7 Simple Tips to Banish Dog Hair from Your Laundry

As a dog owner, I know how frustrating it can be to find pet hair all over freshly washed clothes. To get dog hair out in the washing machine can be a challenge. It seems like no matter how careful we are, those pesky hairs always find their way into the washing machine. But don’t worry – there are some simple tricks to get rid of dog hair in your laundry.

First remove dog hair from your washing machine by wiping down the drum with a damp cloth to catch loose hairs. Then run an empty cycle with a 1/2 cup of vinegar to help loosen any stuck-on fur. This can make a big difference in keeping your clothes hair-free.

Keep reading to get our tips on dealing with dog hairs as you do each load of laundry.

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The Struggle Is Real: Pet Hair Everywhere!

As a pet owner, I know the constant battle against dog hair. It clings to everything – clothes, furniture, and even my washing machine! Pet hair can be stubborn. It sticks to fabrics and surfaces, making cleaning a challenge. I’ve found hair on my clothes even after washing them.

Getting dog hair off clothes in the laundry can be tricky. Regular washing doesn’t always do the trick. Pet hair can clog up the machine, reducing its efficiency.

Here are some common items that collect the most pet hair:

• Blankets and bedding
• Sweaters and jackets
• Carpets and rugs
• Upholstered furniture

I’ve noticed that certain fabrics attract more hair than others. Wool, fleece, and velvet are like magnets for pet fur. Smooth fabrics like silk, cotton tend to repel hair better.

Shedding is a natural process for dogs, but some breeds shed more than others. Long-haired dogs and those with double coats often leave more hair around the house. My dogs have double coats and about three times a year they shed their undercoats which leaves hair eveywhere!

Regular grooming can help reduce shedding. I usually take them to the groomer about 4-6 times a year to be deshedded, which helps a lot. Brushing my dog daily has also made a big difference in the amount of loose hair around my home.

Tip #1: Give Your Dog Blankets A Good Shake

I always start by taking my dog’s blankets outside for a good shake. This simple step can remove a lot of loose hair before washing. It is amazing how much hair falls off of the blankets I use to protect my furniture.

Sometimes it takes a good deal of shaking to get the clingy hairs to fall off. But a good thorough shaking really helps reduce the amount of hair that ends up in my washing machine. It’s an easy first step that makes the rest of the cleaning process easier.

Tip #2: Use A Lint Roller Or Rubber Glove For Pre-Wash Removal

I find that using a lint roller or rubber glove before washing can make a big difference in removing dog hair from laundry. These simple tools are great for pre-wash pet hair removal.

Lint rollers are my go-to for quick hair pickup. I roll them over clothes and bedding to grab loose fur. For stubborn hair, I press down firmly and roll slowly.

Rubber gloves work well too. I put on a glove and run my hand over fabric surfaces. The rubber creates static that attracts dog hair like a magnet. It’s especially good for blankets and larger items.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Tool	Best For	Ease of Use
Lint Roller	Clothes, small items	Very easy
Rubber Glove	Blankets, furniture	Easy

I always do this before putting items in the wash. It helps prevent hair from clogging my washing machine. Plus, it means less hair to deal with after the wash cycle.

Tip #3: Toss In Dryer Sheets Or Wool Balls

I’ve found that adding dryer sheets or wool balls to my laundry can really help get dog hair off clothes in the washer or dryer. These simple additions make a big difference in tackling pet hair.

Dryer sheets work by reducing static cling. These dryer sheets featured on Amazon by the Clean People are very eco-friendly using natural essential oils as the fragrance. Regular dryer sheets often have harmful fragrances, especially for people with sensitivities. Using dryer sheets can make separating dog hair from fabric easier. I like to use pet hair-specific dryer sheets for the best results.

