Pets are our true friends. But they do have one drawback – hair, which goes literally everywhere. During the autumn-spring period, when the animals’ coats change, the problem becomes even more acute. Our editors tell you how to get rid of pet hair and whether it is possible to reduce the number of hairs.
Hair on furniture
Hair becomes electrified and instantly sticks to furniture, carpets and bedding. The first step is to remove the electrostatic property by cleaning the furniture with an antistatic product. To remove hair from wooden or leather surfaces, dampen a cotton or microfibre cloth and wipe the surfaces.
For soft furnishings with textile upholstery, a stiff brush is sufficient. Also, always keep a container of water nearby to rinse the brush from time to time. Another option is to clean with latex gloves with your hands. The hair will instantly stick to the rubber, so you can clean it quickly. For velour surfaces, use adhesive tape. Then, to collect the hair, gently brush over the surface.
Hair on carpets
A vacuum cleaner with a special hair suction nozzle is the best helper for this. Carpets should be cleaned at least 2-3 times a week. Owners of pets with long hair are a bit lucky, as long hair does not stick in clumps as much as short hair. Spray the carpet with an anti-static agent or softener before vacuuming. Mix one of the products in equal proportions with water and spray with liquid from a spray bottle. A life tip to help you get rid of rubbish more easily.
What you can use instead of a vacuum cleaner:
1. a broom, previously soaked in water.
2. A stiff brush that needs to be cleaned periodically with water. 3. If there is not much hair, collect it by hand or with the help of gloves.
4. The above methods are also suitable for parquet, linoleum and tiles. It is best to clean the floor several times a week.
Hair in bedding
Even if you don’t let your pet sleep in your bed, its hair will magically end up on the pillow and between the sheets. How to get rid of it?
1. Electric dryer
Put the bedding in it and the appliance will remove all the dirt without any fuss.
2. Sticky roller
One of the most basic options is a sticky roller or adhesive tape. But if there is a lot of hair, cleaning can be quite difficult. Walk around the bed and swipe the roller with your hand, moving from the edges to the centre.
3. Dishwashing sponge
To use a folk tip, take a sponge designed for washing dishes.Put it in the washing machine with the laundry and all the hairs will stick to it. However, this method can only be used with coarse cotton products.
4. Anti-static laundry detergent
When washing, add a special rinse aid along with the washing powder, which helps to get rid of excess debris efficiently. Also remember that hair sticks to satin more than any other material. It may be worth considering switching to bed linen made from a different material.
Hair on clothing
You want to cuddle your pet, but then all your clothes are covered in hair. But even without that, pet hair somehow manages to get into closed cupboards and even on hats.
1. Dry cleaning
Use a sticky roller or adhesive tape for dry cleaning. Use one of the following every time you leave the house. Wool and silk fabrics are best cleaned by hand – with a wet palm. Another option is to put on a pair of golf or nylon socks and swipe through the product. The material is electrified, so it picks up hair easily.
2. Washing
Wash clothes that are covered in hair separately. If you wash them with other clothes, try to remove as much hair as possible beforehand so that it doesn’t stick to other clothes. Wash your clothes not only with powder but also with an anti-static detergent. When you have finished washing, shake the washed clothes thoroughly to completely remove excess hair. Clean the washing machine, check the drum and the drains for accumulations of hair and other debris.
How to reduce the incidence of hair:
Of course, you cannot forbid your pet to change its coat, but you can significantly reduce the amount of hair.
1. 2-3 times a week, carry out a wet cleaning at home using an anti-static product. Clean soft furnishings and carpets regularly with this product.
2. Monitor the humidity in rooms. If the air in the house is too dry, the abundance of dust will also contribute to the spread of pet hair.
3. Keep items made of delicate materials in separate bags. Place a closed cupboard in the corridor.
4. If your pet has chosen a specific spot on the furniture or floor, cover it with a blanket or provide a special bed. This will make it easier to keep the house clean.
5. Wash your pet’s belongings every week. From the sofa to toys and towels.
Tips for caring for a pet that changes its coat.
When you take your pet outdoors, their coat undergoes seasonal changes. As a result, in autumn their coat becomes denser and thicker and in spring it becomes lighter and thinner. Pets that spend all their time in the apartment are virtually unaffected by temperature fluctuations outside the window. They feed throughout the year, although these phases are not as pronounced.
Key tips:
1. Long-haired pets should be brushed every week and short-haired pets once a fortnight. During active feeding, the procedure should be repeated every 3-4 days in the former case and weekly in the latter.
2. Use a furminator. This is a special anti-feeding comb with a rake-shaped blade that helps to comb the animals effectively. The larger the pet, the larger the furminator should be. Brush your pet slowly with this comb. Start with 2-3 minutes, gradually increasing the length of the procedure.
3. If possible, visit a hairdresser. A professional will cut your four-legged friend’s hair and groom its coat.
4. If you notice that your pet is feeding intensively all the time, visit your vet. It is very likely that there is a disorder in the animal’s body.