5 Best Ways to Get Pet Hair Out of Laundry

5 Best Ways to Get Pet Hair Out of Laundry

We love our furry companions, but we don’t love the trail of hair they leave behind—especially on our clothes, blankets, and bedding. Pet hair can cling stubbornly to fabrics and, when washed, can even cause clogs and issues in your washer and dryer. Luckily, a few simple tricks can make a big difference. Here are five effective ways to remove pet hair from laundry safely and efficiently.

1. Remove Hair by Hand Before Washing

The best way to protect your laundry and machines from pet hair is to remove as much as possible before washing. Here are some tools that can help:

• Lint rollers or scotch tape for quick pickup

• Damp rubber gloves to easily pull hair from fabric

• Fabric brushes or specialty pet hair removers

This step prevents clumps of hair from soaking and sticking inside your washer drum or making their way to the drain pump.

2. Run Items Through the Dryer First

Before washing, toss pet hair-covered items in the dryer for about 10 minutes on a low or no-heat setting. The motion helps loosen hair from the fabric fibers, and the lint trap captures most of it.

After drying:

• Clean the lint trap thoroughly

• Wipe the drum with a damp cloth

• Shake out clothing or bedding before placing in the washer

3. Deep Clean Your Washer and Dryer Monthly

To avoid long-term buildup, clean your washer and dryer at least once a month:

• Leave washer door open for 24 hours to let it air dry

• Vacuum the washer tub and dryer drum using a narrow hose attachment

• Wipe down all surfaces with a lint-free cloth

• Run a tub clean cycle or use a mix of vinegar, baking soda, and hot water to flush out unseen debris

This routine helps eliminate hidden pet hair and odors that might be trapped in your machines.

4. Add White Vinegar or Fabric Softener

Adding the right ingredients to your wash cycle can make a big difference:

• White vinegar softens fabrics naturally, loosening pet hair

• Fabric softener also helps relax fibers and release embedded hair

• Pet hair removal balls attract and trap hair so it doesn’t end up clogging your washer

These simple additions help prevent the spread of hair during the wash cycle and make removal easier.

5. Use Dryer Sheets During Drying

Once your clothes are washed, pop them in the dryer with 1–2 dryer sheets. Their anti-static properties attract remaining pet hair, pulling it from fabrics and trapping it in the lint trap. Bonus: scented sheets also help neutralize pet odors.

Say Goodbye to Pet Hair!

With these tips, you can keep your clothes and linens pet-hair-free without damaging your machines. And if you’d rather not deal with it yourself, let The Laundorist handle the fur for you! Schedule a pickup today and enjoy fresh, clean laundry—no shedding, no stress.