If you’ve ever washed your dog’s bedding or your furry friend’s favorite blanket, you’ve likely discovered a new challenge: stubborn pet hair clinging to your washing machine. Frustrating, right? Left unchecked, this hair can clog drains, affect your washer’s performance, or even leave laundry less than clean.
Knowing how to clean out dog hair properly saves time, protects your machine, and keeps your laundry fresh. In this article, you’ll find straightforward steps, practical tips, and clever tricks to banish pet hair from your washer for good.
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How to Clean Dog Hair Out of Your Washing Machine
Dog owners know all too well the struggle of pet hair clinging to everything — especially clothing, towels, and bedding. When you toss laundry covered in fur into the washing machine, you might find that not all the hair is washed away. In fact, some of it stays behind, sticking to the drum, gasket, or filter, and can end up on the next load of clothes. Worse, it can build up in your machine and cause mechanical problems over time. Keeping your washing machine free of dog hair not only keeps your laundry fresher but also protects your appliance and helps your clothes come out truly clean.
Let’s walk through the best strategies to remove dog hair from your washer, tackle stubborn build-up, and keep the machine working at its best.
Why Dog Hair Can Be a Problem for Your Washing Machine
Dog hair doesn’t just stick to fabrics—it’s notorious for clinging even in the wash. When you run laundry, the hair often comes off your clothes and floats in the water, but it can collect in places like:
- The drum (including cracks and crevices)
- The rubber door seal (gaskets)
- The lint filter or trap (if your washer has one)
- Hoses and drains
Over time, these accumulations can:
- Transfer hair to subsequent loads of laundry
- Cause musty odors
- Clog the drain, leading to malfunction or flooding
- Decrease washing efficiency
A consistent cleaning routine is essential for pet owners.
Step-by-Step: How to Clean Dog Hair Out of Your Washing Machine
Cleaning your washer may seem daunting, but breaking it into steps makes it simple. Here’s an easy-to-follow guide:
1. Remove All Visible Hair
Start with a thorough inspection and a dry cleaning approach before you introduce any water.
What You’ll Need:
- Rubber gloves
- Damp microfiber cloth or sponge
- Vacuum (optional)
Steps:
- Put on rubber gloves. Dampening the gloves slightly helps grab hair efficiently.
- Run gloved hands around the inside of the drum, under the rim, and in the rubber gasket to collect as much dog hair as possible.
- Use a microfiber cloth (dampened if needed) to wipe all surfaces inside the drum and gasket.
- For stubborn or small crevices, a vacuum with a hose attachment can help suck up stray hairs.
- Empty and clean out any removable lint or coin traps as directed in your manual.
2. Run an Empty Rinse or Cleaning Cycle
With most of the visible hair out, flush the system with water.
Steps:
- Run an empty rinse or cleaning cycle with hot water.
- For extra cleaning, add 1-2 cups of white vinegar to the drum. (Vinegar helps dissolve residue and neutralize odors.)
- If your machine has a self-clean or tub clean option, use that instead.
This step washes away loosened hairs and residue not reached during manual cleaning.
3. Clean the Filter and Drain
Many front-load and some top-load washers have filters or traps that catch lint, hair, and debris.
Steps:
- Check your washer’s manual to locate the lint filter or trap.
- Remove it and rinse under running water, using a brush to dislodge hair if needed.
- Wipe the area around the filter cavity before replacing.
- For washers with accessible drains, look for and remove any visible clumps of pet hair or debris.
4. Wipe Down the Door Seal and Drum Again
After the cleaning cycle, some hair may loosen but not completely rinse out.
- Use a clean, damp microfiber cloth to wipe the drum, door, and especially the rubber seal (gasket).
- Carefully tuck the cloth under the seal’s edge to snag any remaining hair.
5. Leave the Door Open to Air Out
Moisture trapped in a closed washer can lead to mildew if not dried out. Always leave the door open after cleaning to let the drum and gasket air out.
6. Repeat Regularly
Dog hair accumulates with every wash. To keep your machine hair-free:
- Do a quick wipe of the drum and seal after each pet laundry day.
- Deep clean your washing machine at least once a month, or more often if you have a heavy-shedding breed.
