How to Remove Pet Hair from Upholstery
Having a furry friend at home brings joy, companionship, and endless comfort. However, pet owners often face the challenge of dealing with pet hair, which can quickly accumulate on furniture. Upholstery, whether fabric or leather, seems to attract pet hair, making it tricky to keep your furniture clean. For pet owners, learning how to remove pet hair from upholstery is essential to maintaining a tidy home and extending the life of their furniture. The persistent nature of pet hair means that regular cleaning and maintenance are necessary, especially in high-use areas where pets love to relax.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through how to remove pet hair from upholstery using simple, effective techniques suitable for both fabric and leather surfaces. From using household tools to specialised equipment, there are various ways to tackle the problem, ensuring your upholstery stays hair-free and looking its best. Understanding these methods will not only help you keep your furniture clean but also provide a healthier, more comfortable environment for you and your family.
Your furry friends deserve the best comfort!
Tools and Techniques for Removing Pet Hair from Upholstery
Lint Rollers and Sticky Tape
One of the best methods for removing pet hair from upholstery is using a lint roller or sticky tape. These tools can effectively lift hair from fabric or leather surfaces without damaging them. Sticky tape can be wrapped around your hand, sticky side out, and pressed onto areas with concentrated hair to remove even stubborn fur. For even better results, try using high-quality pet hair-specific rollers, which are designed to trap and hold pet hair more effectively than standard lint rollers.
Rubber Gloves and Rubber Squeegees
For stubborn pet hair that clings to upholstery fibres, a rubber glove can be an effective tool—simply dampen the glove slightly, then rub your hand over the upholstery, and watch the fur gather. Alternatively, you can use a rubber squeegee on fabric upholstery. The rubber material creates friction, which helps lift the hair out of the fabric or leather upholstery more easily. Repeating this process will make a noticeable difference in removing pet hair from upholstery.
Vacuuming for Pet Hair Removal from Upholstery
Regular vacuuming is essential for removing pet hair from upholstery, as it prevents fur from building up and embedding deep into the fabric or leather. Use a vacuum with a pet hair attachment to reach into crevices and remove hair from both fabric and leather upholstery.
Vacuum Attachments for Fabric Upholstery
For fabric upholstery, the brush attachment works well to lift hair, while a crevice tool is ideal for reaching tight spaces. Moving the vacuum in multiple directions can help loosen trapped hair for a more thorough clean.
Vacuum Attachments for Leather Upholstery
Leather upholstery requires a gentler approach. Use a soft-bristled brush to avoid scratching the leather while effectively picking up pet hair. To maintain the condition of leather upholstery, consider applying a leather conditioner after vacuuming to keep it supple and less likely to attract hair.
Using Fabric Softener for Easier Pet Hair Removal
Fabric softener can be a helpful solution for loosening pet hair from upholstery. Simply mix a small amount of fabric softener with water in a spray bottle (about one part softener to three parts water). Lightly mist the upholstery with this solution, being careful not to soak it, then wipe with a microfibre cloth. The fabric softener reduces static cling, making it easier to lift the hair off the upholstery. This method works well for fabric surfaces but should be avoided on leather as it may affect the finish.
Dryer Sheets for Quick Hair Removal
Dryer sheets are a quick fix for removing pet hair from upholstery. Simply rub a dryer sheet over the surface of the upholstery, and it will help attract and lift pet hair due to its anti-static properties. This method is particularly useful for leather upholstery, as dryer sheets are gentle on the surface and won’t leave residue. However, be cautious with repeated use, as some dryer sheets can leave a slight residue on fabric over time.
Preventative Measures to Keep Upholstery Pet Hair-Free
While removing pet hair from upholstery can be straightforward with the right tools, prevention is key. Implementing preventative measures can significantly reduce the amount of pet hair that accumulates on your furniture.
Using Covers and Blankets
Placing covers or blankets on your pet’s favourite spots can reduce the amount of hair that accumulates on your furniture. Look for pet-friendly, washable throws that can be easily removed and cleaned.
Regular Pet Grooming
Additionally, regular grooming of your pet can significantly reduce the amount of shedding, keeping your upholstery cleaner. Brushing your pet outside or in a designated grooming area helps minimise hair in your living spaces.
Weekly Vacuuming and Air Purifiers
Weekly vacuuming of your upholstery, even when it appears clean, will help to control any pet hair build-up in fabric or leather. Consider using an air purifier in rooms where your pet frequently rests; this can reduce airborne pet hair and danger, keeping the environment cleaner overall. Finally, maintaining a humid environment can reduce static, which can cause pet hair to stick to upholstery.
Keeping upholstery clean in a home with pets can be challenging, but with the right techniques, it’s entirely manageable. However, for those times when pet hair and dirt become too much to handle, Elite Maintenance is here to help.
Whether it’s fabric or leather, our team can deep clean your upholstery, removing pet hair, dirt, and stains, and restoring it to look new again. Trust Elite Maintenance to provide a professional touch that leaves your furniture refreshed and inviting. Let us help you maintain a clean, comfortable living space for both you and your pets!
For more information about our services, including upholstery cleaning that adheres to IICRC standards, please call us on 131580. We are committed to delivering excellence in every aspect of our work, ensuring compliance and quality for all our clients.