How to remove cat dander and hair from stairs

Stairs attract the dirtiest stuff. If you have a cat, your steps aren’t just a walkway, they’re a vertical platform for collecting hair and dead skin cells. And honestly? Most people clean them wrong. They lug a heavy vacuum up there, incurring unnecessary strain, and still end up with half the dirt.

I spent years figuring out what really works. You don’t need high-tech junk. You need friction.

Manual Vacuuming.

If you have carpet, your vacuum is probably letting you down. Carpet fibers cling to hair like a child to a chocolate bar. You need to break that grip.

I always advise people to start with a rubber kitchen glove. Put it on and simply wipe the carpet. The friction causes the hair to ball up into those disgusting little clumps that look like gray caterpillars. It’s strangely satisfying. If you don’t want to get down on your knees, a window squeegee will do the same. Pull it toward you and watch the “hidden” hair emerge.

Why I like ChomChom.

But look, if you want to clean quickly, you need ChomChom. I use mine daily. It’s not one of those cheap sticky rollers that you constantly have to rip off sheets and waste paper—that’s a scam.

This device uses a special type of velvet and a rubber blade that creates high-frequency static electricity. You simply rub it back and forth along the steps and risers. You’ll hear a loud clicking sound. That’s the sound of the internal brush pushing all the hair into the waste compartment. I’ve seen it pull out hair that my expensive upright vacuum couldn’t even reach. It’s lightweight, fast, and great for corners where “hair debris” accumulates. Just remember to empty the container, otherwise you’ll just spread the dirt around.

The Invisible Enemy.

But pet hair is only half the battle. You have dandruff. These are microscopic skin particles that cause itchy eyes and a runny nose.

A dry broom is your enemy. If you sweep wooden steps with a dry broom, you’re simply throwing dander into the air, which your family will breathe in. Use a damp microfiber cloth or a flat mop instead. The moisture traps the particles so they don’t fly away.

And if the pet hair is really stuck to your carpet? Mix a little fabric softener with water in a spray bottle. Spray it lightly on the steps. The softener breaks the static electricity between the carpet and the pet hair. Let it dry for a minute, then buff with a roller or vacuum. The pet hair essentially gives up.

Stop making it a chore. Use the right tools and get it done in five minutes. Your lungs will thank you.