Finally Want a Pet Hair-Free Home This Summer? 6 Tricks Cleaning Pros Recommend

If you have a pet at home, you know what it’s like to look down and see a layer of hair instead of your actual floors. In summer especially, our furry friends may start shedding even more to get rid of their winter coat and stay cool. So, with extra hair in the air, on the ground, and all over your furniture, how can you keep your home fresh throughout the hotter months?

We tapped two cleaning professionals for their top tips on how to maintain a pet hair-free home that you and your fur babies can enjoy.

Groom First, Always

The key to minimizing pet hair in the home to prevent it in the first place rather than cleaning it up later.

“I always say, brush the dog before the dog brushes you,” says cleaning expert Patricia Duarte. “Summer heat ramps up shedding—especially in double-coated breeds—so investing five to 10 minutes a day with a regular brush for surface hair and once a week with a [deshedding] tool for the undercoat is well worth it.”

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Clean as You Go

Having tools handy throughout your home for everyday cleanups can stop hair from building up.

“[I] recommend keeping a lint roller or pet hair remover brush by the couch or bed for quick daily touch-ups,” says cleaning expert Jessica Gonzalez. “Little habits like these go a long way when you’re trying to keep up with summer shedding.”

Cordless vacuums are also great for high-traffic areas your pet regularly walks through.

“It’s light, self-standing, and easy enough to use daily without dreading,” Duarte explains. “[It] is also a lifesaver for zapping fur from the bathtub—pups’ hair is truly everywhere. A quick once-over before running the bath keeps the drain happy and saves a plumber’s bill.”

Mitigate Mess at the Door

Before your pet can even make their way to the living room, an absorbent mat can keep pet hair contained.

“They trap paw prints, water, and fur before they get cozy in the carpet or slide into hidden areas under appliances and beds,” Duarte says. “They trap so many furball floaties—I can’t imagine what my home would look like without them.”

Treat Hard Surfaces and Carpet Differently

For hardwood or tile floors, a dry microfiber mop or an electrostatic dust mop works wonders.

“They’re great for picking up pet hair fast without having to haul out a vacuum every time,” Gonzalez says. “Try to avoid sweeping with a bristle broom since it tends to scatter the hair around instead of picking it up.”

The key to mopping hardwood or tile floors is to go slow, boxing out an area and moving in an M-pattern. Carpet, on the other hand, traps more hair and requires a different kind of diligence.

“Vacuum daily with a quick cordless [and] deep clean weekly,” Duarte suggests. “Wash throw rugs weekly. Fur loves to embed itself in fibers, so staying ahead is key.”

Vacuum the Furniture

It’s not just the floors you have to worry about—furniture fabrics can be hotspots for fur, too.

“I suggest a handheld vacuum with a pet brush attachment or even a damp rubber glove to grab hair off cushions,” Gonzalez says. “It sounds odd, but the glove trick works well.”

Pet-proof covers or a designated blanket are also an easy solution to prevent hair from accumulating all over.

“They protect your furniture and wash well, which matters because ‘that’s the dog’s spot now’ shouldn’t be a life sentence for your stylish chaise lounge,” Duarte says.

Wash What Your Pet Lays On

Whatever your pet lies on—whether it be throw blankets or pet beds—should go through the wash weekly.

“I toss in silicone laundry discs to trap extra hair in the washer and dryer, and one-fourth cup of Borax to soften hard water,” Duarte says.