Dogs are man’s best friend and for a good reason. They provide companionship, loyalty, and often much-needed security. However, they also can be a nuisance when keeping your car clean. Learn how to remove dog hair from a car and keep it squeaky clean no matter how furry your four-legged friend is.
How to Remove Dog Hair From Car Seats
Dog hair clinging to car seats is an unfortunate reality for many pet parents. Even if your pup doesn’t shed much, a trip to the dog park or a muddy hike can leave your car covered in hair. Not to mention, if you have a longer-haired breed, shedding season can be a never-ending battle.
But there’s no need to despair – I’m here to help! In this blog post, you’ll be provided with different methods on how to remove dog hair from car carpets and seats to keep it all looking squeaky clean.
Use a Lint Roller
One of the quickest and easiest ways to remove dog hair from car seats is a lint roller. Lint rollers are specifically designed to pick up pet hair, so they’re the perfect tool for the job. Plus, they’re relatively inexpensive and easy to find – they’re usually found in the same aisle as the duct tape at your local hardware store or supercenter.
To use a lint roller, simply roll it back and forth over the affected area until all of the hair has been removed. Be sure to apply gentle pressure, so you don’t damage your car seat’s fabric. Once you’ve gone over the entire seat, dispose of the lint roller sheet in the trash.
If you don’t have a lint roller on hand, you can also use masking tape or packing tape – just be sure not to press too hard, or you could rip the seat fabric. You can use the same methods to clean your seat belts and polish the steering wheel.
Use Vinegar and Water
Believe it or not, a vinegar and water mix is an effective solution for removing dog hair from upholstery – and it’s probably already sitting in your kitchen cabinet. For this, mix equal parts vinegar and water in a bowl.
Then, using a clean cloth, sponge the solution onto the affected area. Once the area is soaked in the solution well enough, use your fingers or a fine-toothed comb to lift the hair away from the fabric. Finish by blotting the area with a dry cloth to remove residual moisture.
This method works best on synthetic fabrics; if you have leather seats, avoid using vinegar as it could damage them. Imagine driving a fabulous off-road vehicle but having smelly and damaged leather seats.
On Stubborn Areas, Use a Pet Brush or Rubber Glove
Surprisingly, one of the efficient methods for removing dog hair from upholstery uses an everyday household item you probably already have in your possession – rubber gloves. To use this method, simply put on a pair of damp rubber gloves and run your hands over the affected area.
The static electricity created by rubbing the gloves against the fabric will cause the hair to cling to them, so you can easily remove it. Once you’ve removed all of the hair, remove the gloves and wash them in soap and water (you may want to do this outside, so you don’t end up with hair all over your sink).
Use A Vacuum Cleaner With The Right Attachment
If you have a handheld vacuum cleaner or attachments for your regular one specifically designed for picking up pet hair, then great! Those can also be used to remove dog hair from upholstery.
To use this method, vacuum over the affected area using your handheld vacuum or attachments until all hair has been removed. Depending on how much dog hair is on your seats and how often you vacuum them, you may need to purchase replacement filters more frequently when using this method since pet hair can clog them up quickly.
Clean the Car Windows and Mirrors
We all love our dogs, but sometimes they can be a real pain, especially when shedding. If you’ve ever found yourself covered in dog hair after getting in your car, you know what I mean.
Don’t worry; there’s a way to remove dog hair from your car without resorting to aggressive scrubbing. You should learn how to clean your windows and mirrors, so they’re free of dog hair.
Clean the Windows With a Glass Cleaner
The first step is to clean the windows with a glass cleaner and a lint-free cloth. Be sure to spray the glass cleaner onto the cloth instead of directly onto the window; this will help prevent streaking.
Once the windows are clean, use a rubber squeegee to remove any remaining water or cleaner. You may need to clean the windows several times to get them completely dry and streak-free. Streaks can cause visual problems, especially when driving at night.
Use a Lint-Free Cloth on the Mirrors
Cleaning your car mirrors is a bit different than cleaning your windows. First, start by wiping them down with a lint-free cloth dampened with water. This will remove any loose debris or dust that’s accumulated on them.
Next, use a glass cleaner and a fresh lint-free cloth to clean the mirror surface. Again, be sure to spray the glass cleaner onto the cloth instead of directly onto the mirror; if you need to fix the windshield wipers, this scrub-down will also be helpful.
