Ever pulled a fresh load of laundry from the washer, only to find it covered in stubborn dog hair? If so, you’re not alone. For pet owners, shedding fur in the washing machine is a common but frustrating problem that can cling to clothes, clog appliances, and even impact their longevity.
In this article, you’ll discover effective steps and practical tips to banish dog hair from your washing machine—helping you protect your clothes, your appliance, and your sanity!
Related Video
How to Get Rid of Dog Hair in Your Washing Machine: Expert Tips & Solutions
Dog hair collects everywhere—on clothes, furniture, and especially in your washing machine. If you’ve noticed stray fur sticking to freshly washed laundry, you’re not alone. Let’s dive into how to effectively remove dog hair from your washing machine and prevent it from clinging to your clean clothes.
Why Dog Hair Is a Problem in Washing Machines
Dog hair might seem harmless, but it can create a number of issues in your laundry routine:
- It clings to damp fabrics, even after washing.
- It can build up inside and around your machine’s drum, seals, and filters.
- Over time, excessive hair may clog drains or reduce washing efficiency.
- Trapped hair may make your laundry smell musty.
Knowing how to tackle this persistent problem helps keep your clothes—and your washer—fresh and clean.
Step-by-Step: How to Remove Dog Hair from Your Washing Machine
The good news? With a systematic approach, you can get rid of stubborn pet hair and maintain a fur-free washer. Here’s a practical process:
1. Remove Excess Hair from Clothes Before Washing
Handle the root of the issue before it enters your washer!
- Use a lint roller or sticky tape to pick up surface fur.
- Try a damp rubber glove to sweep hair off fabrics.
- Shake out garments outdoors to dislodge any loose hair.
2. Run an Empty Rinse Cycle
After a hairy load, run your washer empty. Use a rinse or short wash cycle with warm water.
- This flushes out hair caught in the drum and hoses.
- Add a cup of white vinegar for extra deodorizing and to help loosen fur.
3. Wipe the Drum, Door, and Gasket
Dog hair loves to hide in crevices.
- After the empty cycle, open the washer and wipe the interior using a damp microfiber cloth.
- Focus on the rubber gasket (for front-loaders) and around the door seal where hair tends to accumulate.
- Dispose of any collected fur in the trash instead of rinsing it down the drain.
4. Clean the Filter and Drain Pump (If Accessible)
A clogged filter is a common culprit if fur keeps returning.
- Locate the lint filter or drain pump trap (consult your washer’s manual).
- Remove any visible hair and debris.
- Rinse the filter thoroughly before reinserting.
5. Air Out and Dry the Washer
Leave the washer door open for several hours after cleaning.
- This prevents moisture buildup and discourages hair from sticking to damp surfaces.
- A dry drum also helps to release any loose strands before your next load.
Extra Tips for Minimizing Dog Hair in Laundry
Stay ahead of dog hair with these smart laundry habits:
- Dry Items First: Toss hairy clothes or bedding in the dryer for 10 minutes (no heat or lowest setting). The lint trap will collect much of the hair before washing.
- Add White Vinegar: Use half a cup during your wash cycle to help release hair from fabric fibers.
- Use Laundry Accessories: Invest in reusable lint-catching balls or foam sponges designed to grab hair during wash cycles.
- Clean the Lint Trap Regularly: For washer/dryer combos with removable lint traps, clear them out often.
- Brush Your Dog Frequently: The more loose hair you remove with grooming, the less ends up in your laundry.
Common Challenges & Solutions
Let’s address a few roadblocks you might encounter:
Hair Stuck in Hard-to-Reach Places
Pet hair can work its way into the machine’s nooks and crannies. Use a handheld vacuum or a small brush to get at hard-to-reach areas, especially under the gasket and inside door crevices.
Persistent Odors from Trapped Hair
Trapped hair can hold onto odors. Run a monthly cleaning cycle with washing machine cleaner, or use baking soda and white vinegar for a natural approach.
Fur on Every Load
If you keep finding hair on laundry after washing:
- Double-check pre-wash hair removal steps.
- Clean your washer more frequently.
- Consider washing dog bedding or hairy loads separately from lint-sensitive clothing.
The Benefits of Keeping Your Washer Fur-Free
Taking the time to keep your washing machine free of dog hair pays off:
- Cleaner Clothes: Less stray fur and no second-wash hassle.
- Longer-Lasting Machine: Prevents clogging and mechanical issues caused by hair accumulation.
- Fewer Odors: Reduces the risk of musty smells.
- Happier Household: Fresh, hair-free laundry makes life more comfortable.
Best Practices for Ongoing Prevention
Consistency will help prevent dog hair from becoming a laundry headache.
- Weekly Grooming Routine: Set aside time to brush your dog.
- Wash Pet Bedding Separately: Clean dog blankets and beds in a different cycle.
- Don’t Overload Your Machine: Overfilled washers can’t rinse away pet hair as effectively.
- Regular Washer Maintenance: Schedule monthly deep cleans for your machine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why does dog hair stick to my laundry even after washing?
Dog hair is naturally clingy, especially to damp fabrics. Washing often loosens but doesn’t fully remove pet hair, allowing it to redistribute and stick to clothes during the rinse or spin cycle.
Can I use fabric softener to help remove pet hair in the wash?
Yes, fabric softener can help reduce static and loosen pet hair from clothes. However, using white vinegar is a natural alternative that also helps tackle odors and build-up.
What’s the safest way to clean the washer’s filter of dog hair?
Turn off your washing machine, locate the filter (often behind a panel), and carefully remove it. Use a brush or rinse under tap water to get rid of all hair and debris before putting it back.
Do any products help catch pet hair in the washer or dryer?
Absolutely! Reusable lint remover balls, pet hair sponges, and specially designed laundry accessories can collect fur during cycles. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure compatibility.
Should I wash dog bedding with my regular laundry?
It’s best to wash dog bedding and heavily furred items separately to limit hair transfer. Clean the washer afterward with a rinse cycle to catch any stray fur.
In Summary
Dog hair doesn’t have to ruin your laundry or your washing machine. With a little preparation and some regular cleaning, you can keep your washer running efficiently and your clothes looking their best. Pre-treat hairy items, clean your washer regularly, use the right accessories, and stay on top of grooming. These habits make it easy to manage dog hair—so you can focus on loving your pets, not battling their fur.