How To Free Your Home of Pet Hair
Here’s something that will likely not shock you: I’m obsessed with dogs. Cats, too. I love all furry creatures, big and small, and to my very clean boyfriend’s dismay, I love them so much that I love to have them on my couch, in my lap, and in my bed. When I was younger, my goal was to buy the biggest farm I could and fill it with as many dogs as possible and a full staff to take care of them. A girl can dream.
Fortunately for me, my roommate loves dogs too and is a frequent foster Mom. Needless to say, this love of furry creatures has led my home to be coated in a film of dog hair. All the light fur sticks to the dark surfaces and all the dark fur sticks to the light surfaces, right? It’s excruciating. But – here’s the good news. I’ve consulted the expert housekeepers here at Vella to find out how to clean pet hair off of any surface. Read on to hear the secrets!
Tip #1: Clean Top to Bottom
Top to bottom cleaning is a tenant of HPHK. We start up with light fixtures and ceiling fans because all sorts of dust, dirt, and yes – pet hair – hides up there. If you don’t get these spots first, the pet hair will eventually fall on your freshly cleaned surfaces, making any cleaning you did before pretty much pointless. So, start with the ceiling fans, and make sure they are totally pet hair-free before flipping the switch on.
Tip #2: Get the Right Vacuum Accessories
Feeling like you spend 90% of your day vacuuming, and you still find pet hair? That might have to do with the type of vacuum you’re using. If your home is full of furry friends, make sure you get a vacuum with a Hepafilter. Having a cheap vacuum with a low-grade filter will suck up pet hair but blow dander out the back, causing allergies and a dusty look to your home. If you’ve got a pup who loves to lay on the couch, make sure you have an upholstery attachment for your vacuum cleaner.
Tip #3: Don’t Skip Any Part of Upholstery
Speaking of upholstery, upholstered furniture is the best spot for pet hair to get caught. When vacuuming your upholstery, remove all cushions and pillows, then thoroughly vacuum the area underneath them. Vacuum both sides of each cushion and the back of the furniture, if you can reach it. And don’t forget about underneath! These are all hot spots for pet hair to hide.
Tip #4: Shake Out the Rugs
Start at the top and finish at the bottom by removing any throw rugs or mats and shaking them outside, if possible! A good shake will get rid of pet hair and dander that lurks underneath your feet, ready to be tracked into the next room.
Tip #5: If All Else Fails, Make Sure You Have A Good Lint Roller
While not the quickest way to remove pet hair, a good lint roller is great in a pinch. You can find inexpensive ones on Amazon and they work great on furniture, sheets, and clothing.
We love pets, but we hate their pet hair. With these tips, your home can be pet friendly and pet hair-free. The dream!