How to Get Dog Hair Out of Your Car

As a dog owner, you know that your furry friend can leave quite a mess in your car. Dog hair seems to get everywhere and can be extremely difficult to remove. Getting dog hair out of your car completely can feel like an endless battle. However, there are several effective methods for removing dog hair that will leave your car looking clean and hair-free. In this guide, we will cover the best tips and techniques for getting dog hair out of all the nooks and crannies of your car.

Why It's Important to Remove Dog Hair from Your Car

Before we dive into the step-by-step methods for removing dog hair, let's first go over why it's so important to thoroughly clean dog hair from your vehicle:

Allergy Relief: For people who are allergic to dogs, lingering dog hair and dander in a car can cause allergy symptoms to flare up. Thoroughly removing all traces of dog hair helps provide allergy relief.
Odors and Bacteria: Wet dog hair that gets into car carpeting and upholstery can develop unpleasant odors over time. It can also harbor bacteria that lead to a foul, musty smell.
Resale Value: Dog hair detracts from your car's appearance and cleanliness, potentially lowering the resale value. Dog owners looking to sell or trade in their cars should make sure to thoroughly de-hair the interior.
Comfort and Enjoyment: Sitting in a hair-filled car can feel itchy and uncomfortable. Hair can get stuck to your clothes and skin. Removing dog hair helps keep your car comfortable and enjoyable to drive.
Safety: Loose dog hair can get into your car's air vents, and HVAC system, and cling to windows. This can potentially pose a safety hazard by blocking airflow or visibility.

Now that you know why getting dog hair out of your car is so crucial, let's look at the best methods and products for effective hair removal.

Before You Start: Tips for Containing Dog Hair

While it's impossible to prevent dog hair from getting into your car completely, some tips can help minimize the amount of loose hair:

Use a dog seat cover to protect your car's upholstery
Brush or wipe down your dog before entering the vehicle
Place a dog hammock in the cargo area for SUVs/hatchbacks
Use window shades to block dog hair from clinging to window glass
Park in shaded areas during the shedding season
Install mesh nets or covers in the cargo area

Taking a few preventative steps will minimize the amount of hair that makes its way into your car. But inevitably, dog hair will still accumulate over time and need to be removed.

11 Ways to Dog Hair Out of Your Car

1. Vacuuming Dog Hair

The first and most basic step for removing dog hair is thoroughly vacuuming the entire interior. Here are some tips for effective vacuum cleaning:

Use a handheld vacuum to get into tight areas like air vents and crevices
Try a rubber dog hair brush that attaches directly to the vacuum hose
Look for vacuums with specialized pet hair attachments designed to attract and remove hair
Pass the vacuum over upholstery and carpeting several times to get deeply embedded hair
Clean and replace the vacuum filter regularly for maximum suction
Use the narrow crevice tool to vacuum underneath the seats

Regular vacuuming maintenance is key for controlling dog hair between deeper cleanings. For best results, vacuum your car at least once a week if you have a shedding dog.

2. Using Lint Rollers on Upholstery

After vacuuming, lint rollers are great for tackling stubborn hairs stuck to car upholstery and seats. Here's how to use them effectively:

Lightly dampen the lint roller adhesive before use to make it more tacky
Roll in different directions to lift hair from fabric grooves
Use short strokes and don't press too hard to avoid damaging delicate upholstery
For best results, follow the grain of the fabric when rolling
Change lint roller sheets frequently so the adhesive stays sticky
Use a pet hair remover stone after rolling to clean residual adhesive

With regular use of lint rollers, you can easily maintain a hair-free interior between vacuuming sessions. They are convenient to keep in your car glovebox for quick clean-ups.

3. Removing Hair from Carpets with Rubber Brushes

Rubber bristle brushes are specially designed to attract dog hair from carpeting. They utilize static electricity to pull hairs from the carpet fibers. Here are some tips for using these brushes:

Brush across carpeted areas in multiple directions
Apply moderate downward pressure as you brush to get deep into the carpet pile
Use short, repeated strokes rather than long sweeps for best results
Focus on high-traffic areas like floor mats and around the driver's seat
For best results, brush carpets before vacuuming to lift hairs up
Clean brush bristles frequently on sticky tape or soft cloth
Look for brushes with extendable handles to easily reach all floor areas

These rubber pet hair brushes offer a chemical-free way to keep carpets hair-free between vacuuming or steam cleaning. They are safe for all carpet types.

4. Steam Cleaning Carpets and Upholstery

For a deep clean, steam cleaning is highly effective at sanitizing and deodorizing while removing embedded pet hair. Here are some steam-cleaning tips:

Look for a steam cleaner with specialized pet hair attachments and accessories
Fill the water reservoir with hot water and a pet-safe cleaning solution
Pre-treat heavily soiled areas before steaming
Use methodical back-and-forth motions and overlap passes
Focus on carpets and cloth upholstery where hair collects
Allow carpets to fully dry before walking on them
Can also steam clean seat belts, headliners, and door panels

Steam cleaning provides a thorough wash for carpets and upholstery while sucking up all traces of dog hair. For best results, steam clean interiors every 6 months.

