Microfiber Couches
After napping on the couch, dogs and cats leave behind pesky piles of hair, and sometimes vacuuming alone just won’t cut it. Instead, reach for a clean, dry squeegee, and run it across the couch to loosen the hair. After that, you should be able to vacuum it up with ease!
Related: 10 House Hacks Every Pet Owner Needs to Know
Carpeting
Even the best vacuums won’t pick up pet hair that’s embedded in your carpet. Tackle this problem by mixing one part fabric softener to three parts water in a spray bottle and lightly misting the carpet, then let it dry completely. The fabric softener will loosen up the hair deep inside the carpet, making it easier for the vacuum to pick up. (It also gives your carpet a fresh scent!)
Related: 7 Secrets to Keep Your Carpet Looking New
Wooden Furniture
If your cats enjoy batting about hair ties, remote controls, and other coffee table regulars, they probably shed their fur all over the wooden surface. Clean the mess by swiping a dryer sheet over the table, which will collect hair and eliminate odor to boot.
Related: 10 Ways to Give Furniture a Fast Face-Lift
Curtains
Dogs love staring longingly out the window at passersby—which means their fur gets all over the curtains. To remove the offending fur, take a clean, dry sponge and rub it all over the curtain. The fur should stick to the sponge, which you can throw out after use.
Related: Lose the Drapes: 12 Better Ways to Dress a Window
Hardwood Floors
It’s adorable when your dog skids across the hardwood floor to chase a ball—but the trail of hair it leaves behind isn’t so cute. Use a rubber broom to round up the hairballs; its bristles effectively pick up even the tiniest strands.
Related: 20 Common Household Items That May Be Harming Your Pet
Rugs
A clean squeegee is the best remedy for removing pet hair from the fibers in your rug. So you don't have to get down on your hands and knees, attach the squeegee to a broom handle, then work the squeegee back and forth to loosen hair.
Related: The 10 Most Dangerous Plants for Your Pet
Baseboards
Most homeowners don’t have to pay too much attention to their baseboards, but those who share their house with pets don't have this luxury. Pet hair can rapidly build up on baseboards and other molding, making them appear dingy and dull. Sweep a dryer sheet over the surface to remove hair and brighten up the baseboards. To make the job easier, just attach the dryer sheet to the bottom of a mop.
Related: 8 Cleaning Mistakes Everyone Makes
Washing Machines
Tired of pulling fur-covered clothing out of the washing machine? A buildup of pet hair in the machine could be the culprit. Start by leaving the washer door open to let it dry out completely. When the machine is dry, vacuum the drum out using a brush attachment, then remove the drain pump filter (following manufacturer’s instructions) and clear out any clogged-up pet hair.
Related: 11 Things You Didn’t Know You Can Clean in Your Washing Machine
Dryers
Even if you diligently clean your dryer's lint screen after every load, sometimes you still wind up with clothes that come out of the dryer caked in dog fur. When that happens, try cleaning out the dryer itself by wiping the drum with a slightly damp rubber glove to remove fur buildup.
Related: The 10 Best Things You Can Buy for Your Laundry Room (for Under $50)
Coats
Pet hair sticks out like a sore thumb on dark-colored jackets. While lint rollers certainly work for a quick fur pickup, for a more thorough cleaning, slightly wet a pair of rubber gloves and stroke the coat in a downward motion.
Related: 13 Lazy Cleaning Tricks for a Spotless Home
Fur No More
You love your pet, but Sparky has a way of leaving his mark. With this guide, you no longer have to worry about your home being covered in fur.
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