How to Remove Pet Hair from a Sofa: 7 Methods That Actually Work

If you share your home with a dog or cat, you know the struggle: pet hair gets everywhere, and sofas seem to attract it like a magnet. The good news is that removing pet hair from a sofa is easier than you think — once you have the right tools and techniques. Here's everything you need to know.

What You'll Need

• ChomChom Roller Pet Hair Remover — the most effective reusable lint roller for pet hair on furniture, no sticky tape needed
• Rocco & Roxie Enzyme Stain & Odor Eliminator — for any pet odors or stains that come along with the hair
• BISSELL Little Green Portable Upholstery Cleaner — for a deep clean after hair removal
• Vacuum with upholstery and crevice attachments
• Rubber gloves (optional DIY method)
• Damp microfiber cloth

Method 1: ChomChom Roller (Best Overall)

The ChomChom Roller is hands-down the most satisfying tool for removing pet hair from sofas. Unlike traditional lint rollers, it's reusable — just roll it back and forth over the fabric and the hair collects in a built-in chamber. Empty it and repeat.

It works on fabric, microfiber, and velvet sofas, and it's especially effective on short pet hair that vacuums tend to miss. No sticky tape, no waste, no refills needed.

Method 2: Vacuum with Upholstery Attachment

A vacuum is your first line of defense for large amounts of pet hair. Use the upholstery attachment and go over the entire sofa surface, including under and between cushions. For hair that's embedded in the fabric, use a rubber-bristle pet hair attachment if your vacuum has one — it creates static that lifts hair from the fibers.

Method 3: Rubber Gloves

Put on a pair of rubber dishwashing gloves and run your damp hands over the sofa surface. The rubber creates friction that clumps pet hair together, making it easy to pick up. This is a great free method that works surprisingly well on fabric and microfiber sofas.

Method 4: Damp Microfiber Cloth

Lightly dampen a microfiber cloth and wipe it across the sofa in one direction. The static and texture of the cloth grabs pet hair and rolls it into clumps you can easily pick up. This works best for light hair coverage on smooth fabric.

Method 5: Fabric Softener Spray

Mix one part fabric softener with three parts water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the sofa surface (don't soak it), then wipe with a microfiber cloth. The fabric softener loosens the hair from the fibers and makes it easier to collect. This also leaves the sofa smelling fresh.

Method 6: Packing Tape or Duct Tape

Wrap tape around your hand with the sticky side out and press it firmly onto the sofa surface. This works well for quick spot removal in a pinch, though it's less efficient than the ChomChom for large areas.

Method 7: Deep Clean with BISSELL Little Green

After removing the bulk of the hair with the ChomChom or vacuum, use the BISSELL Little Green to deep clean the sofa and remove any embedded hair, dander, and odors. This is especially useful if your pet has been sleeping on the sofa regularly.

Dealing with Pet Odors

Pet hair often comes with pet odors. After removing the hair, spray Rocco & Roxie Enzyme Cleaner on the sofa surface and let it sit for 10 minutes before blotting dry. The enzyme formula breaks down the odor-causing compounds at a molecular level — not just masking the smell, but eliminating it.

How to Reduce Pet Hair on Your Sofa

• Brush your pet regularly to reduce shedding at the source
• Use a washable sofa cover or throw blanket that you can toss in the laundry
• Vacuum the sofa 2–3 times per week during heavy shedding seasons
• Keep a ChomChom roller on the coffee table for quick daily touch-ups

Pro Tips

• Always vacuum before using a damp method — wet hair is harder to remove than dry hair
• For leather sofas, skip the rubber glove method and use a dry microfiber cloth instead
• The ChomChom works best when you use short, quick strokes rather than long sweeping motions
• During shedding season, a daily 2-minute ChomChom session is faster than a weekly deep clean

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best tool for removing pet hair from a sofa?

The ChomChom Roller is consistently rated as the best tool for pet hair removal on furniture. It's reusable, highly effective on both short and long pet hair, and works on all fabric types without damaging the upholstery.

How do I get pet hair out of sofa crevices?

Use your vacuum's crevice tool to get into the gaps between and under cushions. A dry paintbrush or a stiff-bristle brush can also dislodge hair from tight spots before vacuuming.

Does pet hair damage sofas over time?

Pet hair itself doesn't damage fabric, but the dander and oils that come with it can degrade fabric fibers over time if not cleaned regularly. Regular vacuuming and periodic deep cleaning keep your sofa in good condition.

Can I use a lint roller instead of the ChomChom?

Traditional sticky lint rollers work but go through rolls quickly on a full sofa. The ChomChom is more cost-effective and eco-friendly for regular use since it's fully reusable with no refills needed.