Love your pets, hate the fur? If your couch looks like it's growing its own coat, you're not alone. Pet hair weaves itself into upholstery fibers, which is why a quick swipe of the hand never seems to do much. Here are 7 practical ways to get dog and cat hair off your couch, from free household tricks to tools that make it a 2-minute job.
1. Rubber gloves (free and surprisingly good)
Put on a pair of slightly damp rubber dish gloves and run your hands across the cushions in one direction. The rubber creates friction and static that pulls hair into clumps you can pick up. Great for a quick fix; tiring for a big couch.
2. A damp sponge or squeegee
A barely damp sponge or a window squeegee works the same way as gloves. Drag it in short strokes and the hair rolls into lines. Test on a hidden spot first, especially on velvet or microfiber.
3. Lint rollers (fine for clothes, slow for furniture)
Sticky rollers are handy for your jacket on the way out the door, but on a couch you'll go through sheet after sheet, and they struggle with hair that's woven deep into the fabric.
4. Vacuum with an upholstery or pet attachment
A vacuum picks up loose hair and dander well. The catch: embedded hair often stays put because suction alone can't pull it out of the weave. Use the vacuum after loosening hair with one of the other methods for the best result.
5. A reusable pet hair remover
This is the fastest option we've found for upholstery. A reusable pet hair remover uses a fabric surface that grabs hair as you move it back and forth, rolling it up into a collection chamber. No sticky sheets, nothing to refill; you just empty it and keep going.
Our Reusable Pet Hair Remover works on couches, carpets, car seats, and pet beds. It's small enough to keep in the car, too.
6. Fabric softener spray
Mix one part liquid fabric softener with about three parts water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the couch, wait a minute, then wipe or use your hair remover. The softener loosens static so hair lets go more easily. Spot-test first and don't soak the fabric.
7. Stop it at the source: brush your pet
The less hair your pet sheds, the less ends up on the couch. Brushing a few times a week (daily during shedding season) catches loose fur before it lands on your furniture. A self-cleaning slicker brush makes this easier: one click pushes all the collected hair off the pins so you're not picking it out by hand.
A simple weekly routine
- 2 to 3 times a week: brush your pet for 5 minutes.
- Every few days: run a reusable hair remover over the couch cushions and your pet's favorite spot.
- Once a week: vacuum the couch, including under the cushions.
- Bonus: put a washable throw blanket over your pet's favorite seat.
Save on the combo
Get the hair remover and the self-cleaning brush together as the Grooming Duo, with the discount applied automatically at checkout. Orders of $79 or more also get a free Pet Hair Remover. Free US shipping on everything.
FAQ
What's the best way to get pet hair off a velvet couch?
Use a damp rubber glove or a reusable hair remover with light pressure, always moving in the direction of the nap. Avoid sticky rollers, which can leave residue.
Does a reusable hair remover work on car seats?
Yes, it works on most fabric car seats and floor mats.
How do I keep my pet off the couch?
Give them an equally comfy alternative, like a cozy bed or a window perch, in a spot they already like.