5. Using De-Shedding Tools

Specialized de-shedding tools and brushes are designed to rake up and remove loose dog hair from upholstery. These tools work similarly to undercoat rakes used for grooming. Here's how to use them:

Lightly spritz upholstery with water or conditioner before using
Rake against the nap of the fabric in short, repeated strokes
Apply moderate pressure to penetrate the fibers
Use slow, consistent motions to gather hair into ridges
Avoid pushing too hard or you may damage delicate upholstery
Remove hair ridges with a vacuum or lint roller
Can also use on car seats and door panels

De-shedding tools allow you to easily gather and remove dog hair between regular cleanings. They are ideal for frequent maintenance.

6. Using a Squeegee on Windows and Glass

Dog hair tends to statically cling to car windows and glass surfaces. A rubber squeegee works great for removing hair and lint from glass. Here's how:

Using a Squeegee on Windows and Glass

Lightly mist glass with water or window cleaner
Squeegee in horizontal strokes first, then vertical
Overlap strokes to avoid streaks
Flip the squeegee and repeat motions for the second pass
Clean the squeegee edge frequently for best results
Can also be used on mirrors, sunroofs, and headlights

Squeegeeing is a quick way to get dog hair off windows between car washes. It helps restore clarity and visibility.

7. Using a Pet Hair Remover Sponge

Wet rubber pet hair remover sponges provide an easy, chemical-free way to remove dog hair from a variety of surfaces. They work through friction and static electricity. Here's how to use them:

Dampen sponge and wring out excess water
Wipe down upholstery using firm, overlapping strokes
Rinse and wring out the sponge frequently during use
Can also be used on carpets, door panels, headliners
Rinsing often prevents gathered hair from transferring back
Let surfaces fully dry after use

These reusable sponges allow you to quickly wipe down surfaces to remove dog hair. They are machine washable for repeated use.

8. Using Rubber Gloves

For cleaning small areas by hand, rubber gloves offer a great grip for removing hair manually. Here are some tips:

Dampen interior surfaces and gloves before use
Rub gloves over upholstery against the nap
Use short, repeated strokes concentrating on one area
Rinse gloves often to remove gathered hair
Follow-up with vacuum, lint roller, or brush
Machine wash gloves after use to reuse

The rubber fabric attracts and grabs onto dog hair for hands-on removal between washes. This is a chemical-free and cost-effective method.

9. Using a Hair Magnet

Silicone pet hair magnets utilize static electricity to attract loose hair from surfaces. They provide a reusable, chemical-free option. Here are some tips for using them:

Lightly dampen the magnet before use
Gently press onto the upholstery and slide across the surface
Use short strokes in multiple directions
Lift the magnet straight up between passes to avoid transferring hair
Remove lint from the magnet with sticky tape
Can be rinsed and reused indefinitely

Pet hair magnets allow you to simply dab away dog hair from upholstery or carpeting. They are small and portable for cars.

10. Using a Compressed Air Duster

For removing dog hair from crevices and air vents, a compressed air duster offers a quick and easy way to blast away hair. Here are some use tips:

Insert narrow nozzle into vents and crevices
Spray short bursts while moving the nozzle across the area
Take care not to over-brush vents and risk damaging them
Allow moisture to fully evaporate before driving
Hold the can upright during use to avoid liquid discharge

Compressed air allows you to easily dust away dog hair in hard-to-reach areas like climate control vents. It's important to avoid overuse in one area.

11. Using a Commercial Dog Hair Remover Spray

Specialized dog hair remover sprays work by applying an electrostatic charge to loosen the static bond between hair and surfaces. Here are some use tips:

Shake the bottle well and hold it 6-10 inches from the surface
Mist upholstery and let soak for 5 minutes
Use a lint roller, squeegee, or brush to lift hair after soak time
Avoid saturating surfaces- a light misting is all that's needed
Test in an inconspicuous spot first for colorfastness

These sprays help release stubborn dog hair and dander for easier removal from upholstery and carpets. They offer a quick touch-up between deeper cleanings.

Key Tips for Removing Dog Hair

To sum up, here are some key tips to keep in mind for effectively removing dog hair from your car:

Vacuum frequently with a handheld vac to get into tight spaces
Use lint rollers on the upholstery to pick up hairs between washes
Rubber brushes help lift hair from carpets before vacuuming
Steam clean carpets and cloth seats every 6 months for a thorough wash
De-shedding tools rake up loose hairs from fabric surfaces nicely
Squeegee windows and interior glass to easily swipe away hair
Rubber grooming gloves allow you to hand-brush hair from surfaces
Pet hair magnets provide a reusable way to static-cling hair away
Compressed air blasts hair from air vents and crevices
Remover sprays lift hair via static charge for follow-up removal

With regular use of these methods, you can stay on top of dog hair and keep your car's interior looking clean and fresh. Consistency is key!

Conclusion

Removing dog hair from your car completely can feel daunting, but is very achievable with the right tools and techniques. The key is to frequently vacuum, lint roll, brush, and steam clean your car's interior surfaces. Supplement these methods with rubber gloves, squeegees, hair magnets, and de-shedding tools for spot-cleaning maintenance between deep cleanings. Set aside time each week to tackle areas prone to hair buildup like floor mats, upholstery, and air vents. Staying diligent with regular removal will prevent hair from becoming densely impacted. With this comprehensive guide, you now have all the most effective methods for keeping dog hair at bay. Implement these tips to enjoy a hair-free car that looks and feels clean. Your furry friend can ride along without leaving a lasting messy reminder.