Yes, you can definitely wash dog hair out of clothes, and often you can remove most of it right in your washing machine or dryer. Many dog owners ask, “Can I wash dog hair out of clothes?” The answer is a resounding yes, but it takes a few extra steps beyond a normal wash cycle. We will show you the best way to get dog hair off laundry quickly and effectively.
Getting Rid of Pet Hair Before the Wash
The key to successful dog hair removal is doing some work before the clothes even hit the water. If you toss hairy items straight into the machine, you might just move the hair around or clog up your system.
Pre-Treating Clothes for Dog Hair: The Dry Method
Before wetting your clothes, try to get as much loose hair off as possible. This makes the washing process much easier. Think of this as the initial sweep before the deep clean.
Using Tools to Lift Hair
There are several simple tools you can use to remove dog hair from clothes before washing. Keep these handy for quick cleanups.
- Lint Rollers: These are great for small, quick jobs. You peel off sticky sheets as they fill up with hair. Look for extra-sticky or jumbo rollers for heavy-duty pet hair.
- Rubber Gloves: Put on a pair of dry rubber cleaning gloves. Rub your hands over the fabric. The friction from the rubber balls up the hair, making it easy to pick off. This is a fantastic lint roller alternative for clothes when dealing with large amounts of hair.
- Damp Sponge or Cloth: Slightly dampen a clean sponge or microfiber cloth. Wipe the fabric gently. The dampness helps the hair stick to the sponge instead of the cloth.
- Specialized Pet Hair Tools: There are commercial dog hair remover for fabric tools made of silicone or stiff plastic. These often work wonders on upholstery and heavier fabrics.
Shaking and Brushing
A good, old-fashioned shake works wonders outdoors. Take your clothes outside and shake them vigorously. For stubborn spots, use a soft-bristled clothes brush. Brush in one direction to gather the hair into clumps.
The Importance of Separating Loads
Never mix heavily dog-haired items with things that have little or no hair. If you wash a hairy blanket with white shirts, guess where that hair ends up? On the white shirts! Always wash pet bedding, towels, and heavily soiled clothing separately. This helps prevent dog hair on clothes in washer cycles later.
Washing Machine Dog Hair Removal Techniques
Your washing machine can be a powerful tool for washing machine dog hair removal. The goal here is to use water and agitation to loosen the hair so it drains away or gets caught in the filter, not stuck to the clothes.
Using the Right Additives
Certain products can help release hair from the fabric fibers during the wash.
Vinegar to the Rescue
White distilled vinegar is a secret weapon against pet hair. Vinegar is a mild acid. It helps relax the fibers of the fabric. When fibers relax, trapped hair releases more easily.
How to use vinegar:
- Add about half a cup of white vinegar directly into the fabric softener dispenser of your washer.
- Do not mix it with detergent. Let the machine add it during the rinse cycle.
- Vinegar will not harm your clothes and rinses out completely, leaving no scent.
Baking Soda Boost
Baking soda works similarly to vinegar by softening the water and helping to release debris.
How to use baking soda:
- Add half a cup of baking soda to the drum with your clothes before starting the wash.
- Use this along with your regular detergent.
Selecting the Right Cycle Settings
The cycle you choose matters greatly for pet hair remover for washer success.
- Use Cold Water: Hot water can sometimes cause certain fabrics to shrink or set the hair deeper into the weave. Cold water is gentler and often more effective at releasing static cling that holds hair tight.
- Choose a High-Speed Spin: A fast final spin cycle is crucial. This centrifugal force helps fling the loosened hair off the clothes and into the water flow where it can drain out.
- Avoid Delicate Cycles: Delicate cycles use very little agitation. You need robust movement to shake the hair loose. Use the “Normal” or “Heavy Duty” cycle.
Introducing Specialized Laundry Aids
For extremely hairy loads, consider adding items specifically designed to catch hair in the wash.
- Dryer Balls (Used in the Washer): Some people toss in specialized laundry balls (often rubber or porous plastic) into the wash. As the machine agitates, the hair clings to these balls instead of the clothes.
- Mesh Laundry Bags: If you are washing small, heavily hairy items like pet bandanas or dust cloths, place them in a fine mesh laundry bag. This prevents the hair from circulating widely in the drum, trapping most of it in the bag.
Drying Cycle Dog Hair Removal: The Final Step
If you have done the washing right, most of the hair should be gone. However, the dryer is often the most effective tool for removing any remaining stubborn strands. This is where the drying cycle dog hair removal magic happens.
The Power of Low Heat and Static Control
Static electricity is what often holds the last bits of hair to your fabric. We need to fight that static.
Vinegar in the Dryer
Yes, you can use vinegar again! Before starting the drying cycle, soak a clean washcloth in white vinegar. Wring it out slightly so it is damp but not dripping. Toss this damp cloth into the dryer with the wet clothes. The vinegar helps reduce static cling dramatically, allowing the hair to lift away easily.
Dryer Sheets
Dryer sheets are designed to reduce static. Using one or two sheets during the drying process helps release the hair from the fabric. These are your most readily available commercial dog hair remover for fabric in the drying stage.
The Tumble Strategy
Run the dryer on a low heat setting for about 10 minutes before adding the clothes if the load is very hairy. This initial tumble, combined with a dryer sheet, can loosen the hair. Then, add the damp clothes and continue drying as normal.
Crucial Dryer Maintenance: Cleaning the Lint Trap
This step is non-negotiable. If you skip this, you are just recirculating old hair. Regularly cleaning dog hair from dryer lint trap ensures maximum drying efficiency and keeps hair out of your next load.
