab onto hair and pull them away from fibers. Peel off each used sheet to expose a fresh sticky surface as needed.
For thicker carpets, press down firmly as you roll to get the sticky sheet closer to the base of the hairs. You can also try stretching the carpet nap to make it easier to access the hairs.
Lint rollers are inexpensive, portable, and easy to use for quick cleanups. Replace the sheets often for the best results. Tackle small sections at a time.
Pros and cons of lint rollers
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Inexpensive | Not designed for large areas |
| Portable | Sheet adhesive wears out quickly |
| Easy to use | Difficult on thick carpets |
| Great for quick touch-ups | Pick up limited amounts of hair per sheet |
Use a rubber grooming brush or rake
Rubber brushes and pet hair rakes are designed to groom carpets and fabrics to lift up pet hair. These tools have rubber or silicone bristles set in a zigzag pattern. As you rake the brush across carpet, the bristles dig down into the fibers and then retract to pull out all the pet hair.
Start by raking the carpet against the grain to dislodge more hairs. Use slow, even strokes across the entire surface, overlapping passes. Then go back over the carpet by brushing in the direction of the nap to neatly arrange the cleaner surface.
Focus on frequently used areas and anywhere your pets tend to lay around and sleep. Raking and brushing these pet zones regularly helps prevent excessive matting and shedding.
For best results, rubber brushes and rakes should be used in conjunction with vacuuming. Follow up brushing with a pass of the vacuum to remove all the loosened hair.
Types of carpet rakes and brushes
| Tool | Features |
|---|---|
| Rubber Brush | Retractable bristles grab and pull out pet hair. |
| Pet Hair Rake | Zigzag rake head reaches deep into carpet pile. |
| Squeegee Brush | Squeegee edge helps gather hair balls. |
Dampen the carpet
Adding some moisture to carpets can help loosen up pet hair and make it easier to remove. Lightly spray or dampen problematic areas, let sit briefly, then use a lint roller, squeegee, or vacuum to remove hair.
For heavier hair situations, mix a solution of warm water and fabric softener in a spray bottle. Lightly mist over carpets and let soak 5-10 minutes. The fabric softener helps break down static, releasing hair from carpet fibers. Blot damp areas with a clean towel. Once dry, vacuum up debris.
Take care not to over-wet carpets, as excess moisture can lead to mold and mildew. Focus on frequently used pet zones and heavily soiled areas when using damp methods. Allow carpets to fully dry before walking on surfaces.
Tips for dampening carpets
| Water Only | Water + Fabric Softener |
|---|---|
| For light hair removal | Helps break down static |
| Quick dry time | Better for heavy hair buildup |
| Less risk of residue | Rinses clean with water |
Use baking soda
For a completely dry method, baking soda can help remove pet hair from carpets. Just sprinkle a layer evenly over carpets. Let sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the baking soda to work into fibers and lift up hair.
Go over the area with a vacuum cleaner to suck up all the baking soda along with all the dirt, hair, and other debris. The tiny gritty texture of baking soda helps scrub carpets while removing stuck-on hair.
Adding some cornstarch or salt to the baking soda mix can provide extra friction to help remove more stubborn pet hair. Just combine approximately 4 parts baking soda to 1 part cornstarch or salt.
Baking soda also helps freshen carpets by absorbing odors, so vacuumed areas will smell cleaner too. Reapply baking soda as needed until satisfied with hair removal.
Baking soda carpet cleaning tips
| Amount | Application Tips |
|---|---|
| 1/2 cup per square yard of carpet | Focus on high-traffic pet zones |
| Spread baking soda evenly over carpet | Allow to sit before vacuuming |
| Add cornstarch for extra scrubbing power | Works on odors too |
Try an electric carpet rake
Electric carpet rakes take the brushing concept up a notch for removing even more pet hair. Powered motorized rakes easily groom large carpeted areas.