Wool dryer balls are another great option that you can find at Amazon. I prefer them over dryer sheets as they are more eco-friendly and less wasteful. They bounce around in the dryer, helping to loosen and collect dog hair. I usually toss in 2-3 wool balls per load.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Item	How It Works	Best For
Dryer Sheets	Reduces static	Lighter fabrics
Wool Balls	Mechanical action	Heavier items

I’ve noticed these methods work well for removing dog hair from blankets and other large items too. Just remember to clean out the lint trap in your dryer after each use, as it will likely collect a lot of fur. And don’t forget to have someone service your dyer’s venting systems at least once every two years. Lint can get stuck in your vent and exhaust line which could cause a fire if not kept clear.

By using dryer sheets or wool balls, I can significantly reduce the amount of dog hair left on my clothes after washing. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference in my laundry routine.

Tip #4: Clean The Washer Filter Regularly

We are usually pretty good at cleaning out the lint filter on our dryers, but what about on our washing machine? Who knew? I didn’t until a service provider showed me how to do it.

Now, I’ve found that cleaning the washer filter helps a lot. Many people forget about this important step. The filter traps pet hair and other debris. When it gets clogged, it can’t do its job effectively.

Follow these steps below but also be sure to check with your model’s manual.

1. Locate the filter (usually at the front or back of the machine)
2. Remove the filter carefully
3. Rinse it under running water
4. Use a soft brush to remove stubborn hair
5. Wipe the filter housing with a damp cloth
6. Replace the filter securely

I recommend cleaning the filter at least once a month especialy if you have multiple dogs. You can also see this great video below that walks you throw the process.

Remember, a clean filter means cleaner laundry and less pet hair buildup in your machine.

Tip #5: Try A Pet Hair Remover In The Wash

I’ve found that using a pet hair remover in the wash can be really effective for getting rid of stubborn dog hair. These products are designed to attract and capture pet hair during the washing cycle.

To use a pet hair remover, I simply toss it in with my laundry. It works by collecting dog hair as the clothes tumble around. Some popular options include:

• Rubber or silicone balls
• Reusable sheets or discs
• Dissolvable strips

I’ve had good results with rubber pet hair remover ball which are eco-friendly. They’re durable and can be used over and over again. The textured surface grabs onto loose pet hair as the laundry spins.

For heavily shedding dogs, I sometimes use multiple removers in one load. This helps catch even more hair before it can stick to clothes or clog the machine. After washing, I make sure to clean out the pet hair remover. Most can be rinsed off under running water to remove collected fur. Then they’re ready to use again in the next load.

Tip #6: Wash Dog Hairy Items Separately

I’ve found that washing dog-hairy items separately is key for keeping other clothes hair-free. This simple step can make a big difference. I usually wash dog towels, blankets, and pet bed covers together in their own load. Using a cold pre-wash cycle to loosen hair first.

Why does this work? Pet bedding tends to hold more hair. Washing it alone prevents spreading fur to other clothes.

I also recommend:

• Shaking out pet items before washing
• Using a lint roller on heavily-shedding fabrics
• Cleaning the washer after pet loads

By isolating hairy items, I keep my regular clothes cleaner. It also helps protect my washing machine from excess pet hair buildup.

I also wash my dogs’ beds separately during the same day when I a wash their blankets and towels. Then I can deal with all of the dog hairs at the same time. Be sure to see my post about how to wash dog beds in 3 easy steps.

Tip #7: Dry Items Before Washing For Extra Hair Removal

I’ve found a great trick for getting rid of dog hair before washing. It’s simple: dry the clothes first. This might sound backwards, but it really works.

Here’s what I do:

1. Put hairy clothes in the dryer
2. Run on low heat for 10 minutes
3. Check and shake out the items
4. Repeat if needed

This method loosens the dog hair from the fabric. The dryer’s heat and motion make the hairs easier to remove. Be sure to clean the lint trap after. It catches a lot of the loose fur. For extra fur-fighting power, you can add a damp cloth to the dryer. It helps attract more hair during the cycle.

This pre-wash drying step is especially good for blankets and other items with lots of dog hair. It can save time and make washing more effective.

Final Thoughts

With these tips, you can get the dog hair out of clothes and blankets and keep your washing machine clean too! Remember, having a dog means having dog hairs! So rather than hate the dog hairs, you can easily remove them and focus on loving your dog!