7 Simple Hacks to Stop Pet Hair from Taking Over This Summer

If you share your home with a furry friend, you already know the struggle—pet hair somehow ends up everywhere, especially during the summer. You vacuum, sweep, and lint roll, but a few hours later it feels like your dog or cat has staged a fur confetti party on your floors, clothes, and couch. Shedding is completely natural, and most pets lose more hair in warm weather to help regulate their body temperature. But let’s be honest: no one wants to spend their entire summer cleaning up after their four-legged roommate.

The good news? You don’t have to. With a few smart strategies and some simple, practical hacks, you can drastically cut down on the amount of pet hair floating through your house, clinging to your furniture, and sticking to your favorite black pants. These tips are easy enough to fit into your everyday routine, budget-friendly for most households, and, most importantly, effective. Whether you have a golden retriever who sheds like it’s his full-time job or a short-haired cat who somehow leaves fur in places you swear she’s never been, these tricks can make your life a whole lot cleaner.

Ready to stop feeling like you’re living in a fur storm? Here are seven simple hacks to stop pet hair from taking over this summer—so you can spend more time enjoying sunny days and less time chasing dust bunnies made of fur.

1. Brush Daily and Deshed Weekly

Think of brushing as your first line of defense against shedding. Most pets shed year-round, but summer shedding tends to be heavier as their bodies prepare for warmer weather. Daily brushing pulls loose hair out before it has the chance to land on your furniture or floors. It also spreads natural oils through your pet’s coat, keeping it shinier and healthier.

For dogs and cats with undercoats, invest in a good deshedding tool, such as a FURminator, and use it once a week. These tools dig deeper than a regular brush to remove hair from the undercoat, which is where most of the excess shedding comes from. For short-haired pets, a rubber curry brush works wonders, while long-haired pets often benefit from slicker brushes. If your pet isn’t a fan of grooming sessions, keep them short and sweet, and reward them with treats afterward so they associate brushing with something positive.

Not only does brushing keep your home cleaner, but it’s also great bonding time. Pets love the attention, and you’ll love the fact that you’re removing fur at the source instead of vacuuming it up later.

2. Use Rubber Gloves and Squeegees for Furniture and Rugs

Even with regular brushing, some fur is bound to escape onto your furniture and carpets. When that happens, one of the easiest and cheapest tricks is to use a pair of damp rubber gloves. Slip them on, lightly wet them, and run your hands across upholstery or fabric. The static created by the gloves attracts hair like a magnet, and you’ll be shocked at how much you collect in just a few swipes.

Another inexpensive tool that works surprisingly well? A window squeegee. Run the rubber edge over carpet or fabric furniture, and it will pull out hair that your vacuum often misses. This is especially helpful for high-pile rugs or couches that seem to hang on to fur no matter how many times you clean them. It may look a little odd, but it’s extremely effective—and far less frustrating than pulling out the vacuum every time you see fur tumbleweeds rolling across the living room.

These methods are quick, budget-friendly, and perfect for in-between deep cleans.

3. Use HEPA Air Purifiers to Catch Floating Fur

If you’re looking for a solution that doesn’t require much effort, a HEPA air purifier is a game changer. These devices don’t just help with allergies; they’re also incredibly effective at trapping floating pet hair and dander before it lands on your furniture or gets inhaled. Place a purifier near your pet’s favorite hangout spots—like beside their bed, near the couch, or even in your bedroom—and let it run throughout the day.

Look for purifiers with washable pre-filters to catch larger particles like fur, which helps extend the life of the main HEPA filter. While it may feel like a bigger upfront investment, the payoff is huge: cleaner air, less hair settling on surfaces, and a noticeable reduction in allergens. Many pet parents say that once they added an air purifier to their routine, they couldn’t imagine living without one.

4. Adopt Smart Cleaning Habits for Everyday Maintenance

Let’s be real: no one wants to deep clean every day, especially when summer invites more outdoor fun than indoor chores. That’s why developing smart, quick cleaning habits can make a world of difference. Keep lint rollers in high-traffic areas—by the couch, in your bedroom, and even in your car. That way, you can do quick touch-ups before heading out the door without scrambling for the vacuum.

For floors, invest in a lightweight cordless vacuum that’s easy to grab for daily cleanups. Use a microfiber mop or electrostatic dust mop on hardwood and tile, which not only picks up fur but also helps catch dust and dirt. Place washable mats at entrances to capture fur and dirt before it spreads throughout your house. And if you want to step it up, consider scheduling a robot vacuum to run daily. It may not catch everything, but it will significantly cut down the mess in between deeper cleans.

When you make small, daily habits second nature, the fur never gets the chance to pile up.

5. Wash Pet Bedding and Household Fabrics Weekly

If it seems like fur is everywhere, it’s probably because it’s clinging to the fabrics your pet loves most. Their bed, blankets, and even your sofa pillows can quickly turn into fur factories if not cleaned regularly. The solution? Wash these items weekly.

To make washing more effective, toss in silicone laundry discs or dryer balls, which help collect loose hair during the cycle. Adding a scoop of Borax to the wash can also help release fur from fabric while softening the water for a better clean. Don’t forget to clean out your washer afterward—pet hair can build up in the drum and clog filters over time. A simple monthly clean with Borax and washing soda will keep your machine running smoothly.

Not only does this hack keep fur under control, but it also keeps odors at bay, leaving your home smelling fresher.

6. Cover Furniture with Washable Throws

Let’s face it: pets are going to sit on the couch, no matter how many times you shoo them off. Instead of fighting a losing battle, make it easier on yourself with washable covers or throws. Drape them over your pet’s favorite spots, and when they get hairy, just toss them in the washer and replace with a clean one.

You can even rotate a few covers throughout the week so you always have a fresh one ready. It’s a low-effort way to protect your furniture from both fur and potential messes, like muddy paws after a summer walk. Choose machine-washable fabrics that can handle frequent laundering without wearing out quickly. Bonus: throws can add a pop of color and style to your living room while serving a very practical purpose.

7. Support Your Pet’s Coat Health with Nutrition and Grooming

At the end of the day, healthy pets shed less. That’s why what you feed your pet and how you care for their coat matters. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and essential vitamins like A and E supports a shiny, healthy coat and reduces excess shedding. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your vet about supplements that support skin and coat health.

Regular baths also help manage shedding, but don’t overdo it—bathing too often can strip natural oils and cause dryness, leading to even more hair loss. Stick to a gentle pet shampoo and conditioner, and always follow up with a brushing session to remove loose fur. Keeping your pet free from fleas and ticks also prevents itching, which can increase shedding. A few simple steps in your pet’s routine can have a big impact on the amount of hair you find around your home.

Final Thoughts

Managing pet hair in the summer doesn’t have to feel like a never-ending battle. With the right mix of daily grooming, smart cleaning habits, and a little help from technology, you can keep your home comfortable, fresh, and much less furry. The best part? These hacks are easy to build into your routine without eating up hours of your time.

Remember, consistency is key. Brushing every day, tossing throws into the wash weekly, and using quick tools like lint rollers and vacuums regularly may seem like small steps, but together, they create a big difference. Over time, you’ll notice less fur on your floors, cleaner air in your home, and a much easier cleanup routine.

Most importantly, these habits allow you to spend less time worrying about hair and more time enjoying your pet. Because at the end of the day, your dog or cat doesn’t care about a spotless home—they care about you. With these seven simple hacks, you can embrace the joys of summer with your furry friend while keeping your home (mostly) hair-free.