It doesn’t matter how comfortable or pretty a couch is if it’s covered in pet hair. The hair will make it itchy and prickly. It can make even those without allergies feel like rubbing their eyes or go into a sneezing fit. Whether you want to make guests feel more comfortable in your home or you would like to sit on your own couch for a change, getting that cat and dog fur off your couch will make a huge difference in your living room.
Whether it’s called “micro suede” or “micro fiber”, the couch is advertised for being the best for homes with pets. Most of them are stain resistant and come in a wide variety of colors that compliment your home… or perhaps the color of your pet. While the pet hair doesn’t exactly fall right off the material as often advertised, it is much easier to remove than some other fabrics that are woven or knitted. Simply choose one or a combination of the steps below to easily remove the pet hair from your couch. Before trying one method in particular, be sure to first spot test it in an area that is easily hidden to be sure that it won’t affect the over all look of the couch permanently.
- A damp cloth. A damp cloth can be used for mild shedding cases. It will darken the color of the fabric temporarily from the moisture but as it dries, the color will go back to normal. The cloth should just be damp, not dripping or sopping. Simply wipe the cloth on the fabric, removing the pet hair from the couch. I have found that this method works best when using on small areas. When addressing an entire large couch, the cloth soon becomes fully covered in pet hair and ends up pushing the hair around instead of removing it.
- A rubber glove. A rubber glove is great for removing large amounts of pet fur from the couch. This tip also works well for removing hair from paint legs. Be sure to use latex rubber gloves. If you are allergic to latex, this obviously will not be the choice method for you. With the glove on, simply wipe the fabric. The hair will form into balls and strands that can then be picked right off. This method is great for larger areas of the couch, but when there is a heavy load of pet hair, periodic removal of hair from the glove will be needed.
- A vacuum cleaner. A vacuum cleaner works great for micro suede or micro fiber couches. Using the hose attachments on your vacuum, getting into the nooks and crannies is made easy and the hair is removed in a snap. Plus, it gives the fabric of the couch a nicely groomed look. This is the best method when treating the entire couch. It goes quickly and as long as the vacuum is functioning properly this technique removes basically all the pet hair on the couch.
- Static Reducer. There are several sprays on the market that are used to reduce static on clothing, hairbrushes, carpeting, and furniture. With this technique, you will first want to spot test on a hidden area of your couch to ensure it is not going to damage the fabric permanently. If you have a warranty on your couch, it is imperative that you contact your furniture dealer to find out if using this type of product will in any way void or alter the coverage of the warranty. If you have deemed that it is safe for the fabric and the warranty, simply spray the static reducer on the fabric. Do not saturate it. Once sprayed on the fabric, the mist should be so fine that you shouldn’t be able to even notice that anything has been applied. The product works immediately making the job of removing the pet hair much easier. This method works well in dry conditions and during the winter time. This type of fabric can be particularly prone to static and if you’ve determined that the product is safe for your furniture, the static reducer can work wonders. Once sprayed on your fabric, any of the above methods can be used for the actual removal of the pet hair. Using this product makes the above methods more effective in drier conditions. When used periodically, it can also reduce the amount of hair that actually sticks to the furniture when your pet takes his afternoon nap.
No one wants to sit on a hairy couch whether it is in their own home or as a guest at someone else’s. Ridding the couch of pet hair can help reduce allergy problems and increase the comfort level in your living room. You pet can’t help it that he sheds; it’s a natural process. But it doesn’t have to run your life.
