For pet parents, it’s as much a part of life as belly rubs, treats, and walks to the park. Namely, keeping up with all the fur they shed. Whether it’s on your clothes, in your car or around your home, the task of fighting that fearsome fur can often seem like a losing battle.
As much as we sweep, wipe and vacuum, as soon as one hair clump is gone, another appears out of thin air — clinging to the couch, sticking to your socks, or simply rolling from one room to the next like an ever-gathering tumbleweed. But there are ways to help bring the fluff under control. Better yet, they’re eco-friendly. You don’t have to sacrifice a clean home to be kind to the planet or your pets.
Brush and groom
Think of it as a preemptive strike — instead of waiting for your furniture to gain a new fur coat, make brushing and grooming your pet part of your weekly routine. They’ll bask in the extra attention, and you’ll appreciate how much this effort reduces shedding by collecting loose hair.
Your local pet store should have a brush ideal for your pet’s type of coat — long, short, curly, or straight. Best of all, the time previously spent cleaning your floors or wardrobe can now be spent bonding with your furry friend.
Use a lint roller or rubber gloves
Of course, no amount of brushing and grooming will completely eliminate the need to clean. But when the time comes, swap out the disposable lint rollers for a reusable lint roller or even rubber gloves. Just dampen your glove, run your hand over the surface and watch the fuzz lift off. (There are also gloves designed to gather pet hair.)
Fun fact! Once you have contained and collected that bundle of fur, you can add it to your compost pile. This is a great way to continuously incorporate sustainable living into your daily routine. So, instead of dumping pet hair in the trash, simply add it to your compost.
One of the best ways to tackle pet hair is by using a reusable lint roller. These products are made of rubber or silicone, and they can be washed and reused multiple times. Simply roll the lint roller over your furniture and clothing, and the hair will stick to the roller. When you’re done, rinse it off and use it again.
Sweep, mop, and vacuum
When managing pet hair and odors at home, be diligent about cleaning the floors. For an eco-friendly clean, use natural cleaners instead of chemicals and wooden brooms instead of plastic ones.
It’s also worth investing in an energy-efficient vacuum cleaner for furniture, tight spaces, and carpets — there are even pet hair vacuums designed specifically to pick up pet hair and dander. Just look for one with a HEPA filter. As well, you can purchase one of the many pet hair brooms available on the market.
Regularly wash your pet’s bed
This will help you combat pet odor, stains, and hair all in one go. Vacuum — or use a glove — to remove excess hair from the bed. Then if it’s small enough, put it in your washing machine. We recommend using the bulky items setting, cold water, and SaltyLama laundry sheets for an eco-friendly wash that offers odor-eliminating freshness. You can also spot clean with baking soda, vinegar, or a stain remover made from our laundry strips to remove stains or strong odors. Just remember to maintain your regular washing routine to keep your home smelling fresh.
Use microfiber cloths
Instead of using paper towels to clean up pet hair, invest in microfiber cloths, which are just as effective but also eco-friendly because they can be reused. Break one out to wipe surfaces and snag up loose hair and fluff from furniture and floors.
Tackle urine stains the right way
Cat owners know the pungent smell all too well — along with how tough it can be to get out. For cat urine stains, sprinkle baking soda over the area, allow it to sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then spray the area with a mixture of water and vinegar. Blot the area with a cloth until both the stain and the accompanying smell is gone. Then, wash it how you usually would, using our eco-friendly laundry sheets in the process.
Use natural air fresheners
As tempted as you may be, try not to resort to chemical-laden air fresheners. Essential oils are a popular alternative —they not only smell great but possess mood-boosting properties. Essential oils are particularly effective at combating pet odors include lavender, lemon, peppermint, and eucalyptus. Simply add a few drops to a spray bottle filled with water and spritz it around your home.
Another effective natural air freshener is baking soda. As mentioned, it’s great for absorbing odors. We recommend using it on carpets, furniture, or even the litter box area. Simply sprinkle baking soda over the area, let it sit for a few minutes, then vacuum it up. By using natural air fresheners, you can keep your home smelling fresh and clean without exposing yourself, your pets, or the environment to harmful chemicals.
Invest in an air purifier
You may also want to think about purchasing a high-quality air purifier that can help to cleanse your home of pet hair, dander, and other allergens. One with a carbon or HEPA filter will also limit the odors associated with pet “accidents.”
Avoid harsh chemicals
Harsh chemicals can be harmful to both the environment and your pets. Avoid using products that contain bleach, ammonia, or other toxic chemicals. Bleach can irritate your pet's skin and respiratory system, and it can also release harmful chemicals into the air. Look for products that are labeled as eco-friendly and safe for pets.
Stay up to date with flea prevention
If your pet is feeling itchy, you’re going to see a lot of excess hair around your house. If you want to manage pet hair at home, make sure your furry friend is up to date on flea prevention. Either consult with your veterinarian about a prescription for flea medicine or add flea combing to your weekly pet grooming routine.
No longer will visitors walk in and catch a sharp whiff of animal smells! Thanks to these tips, people will have no idea you even have a pet until they spot your furry friend themselves.