How To Get Dog Hair Out Of Your Laundry: Simple Tips For Pet Owners

How To Get Dog Hair Out Of Your Laundry – Dog owners know the struggle all too well. You pull clothes out of the washing machine expecting them to be clean, only to find them still covered in fur.

Sometimes the hair seems worse after washing than before you started.

The key to removing dog hair from laundry is all about a combo of pre-wash removal, adding white vinegar or dryer balls during washing, and using the right drying tricks. Getting pet hair out of laundry doesn’t have to be complicated if you follow a few simple steps.

You don’t need fancy products or tons of extra work. With a few tricks and tools you probably already have at home, you can banish pet hair from your laundry for good.

Let’s dive into the methods that actually work.

Key Takeaways

• Remove as much dog hair as possible before washing by using lint rollers, damp rubber gloves, or shaking clothes outside.
• Add white vinegar to the rinse cycle and use dryer balls or pet hair-specific dryer sheets to catch fur during washing and drying.
• Clean your washing machine and dryer regularly with vinegar and damp cloths to prevent hair buildup from transferring to future loads.

Immediate Steps To Remove Dog Hair From Laundry

Taking a few minutes before you start the wash cycle can make a huge difference in how much dog hair ends up on your clothes. A little prep work saves you from having to rewash items covered in stubborn fur.

Shake Out Clothes Before Washing

I always take my dog’s blankets and clothes outside for a good shake before tossing them in the washer. This step removes a surprising amount of loose hair.

I hold each item by the corners and give it several strong shakes. The fur that comes off during this step won’t end up clogging my washer or sticking to other clothes.

For items with lots of hair, I shake them over a trash can or outside to avoid making a mess. I pay extra attention to spots where my dog likes to lay, like the bottom of blankets or jacket sleeves.

Use a Lint Roller or Brush

Using a lint roller or pet hair remover tool before washing helps the wash cycle work better. I keep a lint roller near my laundry basket so I remember to use it.

I roll the sticky sheets over my clothes in long, firm strokes, working in the same direction. When a sheet gets covered in hair, I peel it off and use a fresh one.

For tough jobs, I use a rubber pet hair brush or even a damp rubber glove. The rubber grabs hair right off the fabric. Packing tape wrapped around my hand (sticky side out) is a great budget option too.

Pre-Treat Laundry With Dryer Sheets

I rub a dryer sheet designed to remove pet hair over my clothes before washing. The anti-static properties help release the fur that clings to fabric.

I use one sheet per load and wipe down each item. Some dryer sheets work better than others, so I look for ones specifically made for pet hair removal.

I also toss a dryer sheet into the washer with my clothes for a little extra help during the wash.

Washing Machine Strategies for Dog Hair Removal

Using the right washing machine settings and additives can make a huge difference in getting rid of stubborn dog hair. It’s all about choosing cycles with extra agitation and adding products that help loosen hair fibers.

Choose the Right Wash Cycle

I always pick a heavy-duty or bulky cycle for items covered in dog hair. These cycles use more water and stronger agitation, which helps separate hair from fabric fibers.

Extra tumbling action really helps. I skip quick wash or delicate cycles since they don’t provide enough movement to dislodge trapped hair.

For removing pet hair during the wash, I use warm water instead of cold. Warm water relaxes fabric fibers and lets hair release more easily.

I also avoid overloading my machine. If there’s too much in there, there’s not enough room for proper agitation and the hair just moves from one item to another.

Add Vinegar to Loosen Hair

I add half a cup of white vinegar to the fabric softener dispenser or straight into the wash water. Vinegar helps soften fabrics and reduces static, making hair release from clothing more easily.

When washing clothes with white vinegar, I use it with my regular detergent. The vinegar doesn’t mess with cleaning power and actually helps break down oils from pet dander.

The vinegar smell disappears during the rinse cycle, so no worries there. As a bonus, my clothes come out softer without chemical fabric softeners.

Double Rinse for Thorough Cleaning

I always run an extra rinse cycle when washing items with lots of dog hair. This second rinse flushes out any remaining hair that loosened during the wash.

After the wash finishes, I wipe down the washing machine drum with a damp cloth. This keeps hair from clinging to the sides or getting on my next load.

