How to Remove Dog Hair From the Couch and Car Seats

Reusable Pet Hair Roller – Ridemutt

Dog hair on the couch, on your clothes and on the car seats is part of life with a dog. You can never get rid of all of it, but you can get it under control. The most effective way to remove dog hair from a couch is to deal with it in two steps: lift the loose hair off the fabric, then cut down how much your dog sheds into the house in the first place. This guide shows you how.

Step 1: Lift the hair off fabric

Dog hair weaves itself into fabric, so a quick wipe rarely gets it all. A tool that grips the hair works better than a normal brush. Here are two that we sell, and how each one works.

A washable hair roller

A reusable roller picks up hair without a sticky sheet that you throw away. You roll it across the fabric, then rinse the roller and let it dry.

Reusable Pet Hair Roller sold by Ridemutt
Reusable Pet Hair Roller – Washable, Green or Yellow

The Reusable Pet Hair Roller is described as working on clothes, bedding, carpet, sofas, car seats and floors. To clean it, rinse it with water and soap or detergent, then let it dry completely. It is made of PP plastic and synthetic rubber, and it comes in green or yellow. Clean it right after each use. The large size is 20.5 by 12 cm, and the small size is 12 by 3.5 by 4 cm.

A brush with a long handle

The 4-in-1 Pet Hair Removal Brush has a soft flannel surface that works dry or wet. Use it dry for light dust and maintenance, or wet for a deeper clean. It also comes with a detachable extension handle, so you can use as much length as you need for a big couch or a hard-to-reach corner.

4-in-1 Pet Hair Removal Brush for Sofas and Screens sold by Ridemutt
4-in-1 Pet Hair Removal Brush for Sofas and Screens

Step 2: Take the hair off your dog first

Every hair you brush off your dog is one that does not land on the couch. A few minutes of grooming on a regular day does more than an hour of cleaning later. Do it outside if you can, so the loose fur blows away.

De-Shedding Grooming Glove sold by Ridemutt
De-Shedding Grooming Glove – Removes Loose Fur

The De-Shedding Grooming Glove has a dual-sided design for removing loose fur. The bristles are soft silicone, and the wrist cuffs are flexible so the glove stays on your hand. It is made of breathable mesh and TPR. You can use it for everyday grooming and at bath time. Some dogs that dislike a brush accept a glove, because it feels like being stroked.

For knots and tangles, a comb helps. The Self-Massage Grooming Brush is made for opening knots and removing floating hair on dogs and cats. The Pet Detangling Comb is a small daily comb for working through knots. Be gentle around sensitive skin, and stop if your pet seems uncomfortable.

A simple weekly routine

  1. Groom your dog every day or two with a glove or brush, outdoors if possible.
  2. Run the roller or brush over the couch, car seats and bedding once a week, or more often when your dog is shedding.
  3. Rinse the roller or brush as the maker advises, and let it dry fully.
  4. Wash your dog's bedding on a regular schedule.

Tips for the car

Dog hair builds up on car seats quickly. Brush your dog before a trip, and keep a roller in the car so you can lift the hair off the seat afterwards. Roll in one direction, and clean the roller when it is full. The roller above is described as working on car seats.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a hair roller on all fabrics?

The roller is designed to lift hair without damaging fabric, but test a small hidden spot first, especially on delicate materials.

How often should I groom my dog?

It depends on the coat. Short coats may need a glove once or twice a week, while long coats often need a little time every day. If you are unsure, ask a groomer.

Does grooming stop shedding?

No. Shedding is natural. Grooming takes loose hair off your dog before it ends up on your furniture.

More to explore

Browse the Groom & Clean collection for more brushes, combs and bath tools. Delivery times depend on where you live, so check the delivery questions on our FAQ. Use code LAUNCH15 for 15% off at checkout.

Related guide: How to protect your car from dog hair, mud and scratches.