Dog and cat hair does not sit on the surface of a car interior. It works into the carpet, and the fine, barbed strands weave themselves between the fibres. That is why you can vacuum a boot three times and still see a layer of hair. The fix is to loosen the hair first, then vacuum it up.
Why a vacuum alone does not work
A vacuum pulls air through the surface. Hair that is tangled into the fibres is held in place by the pile, so suction only removes the loose top layer. Agitation breaks the hair free so the vacuum has something to lift.
What you need
- A drill, corded or cordless (not included with the attachment)
- The MCX Pet Hair Removal Drill Attachment, which has flexible fingers that agitate carpet fibres and lift embedded hair
- A vacuum cleaner
Where it works
The attachment is made for fabric and carpet: boot carpets, floor mats, carpeted footwells, fabric seats and fabric upholstery. It is not suitable for leather, delicate materials or hard painted surfaces.
How to do it
- Take the mats out and work on them separately so you can reach the whole surface.
- Vacuum first. Remove the loose top layer so you can see what you are dealing with.
- Test an inconspicuous area before you start on the main surface.
- Fit the attachment to the drill using the hex shank and start at a low speed.
- Use light pressure and sweep across the carpet in one direction, working in sections. The fingers agitate the fibres and lift the hair into a loose layer.
- Vacuum again to collect the loosened hair. Repeat on stubborn patches.
Tips
- Let the attachment do the work. More pressure or more speed will not help, and starting low protects the fabric.
- Work one section at a time and vacuum between sections rather than leaving hair spread across the whole car.
- Do the boot, footwells and mats first. They collect the most hair.
After the hair is gone
If the carpets also smell or are stained, give them a proper clean. Our guide to deep cleaning an interior with a drill brush and extractor covers the process, and our musty smell guide covers odours.
Frequently asked questions
Will it work on cat hair as well as dog hair?
It is designed for both, since it agitates the fibres that hold the hair.
Can I use it on leather seats?
No. Keep it to carpet and fabric.
Do I need a special drill?
Any compatible drill that takes a hex shank. The drill and vacuum are not included.
Products mentioned in this guide
