How to Remove Pet Hair From Your Couch

If pet hair has taken over your furniture, there's a way to get it off quickly and easily.

Next Project
Time

An hour or less

Complexity

Beginner

Cost

Less than $20

Introduction

As someone who lives in a multi-pet home, I understand firsthand the challenge of getting rid of pet hair from my home and preventing it from accumulating on my furniture. There are several tricks you can use to coax stubborn hair out of upholstery fabric, many of which use materials you probably already have at home.

Before you begin this task, it would be helpful to move any coffee tables or ottomans that are located in front of the couch that you intend to clean. Furthermore, it is best to shake out any pillows, removable cushions, and blankets from the couch outside. This prevents the transfer of dog hair to adjacent furniture or rugs during this process.

Tools Required

  • Pet hair roller
  • Rubber gloves
  • Upholstery attachment
  • Vacuum

Materials Required

  • Fabric freshener
  • Water in a spray bottle

Project step-by-step (4)

Step 1

Vacuum Using an Upholstery Attachment

  • Vacuum loose pet hair from your couch with an upholstery attachment.
    • This will help to loosen up other embedded hair and dirt in the fabric.
  • Vacuum around and under pillows.

Vacuum Using an Upholstery AttachmentCamryn Rabideau for Family Handyman

Step 2

Give Extra Attention to Problem Areas

  • Use a pet hair product, such as this ChomChom Roller, to go over spots where your pets usually lay.
    • The electrostatic charge helps pull up hair from the fabric.
    • Move in short back-and-forth motions for best results.

Give Extra Attention to Problem AreasCamryn Rabideau for Family Handyman

Step 3

Wipe Down With Rubber Gloves

  • Spray a small amount of water onto a rubber cleaning glove.
  • Run the glove over the sofa, applying a light pressure.
    • Focus on areas where pet hair is worked into the fabric.
    • Pro Tip: Move your hand with the “grain” of woven fabric for best results.
  • Re-wet your glove as needed.
  • Vacuum up hair that’s loosened by this step.

Wipe Down With Rubber GlovesCamryn Rabideau for Family Handyman

Step 4

Spray With Fabric Freshener (optional)

Spray With Fabric FreshenerCamryn Rabideau for Family Handyman