According to research, many Americans across all age groups refer to their pet as “fur babies”. This term of endearment illustrates just how much pets have become a part of the family unit. It is also a not-so-subtle reminder that fur refers to pet hair, the stuff that gets everywhere.
We also know from a survey conducted by the American Automobile Association that over 80% of dog owners drive with their pets in the car. If your pet comes along for the ride, you’ll know that your fur babies shed hair. Removing pet hair from car seats and carpets is a time-consuming chore. However, you can make the job quicker and easier by using the correct tools.
5 Pet Hair Removal Tools for the Car
As much as you love your pet, no one wants pet hair accumulating on car seats and throughout the car interior. It is unsightly and it clings to clothes and personal belongings. You can use duct tape to lift stray hairs from your car upholstery. However, this method isn’t suitable for larger areas because it takes time. The tape also quickly loses its adhesiveness. Instead, check out the alternatives. Here are some tools and their approximate costs.
1. Ergonomic Handle Brush for Leather and Fabric Car Seats
If you travel with your pet in your car, the question of how to remove my pet’s hair will no doubt have come up in conversation. The Sonax Special Brush, $18, is popular because you can safely use it on fabric and leather car seat upholstery. It has an ergonomically shaped handle. If you have a lot of pet hair to remove you can use it comfortably for extended periods of time. The rubber bristles effectively collect the hair without scratching fabrics or surfaces.
You may also find that pet odor is a problem in your vehicle. If this is the case, you can also freshen up and clean a car interior using steam. This method will sanitize your car seats and eliminate bad smells in the process.
2. Pet Hair Remover with Hair Catchment Chamber
If you have a pet with longer, fluffier hair, it is a good idea to use a tool with a compartment to collect the hair as you remove it. For example, ChomChom Roller, $25, has a handy catchment chamber attached to the lint roller. Simply move the roller back and forth over your car upholstery. The repeated, rapid movement of the roller traps pet hair in the catchment chamber. The result is hair-free car seats and upholstery. Once your car interior is completely hair-free, upholstery cleaning with steam is a great way to finish the job.
3. Space-Saving Mini Pet Hair Detailer
Do you have pets with short, wiry hair? The Mini Pet Hair Detailer from Lilly Brush, $12, is going to be your friend. This little tool makes a big difference to car seats covered in pet hair, human hair, lint and fuzz. It fits neatly into the palm of your hand and has a soft rubber blade that effectively drags hair into a pile. If you repeatedly use short, quick strokes it will free up even the most stubborn hairs embedded deep in carpet fibers and upholstery. It is a space-saving tool that you can store in a car door pocket.
If you need a little help getting into those hard-to-reach places, the Lilly Brush Pro Pet Hair Tool Kit, $28.95, might be a good idea. It has a long-handle 14 inch crevice tool to clean between the seats and a smaller soft-blade tool for the seats themselves. See also our car interior cleaning tips for those places that are often overlooked or hard to reach.
4. Long-Handle Pet Hair Removal Brush for Car Seats, Carpets and Windows
If you are looking for a robust brush for your car interior, try out the Professional Rubber Pet Hair Removal Brush, $10, from Chemical Guys. This handy tool looks like a large toothbrush and has a longer handle for easier grip. Once you start using the brush, the thick rubber bristles create static electricity to attract any hair and fur that has worked its way into upholstery and carpets. It is also double-sided. Flip the brush around to use the scratch-free, soft rubber composite on windows to remove any stray hairs.
Do your car carpets need further attention after removing animal hair? You can make a DIY car carpet cleaner to remove any embedded dirt and stains.
5. Handy Handheld Vacuum with Powerful Suction
Brushes, gloves and lint rollers are quick solutions to a pet hair problem. However, if you prefer to use a vacuum, the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser is a handheld vac with powerful suction that effortlessly removes cat or dog hair from your car interior. Prices range from $110 depending on stockists, so be sure to shop around. You can also see our handy guide on how to choose a car vacuum.
Conclusion
Pets quickly become part of family life and routine, traveling with us in the car on short journeys and on longer road trips. Pet hair inevitably ends up on the seats and carpets but it doesn’t have to be a problem if you have the correct tools to hand. You can choose from brushes, rubber blades or vacuums, depending on the type of pet hair and your budget.
These tools are great for quick clean-ups. However, it also takes a bit of effort and your valuable time. If you know your car would benefit from a good clean, schedule an appointment with DetailXPerts to have your pet’s hair removed by professionals. We will also sanitize your car’s interior using steam and our range of eco-friendly products to get rid of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.
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