As a dog owner, you love spending time with your furry friend on the couch or in bed, but the downside is inevitable – the accumulation of dog hair on your blankets. Not only can it be unsightly, but it can also cause allergies or irritations. Removing dog hair off your blankets can feel like a daunting task, but with the right mindset, tools, and knowledge, you can make it much easier.
Why Dog Hair Sticks To Blankets
Before diving into the cleaning process, it’s essential to understand why dog hair sticks to blankets. Dogs come in different breeds, and each has a unique coat texture and type that determines how much hair loss they experience. Some breeds shed more than others, while some have hair that clings to fabrics or other surfaces firmly. Additionally, dog hair has a static charge that makes it difficult to remove. Therefore, when your dog sits or rests on a blanket or any other surface, the hair can stick, making it difficult to remove.
Another reason why dog hair sticks to blankets is that dogs have a natural oil on their skin that helps to keep their coat healthy and shiny. However, this oil can transfer onto fabrics, making them more prone to attracting and holding onto dog hair. Additionally, if your dog has any skin conditions or allergies, they may shed more hair than usual, which can also contribute to the amount of hair that sticks to blankets and other surfaces.
Understanding The Different Types Of Dog Hair
As earlier mentioned, different breeds of dogs have different coat types, mainly classified into two – smooth and rough. Smooth-coated dogs, as the name suggests, have short coats that are easy to maintain. In contrast, rough-coated dogs have long hair or double coats, meaning they have an undercoat beneath longer hairs. Understanding your dog’s coat type plays an integral role in determining the most effective way to remove dog hair from your blankets.
It is also important to note that some dogs shed more than others, regardless of their coat type. Breeds such as German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and Huskies are known to shed heavily, while breeds like Poodles and Bichon Frises shed very little. Regular grooming and brushing can help manage shedding, but it is important to choose a breed that fits your lifestyle and tolerance for shedding.
Essential Tools You Need To Remove Dog Hair From Blankets
Now that you know the kind of hair you’re dealing with, you need the right tools for the job. Some of the essential tools you need to remove dog hair off your blankets include:
- Lint roller or tape
- Rubber glove
- Squeegee
- Vacuum cleaner with a pet hair attachment
- Commercial products (such as a dog hair remover brush) or homemade remedies (such as a fabric softener solution or baking soda)
It’s important to note that different tools work better for different types of blankets. For example, a lint roller or tape may work well for removing dog hair from a smooth, flat blanket, but a rubber glove or squeegee may be more effective for removing hair from a textured or knitted blanket. Additionally, if you’re using a vacuum cleaner, make sure to use the pet hair attachment to ensure that you’re picking up as much hair as possible. Experiment with different tools to find what works best for your specific blankets and your dog’s hair type.
Tips For Preventing Dog Hair From Sticking To Blankets
Prevention is always better than cure. Some tips to keep your blankets fur-free include:
- Brush your dog regularly to remove dead hair from their coat before it falls off on the blanket
- Limit your dog’s access to couches or beds
- Place a blanket on top of your comforter or bedding to minimize dog hair accumulation
- Wash your dog’s bedding regularly to reduce shedding.
Another effective way to prevent dog hair from sticking to blankets is to use a lint roller or a sticky tape to remove any loose hair from the blanket’s surface. You can also try using a fabric softener when washing your blankets, as it can help repel dog hair and make it easier to remove any hair that does stick. Additionally, consider investing in a high-quality vacuum cleaner with a pet hair attachment to keep your home and blankets clean and free of dog hair.
Methods For Removing Dog Hair From Different Types Of Blankets
There are different methods for removing dog hair from different materials, such as cotton, wool, fleece, or microfiber. Here are some useful techniques:
- Use a lint roller or tape to pick up hair on cotton or woolen blankets.
- For fleece material, you can use a rubber glove or a squeegee to remove hair by rubbing gently over the surface.
- For microfiber blankets, you can use a vacuum cleaner with a pet hair attachment or a dog hair remover brush for more stubborn hair.
It’s important to note that prevention is key when it comes to dog hair on blankets. Regular grooming of your dog can significantly reduce the amount of hair they shed. Additionally, using a blanket specifically designated for your dog can also help contain the hair and make it easier to clean. Lastly, washing your blankets regularly can also help prevent a buildup of hair and make it easier to remove any remaining hair.
Best Practices For Washing And Drying Dog Hair-Covered Blankets
If your blankets have a significant amount of dog hair on them, it’s best to wash them before trying any other removal method. You should:
- Shake the blankets out to remove the excess hair
- Pre-treat any stains or odors with a stain remover or baking soda
- Wash them in cold water with a pet-safe detergent on a gentle cycle
- Throw them in the dryer with a dryer sheet or some tennis balls to minimize static cling and to fluff them up.
It’s important to note that not all blankets are safe to wash in a washing machine. Some blankets may have special care instructions that require hand washing or dry cleaning. Always check the care label on the blanket before attempting to wash it.
