6 Summer Cleaning Tricks That Keep Pet Hair from Taking Over the House
When summer hits, your pets start shedding like crazy—and if you’re not staying on top of it, that hair ends up on every surface you own. Hot weather and open windows don’t help either. Between fur clinging to rugs, floating in corners, and building up in vents, it’s easy to feel like you’re always one step behind.
These cleaning tricks don’t require fancy tools or endless vacuuming. They actually work—and they make a big difference when you’re trying to keep your house from turning into a giant furball.
Keep a Damp Rubber Glove by the Door
If your dog comes in and immediately starts shaking out fur, a damp rubber glove can stop it before it spreads. The rubber grabs loose hair fast, and the water helps trap it. Keep a glove by the door and do a quick rub-down after walks or backyard time. It’s way easier than chasing tumbleweeds around the house later.
Vacuum in Multiple Directions
If you’re vacuuming the same way every time, you’re probably leaving hair behind—especially on rugs and furniture. Go over each area from a different angle to lift the hair out of the fibers. A vacuum with a good brush roll helps, but even a stick vac can do the trick if you’re thorough. Bonus points if you finish with a lint roller for high-traffic spots.
Brush Your Pets Outside Daily
Brushing daily might sound like overkill, but in summer, it cuts indoor shedding way down. Even five minutes outside with the right brush can remove a surprising amount of loose hair before it hits your floors. Do it in the morning or evening when it’s cooler, and toss the hair straight in the trash. Less brushing inside = less cleanup later.
Use Dryer Sheets on Baseboards and Furniture
Dryer sheets help reduce static cling, which is exactly what makes pet hair stick to everything. Wipe them across baseboards, lampshades, and even couch cushions. It won’t get rid of everything, but it helps prevent buildup—and it makes your next round of cleaning go faster. Unscented ones work fine if you don’t want added fragrance.
Wash Pet Bedding and Throws Weekly
If you’re not washing pet beds and throw blankets every week, they’re likely your biggest source of fur. Hair from those fabrics gets kicked up into the air every time someone sits down or your pet moves around. Toss them in the wash with a pet-safe detergent and give them a quick spin in the dryer with a lint-catching ball or dryer sheet.
Run the AC Fan on “On” Instead of “Auto”
When your AC fan is set to “on,” it keeps air circulating even when the system isn’t cooling. That helps move pet hair through the air filter instead of letting it settle on every surface. Just make sure your filter is clean and changed regularly—especially in summer, when there’s more floating hair and dander in the mix.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
