Sharing your home with a furry friend brings joy, companionship, and unfortunately—pet hair. Sofas and soft furnishings often become prime targets for pet hair to cling to, making them look untidy and feel uncomfortable. Whether you have a dog that sheds heavily or a cat that loves curling up on the cushions, knowing how to remove pet hair from your sofa can make a big difference in keeping your living space clean and fresh.
In this guide, we’ll share effective, easy-to-follow methods to get rid of pet hair from your sofa, no matter the fabric type.
Why Pet Hair Sticks to Sofas
Pet hair contains oils and static electricity, making it stick tightly to fabric fibres—especially on materials like velvet, corduroy, and wool. Once embedded, it can be difficult to remove with standard vacuuming alone.
1. Use a Vacuum Cleaner with a Pet Hair Attachment
A powerful vacuum cleaner with a motorised brush or pet hair tool is one of the most efficient ways to remove hair from upholstery.
- Use short, overlapping strokes to lift embedded hairs.
- Vacuum regularly, especially if your pet lounges on the furniture daily.
- Don’t forget to vacuum under the cushions and along seams where hair tends to gather.
2. Try a Rubber Glove or Squeegee
This is a surprisingly effective hack!
- Put on a rubber glove (the kind used for washing up).
- Dampen it slightly, then rub it over the sofa.
- The friction and static will pull hair into clumps for easy removal.
Alternatively, a window squeegee with a rubber edge can be dragged across fabric to lift hair in the same way.
3. Lint Rollers and Sticky Tape
For light maintenance or spot cleaning:
- Use a lint roller to pick up surface hair quickly.
- If you don’t have one, wrap sticky tape (sticky side out) around your hand and press it against the sofa in sections.
This method works best for small jobs or delicate fabrics.
4. Fabric Softener Spray
A diluted fabric softener spray can help loosen embedded hair and reduce static.
- Mix one part fabric softener with three parts water in a spray bottle.
- Lightly mist the sofa (don’t oversaturate).
- Wipe with a clean cloth or use a vacuum to remove loosened hair.
Always patch test first on an inconspicuous area to avoid discolouration.
5. Upholstery Brushes and Pet Hair Tools
There are specialised tools designed specifically for pet owners:
- Pet hair remover brushes with rubber bristles
- Upholstery combs for lifting hair from deep in the fibres
- Fur removal sponges, which can be used dry or damp
Investing in one of these can save time, especially in multi-pet households.
Bonus Tip: Keep It Under Control with Preventative Care
- Place washable throws or pet blankets on your sofa
- Brush your pets regularly to reduce loose hair
- Consider using anti-static sprays on your furniture
These steps help reduce how much hair ends up on your upholstery in the first place.
Dealing with Stubborn Hair and Odours?
Even after removing hair, sofas can still hold on to pet-related smells and allergens. That’s where a deep professional clean can make all the difference.
Refresh Your Sofa with Professional Upholstery Cleaning from Mayer Cleaning
At Mayer Cleaning, we understand that pet owners need a little extra help from time to time. Our professional upholstery cleaning service removes not just stubborn pet hair, but also built-up dirt, odours, and allergens from your furniture.
We use powerful, pet-safe solutions and industry-leading equipment to leave your sofa clean, fresh, and revitalised.
👉 Discover more about our professional carpet and upholstery cleaning in Egham and surrounding areas, and see how Mayer Cleaning can help keep your home spotless—even with pets.
Final Thoughts
Removing pet hair from your sofa doesn’t have to be a constant battle. With the right tools and techniques, you can keep your furniture looking its best while still enjoying cuddle time with your furry companions. And when it’s time for a deeper clean, calling in the professionals is the quickest way to restore freshness and comfort to your home.
