We have a golden retriever. If you have ever lived with a golden retriever, you know that “golden” refers to the color of your couch after about three days. I used to go through lint rollers like they were disposable — one every two weeks, and they barely made a dent.

Then I discovered three methods that work better than lint rollers and cost nothing because you already have the tools.

Rubber gloves (best for upholstery)

Put on a pair of dishwashing gloves — the kind with textured palms. Dampen them slightly under the tap. Now run your hand over the couch cushion in one direction. The hair balls up and rolls off. The rubber creates static that attracts hair, and the moisture helps it clump together. It is shockingly effective. I cleaned an entire sectional in under ten minutes and filled a softball-sized wad of fur.

Squeegee (best for carpet)

The same squeegee you use on windows. Run it over your carpet or rug in short strokes. The rubber blade pulls hair out of carpet fibers in a way that vacuums miss — especially the undercoat that works its way deep. You will be horrified by how much hair your vacuum left behind. Do this before vacuuming, then vacuum up the hair piles.

This also works on car upholstery. My back seat looked like a dog had lived in it — which it had — and the squeegee pulled out enough hair to build a second dog.

Dryer sheets (for quick touch-ups)

A used dryer sheet rubbed over throw pillows, lamp shades, and fabric headboards picks up surface hair instantly. It also leaves behind a tiny bit of anti-static coating that makes future hair less likely to stick. Keep a couple of used dryer sheets in the living room drawer for daily quick passes.

Prevention helps

I brush the dog outside twice a week with an undercoat rake. The hair that comes off outside is hair that does not end up on the couch. Also, a washable throw blanket over the dog’s favorite spot catches ninety percent of the problem. Wash the blanket weekly, and the couch underneath stays nearly clean.