How to Get Pet Hair Out of Car Seats (and When to Call a Pro)

The easiest way to get pet hair out of car seats is to vacuum the loose hair, drag a slightly damp rubber glove across the fabric in one direction, and vacuum again. That takes care of most hair at home, and it's time to call a detailer when the hair stays woven in or mud and odor have worked into the seats and carpet.

Hair is only half the problem around here. Months of rain mean wet paws and damp coats, and that moisture can stay in the fabric long after the ride is over.

Why pet hair is so hard to remove

Short, stiff hairs work their way into the weave of seat fabric and carpet like tiny needles. Static helps hold them there. A vacuum picks up what's sitting on top, but it often can't pull out what's stuck in the fibers.

So the job has two steps: loosen the hair, then lift it out. Any method that skips the first step will leave plenty behind.

How to remove pet hair yourself

You don't need much: a vacuum with a crevice tool, rubber dishwashing gloves, a spray bottle of water, and a stiff brush for the carpet.

1. Clear the car. Take out the mats, car seats and anything on the floor. Slide the front seats all the way forward, then all the way back, so you can reach the tracks and the carpet underneath.
2. Vacuum first. Get the loose hair and grit off before you start working the fabric.
3. Mist the fabric lightly. A light mist of water cuts static and helps the hair clump. It should feel barely damp, not wet.
4. Use the rubber glove. Wipe in short strokes, all in one direction, working toward a seam or the edge of the seat. The hair will roll into clumps you can pick up by hand.
5. Vacuum again. Go slowly, with overlapping passes, and run the crevice tool along the seams, where hair packs in.
6. Do the mats outside. Shake them out, brush them, then vacuum them.
7. Let it dry. Leave the doors open if the weather allows, or run the heat with the A/C on for a few minutes. In a Washington winter, you don't want to close up a damp interior.

Which tool works best

Leather is the easy one, since hair can't weave into it. Vacuum with a soft brush attachment, then wipe the seat with a damp microfiber towel. Don't use a stone or a stiff brush on it, because they can scratch the surface.

Headliners need extra care. The fabric is often glued to a backing, so skip the moisture and scrubbing and use a lint roller.

What to do about wet paws and accidents

A muddy paw print is easier to handle once it's dry. Let the mud dry, brush it off, and vacuum it up before you clean what's left. Wiping wet mud usually pushes it deeper.

If your pet has an accident on a seat, blot it right away instead of rubbing it. Follow up with an enzyme cleaner made for pet stains, test it on a hidden spot first, and let the area dry completely.

Check the carpet under the mats too. If it stays damp after a few dry days, or you notice a musty smell, don't cover it up with an air freshener. Moisture that stays trapped in a car can lead to mold.

How to keep the hair down between cleanings

• Use a seat cover or hammock. A washable cover catches most of the hair. If your seats have built-in side airbags, buy one labeled as compatible.
• Brush your dog before a ride. A few minutes outside keeps a lot of hair out of the car.
• Keep an old towel in the car. Dry off wet paws and coats before they get in.
• Use rubber mats. They catch mud and water, and hair wipes right off them.

When to call a pro

Bring in a detailer when hair keeps showing up after you've done the steps above, when it covers the whole car, or when there's mud, staining or a smell along with it. Extraction goes further than surface cleaning because it pulls dirt out of the seats and carpet, not just off the top.

These are our starting prices, plus tax. Pet hair can change how long a job takes, so we confirm your exact price on a quick call. Let us know about the hair when you do.

We're a mobile detailer based in Renton, and we come to homes and offices within 20 miles, including Kent, Bellevue, Newcastle, Issaquah, Sammamish, Maple Valley and Covington. The van carries its own water tank and generator, so we only need a place to park next to your car.

To get the exact price for your car, send the quote form or call (425) 442-6132.