How to Keep a House Clean With a Shedding Dog: 12 Tools That Help

1A cordless stick vacuum for the daily pass

With a heavy shedder, the goal is a quick daily pass, not a big weekly clean. A cordless stick vacuum lives on its charger and comes out in seconds, so you'll actually use it.

Look for a motorized mini brush for couches and dog beds, and a brush roll that's easy to untangle.

2A robot vacuum to keep up between cleans

A robot vacuum running once a day picks up fur before it drifts into corners and under furniture. Self-emptying models need less attention, and rubber rollers tend to tangle less with long hair.

Run it while you're out of the house, since some dogs find robot vacuums alarming at first.

3A reusable roller for furniture

These rollers work by rolling back and forth over fabric. The fur collects in a chamber you empty into the trash. No sticky sheets to replace, and they're especially good on couches, armchairs and beds.

4A rubber broom for carpets and hard floors

Rubber bristles grab fur instead of flicking it around. On carpet, short strokes pull embedded hair to the surface in clumps you can pick up. On hard floors, they sweep fur into a pile without it floating away.

Most have a squeegee edge too, which is handy for wet paw prints.

5A deshedding tool to catch fur at the source

Every bit of loose undercoat you brush out is fur that won't end up on the floor. A few minutes of brushing (outside or on an easy-to-clean floor) a few times a week makes a visible difference during heavy shedding seasons.

Choose a tool made for your dog's coat type, and go gently. If you're unsure what suits your dog's coat, a groomer can show you.

6Washable covers on the couch

If your dog is allowed on the furniture, a washable cover is the single biggest time saver. Instead of de-furring upholstery, you pull the cover off and put it in the washing machine.

Non-slip backing keeps it from bunching up, and a waterproof layer protects cushions from wet paws.

7Machine-washable rugs

Thick, high-pile rugs trap fur deep in the fibers. Thin, machine-washable rugs are much easier: vacuum them quickly during the week and wash them when they need it.

Check the rug's size against your washing machine's capacity before you order.

8Lint rollers by the door and in the car

Keep one lint roller by the front door, one in the car and one at work. A quick roll before you leave the house is faster than trying to clean up later. Buy refills in bulk, since you'll go through them.

9A rubber glove for upholstery and car seats

A rubber pet hair glove is cheap and surprisingly effective. Wipe it across fabric in one direction and the fur rolls into a clump you can grab. It's great for car seats and stairs where a vacuum is awkward.

10Wool dryer balls for laundry

Fur-covered blankets and clothes come out cleaner if you run them through the dryer on a short cycle before washing. Toss in a few wool dryer balls to help shake the fur loose into the lint trap.

Clean the lint trap right after, because it fills up fast.

11An absorbent mat at the door

Much of the mess comes in on wet or muddy paws, and damp fur sticks to everything. A thick microfiber mat at the door soaks up water before your dog runs through the house. Pick one that's machine washable.

12An air purifier for floating fur

Fine hair and dust float in the air before settling on surfaces. A HEPA air purifier pulls some of that through a filter, which means less settles on shelves and floors.

Match the purifier to your room size, and plan to replace the filter as recommended.