How to Get Pet Hair Off Furniture and Carpet

If you have a dog or cat, you have pet hair on the couch — it's just a question of how much. Regular vacuuming doesn't always grab it, because hair weaves itself into fabric and carpet pile. These simple tools do a better job.

On the couch

• Rubber gloves. Put on a pair of household rubber gloves, dampen them slightly and wipe the fabric in one direction. The hair balls up and lifts right off.
• A rubber squeegee or pet hair brush. Drag it across cushions and arms to rake hair into a pile.
• A lint roller for touch-ups before guests arrive.
• Your vacuum's upholstery tool after you've loosened the hair.

On the carpet

• Slow down. Slow, overlapping passes in different directions pull up far more hair than quick ones.
• Use a rubber broom or squeegee on low-pile carpet to loosen embedded hair first.
• Empty the canister and clean the brush roll often — a clogged brush stops picking up.

Stay ahead of it

• Brush your pet regularly, ideally outside.
• Use a washable throw on your pet's favorite spot.
• Vacuum high-traffic pet areas a few times a week.

Hair is only part of it

Where pet hair collects, so do dander, body oils and odor. A deep cleaning of your carpet, upholstery and even your mattress removes what vacuuming can't — and our products are safe for pets and kids. Read more carpet care tips for pet owners, or see our upholstery cleaning page.