Finally, use a rubber squeegee to remove any remaining water or cleaner from the surface.
Get Rid of Any Pet Smells in the Car
Anyone who’s ever owned a pet knows that they come with a certain amount of mess. There’s hair, dander, and sometimes even accidents. If you’re a pet owner who also happens to have a car, you know that keeping your car clean can be a bit of a challenge.
But never fear! Besides cleaning advice, I have some great tips on getting rid of pet smells in the car so you can feel confident driving around with or without your furry friend. Driving around in a clean vehicle, whether it has a salvage title or it’s new, will be much easier.
Open All the Windows and Let the Fresh Air Circulate for a Few Minutes
The first step, and the easiest by a landslide, is to open all the windows in your car and air it out. This will help remove any lingering smells and get some fresh air circulating. If possible, do this on a sunny day so the UV rays can disinfect the space.
This means you shouldn’t plan an outing on that day, so it’s best to do it on the weekend. Sundays seem to be the best for this sort of thing, but that all depends on your schedule. You can take that time to also learn the difference between summer and winter tires.
Sprinkle Some Baking Soda on the Seats and Leave It for Thirty Minutes
You can also sprinkle baking soda on any areas that still seem to have a strong odor. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and will help to absorb any remaining smells. Let it sit for about an hour before vacuuming it up.
This is also something you should do on an off day to avoid dampness and smells coming from the seats that didn’t dry out well enough. Use this chance to also add brake fluid and make other repairs.
Vacuum It Thoroughly
Most importantly, vacuum your car thoroughly. Pay special attention to the seats and floor mats, as these are the areas where pet hair and dander accumulate the most. If you have leather seats, use a vacuum attachment to avoid damaging the material.
Vacuuming is recommended regularly; this doesn’t just remove pet hair but other debris and trash from the car. Your kids could have snacked on something during a road trip, or you may have accidentally left dust in certain areas.
Protect Your Car Seats From Future Dirt and Hair Buildup
The buildup of dog hair in your car can happen quickly, especially if you have a shedding breed. Not only is this unsightly, but it can also be difficult to remove and cause allergies in some people. To prevent dog hair buildup in your car, follow these simple tips.
Place a Blanket or Towel Over the Seats
Protect your car seats by placing a towel or blanket over them when your dog is in the car. This will catch any shedding hair before it has a chance to get on the seat. Additionally, it’s a good idea to vacuum the towel or blanket regularly to remove any accumulated hair.
Protect Your Seats With a Waterproof Seat Cover
Another option for seat protection is to purchase a waterproof seat cover. These covers are easy to install and prevent hair from getting on the seats. They’re also great for protecting against pet stains and dirt; if you take your dog on adventures, it’ll still stay clean.
Use a Fabric Protector to Keep the Seats Looking New
Fabric protectors can also be used to keep your car seats looking new. These products work by repelling water and stains, making it easy to clean up any messes your dog may cause. These are available at most hardware stores or online.
Groom Your Dog Regularly
As a general rule of thumb, small dogs should be groomed every 1-2 weeks and large dogs every 2-4 weeks. However, this may vary depending on your dog’s breed and how much it sheds.
You can groom your dog in a few different ways at home. You can use traditional grooming tools or opt for an electronic one. Each method has pros and cons that you’ll need to weigh depending on your preferences.
The following traditional grooming tools are great for all types of coats; some remove tangles more successfully and can be used wet or dry. They include:
- Brush (remove tangles well)
- Comb (can be used wet or dry)
- Scissors (precision cutters)
- Clippers (may require professional help)
Electronic grooming tools are good for all fur types, but they remove undercoats and go well with traditional tools. They are:
- Furminator (removes undercoat and can be used wet or dry)
- Deshedding combs (suitable for all fur types)
- Blade guards (recommended if using clippers at home)
Learning How to Remove Pet Hair From a Car Is Easy and Doesn’t Require a Lot
Keeping your car clean when you have a pet can be challenging, but it’s doable with a little effort. By grooming your dog regularly and using the right tools to remove their hair from your car seats, you can keep your car looking and smelling fresh.
Learning how to get pet hair out of your car isn’t complicated like replacing a U-joint or checking for bad spark plugs might be, but it’s still a vital part of car maintenance. Cleaning your vehicle contributes to better health for you, your family, and your pets.
