Easy, practical solutions for a cleaner living space
If you're a pet parent, you're probably no stranger to the sight of fur on your couch, carpets, and even your favorite sweater. While those adorable whiskers and wagging tails bring endless joy, they also come with an uninvited guest: pet hair everywhere. Whether you're dealing with a shedding cat or a fluffy dog, minimizing hair buildup on furniture and clothes is an everyday battle.
The good news? With a few smart strategies, the right tools, and consistent habits, you can enjoy a fur-friendly home without constantly reaching for the lint roller. Here’s your complete guide to reducing pet hair on soft surfaces—practical, easy-to-implement tips that make a real difference.
🐶 1. Groom Regularly — Prevention Is Key
The single most effective way to reduce pet hair in your home is to groom your pet often. Brushing helps capture loose fur before it has the chance to cling to your cushions or coat.
How often should you groom?
- Short-haired pets: 1–2 times a week
- Long-haired or double-coated pets: At least 3–5 times a week
- During shedding seasons: Daily brushing is best
Recommended Tools:
- Deshedding brushes (e.g., FURminator)
- Slicker brushes for long fur
- Grooming gloves for sensitive pets
- Comb with both wide and narrow teeth for detailed grooming
Bonus tip: Brush your pet outside or in an easy-to-clean area like the bathroom.
🧼 2. Use a Robot Vacuum Daily
Even with good grooming, some hair will still make it onto your floors and furniture. Enter: the robot vacuum cleaner, your automatic defense system.
The Extravis V5 Robot Vacuum, for example, is specially designed with advanced LiDAR navigation and tangle-free brushes, making it perfect for homes with pets. It navigates efficiently around furniture, pet bowls, and even under beds to suck up hair before it has a chance to spread.
Why it works:
- Schedules regular cleanings (even when you're not home)
- Keeps hair off the floor, reducing transfer to furniture and clothes
- Great for hardwood, tile, and low-pile rugs
Set it to run once or twice a day in high-shedding seasons for best results.
🛋️ 3. Cover and Protect Your Furniture
Instead of cleaning the entire couch daily, protect it with washable covers or throws. These can be easily removed and cleaned, saving time and effort.
What to use:
- Couch slipcovers
- Washable throws or blankets
- Pet-friendly furniture protectors
- Waterproof mats for pet beds
Make sure they’re machine washable and swap them out weekly. Choose covers in colors similar to your pet’s coat to make hair less visible between washes.
🧤 4. Keep the Right Cleaning Tools Handy
Not all cleaning tools are created equal. For fabric surfaces, a vacuum isn’t always enough. Instead, equip your cleaning kit with a few essentials designed for removing embedded pet hair.
Top Tools to Try:
- Lint rollers: Great for quick fixes on clothes and cushions
- Reusable lint brushes: Eco-friendly and effective
- Rubber gloves: Dampen them slightly, then rub over fabric to lift hair
- Pet-specific handheld vacuums: Lightweight, cordless options for fast cleanups
- Static brushes or squeegees: Work well on upholstery and car interiors
Pro tip: Keep a lint roller in your car, bedroom, and entryway for last-minute touch-ups.
🧺 5. Wash Clothes and Fabric the Right Way
Washing clothes that are covered in pet hair doesn’t always remove it—in fact, hair can cling even more stubbornly post-dryer. Here’s how to do it right:
Before Washing:
- Shake out clothes outside to remove as much fur as possible
- Use a lint brush or roller to pre-treat heavy areas
- Toss clothes in the dryer on air fluff or low heat with dryer balls or a dryer sheet for 10 minutes to loosen hair
During Washing:
- Add ½ cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle—it helps loosen pet hair
- Use a second rinse cycle to catch extra debris
After Washing:
- Clean out the lint trap immediately
- Check clothes and repeat steps if needed
🚪 6. Designate Pet-Free or Low-Hair Zones
It’s okay to set boundaries. Create pet-free zones or limit access to areas where pet hair is most problematic—like bedrooms, formal furniture, or the laundry room.
Tips:
- Use baby gates or pet barriers to control access
- Train pets to stay off beds or certain furniture
- Provide cozy alternatives like pet beds or mats to keep them comfy
🌀 7. Use Air Purifiers with HEPA Filters
Pet hair is just the beginning—dander, allergens, and tiny fur particles also contribute to the mess. A high-quality air purifier can help keep the air clean and reduce how much hair settles on surfaces.
Ideal placement:
- Living room
- Bedroom
- Pet sleeping areas
Look for:
- HEPA filtration
- Pet-specific allergen filters
- Quiet operation for use near pets
🐾 8. Bathe Pets Occasionally (but Not Too Much)
Bathing your dog or cat helps remove loose fur and dander, but don’t overdo it—too many baths can dry out their skin and increase shedding.
General rule of thumb:
- Dogs: Every 4–6 weeks, depending on breed and activity
- Cats: Rarely needed unless they’re dirty or long-haired
Always use pet-safe shampoos that promote skin health and reduce shedding.
👚 9. Store Clothes Properly
To protect clean clothing from picking up stray hairs:
- Hang or store clothing in a closed closet
- Use garment bags for delicate or black items
- Avoid leaving clothes on beds or furniture
- Keep hampers and laundry baskets covered
Final Thoughts
Pet hair doesn't have to take over your home—or your life. With the right mix of prevention (grooming) and maintenance (cleaning), you can keep your furniture, clothing, and air cleaner and fresher, all while enjoying every cuddle with your furry companion.
Start small: implement a few of these tips this week and build from there. And if you’re ready to automate your hair cleanup? The Extravis V5 Robot Vacuum can be your secret weapon for daily defense against fur buildup—letting you enjoy more playtime and less cleanup.