How to Get Pet Hair Out of Carpet and Rugs

Pet hair works its way down into carpet and rugs. The top layer comes up with a quick vacuum, but fine undercoat hair weaves itself around the fibers and stays there, especially in thick pile. The trick is to loosen it first and then vacuum slowly. This guide covers the tools that work, how to vacuum for pet hair, and how to handle deep pile, low pile and area rugs.

The vacuuming advice follows the Carpet and Rug Institute’s guidance on vacuum schedules, in our own words and linked under further reading. The rest comes from the simple hand tools most pet owners end up relying on.

Why a quick vacuum leaves hair behind

Short, fine hair from shedding pets like huskies, labs and most cats gets caught in carpet loops and twists around the fibers. Static helps hold it in place. A fast pass with the vacuum only picks up what sits on top. To get the rest you need to pull the hair up to the surface, then give the vacuum time to lift it.

Step 1: Loosen the hair

Use one of these before you vacuum. Work in short strokes in one direction so the hair rolls into clumps you can pick up by hand.

Rubber broom. The rubber bristles grip hair and pull it up from the pile. This is the best single tool for carpet hair, and it works on hard floors too.
Rubber gloves. Put on a pair of household rubber gloves, dampen them slightly and sweep your hand across the carpet. Good for stairs, corners and small rugs.
Carpet rake. A carpet rake lifts hair from deep pile and shag. Rake gently in one direction.
Squeegee. A window squeegee dragged across low pile carpet gathers a surprising amount of hair.

If the hair is really stuck, lightly mist the carpet with water before you start. A little moisture helps the hair clump. Do not soak the carpet.

Step 2: Vacuum slowly, in two directions

Empty the bin or check the bag first. A full vacuum loses suction fast.
Go slowly. The Carpet and Rug Institute recommends slow, overlapping passes, about four over each spot, rather than a quick once over.
Change direction. Vacuum the whole area one way, then again at a right angle. Hair that leans one way gets caught on the second pass.
Do the edges. Use the crevice tool along baseboards and under furniture, where hair and dander collect.
Clear the brush roll. Hair wraps around it quickly in a pet home, and a wrapped brush picks up much less. See how to clean pet hair from your vacuum brush roll and filters.

Deep pile, low pile and area rugs

Deep pile, plush and shag

Hair sinks deepest here. Use a carpet rake or rubber broom first, then vacuum slowly with the brush roll height set for high pile so the vacuum does not choke. On shag, many people get better results with suction only and an upholstery tool.

Low pile and berber

Hair sits nearer the surface, so a rubber broom or squeegee followed by vacuuming usually gets it all. On berber loops, check that your brush roll does not snag the loops; a suction only setting is safer.

Area rugs

Vacuum both sides of small rugs now and then, and vacuum the floor underneath. You can also take a small rug outside and shake it or beat it over a railing. For wool and natural fiber rugs, avoid aggressive brush rolls and see pet stains on area rugs, wool and jute for care tips.

Keep it from building up

Vacuum pet areas often. The Carpet and Rug Institute suggests daily vacuuming for pet and high traffic areas. Even a quick daily pass where your pet sleeps keeps the hair from working down into the pile.
Brush your pet regularly, outdoors if you can, especially during shedding season.
Use washable throws on the spots your pet likes to lie on, and wash them weekly. See cleaning pet hair from your washer and dryer.
Clean the furniture too. Hair on the sofa ends up on the carpet. See our sofa pet hair routine.

When the carpet smells as well

Lots of hair often comes with a doggy smell in the carpet. Once the hair is out, sprinkle baking soda on dry carpet, leave it overnight and vacuum. For accident spots, use an enzyme cleaner; see how to get pet urine smell out of carpet. Our Pet Cleanup Kit is made for pet stains and odors on carpet and fabric.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best way to get dog hair out of carpet?

Loosen it first with a rubber broom or damp rubber gloves, then vacuum slowly with overlapping passes in two directions, with an empty bin and a clean brush roll.

Why does my vacuum not pick up pet hair?

Usually the bin or bag is full, the filter is clogged, or hair is wrapped around the brush roll. Fast passes also leave fine hair behind. Clean the vacuum and slow down.

How often should I vacuum with pets?

Daily in the areas where your pet spends most time, and at least weekly elsewhere, more often during shedding season.

Can I get pet hair out of carpet without a vacuum?

Yes, for small areas. A rubber broom, damp rubber gloves or a squeegee will pull hair into clumps you can pick up by hand. A vacuum is still best for fine hair and dander.