How to Get Pet Hair Out of Bedding

Last Updated On April 18th, 2024
How to Get Pet Hair Out of Bedding

Key Takeaways

  • Reasons to Keep Pet Hair Out of Bedding: Keeping pet hair out of bedding is important to maintain cleanliness and hygiene, avoid allergies triggered by pet dander, ensure sleep comfort, limit damage to bedding, and improve the overall aesthetics of the bedroom.
  • Effective Methods to Remove Pet Hair: The article offers practical solutions for pet owners to remove pet hair from their bedding effectively. These methods include using sticky rollers, rubber gloves, sponges, vacuum cleaners, pumice stones, and even the washer and dryer with white vinegar. These techniques can help maintain a clean and hair-free sleeping environment.
  • Preventing Pet Hair Buildup: To minimize pet hair in bedding, it’s recommended to choose pet-friendly fabrics like cotton, silk, satin, and flannel, which repel pet fur. Providing pets with their own comfortable beds and grooming them regularly can also help reduce shedding and keep pet hair off your bedding.

Pet owners often struggle with the challenge of removing pet hair from their bedding, thanks to their four-legged friends. While having a furry friend can bring warmth and joy, it also means dealing with a never-ending battle against all the hair they leave behind.

But worry not! We’ve discovered some straightforward and effective methods to help you remove pet hair from your bedding, even after washing. In this article, we’ll explore these easy techniques and share valuable tips to help pet owners maintain a clean and hair-free sleeping environment.

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Easy Ways to Keep Your Bed Free from Pet Hair

Discovering practical solutions for removing dog hair or cat hair from your bed can make your nights more comfortable and pet-friendly. Say goodbye to pesky pet hair on your bedding with these straightforward solutions.

Let’s explore effective methods to ensure your bed remains a cozy and hair-free oasis for both you and your furry companions.

Use Sticky Roller

Removing loose fur from your bedding and clothes can be a breeze with sticky pet lint rollers. Simply glide it in one direction across the sheets, peel off the loose hair from the tape, and it’s ready for more action. This is also helpful to remove lint balls on a mattress, naturally, if the cover fabric starts pilling from friction.

In case a sticky roller isn’t on hand, you can improvise by winding duct or masking tape around your hand, sticky side out. Run your hand over the sheets to efficiently remove dog hair. Repeat this process until your bedding looks as good as new.

Use Rubber Gloves

For long-haired dogs, a lint roller might not work well with blanket fibers. Try rubber gloves instead. Pet parents can use rubber gloves as an alternative, offering a cost-effective and reusable solution. By simply donning the rubber glove and swiping it across the bedding, you can gather more hair with ease as the rubber helps the furball up, simplifying disposal.

You’ll also find various rubber pet hair removal tools available, functioning similarly to these gloves. Anything crafted from rubber, such as rubber window squeegees, can yield the same results, providing pet parents with efficient options for removing dog hair.

Use a Sponge

Don’t underestimate the power of a simple damp sponge when it comes to removing remaining pet hair from your bedding. As you glide the damp sponge across your bedclothes, it generates electrostatic energy from the friction between the fabric and the sponge.

Keep sliding the sponge over the sheets, and when it looks loaded with hair, toss away the pile and start over to efficiently get rid of any lingering fur.

Use a Vacuum Cleaner

Keeping your bed free from pet hair is a breeze with regular vacuuming. Run the vacuum cleaner over your bedclothes in between washes using the brush attachment designed to tackle your dog’s hair. For maximum effectiveness, make sure to empty the dust bag after each session. If you spot any remaining hair on the sheets post-vacuuming, swipe a damp sponge over them to get rid of it.

Many modern vacuum cleaners boast specialized fittings and settings for pet hair removal, some even equipped with bristles at the end. These rubber bristles do an excellent job dislodging stubbornly embedded hair from your bedding, eliminating the need for additional steps like using damp sponges or gloves on the sheets.

Use a Pumice Stone

A pet owner’s secret weapon is the pumice stone, a unique type of volcanic rock formed when magma spews into the air and quickly solidifies, creating numerous air holes. These abundant holes make the rock buoyant, even in water! These very holes prove incredibly useful in the battle to rid your bed of dog hair.

The holes in the pumice stone work like magnets, easily trapping and carrying away the hair. It’s a straightforward process, rub it over the surface you want to clean. As the hair gathers on the stone, you can pluck it off with your hands and keep using the rock, making it an efficient and simple method.

However, a word of caution: some parts of the rock can be sharp and might damage more delicate materials. So, exercise care and avoid using it on anything easily pulled apart.

Use the Washer and Dryer

To rid of pet hair on your blankets, try this easy method using white vinegar, a laundry booster that can be a game-changer. First, get a dryer sheet damp and toss it in with your blankets in the dryer. Run the dryer for about 10 minutes to work the dog hair out from the fabric. Remember to clean the lint trap afterward.

Before washing your blankets, make sure to remove as much hair as possible. Then, add 1⁄2 cup (120 ml) of white vinegar to your washing machine and set it to a rinse cycle. Toss one or two dryer sheets into the dryer, the anti-static powers of the dryer sheets will repel the hair and trap it in your dryer’s lint trap.

