How to Deal with Pet Hair in Plush Carpets
Pets like the same comforts we do. They love a warm spot in the sun, a soft place to stretch out, and yes, the deep, cosy plushness of a nice carpet. The difference? We don’t shed, but they do. And once that hair settles into your carpet fibres, it’s not in a hurry to leave.
Still, you don’t have to choose between soft flooring and a clean home. Whether you live with a heavy shedder or just want to stay ahead of the buildup, here are reliable ways to keep your carpets perfectly clean.
Choose the Right Vacuum Cleaner
Pets are part of the family. They lounge on the couch, sneak onto the bed, and leave little reminders of themselves all over your carpets.
If you have a kelpie who thinks the lounge is theirs, or a ragdoll cat who insists on sleeping in the sunniest patch of carpet, you know the struggle is real.
The right vacuum cleaner can make all the difference. Some just tickle the surface, while others get down into the thick of it and pull out the pet hair buried in plush fibres. You’ll want a vacuum with strong suction and useful attachments.
Look for motorised brush heads or pet-specific tools that help lift hair from the pile and clean out the tricky spots under the couch or along skirting boards.
A model with a HEPA filter is also a smart choice, especially if someone in the house has hay fever or asthma.
These filters trap fine dust, dander, and allergens, instead of sending them back into the air. Vacuums with HEPA filters, available at Godfreys or The Good Guys, are a worthwhile investment if air quality is a concern.
While you’re at it, check the weight and handling. Some upright vacuums might look the part but feel like dragging around a reluctant kangaroo. Choose something lightweight and easy to move around the house, particularly if you have stairs or tight hallways.
Use a Rubber Broom for Quick Cleanups
If your pets leave a trail of hair wherever they go, a rubber broom might become your go-to tool. It’s not fancy, but it works like a charm. Thanks to static charge, the rubber bristles act like a magnet, lifting stray hair out of the carpet’s fibres, even the bits your vacuum misses.
These brooms are brilliant for quick once-overs between deep cleans, when the vacuum feels like overkill, or you just want the living room to look decent before the guests arrive. A few sweeps with the rubber broom can make a big difference.
They’re light, easy to use, and perfect for smaller spaces like the cosy corner your cat claims every afternoon or the dog’s favourite sun patch by the sliding door.
Unlike bulky equipment, they don’t need power cords, dust bags, or filters. Just give it a rinse under the tap and it’s good to go again.
Try Lint Rollers for Small Areas
For smaller rugs, furniture, or soft furnishings, lint rollers are quite practical. They’re designed specifically to pick up hair and fine fibres, so they’re a reliable option when dealing with pet shedding.
Pet hair tends to cling to fabric with surprising determination, but the sticky surface of a lint roller makes short work of it. A quick roll over cushions, ottomans, or plush carpets can remove hair in seconds. That’s why it’s ideal if you’re tidying up between regular cleans.
Lint rollers fit neatly into drawers, cupboards, or even a handbag if you’re dealing with pet hair on the go. Their affordability and convenience make them a handy addition to your household cleaning kit.
Use a Damp Cloth to Pick Up Hair
If pet hair seems to cling to your carpets no matter how often you clean, a lightly damp microfibre cloth can make a surprising difference. This technique works especially well for smaller areas or as finishing touches after vacuuming.
Microfibre cloths are particularly effective due to their fine weave, which naturally attracts and traps hair. When slightly damp, the cloth creates a mild static effect that helps loosen and lift embedded strands from the carpet.
To use, simply run the cloth under water and wring it out just enough to make it damp, not soaked. Gently wipe the area in the direction of the carpet pile. Try to work in small sections, as this gives the best coverage.
You’d be surprised by how much hidden hair the cloth picks up, even after a thorough vacuum. This method is quick, affordable, and easy to include in your regular cleaning routine. It’s also a helpful option for spot-cleaning areas where pets tend to rest or play.
Use Rakes
Even with regular vacuuming and touch-ups, pet hair has a way of settling deep into plush carpet fibres. That’s where a carpet rake comes in.
These aren’t surface-level tools, as they reach below the top layer of the pile, and lift out hair and debris that’s become embedded over time.
Glide the rake across the carpet in a single direction. This helps untangle the trapped fur and brings it to the surface, where it can be easily collected or vacuumed away. It’s especially useful in areas where pets frequently rest or play.
Regular use can also help maintain the texture and appearance of your carpet, preventing matting and keeping the surface impeccable. As a bonus, it supports better air quality by reducing lingering fur and allergens in your home.
Wash Covers and Rugs Regularly
Furnishings often collect pet hair, which can be tricky to get rid of. Over time, these everyday items can collect more fur than you’d expect, often without you noticing.
Luckily, regular washing keeps them in good shape and helps your home feel cleaner and more put-together.
Before tossing anything into the machine, take a look at the care label. It’s the easiest way to avoid unintentional surprises, like shrunken covers or faded patterns that were never meant to be vintage.
Pet-safe detergents are a smart choice here. They’re gentle on fabrics and kind to your animals’ skin. They also help prevent residue that can attract even more hair, because no one wants a washing cycle that turns clean laundry into a fur magnet.
You can schedule a deep clean every few months. Setting a simple carpet maintenance routine is often all that it takes to stay ahead.
Invest in a Pet Hair Remover Tool
Even with your vacuum humming and your routine in place, there always seems to be that one patch where the fur hangs on like it’s part of the decor. That’s where a specialised pet hair remover tool comes in handy.
These tools lift hair without tugging at the fabric underneath, making them ideal for delicate rugs or textured upholstery.
They’re also reusable, low-maintenance, and efficient. A few deliberate strokes and the fibres are clear, the surface looks refreshed, and the pile stays free of hair without wrestling with a vacuum or using half a roll of sticky paper.
Conclusion
Pets bring warmth, companionship, and an extraordinary amount of hair for creatures their size. Some days, it’s hard to believe just how much they can shed, and yet still have a full coat. It all clings to upholstery, floats across floors, and ends up on your plush carpet.
Soft, luxurious rugs are meant to feel indulgent underfoot, not gritty with stray fur. But the very thing that makes them so inviting, their fluffy texture, also traps fine hairs in a way that’s hard to undo.
Thankfully, a little strategic upkeep goes a long way, and you can keep your floors feeling as soft as they look.