How to clean the lint trap effectively:
- Scrape: After every single load that had pet hair, pull out the lint screen. Use a dry brush or a soft, lint-free cloth to brush off the accumulated hair.
- Wash (Periodically): Over time, dryer sheets and fabric softener leave a waxy film on the mesh screen. This film blocks airflow and reduces effectiveness. Every few months, wash the screen with warm, soapy water and a soft scrub brush. Rinse well and let it dry completely before putting it back. A clogged screen traps more hair in the clothes!
Advanced Strategies for Extreme Hair Loads
Sometimes, you are dealing with things like dog beds, heavy fleece blankets, or winter coats covered in thick undercoat. These require extra measures.
Soaking for Deep Cleans
For items that are truly saturated with pet hair, a soak can break the bond between the hair and the fabric.
- Fill a utility sink or tub with warm water.
- Add half a cup of white vinegar or a scoop of baking soda.
- Submerge the hairy item completely.
- Let it soak for at least 30 minutes, or even an hour for very thick items.
- Gently agitate the water with your hands a few times during the soak.
- Wring out the item slightly and then wash it on a normal cycle immediately afterward.
Using a Pet Hair Magnet Tool in the Wash
There are specific silicone or spongy balls sold as pet hair remover for washer devices. You toss these into the wash along with the clothes. They use friction and texture to attract and collect hair as the machine runs. While results can vary by brand, many pet owners swear by them for medium-sized loads.
Simple Comparison of Hair Removal Methods
To help you decide the best approach for your laundry, here is a quick look at when to use which technique.
| Situation | Recommended Method | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Light, surface hair | Dry Lint Roller / Rubber Gloves | Quick friction lifts hair before water sets it. |
| Medium hair in washer | Vinegar in Rinse Cycle | Relaxes fibers, allowing hair to drain away. |
| Heavy hair in washer | Vinegar + Dedicated Hair Catchers | Combines fiber release with a physical trapping agent. |
| Remaining hair after wash | Dryer on Low Heat with Vinegar Cloth | Low heat and reduced static allows air flow to pull hair into the trap. |
| Very heavy, matted hair | Pre-soak in Vinegar/Baking Soda | Breaks down the bond between hair and deeply embedded fibers. |
Preventing Future Dog Hair Buildup
The best defense is a good offense. Taking small steps regularly can drastically reduce how much hair ends up on your laundry pile.
Brushing Your Pet Regularly
This is the most important step. The hair that ends up on your couch and clothes comes from your pet. Regular, thorough brushing—especially during shedding seasons—captures the loose hair before it has a chance to transfer. Invest in a quality de-shedding tool suitable for your dog’s coat type.
Dedicated Pet Laundry Baskets
Keep a designated laundry basket specifically for pet blankets, towels, and heavily used dog items. This prevents accidentally mixing them with your main laundry stream and reminds you to treat these loads separately.
Covering Furniture
Use washable throws or slipcovers on your favorite seating areas where your dog likes to nap. Wash these throws weekly. This sacrifices an easily washable item to save your clothes and upholstery.
Quick Dryer Tumbles for Non-Washable Items
If you have a jacket or pants that are too delicate for a full wash but covered in hair, toss them in the dryer alone with a dryer sheet for 10 minutes on low heat. The tumbling action and the static control from the sheet are excellent for a quick refresh. This is a great use case for lint roller alternative for clothes when the roller just won’t cut it.
Maintaining Your Washing Machine
When you regularly wash hairy items, you must care for your machine. Hair and dander can build up in the seals, hoses, and pump filter, leading to odors or drainage issues.
Cleaning the Drum and Seals
After running a heavily soiled, hairy load, take a moment to wipe down the rubber door gasket (the seal) in a front-loading washer. Hair often collects in these folds. Use a damp cloth—a little vinegar in the water helps sanitize and break down any residue.
Checking the Drain Pump Filter
Most modern front-loading washers have an accessible drain pump filter, usually located near the bottom front of the machine behind a small panel. Check this filter every few months, especially if you notice your washer isn’t draining well or clothes feel unusually wet. This trap often catches clumps of hair and debris that escape the main drum, acting as a final backup pet hair remover for washer system before the plumbing. Consult your washer’s manual for the exact location and safe removal procedure.
FAQ on Washing Dog Hair Out of Clothes
Q: Will washing dog hair ruin my washing machine?
A: Not usually, if you maintain it well. Excessive hair can clog the drain pump filter or build up in hoses over time. Regular cleaning of the lint trap (in the dryer) and checking the washer’s drain filter helps prevent damage.
Q: Can I use bleach to remove dog hair?
A: Bleach is designed to remove color and kill germs, not hair. It won’t effectively remove dog hair from clothes. In fact, on some dark fabrics, it could damage the dye without touching the hair. Stick to vinegar or specialized laundry additives.
Q: What is the fastest way to remove dog hair from clothes when I’m running late?
A: Grab a damp (not wet) rubber glove or a slightly damp microfiber cloth and run your hand over the clothing item quickly. This friction clumps the hair up fast so you can peel it off.
Q: Should I wash pet bedding separately every time?
A: Yes, if possible. Pet bedding holds a massive amount of hair, dander, and sometimes dirt. Washing it separately ensures you don’t overload your machine with hair and keeps pet debris off your regular clothes. This supports the goal of prevent dog hair on clothes in washer cycles.
Q: Are those sticky laundry balls really the best way to get dog hair off laundry?
A: They can be very helpful, especially for medium-sized loads where hair is moderately distributed. They work best when combined with vinegar in the rinse cycle, as the vinegar loosens the hair first. They are not usually powerful enough alone for heavily soiled items.