10 Genius Hacks to Make Pet FUR Removal a Breeze

From one busy mom to another, here's how to finally conquer the fur.

If you love your pets but can't stand the endless tumbleweeds of fur, you're not alone.

I’ve got two kids, a black lab named Cannon, and a cat, Tiger, who definitely has his favorite chairs, (and it shows). Between being a wife an mom with after school activities, birthday parties, and my house cleaning business, I’ve had to figure out smart ways to keep our home looking presentable without spending every spare moment battling fur.

So here are the top 10 pet hair hacks I use in my own home and for our clients because let’s face it, we need solutions that actually work for real life.

1. Use a Damp Rubber Glove

This is my go-to when guests are on the way and I notice the back of the couch is more fur than fabric.

Just grab a rubber cleaning glove, run it under water (shake off the excess), and rub your hand across fabric surfaces. The hair clumps together like magic. I keep one under the kitchen sink just for this reason, it’s saved me too many times to count.

2. Make Your Own Fabric Softener Spray

This one's a little secret I share with my clients. Mix 1 part fabric softener with 3 parts water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist your furniture or rugs, just enough to dampen the surface slightly.

The softener helps break the static cling, and fur lifts away with a microfiber cloth or vacuum.

Mom tip: Make sure to test in an inconspicuous area first, especially on delicate fabrics.

3. Upgrade to a Pet-Friendly Vacuum

I resisted this for years, thinking my regular vacuum was “good enough.” But once I invested in a model specifically designed for pet hair, I kicked myself for not doing it sooner.

Look for features like a HEPA filter, a motorized brush roll, and strong suction. I personally love the Shark Navigator and the Dyson Animal series.

Pro tip: Empty the canister after each use, it fills up fast with fur!

4. Lint Rollers Everywhere

I keep a lint roller in every room, no joke. One in the laundry room, one by the front door, one in my car… and one in the pantry for emergencies (don’t ask).

They’re great for quick touch ups before heading out, and perfect for throw pillows and lamp shades too. If you want a more eco-friendly option, reusable silicone rollers work just as well and can be rinsed clean.

5. Wipe Baseboards with Dryer Sheets

This one blew my mind the first time I tried it. Run a dryer sheet along your baseboards and doorframes. Not only does it grab pet hair, it leaves behind a slight residue that repels future buildup.

It’s a two-for-one: clean now, stay cleaner longer.

Bonus: Used dryer sheets work just fine too!

6. Brush Your Pets More Often...Outside

An ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure.

When we started brushing Cannon outside every other day, the amount of fur inside our home noticeably dropped. Even just a quick brushing session makes a big difference.

Not sure which brush to use? For short hair, a rubber curry brush works great. For long-haired dogs or double-coated breeds, try an undercoat rake or deshedding tool.

Make it a bonding moment, my kids take turns brushing Cannon and giving him treats.

7. Carpet Raking for Pet Hair

Try using a rubber-bristle carpet rake or a pet hair removal rake to tackle stubborn fur. This simple tool helps lift embedded pet hair that vacuums often miss, loosens hair from deep within carpet fibers before you vacuum, and even fluffs the carpet to restore its texture.

8. Embrace Microfiber

Microfiber cloths, mops, and dusters are your best friends when it comes to cleaning pet hair. They attract and trap fur instead of just pushing it around.

Use a dry microfiber mop on hard floors daily (or let the kids take turns, t’s kind of fun). For dusting, grab a dry microfiber cloth, or lightly dampen it for extra cling.

9. Use Anti-Static Spray on Furniture

Pet hair loves to cling to synthetic fibers. A quick mist of anti-static spray can make all the difference.

You can buy commercial versions or make your own with a mix of water and a few drops of liquid fabric softener. Mist lightly and wipe with a microfiber cloth.

I use this on our dining chairs and even in the car.

10. Create a Pet-Free Zone

I know, I know...we love our fur babies. But giving yourself one hair-free room can feel like a breath of fresh air.

We made our guest bedroom a pet-free zone and it’s become my little sanctuary when I need to escape the fur storm.

Use baby gates or closed doors to limit pet access. It helps cut down the cleaning load, especially for people with allergies.

BONUS: Laundry Tips for Fur-Covered Clothes

Before tossing clothes or bedding in the wash, run them through a 10-minute no-heat dryer cycle with a dryer sheet or wool balls. It loosens the fur so it ends up in the lint trap, not in the washer.

Trust me, this is a game-changer...especially for bedding!

Final Thoughts

Living with pets doesn't mean living with fur everywhere. With a few of these hacks up your sleeve you can keep your home (and your clothes) looking fresh without spending hours cleaning.

And if the fur gets overwhelming, don’t be shy about calling in reinforcements. Professional cleaners (like us at Lime Cleaning Company!) are more than happy to help you reclaim your home.

Fur happens. Let’s handle it like the busy, tired, lovable parents who still want a clean couch at the end of the day.

About Me

Hi, I'm Tina! I'm a registered nurse, small business owner, and proud wife to Dan, a Marine Corps veteran. We’re raising two beautiful and energetic girls (ages 6 and 7) in sunny Gilbert, Arizona. I’m originally from Cleveland, Ohio, but these days we’re soaking up the desert sun and enjoying cactus life and backyard barbeques.

Our home is full, sometimes loud, usually busy, and always filled with love. My mom is a "snow bird" and stays with us half the year, so there’s rarely a dull moment around here!

Between work, school, and all things in between, I’ve learned how to keep things clean without losing my mind, and I love sharing practical tips that actually work for busy families like mine. You’ll see our crew in the family photo below. Thanks for stopping by, I’m so glad you’re here!