How To Remove Dog Hair From Your Couch: 6 Easy Ways
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The unadulterated love and loyalty that dogs give is the main reason why most people today share their homes with them. A properly trained dog is easily one of the best companions one could have.
However, living with a pooch does come with its own set of problems, chief among them being the shedding of fur.
Dog hair is especially an annoyance due to its tendency to stick to upholstery. It is not only unsightly but is also a potential health risk for those allergic to pet dander. If your dog hair removal methods are not as effective as you would hope, consider the following tips.
The 6 Ways to Remove Dog Hair From Couches
1. Use a Lint Roller
A lint roller is incredibly effective at picking up dog fur. Simply roll it across the surface of your couch, as well as other furniture. The good thing with lint rollers is that they are easy to come by. What’s more, you can even use the roller on your dog itself. The adhesive on lint rollers is mildly strong, meaning that it will not harm your canine’s skin.
2. Use Sticky Tape
Sticky tape is one of the most versatile household items. Interestingly, it is quite good at removing stubborn dog hairs.
To do this, set a section of this tape on the couch, allow it to sit for a few seconds, and then peel it away. You might have to repeat this process many times to remove all the hair from the furniture. Therefore, consider using broader pieces of sticky tape to enhance the speed of the process.
While both duct tape and masking tape are good options, exercise caution when using duct tape because it has strong adhesive properties. As such, do not allow it to sit for more than a few seconds to avoid ruining your upholstery.
3. A Damp Washcloth
It is almost unbelievable how effective something as basic as a damp washcloth can be at removing dog hair from your couch. Simply wipe the surface in one direction to lift off the hair. For the carpet, consider using a damp sponge mop.
4. Vacuum
Vacuuming is another great way of removing dog hair from your couch. If you do not have a small handheld vacuum, consider using the detachable hose of your vacuum cleaner, or you can even lift the cleaner and put it on the coach.
To make your work easier, consider using a damp washcloth first to move the hairs to one side until you have a pile, and then vacuum them up. Do not vacuum large piles to avoid the risk of clogging the machine.
5. Use a Toothbrush
Even after vacuuming, you might still have a few hairs clinging onto the couch. For such hairs, consider using a toothbrush. Be aware, however, dog hair is notoriously difficult to remove from the brush’s bristles. Therefore, do not use a toothbrush that you are planning to use for another task.
Alternatively, you could buy a fur removal brush at the pet store. It is larger and more suited for collecting loose fur, making it the superior option.
6. Keep Humidity Levels at an Optimal Range
Low humidity levels increase static energy, thus increasing the attraction forces between surfaces, including your dog’s hairs and the couch. Therefore, do not allow your home to get too dry.
Tips For Preventing Dog Hair from Sticking to Your Couch
You can avoid this problem entirely by considering the following options:
Cover the Couch
Consider spreading an old blanket or towel on your dog’s favorite couch. This allows you to keep the couch free from dog fur while allowing your doggo to continue enjoying their favorite spot. Some stores sell covers meant for dogs specifically. Consider checking them out.
Groom Your Pup Regularly
Grooming is a great preventative solution since it allows you to remove loose hair from the dog before they get to the couch. Therefore, consider brushing your pooch regularly, giving them baths and occasional haircuts.
When it comes to brushing, doing so at least twice a week will reduce shedding dramatically. While you can bathe your dog as frequently as you like, most experts agree that twice a month is enough. After the bath, allow them outside for some sunlight so they can dry off.
Make sure to use the best grooming products for your dog’s coat type.
Consult the Vet
Perhaps your dog is shedding at an abnormal rate. If you suspect so, consult your vet to see whether they are suffering from a medical condition that is encouraging hair loss.
Final Thoughts
Dog hair on furniture might be a small price to pay for the pleasure of having loyal stewards inside our homes. However, that does not mean it is any less of an annoyance, especially when it clings to your couch. Try the above techniques and let us know how it goes.
Featured image credit: Julia Zavalishina, Shutterstock
