Dog hair weaves itself into carpet and fabric, and a regular vacuum often just skims over it. These tricks work, roughly from easiest to most effective.
Why it’s so hard to vacuum
Short, stiff coats (Labs, Boxers, Pugs) act like tiny needles that push into the carpet loops. Static from dry winter air holds them there too. The trick is to loosen the hair first, then vacuum it.
What works at home
- A rubber glove. Put on a dishwashing glove, dampen it slightly and wipe across the seat in one direction. The hair balls up so it’s easy to pick off.
- A pet hair stone or rubber brush. Pumice-style stones and rubber-bristle brushes from pet stores pull embedded hair out of trunk and floor carpet. Test a hidden spot first and go gently on delicate fabric.
- A light mist of water. Lightly misting fabric before you brush cuts the static. Don’t soak the seats.
- Vacuum in two directions. Go against the grain of the carpet, then with it, using a narrow crevice tool along the seams.
- A lint roller for the last bit. Good for headrests and seat belts.
Keep it from coming back
- A washable seat cover or cargo liner for the dog’s usual spot.
- Brush the dog before longer drives, especially in spring and fall shedding season.
- A quick rubber-glove pass every week or two, before it builds up.
When to call a pro
If the trunk carpet looks grey with hair, or the car smells like the dog, it’s usually faster to have it done. Our pet hair removal is an add-on from $30 to any interior detail, and the ozone odour treatment ($50) neutralizes the smell instead of covering it up. For heavy buildup, pair it with the Premium Interior Detail.