After this cycle, run another one without any laundry to clean out the washer machine thoroughly. Once it finishes, wipe the drum inside with a wet cloth and give the dryer’s lint filter a good clean. You can also easily clean a non-removable lint filter with a paper towel. Give it a good shake and your blankets should be clean and ready to use, free from stubborn pet hair.

Use Fabric Conditioner

Getting dog hair off your sheets can be a breeze with a few simple tricks. First, consider using dryer sheets – they’re designed to loosen fur from clothes. Run a dryer sheet over your sheets to remove the hair.

Another option is fabric softener, which can also be effective. Dilute it in a 1-to-1 ratio with water in a spray bottle and spritz it onto your bed to remove dog hair.

While this method might not work on its own, it’s most effective when combined with a rubber glove or another rubber tool. This combination makes removing the hair far easier than doing it without any aids, leaving your sheets clean and hair-free.

How to Prevent Pet Hair from Getting in Bedding

Are you struggling with pet fur clinging to your bedding, even after a wash? Removing hair from fabric fibers and your duvet cover can be challenging. In this guide, we’ll explore effective ways to conquer the persistent issue of removing canine hair and pet fur from your bedding, leaving it clean and hair-free.

Choosing Pet-Friendly Bedding

Ever wondered why your bedding seems to magnetize dog hair? It’s because you’ve chosen fabrics that dogs love! If you’re a pet owner, you should steer clear of synthetic materials like nylon, acrylic, and polyester if you want to avoid a fur fest during your siestas.

Instead, opt for fur-resistant fabrics like silk, satin, cotton and flannel. Not only do they repel dog fur, but they’re also hypoallergenic, making them a win-win choice that won’t attract hair and trigger allergies.

Get a Pet Bed

Give your furry friend the luxury they love without compromising your bed’s cleanliness. You can still keep them close in the bedroom, but let them know they have their space and you have your own sleep environment.

Dogs adore perching on elevated platforms right in the middle of the room because they get a bird’s-eye view of everything. To satisfy their love for heights and keep your bed free from your pet hair, consider getting them a bed of their own. While there’s an abundance of dog furniture on the market, you can also have it custom-made to fit your pet’s size perfectly.

As for cats, consider how they like to sleep. Cats who curl up may prefer a round bed, while sprawling cats may enjoy a mat. You can also look for cave-styled cat beds for cats that enjoy having a place to hideaway.

Whether you’re getting a dog bed or a cat bed, keep washability in mind as you shop. Ideally, you want something easy to clean that your pet will still love.

Groom Your Dog or Cat Frequently

Regularly grooming your dog or cat is crucial to keeping their coat healthy and minimizing pet hair in your home. To achieve this, use a rubber brush, which helps loosen pet hair while being gentle on your pet’s skin.

Make sure you select a brush or comb suitable for your pet’s coat type, though. Slicker brushes work well for long-haired pets, while bristle brushes or rubber brushes are better for short-haired breeds. Undercoat rakes or de-shedding tools can be beneficial for double-coated breeds.

Choose a quiet, comfortable, and well-lit area for the grooming session. Begin by gently petting and praising your pet to help them feel comfortable with the brushing process. Make it a positive and bonding experience. Throughout the grooming process, speak softly to reassure your pet and offer treats or positive reinforcement to make the experience as stress-free as possible.

Always brush in the natural direction of your pet’s fur growth. This not only minimizes shedding but also prevents discomfort or pulling on their skin. Be careful when brushing around sensitive areas like the ears, tail, and belly. Use a softer touch in these areas.

Pay extra attention to areas where shedding is more common, such as the back, flanks, and tail for dogs, and the lower back and hindquarters for cats. For pets with heavy shedding, consider using a de-shedding tool or shedding blade. These tools help remove loose undercoat hair, which is a significant contributor to shedding.

Establish a routine and brush your pet at least a few times a week, if not daily. This will help prevent loose fur from accumulating on your pet’s coat.

Brushing your pet regularly not only reduces shedding but also stimulates their hair follicles and promotes good circulation, resulting in a shiny and healthy coat. For more comprehensive grooming needs, consider seeking the expertise of a professional groomer who can ensure your dog’s coat stays in top-notch condition.

Why Might I Want to Keep Pet Hair out of My Bedding

Keeping pet hair out of your bedding is important for several reasons. Largely, it helps maintain a clean and hygienic sleeping environment. Pet hair can trap allergens like dust, pollen, and dander, which can negatively impact your respiratory health, especially if you have asthma, allergies or sleep apnea.

For Cleanliness

Pet hair and dander in your sheets and blankets can lead to an unhygienic sleeping environment. As you and your pets spend hours in bed, dirt, oils, and allergens from their fur and skin cells accumulate in the bedding. This can promote the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria in the bed.

Regularly washing bedding is important, but pet hair can be difficult to fully remove in the wash. Keeping excessive shedding under control makes it easier to keep bed linens clean.