Electric rakes have fast moving brushes that rapidly comb through carpet fibers. The spinning brush head grabs shed pet hairs and pulls them out. Soft brush bristles protect carpets from damage.
Simply glide an electric rake over floors to actively brush up hair. Use short, smooth passes across sections overlapping slightly. Do initial passes against the grain, then go over areas again with the grain for a neat appearance.
Look for adjustable heights to adapt the brush position as needed for different carpet pile depths. Electric carpet rakes should also have adjustable speeds. Use the high setting for problem areas and a lower speed over delicate or plush carpets.
Combine raking with regular vacuuming to keep carpets looking tidy between deeper cleanings. Most models include a vacuum option for easy switching between modes.
Features of electric carpet rakes
| Feature | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Motorized brush head | Actively removes embedded hair |
| Adjustable height | Adapts to different carpet depths |
| Variable speed settings | Safe for delicate carpets |
Deep clean carpets
If pet hair has accumulated to excess in carpets, deep cleaning will be required to fully refresh the floors. There are a few options for deep cleaning carpets:
Steam cleaning uses hot water extraction to wash carpets and draw up deep debris. Look for professional cleaners with powerful suction for pet hair removal. Steam cleaning should be done annually for heavily soiled high-traffic areas.
Shampooing uses carpet shampoo solutions to break down oils, dirt, and hair. Rotating brushes scrub the shampoo deep into carpet piles while suction removes it. Professional services provide the best results.
DIY cleaners can also deep clean carpets and tackle excess pet hair. Machines like Bissell and Rug Doctor can be rented and used at home. Follow instructions carefully for pretreating, washing, and drying each section. Plan to shampoo clean carpets twice for best pet hair removal.
After deep cleaning carpets, vacuum regularly to prevent rapid re-soiling. Though expensive, professional deep cleaning services may be worth the investment to fully rejuvenate pet-stained carpets.
Deep carpet cleaning for pet hair removal
| Method | Process |
|---|---|
| Steam Cleaning | Hot water extraction washes and rinses carpets |
| Shampooing | Scrubs carpets with soap solutions |
| DIY Cleaners | Affordable machines for home use |
| Professional Services | Deep cleans without hassle |
Prevent pet hair with barriers
The easiest way to keep pet hair under control is to prevent excess shedding and dirt from accumulating in carpets in the first place. Here are some tips:
– Use washable area rugs in pet high-traffic zones. Smaller rugs are easy to maintain and contain messy paws.
– Block access to carpeted areas and keep pets in tiled or hardwood floored rooms where possible. Close doors to carpeted bedrooms and use baby gates.
– Place mats under pet food and water bowls to catch falling fur. Mats are easier to clean than carpets.
– Cover furniture with washable slipcovers and remove to wash frequently. Don’t allow pets on upholstery.
– Use a damp towel or sticky roller to brush off and wipe down pets when they come inside. Catch excess fur before it scatters.
– Bathe and brush pets regularly to keep their coat under control. Seek vet advice for extreme shedding.
– Use lint rollers and vacuum immediately to clean up accidental hair scatters before they get ground in.
Tips to prevent pet hair in carpets
| Method | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Washable rugs | Contain mess and are easy to clean |
| Limit carpet access | Keeps pets in easier to clean rooms |
| Pet mats under bowls | Catches shed fur near food areas |
| Washable furniture covers | Remove to clean pet hair regularly |
Conclusion
Pet hair can be difficult to remove completely once allowed to build up and get impacted in carpet fibers. However, taking a regular multi-step approach makes maintenance easy.
Frequent vacuuming, damp rubbing, DIY rakes, and lint rollers easily take care of light debris between deeper cleanings. Allowing a helper like baking soda to sit before vacuuming can periodically revive carpets too.
For excessive hair or really matted carpets, extractors, shampooers, or steam machines used annually can deep clean down to the base and refresh floors entirely. Combining preventative measures with regular maintenance keeps unwanted pet hair from taking over carpets for good.