Dogs and cats at home? Discover the best methods to remove their hair from the sofa
Having pets at home is a source of great joy: they keep us company and brighten up our lives, even if living with our furry friends means cleaning up after them. Anyone who has ever had a dog or cat will know that there is no way to avoid their hair and fur from getting everywhere - from our clothes to the floor, to armchairs and sofas. But how can we get rid of the fur and hair on the upholstery?
There are various methods and they also depend on the material with which the furniture is upholstered. Read on to find out more:
First, you need to determine if the sofa fabric is washable or not. Generally the possibilities are: washable with water only (W), scrubbing with a dry cleaning solvent (S), those that allow both of the options just mentioned (S/W) and those that require the intervention of a professional (and on which you can use a vacuum cleaner (X)). The letters indicated in brackets are those that you might find on the fabric labels, together with other important information. Always remember to check before proceeding with any type of cleaning.
Vacuuming
As always, it is the first "cleansing" measure. Equip yourself with the right accessories: generally, a brush is needed for all larger, exposed surfaces, and a nozzle for the crevices. If by chance you have a small handheld vacuum cleaner, it wouldn't hurt to keep it near the living room and to use it whenever needed. Alternatively, you should remember to vacuum up pet hair at least a couple of times a week.
Other tools that help in cleaning:
- Adhesive rollers: there are disposable ones and washable, reusable ones. They are very convenient for removing the bulk of the hair when you are in a hurry and you cannot get the vacuum cleaner out. If you decide to buy one, get the extra large type.
- Rubber gloves: the ones you use to wash dishes are perfect. Just slip them on as normal and then pass your gloved hand over the sofa: it will attract the hairs, ending up creating a ball. Sometimes they work best when a little moist.
- Squeegee: these use the same technique as the rubber gloves. Pass it over all the reachable surfaces, collecting the hairs into a ball.
- Dish sponge: again, just moisten it a bit and run it over the sofa, like described above.
Creativo
When it comes time to washing, it's always good to first remove all the hair with the methods described above. Then, proceed as follows:
- If you can wash the fabric in the washing machine: again use a dish sponge, or some fabric softener sheets (even used ones) to be placed into the drum to catch the hairs that come off the fabrics.
- White vinegar and fabric softeners help loosen the hair and fur from fabrics.
And then, on a preventive level, you could consider brushing your dogs or cats regularly to lessen how much of their coats get on the sofa!