Drying Techniques To Minimize Pet Hair

The dryer can either help or make things worse when it comes to pet hair. Using the right techniques during drying helps remove hair instead of spreading it around.

Use Dryer Balls

I always toss a few dryer balls into the dryer. They bounce around and create space between clothes, which helps shake loose any trapped pet hair.

The tumbling pushes hair toward the lint trap instead of letting it stick to fabric. I like wool dryer balls because they’re reusable, but rubber or plastic ones work too.

For best results, I use at least three dryer balls per load. Dryer sheets designed to remove pet hair can also help reduce static that makes hair cling to clothes.

Combining dryer balls with these sheets gives me the best results.

Clean the Lint Filter Regularly

I clean my lint filter before every single load. If the filter gets clogged with pet hair, the dryer can’t work properly and hair stays on my clothes.

I pull off the visible hair and lint with my fingers. For a deeper clean, I run the filter under warm water once a week.

A clean filter helps my dryer run more efficiently and prevents fire hazards. I also wipe down the dryer drum with a damp cloth every few loads to remove any hair stuck to the sides.

Short Dry Cycles Before the Main Wash

One trick that’s saved me a ton of time is running a 10-minute no-heat dry cycle before washing. I put my dry, hair-covered clothes in the dryer and let them tumble without any heat.

This step loosens pet hair so it collects in the lint trap instead of getting wet and sticking during the wash. I always empty the lint filter after this cycle—it’s usually packed with hair.

Once the pre-dry is done, I move the clothes straight to the washing machine for their regular wash.

Preventative Measures On How To Get Dog Hair Out Of Your Laundry

The best way to deal with dog hair in your laundry is to stop it from getting there in the first place. Regular grooming, using specific pet items, and keeping pet bedding clean can drastically cut down the amount of fur on your clothes.

Groom Your Dog Regularly

Brushing my dog frequently is the single most effective way to control shedding. When I brush outside several times a week, I remove loose fur before it falls onto furniture and clothes.

The type of brush matters based on your dog’s coat. Short-haired dogs do well with rubber curry brushes, while long-haired breeds need slicker brushes or undercoat rakes.

I brush in the direction of hair growth and focus on areas where my dog sheds the most. Dogs with heavy undercoats need more frequent grooming, especially during shedding season.

I set a schedule and stick to it because consistent grooming prevents hair buildup. Regular baths also help remove loose fur, but I’m careful not to bathe too often since it can dry out my dog’s skin.

Use Designated Pet Towels and Blankets

I keep specific towels and blankets just for my dog. These pet-designated items catch fur before it spreads to my regular laundry.

I place washable blankets on my dog’s favorite spots like the couch or my bed. This creates a barrier between my dog and my clothes.

When these items get covered in fur, I shake them outside before washing them separately from my regular clothes. I wash pet towels and blankets on their own in hot water with an extra rinse cycle.

Before putting them in the washer, I run them through the dryer on air-only for 10 minutes. This loosens the hair so it goes into the lint trap instead of spreading to other loads.

Keep Dog Beds Washed Frequently

My dog’s bed collects a ton of fur that can transfer to my clothes when I handle it. I wash removable bed covers every one to two weeks to keep hair buildup under control.

Before washing, I vacuum the bed thoroughly or use a lint roller to remove excess hair. Some dog beds have waterproof liners that I wipe down with a damp cloth between washes.

I keep two sets of bed covers so I always have a clean one ready. This makes it easier to stick to a regular washing schedule.

Cleaning Your Washer and Dryer After Pet Hair Contamination

Pet hair builds up inside your washer and dryer over time, which can reduce how well they work and even cause damage. I make sure to clean both machines regularly to keep them running smoothly and prevent hair from getting on future loads.

Wipe Down Drum and Gaskets

I start by unplugging my washer and opening the door wide. Then I grab a damp microfiber cloth and wipe down the entire drum in circular motions.

The rubber gasket around the door is where most pet hair hides. I pull back the folds of the gasket carefully and wipe inside all the crevices.

Hair and lint get trapped in there easily. For my dryer, I wipe down the drum with a slightly damp cloth after every few loads with pet items.

I pay special attention to the area around the door seal. Sometimes I use a small amount of white vinegar on my cloth to help pick up stubborn hair and remove any buildup.

