How to remove pet hair from your sofa, carpets and clothes

Sharing your home with a pet comes with plenty of benefits, but finding fur on your sofa, carpets and favourite clothes probably isn't one of them.

Shedding is completely normal for many dogs and cats, and some pets will lose more hair at certain times of the year. While you'll never completely eliminate pet hair, the right grooming routine and cleaning accessories can make it much easier to keep on top of.

Here are some simple ways to tackle pet hair around your home.

Start with regular grooming

One of the best ways to reduce pet hair around the house is to tackle loose fur before it reaches your furniture.

Regular brushing removes loose and dead hair from your pet's coat while helping keep it looking healthy. The best grooming tool will depend on your pet's coat type, so consider whether they have short, long, curly or particularly thick fur when choosing a dog brush or cat grooming brush.

During periods of heavier shedding, you may need to brush your pet more frequently.

Regular grooming also gives you an opportunity to check their skin and coat for anything unusual, such as irritation, lumps, ticks or bald patches.

How to remove pet hair from your sofa

Sofas can quickly become covered in pet hair, especially if your dog or cat has a favourite spot.

Start by vacuuming the surface, paying particular attention to corners, cushions and gaps where hair tends to collect. A vacuum attachment designed for upholstery can make this much easier.

For stubborn hairs, try using a lint roller or reusable pet hair remover. Running a slightly damp rubber glove over fabric can also help gather loose fur into clumps that are easier to pick up.

Don't forget your pet's own furniture. Regularly vacuuming and washing dog beds, cat beds, blankets and other soft furnishings helps prevent loose hair from spreading around the home again.

Removing pet hair from carpets

Pet hair can become trapped deep within carpet fibres, making it harder to remove than hair sitting on hard floors.

Regular vacuuming is the easiest way to stay on top of it. Go over particularly hairy areas slowly and from different directions to help lift embedded fur.

A rubber pet hair brush can also be useful for stubborn areas. The rubber helps gather hair together before you vacuum it away.

If your pet has a favourite area of the house, giving this spot some extra attention during your regular cleaning routine can stop hair from building up.

Getting pet hair off your clothes

We've all experienced putting on a clean outfit only to discover it's somehow already covered in pet hair.

Keeping a lint roller near the front door, in your car or alongside your clothes can make last-minute fur removal much easier.

Before washing particularly hairy clothing, give it a good shake outside or use a lint roller to remove as much loose fur as possible. This helps prevent large amounts of hair ending up inside your washing machine.

Pet blankets and bedding can also benefit from a quick shake or brush before going into the wash.

Keep pet bedding clean

Your pet's bed is naturally going to collect plenty of loose fur.

Choosing dog beds and pet bedding with removable or washable covers can make regular cleaning much easier. Vacuum the bed between washes and follow the manufacturer's washing instructions to keep it fresh.

Blankets can also be useful if your pet regularly sleeps on the sofa. Placing a washable blanket over their favourite spot gives you something that can easily be removed and cleaned.

Don't forget muddy paws and everyday mess

Hair isn't the only thing pets bring into the house.

Keeping pet-safe cleaning accessories close to the door can help you deal with muddy paws before your pet reaches carpets and furniture. A towel or suitable paw-cleaning product can be particularly useful after rainy walks.

Regularly cleaning dog collars, harnesses, toys and other frequently used accessories can also help keep your pet's environment fresher.

Support a healthy coat

Regular grooming works best alongside good everyday care.

A balanced diet and access to fresh water help support your pet's general health, including their skin and coat. Choosing quality dog food or cat food suited to your pet's individual needs is an important part of their daily routine.

If you notice sudden or excessive hair loss, bald patches, persistent scratching or changes to your pet's skin, speak to your vet. Excessive shedding can sometimes be linked to an underlying health or skin problem.

Stay one step ahead of pet hair

A little pet hair is part of life with a furry companion, but it doesn't have to take over your home.

Regular grooming, frequent vacuuming and a few handy cleaning accessories can make a big difference. By brushing away loose fur, keeping pet bedding clean and tackling hair before it builds up, you can spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying life with your pet.

Browse the Wundapets range for grooming tools, pet care essentials, dog beds, cleaning accessories and everyday products to help keep your pet happy and your home looking its best.

Don't forget to tag us @wundapets and show us your wonderful pets. We'd love to see them!