Prevent More Dog Hair from Getting in Your Machine
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cleaning! Stop the hair before it makes it to the washer.
Best Practices:
- Brush Your Dog Frequently: Regular brushing reduces the amount of loose fur on bedding and clothes.
- Shake Out Laundry First: Before tossing items in the washer, shake them thoroughly outside to release excess hair.
- Use Dryer Sheets or Dryer Balls: Running garments in the dryer on a “no heat” or “air fluff” cycle with dryer sheets or special pet-hair remover dryer balls before washing helps loosen clinging strands.
- Lint Rollers: Quickly run a lint roller over clothes and bedding before placing them in the washer.
- Pet-Specific Laundry Bags: Mesh laundry bags or pillowcases can help contain hair and prevent it from sticking to the washing machine.
- Consider Specialized Washing Machine Filters: Some home improvement stores sell external lint filters you can attach to your washer’s drain hose to catch hair and debris.
Tips from the Pros: Extra Advice for Dog Owners
Pet care experts and appliance manufacturers offer these clever tips:
- Wash Pet Laundry Separately: Washing dog blankets and beds separately from your human laundry limits hair transfer.
- Wipe Your Machine’s Exterior: Hair can also cling to the outside of your machine—wipe it down after pet laundry loads.
- Use the Right Amount of Detergent: Extra soap doesn’t remove more hair and can cause residue build-up.
- Avoid Fabric Softener When Washing Pet Hair: Sometimes, softeners can trap hair in fabrics.
- Clean Your Dryer, Too: Remember that much of the loosened dog hair ends up in the dryer’s lint trap—empty it after every cycle to avoid fire risk.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Even with the best cleaning habits, you might face recurring problems. Here are common issues and how to solve them:
Hair Keeps Coming Back
- Scrupulously clean the drum and gasket after every pet-load wash.
- Stay vigilant about brushing and shaking out items before laundry day.
Machine Still Smells Like Pets
- Use a vinegar and baking soda cleaning cycle monthly.
- Make sure to leave the door open so the machine dries completely.
Lint Trap or Filter Clogs Frequently
- Clean the filter after every few washes.
- Consider a mesh catchment bag for pet bedding.
Hair in the Next Load of Laundry
- Run a quick rinse/spin cycle between pet and human laundry to flush out remaining hair.
Benefits of Keeping Your Washing Machine Dog-Hair Free
Invest a little time in cleaning, and you’ll enjoy:
- Fresher, hair-free laundry
- Less pet odor transferred onto towels and clothing
- Longer-lasting, better-performing washing machine
- Fewer allergies and cleaner air in your home
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How often should I clean my washing machine if I have a shedding dog?
It’s best to deep-clean your washing machine monthly if you have a moderate or heavy-shedding dog. For those with particularly furry friends, a quick wipe down of the drum and gasket after every pet bedding wash can make a big difference.
Can dog hair damage my washing machine?
Yes, over time, dog hair can clog the drain or filter, reducing your washer’s efficiency and potentially leading to mechanical problems or leaks. Regular cleaning prevents clogs and keeps everything running smoothly.
Should I use a special detergent or cleaner to remove pet hair?
Standard laundry detergent is usually sufficient. White vinegar can help during a cleaning cycle, but the key is physically removing as much hair as possible before and after washing, rather than relying on detergents alone.
What if my washer doesn’t have a removable lint filter?
Some modern washers don’t have a separate lint filter. In this case, focus on wiping the drum and seal thoroughly and running an empty rinse cycle after washing pet items. Check your user manual for advice tailored to your particular model.
Is it okay to wash pet blankets and clothes together with regular laundry?
While it’s technically safe, it’s best to wash heavily furred pet items separately and clean the machine afterward to prevent transferring hair to your everyday clothes, bedding, or towels.
Conclusion
Keeping your washing machine free of dog hair isn’t just a matter of cleanliness, but also an important part of home maintenance for all pet lovers. With a trusty set of gloves, a microfiber cloth, and a regular cleaning schedule, you can keep your washer (and your laundry) hair-free and smelling fresh. Preventative steps like brushing your dog and shaking out laundry before washing will save lots of headaches—and keep both your appliance and your wardrobe looking their best. Happy washing!