Reduce hair at the source
Start with pet bedding, then clean the floors. Match the vacuum head, lint roller or rubber tool to the carpet, upholstery or clothing.
The best defence against pet hair starts with the animal. Regular brushing removes loose hair before it lands on the sofa and floor. Brush your pet outdoors or on the balcony if possible, using a brush suited to its coat. During shedding season in spring and autumn, more frequent brushing pays off.
Give your pet fixed resting spots with a washable blanket. That way much of the hair collects in places you can clean easily.
Cleaning hard floors properly
On parquet, laminate and tiles, sweeping tends to stir hair into the air. Vacuum with a hard-floor nozzle instead, or use a slightly damp microfiber mop. Work from the corners towards the middle of the room so hair does not spread into edges.
Damp mopping should suit the floor covering. Parquet and laminate tolerate only a little water; follow the manufacturer's care instructions.
- Vacuum rather than sweep
- Use a hard-floor nozzle or damp mop
- Work from corners to centre
- Care for floors as the manufacturer advises
Carpets and rugs
Hair catches in carpet fibres. Vacuum slowly and follow the pile direction. A turbo or pet-hair head is suitable only if both vacuum and carpet permit it. A rotating brush may damage wool, loops, fringes or delicate fibres.
For stubborn areas, a rubber broom or rubber scraper works well: short strokes push the hair into small clumps that you then vacuum up. On delicate rugs, test this on an inconspicuous spot first.
Sofa, cushions and clothing
Start upholstery with a clean suitable vacuum head. A rubber glove or tool may collect hair, but test it out of sight first. Use moisture only when the care label permits it. A lint roller suits compatible small fabric areas and clothing.
Throws on the sofa protect the cover and are easier to wash. Shake blankets out outdoors before washing and wash them according to the care label. Cleaning the lint filter afterwards is especially important.
Further reading
Pet-friendly cleaning
Animals are close to the floor with their paws, noses and tongues. Keep cleaning products out of their reach, let cleaned surfaces dry before your pet walks on them, and ventilate well. Use products sparingly and as directed, and never mix different products.
These tips aim at everyday cleanliness, not disinfection or treating allergies. For health questions about your pet or about allergies, consult a vet or doctor.
Removing pet hair: choose tools by surface
In pet households, plan short, frequent sessions rather than rare big clean-ups. Vacuuming floors several times a week, shaking out resting spots and going over the sofa with a glove or roller prevents hair from settling in. Empty and clean the vacuum regularly as the manufacturer advises, because pet hair fills bags and bins quickly.
If you would like help with general apartment cleaning, PUTZIO arranges cleaners in the supported municipalities around Zurich and Rapperswil-Jona for CHF 40 per hour.
Tell PUTZIO about pets and affected areas before the visit. Arrange a safe place for the animal during cleaning, away from open doors, equipment and wet surfaces.
- Brush your pet regularly
- Vacuum several times a week
- Wash blankets per care label
- Store products out of pets' reach
| Situation | Appropriate action |
|---|---|
| Hard floor | Vacuum first, then mop for the material; keep pets off wet surfaces. |
| Carpet | Vacuum slowly; use a rotating pet-hair brush only if the carpet maker permits it. |
| Sofa and throw | Use a clean upholstery head; test rubber tools and use moisture only if permitted. |
| Clothing | Use a lint roller or suitable garment brush, then wash by the care label. |