What You'll Learn
Aussie Conditions
Look, we love our dogs, but their hair is a bloody nightmare for car interiors. If you've got a Border Collie or a Lab, you know exactly what I'm talking about. This guide covers the gear and the techniques I've used for over 15 years to get even the most 'woven-in' fur out of upholstery. Whether you're dealing with fine cat hair or thick cattle dog bristles, I've got you covered.
The Fur Struggle is Real
The Dog Hair Hit-List
What You'll Need
While you're here...
Getting Ready
Clear the decks
Chuck all the gear out of the car. Child seats, floor mats, gym bags, get it all out so you can see the carnage.
The 'Initial Suck'
Give the whole car a quick once-over with the vacuum. We're just looking to get the loose stuff and any sand or red dust from your last trip out. Don't stress about the stuck hair yet.
Mist the area
Lightly spray your fabric softener mix over the carpets. Don't soak it, just a light mist. This helps break the static bond between the hair and the carpet.
The Removal Process
Start with the mats
Do these outside the car on the driveway. It's much easier on your back. Use your Lily Brush or pumice stone in short, sharp strokes to pull the hair into a pile.
The 'Z' Stroke
When using a rubber tool, work in one direction. I find a 'pull-and-flick' motion works best to gather the hair into little 'tubes' or 'logs'.
Vacuum as you go
Once you've got a pile of fur, vacuum it up immediately. If you don't, it'll just blow back into the fibres you just cleaned.
The Rubber Glove Trick
For seats (especially if they're a tighter weave), put on a rubber glove and just rub your hand over the surface. The static will pull the hair right out. I learned this the hard way after trying to vacuum a velvet-style seat for an hour.
Tackle the 'Woven-In' bits
For those stubborn individual hairs that are literally threaded through the carpet, use the corner of your pumice stone. Be gentle though, you don't want to fray the carpet.
Under the rails
Move the seats all the way forward, then all the way back. Use your detailing brush or compressed air to get the hair out of the seat tracks. This is where most people miss, and it’s what causes that 'doggy smell' to linger.
The Boot Area
This is usually the worst part. If the carpet is that cheap, fuzzy stuff, you might need to use a stiffer nylon brush to agitate the hair while you vacuum.
Crevice Tool Finishing
Use the skinny nozzle on your vac to get into the gaps between the seat cushion and the backrest. You'll be amazed how much hair hides in there.
Door Seals and Plastics
Static makes hair stick to the plastic trim and rubber door seals. Wipe these down with a damp microfibre and a bit of interior cleaner (like Bowden's Own Inner Piece).
The Roof Lining
Don't forget to look up! If you've got a big dog, hair often sticks to the headliner. Be very gentle here, if you scrub too hard, you'll make the fabric sag. Just a light brush with a soft microfibre is usually enough.
Watch Out
Pro Tip: The Window Squeegee
Watch Out
Keeping it Clean
Common Questions
Will a lint roller work?
How do I get the dog smell out?
Can I use a pressure washer on my mats?
Is leather easier for pets?
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