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Cleaning Pet Fur From Car Seats and Mats

July 24, 2024

Cleaning Pet Fur From Car Seats and Mats

As a proud pet parent, I know firsthand the joys and challenges of having a furry companion. My best friend, who happens to be blind, recently got a guide dog – a gorgeous golden lab that’s stolen my heart. While I’m thrilled to help them get around, I’ll admit that the dog’s shedding has become a bit of a nuisance in my car.

The Shedding Saga

When my friend and her pup hop in, the light-colored fur seems to magically appear all over the seats and floor mats. I’ve tried vacuuming with my trusty car vacuum, then switching to the heavy-duty house vacuum, and even hitting up the car wash. But no matter what, I can’t seem to get rid of all that pesky hair! It’s like a never-ending battle.

As one Redditor shared, “her golden lab sure does shed and since her fur is a lighter colour is really shows up on the cars floor. I have tried vacuuming with firstly a hand held car vacuum then the normal house vacuum as well as a vacuum at a car wash and it doesnt seem to actually pick up all the hair.”

I feel your pain, my friend! It’s so frustrating when the usual cleaning methods just don’t cut it. I’ve been tempted to take my car in for a professional detail every time, but that can get pricey. And I can’t exactly afford to do that every time I hang out with my bestie and her furry sidekick.

Tried and Tested Techniques

Luckily, I’ve done some digging and discovered a few clever techniques that have helped me tackle the dog hair situation in my car. Want to know my secrets? Here are some of the best methods I’ve found:

Lint Rollers to the Rescue

One of the easiest and most convenient tools for removing pet hair is the humble lint roller. Just keep one in your car’s console and give the seats and floors a quick roll whenever you notice some excess fur. The sticky paper will grab onto those light-colored hairs in no time. As the experts at Bigs Mobile Detailing suggest, “It’s a good idea to always have a lint roller with you when you’re out and about because they work best on recently shed pet hair.”

The Velcro Hack

Now, this one might sound a bit unconventional, but hear me out. Velcro hair curlers can actually be super effective for lifting dog hair off your car’s upholstery. The elongated tips make it easy to reach into those nooks and crannies, and you can reuse the curlers over and over again. Bigs Mobile Detailing recommends keeping a few of these in your glove compartment and rolling them over the seats and carpets whenever your pup hops in.

Rubber Glove Magic

Another surprisingly effective trick is to use a pair of good old rubber gloves. Wet them down, then run your hands over the carpets and seats. The dog hair will stick right to the gloves, making it easy to clean up. Just be sure to set up some fans afterwards to help the area dry out completely. According to the Bigs team, “Depending on the type of hair your dog has, you might get varying results, but it’s a useful method that will make your car seats cleaner.”

The Steamy Solution

If you really want to go the extra mile, try using a steam cleaner to tackle that stubborn dog hair. The heat and moisture can help loosen up the fur and remove any lingering germs or bacteria. Bigs Mobile Detailing suggests combining a bristle wire attachment with the steamer to efficiently grab and remove the hair.

Duct Tape Trick

In a pinch, you can also use good old duct tape to quickly clean up dog hair. Just wrap it around your hand, sticky side out, and press it onto the affected areas. The tape will grab onto the hair, making it easy to lift off. Be sure to reapply fresh tape as needed. Bigs Mobile Detailing recommends this technique as another reliable way to get your car seats and floors looking fresh.

Preventing the Pileup

Of course, the best approach is to try to prevent the dog hair from accumulating in the first place. Here are a few tips that can help:

Seat Covers and Barriers

Investing in some seat covers or throwing a moving blanket over the seats can create a physical barrier to keep the fur off your upholstery. Bigs Mobile Detailing suggests that while they may not be the most aesthetically pleasing option, these preventive measures can really pay off.

Anti-Static Sprays

Another clever trick is to use anti-static sprays on your car’s surfaces. These contain a conductive polymer that helps prevent the static build-up that makes dog hair stick so stubbornly. According to Bigs, a light misting can help keep the hair from settling in the first place.

Humidifying the Air

Interestingly, dry air can actually exacerbate shedding, as it can lead to your pup’s skin becoming itchy and irritated. Investing in a car humidifier can help soothe their skin and reduce excessive hair loss. Bigs suggests this as another potential solution to the shedding problem.

Brushing Before Rides

And of course, one of the simplest ways to cut down on in-car fur is to brush your dog before each trip. That way, any loose hair gets removed before it has a chance to end up all over your seats and floors. Bigs recommends this as an easy preventive measure to keep your car clean.

Calling in the Experts

If you’ve tried all of these techniques and are still struggling to tame the dog hair situation, it might be time to call in the professionals. Companies like Adam Cleaning have the specialized tools and expertise to deep-clean your car’s interior and get rid of even the most stubborn pet fur.

While it may cost a bit more than doing it yourself, the peace of mind and sparkling clean results can be well worth it. Plus, regular professional detailing can help preserve the value of your vehicle over time.

The Furry Bottom Line

At the end of the day, dealing with shedding in your car is just part of the deal when you’re a pet parent. But with a little creativity and the right techniques, you can stay on top of the fur and keep your ride looking and feeling fresh.

Whether you opt for DIY hacks or bring in the pros, the key is finding what works best for your car and your pup’s unique hair type. And who knows – you might even discover a new favorite cleaning hack along the way!

So embrace the fur, my fellow dog-loving friends. With a little elbow grease and a sense of humor, we can keep those cars clean and our furry friends happy. After all, they’re worth it, aren’t they?

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