To Avoid Allergies

Pet dander, skin flakes, and saliva can trigger allergic reactions in some people. Allowing these allergens to build up in bed sheets and blankets can make allergies worse.

Using covers and washing bedding frequently helps, along with having a hypoallergenic mattress and protector, but minimizing shedding directly onto bedding is better for controlling allergens. People with pet allergies may also want to keep pets off the bed or even out of the bedroom entirely.

If it’s difficult to corral your pet out of the bedroom, try and minimize allergens by taking advantage of an air purifier’s benefits. Air purifiers suck up allergens to, as the name suggests, purify the air.

For Sleep Comfort

Excess pet hair in bed can simply feel uncomfortable, potentially disrupting sleep. Prickly hairs can be irritating against the skin. Pet hair can also transfer dirt onto the skin and cause micro-abrasions. Smooth, hair-free bed linens are typically the most comfortable for sleeping.

To Limit Damage

Pet claws can catch on loose hairs in bedding, leading to pulled threads, unknown tears, and damage over time. Shed fur can also clog up zippers in duvet covers and pillowcases. Excessive pet hair makes it more likely for bedding to get damaged, requiring repairs or replacement sooner. Keeping bedding free of excess fur helps limit wear and tear.

For Aesthetics

Pet hair lingering on top of bed covers or peeking out from pillowcases and shams simply doesn’t look very appealing. Most people want their bedroom and bedding to feel clean and tidy. Constant clinging hairs and fur balls can make bedding appear messy and unkempt.

Controlling shedding helps bed linens stay looking nicer for a more restful sleep experience, along with other steps such as arranging pillows in different styles.

More Bedding Cleaning Guides

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FAQs

How do you get dog hair or cat hair off sheets before washing?

One of the simplest ways to remove pet hair is to use a lint roller or a lint brush. Simply roll or brush over the surface of the bedding, and the sticky surface will pick up cat or dog hair.

Another method is to wear a damp rubber glove and run your hand over the bedding. The dampness will help the hair cling to the glove, and you can accomplish similar with a damp cloth or sponge. Alternatively, you can use a rubber glove or even a rubber pet hair removal tool specifically designed for this purpose.

You can try putting your bedding in the dryer with a dryer sheet for a few minutes on a no-heat or low-heat setting. The motion and anti-static properties of the dryer sheet can loosen the hair, making it easier to shake or brush off. Using a fabric softener in the wash can also help prevent the hair from clinging to the sheets during the wash cycle.

How often should you wash your sheets with your dog?

For households with pets that shed moderately and no specific allergies, washing your sheets every two weeks might be sufficient. This schedule allows you to maintain a reasonably clean sleeping environment. Pets that shed more often or homes with individuals sensitive to animal dander may require more frequent washings.

Ideally, you want to wash sheets once a week, regardless of whether or not you have pets. But if this is difficult to manage, washing sheets every two weeks can still help you fight allergens and germs.

How do I get pet dander out of my bedroom?

First, regularly vacuum and dust your bedroom, including carpets, rugs, and any upholstered furniture. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to trap fine particles like dander. Wash your bedding, curtains, and any other fabric items in hot water to eliminate dander. Groom and bathe your pets regularly to reduce the amount of loose dander they shed in the bedroom, too.

Keep your bedroom well-ventilated by using an air purifier with a HEPA filter. The benefits of an air purifier include capturing airborne dander particles, along with other allergens.

Does washing bedding remove pet dander?

Washing bedding, curtains, and other fabric items in hot water can effectively remove dander that has settled on these surfaces. However, it’s essential to use a high-temperature setting, as cold or warm water may not be as effective. Some washing machines even have an allergen setting that’s appropriate for this task.

Does pet hair stay in the washing machine?

Yes, pet hair can sometimes remain in the washing machine after a cycle. It’s not uncommon for some pet hair to become trapped in the washing machine’s drum or filter. To prevent damage to your washing machine from lingering hair, shake out or brush off bedding before washing them. Run a lint roller over the surface if needed to make sure you don’t miss stray hairs.

After washing, check the washing machine’s drum and filter for any remaining pet hair and clean them out to prevent the hair from transferring to other loads of laundry.

Conclusion

Managing to remove hair from your bedding doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By implementing the easy and effective methods discussed in this guide, such as using lint rollers, rubber gloves, and choosing the right fabrics, you can enjoy a clean and hair-free sleeping environment.

With these practical tips, you and your furry companion can rest peacefully and comfortably night after night.


About the author

April Mayer is a sleep expert and writer with a degree in exercise physiology. She has dedicated her career to exploring the relationship between sleep and productivity. Her insightful articles, such as "The Surprising Way Your Mood Might Be Messing With Your Productivity" and "Wake Up to More Productive Mornings," have been featured in reputable publications like Forbes, Greatist, Real Homes, Thrillist, Tom's Guide, and Eat This, Not That. With a passion for helping others lead more productive lives through restful sleep, April offers valuable expertise on foods and vitamins for better sleep. As a trusted member of the Early Bird team since March 2020, she continues to provide informative and well-researched content.

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