The short answer
Dog hair weaves into seat fabric and carpet, so suction alone can't pull it out. Loosen it first with a rubber brush, a damp rubber glove or a pumice-style pet hair stone, working in one direction, then vacuum it away. Finish with a lint roller on fabric. Because most of the dog smell lives in the hair, getting the hair out removes most of the smell too.
Why the vacuum doesn't get it
Short, stiff dog hair works into fabric and carpet loops like a needle. A vacuum lifts what's lying on top, but the hair woven into the fibers stays, and so does the smell.
Step by step
- Pull the mats out and shake them, then do the floors last so loosened hair falls where you'll vacuum
- Loosen the hair with a rubber pet brush, a slightly damp rubber glove or a pet hair stone, using short strokes in one direction
- Vacuum with a narrow crevice tool along the seams, where hair packs in
- Go over seats with a lint roller or packing tape for the last strands
- Wipe the plastics: hair and dander cling to door panels and the dash
Keep it from coming back
A hammock-style seat cover in the back seat catches most of it. Brushing your dog before a drive helps more than you'd think. And a regular interior vacuum stops hair building up into a weekend-long job.
When it's worth having it done
If you have a heavy shedder or the hair has built up for months, a pro is faster. Light pet hair is included in our $349 Signature Detail. Heavy pet hair is +$50, and we tell you before we start if your car needs it. If the smell stays after the hair is gone, Odor Kill is +$79. With the Shine Club ($199 a month), regular Club visits keep hair from building up in the first place.
Common questions
What is the best tool to remove dog hair from car carpet?
A rubber pet brush or pet hair stone to loosen the hair, followed by a vacuum with a crevice tool. Rubber grips the hair; the vacuum only removes it once it's loose.
How do I get the dog smell out of my car?
Remove the hair first, since most of the smell is in it. Then clean the seats and carpet. If it lingers, an odor treatment (Odor Kill, +$79 with Scrub Bros) deals with the rest.
How much does pet hair removal cost?
Light pet hair is part of the $349 Signature Detail. Heavy pet hair is +$50, and you're told before the work starts.
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Mobile detailing in Edmonds, Lynnwood, Shoreline, Mountlake Terrace, Mukilteo, Mill Creek, Bothell and Kirkland.