I also check the lint trap housing by removing the screen and wiping inside the slot with a long, thin cloth or brush. Pet hair often sticks to the walls of this compartment.

Run a Cleaning Cycle

I run an empty hot water cycle in my washer once a month to flush out trapped pet hair. I add two cups of white vinegar to the detergent dispenser, which helps loosen stubborn hair from the machine’s interior.

If my washer has a self-clean cycle, I use that setting instead. The high temperature and extra agitation help remove hair from hidden areas.

After the cycle finishes, I leave the washer door open for a few hours. This lets everything dry completely and prevents mold growth.

I wipe down the drum one more time with a dry cloth to catch any remaining hair. For my dryer, I run it empty on high heat for 10 to 15 minutes with a damp towel inside.

The towel picks up loose hair floating around in the drum.

Remove Hair From Dryer Vents

I clean my dryer vent every three months because pet hair can build up quickly and create a fire hazard. First, I unplug the dryer and pull it away from the wall.

I disconnect the vent hose from the back of the dryer. Then I use a long vent brush or vacuum attachment to clean inside the hose and the exterior vent opening.

Pet hair mixed with lint forms thick clumps that block airflow. I also vacuum around the connection point on the dryer itself.

Hair accumulates in this area and can cause the machine to overheat. After cleaning everything thoroughly, I reconnect the hose and push the dryer back into place.

Outside, I check the exterior vent cover and remove any visible hair or debris blocking the opening.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some effective methods for removing dog hair from clothes in the washer or dryer?

I’ve found that pet hair-specific dryer sheets work really well for catching excess hair during the drying cycle. These sheets are designed specifically to attract and trap fur.

Adding half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle helps loosen dog hair from fabric fibers. The vinegar also softens clothes without leaving any smell behind.

Dryer balls are another option I recommend. They bounce around in the dryer and help knock hair loose from your clothes while they tumble.

How can I prevent dog hair from clinging to your clothing during the wash cycle?

Running clothes through a quick 10-minute dryer cycle before washing helps remove loose hair. The tumbling action shakes off fur that would otherwise end up in your washer.

I always shake out each item of clothing outside or over a trash can before putting it in the machine. This simple step removes a lot of surface hair right away.

Washing pet items separately from regular clothes keeps hair from spreading to everything else. I also avoid overloading the washer so clothes have room to move and release trapped fur.

What are the best products to use for eliminating dog hair from my clothes?

Dryer sheets designed for pet hair removal are my top choice because they specifically target fur. Regular dryer sheets can help too, but pet-specific ones work better.

Lint rollers are essential for spot-treating clothes before and after washing. I keep one in my laundry room and one by the door.

White vinegar is an inexpensive product that really works. I add it to the rinse cycle, and it helps hair release from fabrics while also acting as a natural fabric softener.

Why does dog hair remain on my clothes even after they’ve been washed, and how can I fix it?

Dog hair tends to stick to fabrics and doesn’t completely come off during washing because it clings to fibers. The agitation in the washer isn’t always enough to remove embedded fur.

Overloading the washing machine makes this problem worse. Clothes need space to move around freely so water can flush away loose hair.

Adding a pre-wash step helps a lot. I run items through the dryer first on a no-heat setting to loosen hair before washing.

Are there any home remedies to get dog hair off of a comforter or coat?

A damp rubber glove works amazingly well on larger items like comforters. I just put on the glove, dampen it slightly, and run my hand over the fabric in one direction to collect hair.

For coats, I lightly dampen the fabric with water from a spray bottle before using my hand or a damp sponge. The moisture helps clump the hair together so it’s easier to remove.

A pumice stone designed for fabric also works on heavy items. I gently rub it across the surface, and it grabs onto fur without damaging the material.

How can I effectively remove dog hair from my clothes without using a lint roller?

Rubber gloves are my go-to alternative when I don’t have a lint roller. I just put on a pair of damp rubber kitchen gloves and wipe them across my clothes in downward strokes.

Packing tape or masking tape wrapped around my hand with the sticky side out works in a pinch. I pat it over hairy areas to lift fur away.

A barely damp sponge or cloth also does the trick. The slight moisture helps grab hair without getting your clothes wet.