It’s that time of the year, my Golden Retriever is shedding. Her great balls of fur look like tumbleweeds and detract from the “clean” look of my home.
This is one of those times I am grateful for hardwood floors. I remember the days of carpeting and how difficult it could be to get fur out of the fibers. Needless to say I vacuumed on a daily basis, which is one of the keys to tackling dog hair.
Of course, brushing your dog is also important. When I do this on a daily basis, it greatly reduces the amount of shedding. But still…it is a battle that hasn’t been won yet and one that I have to fight through until she has finally shed her coat.
So how do you tackle dog hair or that dreaded time of year when shedding begins?
One of the best ways to get rid of dog hair is with a shop vac. In fact, I have one that is strictly designated for vacuuming it. Regular vacuums tend to get clogged, not able to handle the amount of hair that comes through.
Now you might be wondering why I would use a shop vac if I don’t have carpeting. It’s great for getting into the corners of the rooms where the fur can build up…or under the couches, behind the entertainment center and of course, using the right attachment, on the couches.
But there are other ways you can deal with dog hair such as:
Dampen a mop to pick up dog hair from vinyl, laminate or hardwood floors
Use a lint roller or washable sticky roller to lift up hair from upholstery and fabrics
Put a blanket over the area your dog usually sleeps in
Change the filters in your air conditioner, furnace and air purifiers more often
Also keep in mind the fabric of your furniture and curtains can make a difference in how much fur is attracted to it. If you happen to be in the market for these new items, avoid textured fabric.
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Photo by Joe Sullivan in Flickr