Many families prefer hardwood floors because they are not only durable but also easy to clean. However, if you have a dog running around the house, this may not be the case.
As much as we love having these furry friends around, it’s always annoying to deal with the hair they shed here. We’ve gathered a list of tips on the best ways to pick up dog hair on hardwood floors and the tools you’ll need.
What to Do with Dog Hair on the Floor?
Removing all dog hair from hardwood floors can be a challenging job, especially if you own a dog with a high shedding breed. The good news is that there are a variety of tools you can use to make your job easier, if not effortless.
Rubber Brooms and Dustpans
Nothing removes dog hair from hardwood floors like a nice rubber broom.You can use a rubber broom to collect dog hair in one place, and then use a dustpan to collect and remove a pile of dog hair. The rubber broom has a built-in rubber broom with bristles that move smoothly along the back of its head. Even though its head is made of rubber, it’s stiff enough to push dog hair across the floor. This tool is especially useful for picking up stubborn hair that sticks to hardwood floors. You’ll also need a dustpan because the broom bristles will only collect hair, not them. They pile the hair in a pile, then transfer it to a dustpan and throw it in the trash. At the end of each sweep, you will have to remove some of the lint and hairs that have stuck to the bristles. Since it is made of rubber, you can rinse it quickly.
Microfiber Dusting Mop
Use a microfiber dusting mop to use static electricity to attract dog hair and dirt particles. Not only is the microfiber mop very effective at removing dog hair, but it’s also easy to clean. All you have to do is put it in the washing machine and your mop will be as good as new. Although you can wash as many times as you want, using standard laundry soap and hot water may damage its adhesive film. It is also a good option to use a small amount of cleaning solution or wet the mat with water before mopping. If this makes the mop pad very dirty after mopping, you can also use it dry.
Hardwood Floor Cleaners and Polishes
Most people like to mop the floor with clean water. While this works well for regular garbage, you’ll need a more efficient combination of tools to collect stubborn dog hair. To protect and condition your floor, you may also want to use a floor polish or hardwood floor cleaner and a mop. Use a non-toxic hardwood cleaner that is free of harmful chemicals and is gentle in nature and suitable for frequent use. After cleaning the floor thoroughly, use a floor polisher for maintenance. This will not restore the shine of the wood, but it will also reduce the need for mopping. However, you will need to vacuum or sweep the floor regularly to remove excess dog hair.
Dry Tablets
One of the quickest and easiest ways to clean dog hair from hardwood floors is to use dry paper. Like microfiber mops, dryer sheets also generate electrostatic forces to pick up dog hair on the floor. The dry tablets are coated with a well-balanced mixture of lubricants, liquid softeners and spices. As you rub along the floor, the dog hair sticks to the drying paper. You can then remove the hair and reuse the drying paper. They can be used at least a few times before they become ineffective.
Pet Hair Vacuum
It is not safe to use daily formulations that contain chemicals in desiccant and floor polishers, as these chemicals may cause hardwood degradation if used frequently. At the same time, if not cleaned regularly, a large amount of dog hair can be left on the floor that is difficult to remove. Unlike chemical cleaners, even if you vacuumed every day, it won’t damage your hardwood floors. Pet vacuum cleaners do a great job of sucking dog hair off the floor. While you can also use a traditional vacuum cleaner with hardwood floor attachments, vacuuming your hair and wooden shoes can be a bit difficult. On the other hand, pet vacuums are lightweight, easy to use, and are made for this particular occasion.
Minimize Dog Hair on Hardwood Floors
No matter which cleaning method you use, capturing every trace of dog hair on your floor is no easy task. The best way to keep your hardwood floors clean is to prevent dog hair from falling on them. Here are some tips for reducing dog hair on hardwood floors:
Air Filter
Installing an air filter in your home is one of the best remedies against dog hair on hardwood floors. An air filter not only improves air quality and ventilation, but also captures dog hair scattered around the house. These devices can also purify the air by trapping harmful bacteria and pet dander that can cause allergies. Some air filters use ultraviolet germicidal rays to purify the air, while others use other cutting-edge technologies to remove pollutants from the air. HEPA filters made of plastic fibers are considered the most effective way to remove pollen, dander, and airborne particles from the air.
Clean Regularly
The best way to reduce pet hair is to clean it regularly. Having a consistent cleaning schedule around the house can prevent loose fur build-up and make it easier to keep your surroundings hygienic and fresh. Use the steps and tools above to keep your hardwood floors clean weekly. This prevents people and your pets from tracking unwanted hair around the house as well as in rooms that have already been cleaned.
Grooming Your Pet Regularly
Most breeds do not require weekly bathing. However, almost all varieties should be groomed once or twice a week. Breeds with high-maintenance coats such as Akitas, Poodles, and Afghan Hounds need to be groomed daily because their coat is prone to knots. If you don’t groom your dog often, its fur will develop a lot of knots and tangles that will be scattered all over the place when brushed off. Regular grooming can remove loose hairs from your dog’s fur before any untreated, hard-to-comb mats are formed. In addition, regular grooming helps keep the coat shiny and beautiful, and fosters positive behaviors. In addition to grooming your dog at home, you must also take it to a professional groomer every three to four months, depending on the breed of your pet. Professional beauticians are familiar with the unique needs of each breed and groomed accordingly. If you live in a tropical climate, especially during the hot summer months, you should also consider shearing your dog.
Healthy Diet
A balanced diet containing fats, vitamins, minerals, and protein plays an important role in the appearance and strength of your dog’s coat. Make sure your dog eats fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean meats. Since your dog’s coat is mostly made up of protein, a protein-rich diet can help keep their coat healthy and reduce shedding. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids should also be incorporated into your dog’s diet to nourish the skin and protect the coat. Make sure your dog drinks plenty of water to prevent dehydration-related shedding. While most dog breeds and body sizes can consume the same diet, the daily nutritional value needs to be adjusted based on each dog’s lifestyle and metabolism. Similarly, the caloric requirements of each breed are different. Before creating a diet plan for your dog, consult with a veterinarian or pet nutritionist about the nutritional needs of a particular breed.
Keep the Roller and Pet Removal Tool in a Convenient Place
Cleaning pet hair can be so overwhelming that many people wait until the floor is visibly dirty to start cleaning. However, this may not be the right way to do it, as large piles of dog hair are more difficult to clean. By carrying a pet hair remover with you, you can ensure that your hardwood floors don’t reach a point where they need to take hours to clean.
While there are various types of pet hair removers available, rollers are best for removing pet hair from hardwood floors. All you have to do is run it on the floor in the direction of the wood fiber. Continue to do this until all the hair is stuck to the adhesive side of the roller. When you’re done, remove and dispose of the furry dirt.
Conclusion
While it’s always exhilarating to have a dog around, having a dog has its drawbacks, which is having to live in a house full of dog hair. Shedding is inevitable for all types of dogs, even so-called “hairless” breeds like the Chinese Crested Dog. Contrary to what most people think, a hairless home is possible even if you have the breed with the highest shedding rate. When you take the right precautions and clean regularly, removing pet hair from hardwood floors and entire homes can be easy to maintain.