How to Get Pet Hair Off Clothes in the Washing Machine
How to Get Pet Hair Off Clothes in the Washing Machine
Start Before the Wash
The washing machine can loosen pet hair, but it works best when you remove the heaviest layer first. Shake clothes outdoors, then use a lint roller or pet-hair remover on areas where fur collects, such as cuffs and pant legs. For heavily covered items, run a short, no-heat dryer cycle before washing; clean the lint screen afterward.
Give Clothes Room to Move
Wash furry clothes separately from towels and other lint-shedding fabrics. Leave enough space in the drum for clothes to tumble freely, since an overloaded washer can leave loosened hair trapped against the fabric. Choose the water temperature and cycle allowed by each garment’s care label, and use the recommended amount of detergent rather than adding extra.
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Choose Laundry Helpers Carefully
A reusable pet-hair laundry catcher may help collect loose fur during the wash. Choose one made for your type of washer and follow its directions; not every catcher is suitable for every machine or fabric. Our team recommends treating these products as helpers, not substitutes for removing a thick coat of hair beforehand.
Finish the Load Without Redistributing Fur
Take clothes out promptly and shake them before drying. If the care labels permit tumble drying, dryer airflow can move remaining hair into the lint trap; clean the screen before and after the load. Wipe visible hair from the washer drum and door seal, and clean its filter according to your machine’s manual so the next load starts fresh.
Keep the Routine Manageable
For clothes that attract fur quickly, keep a lint roller near your laundry hamper and remove hair before it becomes embedded. Washing smaller loads also gives you a chance to spot-check garments before they go in. For more ways to limit fur around your home, see our guide to pet hair control.
FAQ
Can I remove pet hair from my clothes in the washing machine?
Yes, washing can loosen and rinse away some pet hair. Remove as much as you can first, and avoid overloading the drum.
What can I put in the washing machine to dissolve pet hair?
We don’t recommend trying to dissolve pet hair in the washer. Remove it mechanically instead, and avoid adding drain cleaners or other harsh chemicals to a laundry load.
How to get hair off of clothes in the washing machine?
Shake or roll off excess hair, then wash the clothes in a load with room to move. A washer-compatible pet-hair catcher may help with loose strands.
What breaks down hair in a washing machine?
A normal laundry cycle does not reliably break down pet hair. Our team recommends lifting it from clothes before washing and clearing collected hair from the machine as directed in its manual.
See if Living Comfortably With Less Fur Everywhere | Practical Ebook for a Cleaner Home | Smart Pet Hair Control Tips for Real Life fits your setup
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