How to Remove Pet Hair From Clothes in the Washing Machine

An effective way to remove pet hair from clothes in the washing machine is by combining a few simple preparation methods with the right laundry additions. First, shake out your garments thoroughly before they get wet. Then, add a reusable lint catcher directly into the drum with your clothes. Finally, pour half a cup of plain white vinegar into your fabric softener dispenser. These steps work together to loosen the fur from the fabric fibers so it washes away easily.

Prepare your clothes before washing

You must remove as much fur as possible before the clothes get wet. Water makes pet hair clump together and stick firmly to fabric. Take your hairy clothes outside and give them a vigorous shake.

Use a sticky lint roller on areas with heavy accumulations. You can also put dry, hairy clothes into the dryer for ten minutes on a no-heat setting. The tumbling action shakes the loose fur free into the lint trap. Always empty the lint trap immediately after doing this.

How to remove pet hair from clothes in the washing machine, step by step

1. Load the machine loosely. Do not stuff the drum. Clothes need room to agitate so the fur can float away into the drain.
2. Add a fur catcher. Toss a flexible fur catcher into the drum. The soft, tacky material grabs dog and cat fur while clothes tumble. Our Pet Hair Remover for Laundry works directly in the wash. You simply rinse the collected fur off under water afterward and let it air dry.
3. Skip fabric softener. Commercial softeners leave a residue on clothes that traps pet hair against the fabric.
4. Use plain white vinegar. Pour half a cup of distilled white vinegar into the softener compartment. Vinegar relaxes the fabric fibers, helping them release pet hair easily.
5. Select a cycle with extra water. Use a heavy-duty cycle or select the extra rinse option. More water helps carry the loose fur away.
6. Clean the drum. When the cycle finishes, wipe down the inside of your drum with a damp cloth to pick up left-behind hair.

Removing fur from items you cannot wash

You might notice fur on bulky items or upholstery that cannot go in the washing machine. You can swipe the Pet Hair Remover for Laundry by hand over coats, heavy sweaters, couches, or car seats for a quick touch-up. For more detailed tips on cleaning furniture, read our guide on how to get pet hair off couch and clothes.

How to keep your washing machine free of fur

Run an empty cycle with hot water and two cups of vinegar once a month to clear out trapped fur, dirt, and detergent buildup from internal hoses.

Check your pump filter regularly. Most front-loading machines have a small access door at the bottom. Open it, place a towel down, and unscrew the filter. Pull out any trapped hair. Leaving wet fur there makes clothes smell musty.

Common mistakes

• Washing heavily furred items directly. The wet hair will form thick clumps that stick to the fabric and clog your drain lines.
• Using high heat immediately. Hot water bakes the fur directly into the fibers. Wash with warm or cold water first.
• Overloading the washer drum. The clothes will just rub tightly against each other, trapping the loose hair inside the load instead of letting it wash away.
• Leaving the lint filter full. A full filter cannot catch any more hair, so the debris recirculates right back onto your clean clothes.

FAQ

Does white vinegar damage clothes?

No. Plain white vinegar is gentle on most standard fabrics and helps soften them naturally. It also rinses clean completely without leaving a scent behind.

How do I dry the clothes afterward?

Move them to the dryer and use a low heat setting. Add wool dryer balls to the drum to create space between the garments. This helps shake loose any remaining stubborn hairs into the lint trap.

Can I wash pet beds with my regular clothes?

Wash pet beds and pet blankets completely separately. They hold much more fur, dirt, and dander than human clothing, which will transfer to your wardrobe.

How do I clean the drain pump filter safely?

Always turn off and unplug the washing machine first. Open the filter cover, place a shallow pan underneath to catch the excess water, and unscrew the cap slowly. Keep pets away from any standing water.

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