How to Keep Your Car Clean When You Drive with a Dog

If you drive with your dog often, your car probably tells the story — nose prints on the window, fur in every crevice, and that mysterious paw print on the dashboard. Don’t worry, it’s not just you. Let's walk threw a few tips on how to keep your car clean when you drive with a dog. I promise its possible with a few smart habits and the right tools. Here’s how to keep the hair, dirt, and slobber under control without spending your weekends at the car wash.

1. Invest in the Best Seat Cover for Dogs

A quality seat cover is the easiest way to protect your interior. Look for one that’s waterproof, machine washable, and non-slip — because wet paws and sudden braking are a messy combination. The Ruff Liners Large Back Seat Cover is a favorite among pet parents for its sturdy material and easy installation.

It fits most backseats, has built-in seatbelt openings, and stays put even when your pup circles three times before lying down. It’s also easy to vacuum or shake out between trips.

By Price:

1. Ruff Liners Large Back Seat Extender for Dogs - $134.40 - Shop Here

2. XL Full-Backseat Dog Car Seat Cover - $69.99 - Shop Here

3. Mancro Dog Car Seat Cover for Back Seat - $19.73 - Shop Here

2. Use Smart Dog Hair Removal Tricks

Dog hair can weave itself into fabric fibers like it’s setting up camp for life. The good news? You don’t need to live with it. Keep a dog hair removal car kit handy — think lint rollers, a rubber squeegee, and a small handheld vacuum like the Black+Decker Pet Dustbuster.

Other Options to remove pet hair:

1. FurSwipe® Reusable Pet Hair Remover for Dogs - $21.99 - Shop Here

2. FurDozer X3 PRO Pet Hair Removal Tool - $15.99 - Shop Here

3. Carpet Rake for Pet Hair Removal - $26.99 - Shop Here

For stubborn fur, lightly mist the seat with water and drag a pet hair rubber glove across the surface. The static helps pull up even the finest hairs. (Bonus tip: dryer sheets can also help neutralize static cling.)

3. Keep a Quick-Clean Kit in Your Trunk

A clean car with dogs is easier to maintain if you tackle small messes right away. Pack a bin with wipes, towels, a small spray bottle of vinegar-water cleaner, and a portable air freshener. Wipe paws before your pup hops in, and clean drool spots as soon as they appear (before they become part of your interior’s DNA).

Dog Park Hack: Keep a collapsible crate or waterproof tote in your trunk. After a muddy play session, it keeps the mess contained until you can rinse off at home.

Final Thoughts on How to Keep Your Car Clean When You Drive with a Dog

A spotless car and a happy dog can coexist — it just takes a few smart products and consistent clean-ups. Once you build the habit, every ride feels fresh again, no matter how many muddy adventures you’ve had.

Got a favorite pet cleaning tools?

Drop it in the comments — Marshmallow might try them out.