If you don’t have access to a washing machine, you can still remove dog hair from blankets by using a lint roller or a rubber glove. Simply run the lint roller or glove over the surface of the blanket to pick up the hair. You may need to repeat this process several times to remove all of the hair.
Using A Lint Roller To Remove Stubborn Dog Hair
If you have a lint roller or tape handy, it’s the easiest way to remove dog hair off your blankets. Simply roll the adhesive sheets over the blanket until all the hair is gone. This technique works best on cotton or woolen blankets.
However, if you have a blanket made of synthetic materials, a lint roller may not be as effective. In this case, you can try using a rubber glove or a damp sponge to gather the hair into clumps, then pick them up with your hands or a vacuum cleaner. It’s also a good idea to brush your dog regularly to prevent excessive shedding and make cleaning up easier.
The Benefits Of Using A Rubber Glove To Remove Dog Hair From Blankets
If you don’t have a lint roller, you can use a rubber glove to remove dog hair. Put on a rubber glove and rub your hand over the surface of the blanket. The hair will stick to the glove, making it easier to remove. This technique is helpful for fleece materials.
Additionally, using a rubber glove is a more eco-friendly option compared to disposable lint rollers. You can reuse the glove multiple times and it doesn’t create any waste. It’s also a cost-effective solution as you don’t need to keep buying new lint rollers. So not only is it a practical way to remove dog hair, but it’s also a sustainable choice.
How To Use A Squeegee To Get Rid Of Dog Hair On Blankets
If you have a squeegee at home, you can use it to remove dog hair from your blankets by gently rubbing it against the surface. The rubberized surface will attract and pick up the hair. This technique works best on fleece blankets.
However, if you don’t have a squeegee, you can also use a rubber glove or a lint roller to remove dog hair from your blankets. Simply put on the rubber glove and rub it against the surface of the blanket in a circular motion. The hair will stick to the glove and you can easily peel it off. Alternatively, you can use a lint roller by rolling it over the surface of the blanket to pick up the hair.
The Effectiveness Of Using A Vacuum Cleaner For Removing Dog Hair From Blankets
A powerful vacuum cleaner with a pet hair attachment can easily remove stubborn dog hair off different types of blankets. Make sure to use the right attachment, and vacuum in a back-and-forth motion. It is best to wash the blanket first before using a vacuum cleaner.
However, if the dog hair is deeply embedded in the blanket fibers, it may be necessary to use a lint roller or a sticky tape to remove the hair before vacuuming. Additionally, it is important to regularly clean the vacuum filter and empty the dustbin to ensure optimal performance and prevent clogging. By following these tips, you can effectively remove dog hair from your blankets and keep them clean and fresh.
Homemade Remedies For Getting Rid Of Dog Hair On Blankets
If you prefer using natural solutions, you can use a fabric softener solution to loosen and remove dog hair from your blankets. Mix equal parts of water and fabric softener and spritz the solution onto the blanket. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before brushing the hair off. You can also sprinkle baking soda onto the blanket before brushing the hair off.
Another effective way to remove dog hair from blankets is by using a rubber glove. Simply put on a rubber glove and rub it over the blanket in a circular motion. The rubber will create static electricity, which will attract the dog hair and make it easier to remove. You can also use a lint roller or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove dog hair from your blankets.
Commercial Products That Can Help You Remove Dog Hair From Blankets Quickly And Easily
If you prefer to buy commercial products, many are designed specifically to remove pet hair off of blankets quickly and effectively. You can invest in a dog hair remover brush or pet hair roller, both of which are highly effective at removing pet hair in no time.
Another option is to use a fabric softener sheet. Simply rub the sheet over the surface of the blanket and watch as the pet hair clings to it. This method is not only effective, but it also leaves a pleasant scent on the blanket.
Frequently Asked Questions About Removing Dog Hair From Blankets
Q: Can I use a fabric softener sheet to remove dog hair off my blankets?
A: Yes, you can use a fabric softener sheet to remove dog hair off blankets. Rub the sheet onto the blanket, and the hair should stick to the sheet.
Q: Is it necessary to wash the blanket before removing the dog hair?
A: Washing the blanket before removing dog hair is not necessary, but it does make the hair removal process easier and more effective.
Q: How often should I remove dog hair off my blankets?
A: Depending on how much your dog sheds and how frequently they are around blankets, you may need to remove dog hair daily, twice a week, or weekly.
Overall, removing dog hair off blankets can be a chore, but with the right tools and techniques, it doesn’t have to be. Avoid letting dog hair accumulate on your blankets by taking proactive measures, and consider buying a pet hair remover brush or roller to make the process faster and easier.
It’s also important to note that some fabrics may be more prone to collecting dog hair than others. Materials like fleece and microfiber tend to attract and hold onto dog hair, while smoother fabrics like cotton or linen may be easier to clean. Keep this in mind when selecting blankets for your home, and consider using a lint roller or vacuum to remove any stubborn hair that may be stuck in the fabric.
