How to Remove Pet Hair from Laundry: 7 Easy Methods

If you share your home with a dog or cat, you probably know how frustrating it can be to find pet hair on your freshly washed clothes. Hair sticks to shirts, blankets, socks, towels, and other fabrics, making laundry feel like a never-ending chore.

The good news is that you can reduce pet hair on your laundry with a few simple changes to your washing routine. From removing loose fur before washing to using reusable laundry accessories, these practical methods can help you keep your clothes looking cleaner.

In this guide, you’ll learn seven ways to remove pet hair from laundry, prevent excess fur from entering your washing machine, and make laundry day easier.

Why Does Pet Hair Stick to Clothes?

Pet hair can cling to clothing because of friction, static electricity, and the texture of certain fabrics. Materials such as fleece, knitwear, and other textured fabrics can trap loose fur between their fibers.

When clothes go directly into the washing machine covered in pet hair, some of that hair may remain attached to the fabric or collect around the washer’s filter and drainage areas.

A better approach is to remove as much loose hair as possible before washing and use suitable laundry practices to help manage the remaining fur.

1. Remove Loose Pet Hair Before Washing

One of the easiest ways to deal with pet hair is to remove it before putting clothes in the washing machine.

Try these methods:

• Lint roller: Roll it over clothing to pick up loose fur.
• Clothing brush: Brush the fabric gently, following the direction of the fibers.
• Rubber glove: Lightly dampen a clean rubber glove and sweep it over suitable fabrics to gather loose hair.
• Shake clothes outdoors: Give garments and blankets a good shake before washing.

Pay extra attention to areas where your pet likes to sleep or sit, such as the knees of trousers, sleeves, blankets, and cushion covers.

Removing loose fur first can reduce the amount that enters your washing machine.

2. Use a Pet Hair Remover for Laundry

If pet hair regularly builds up on your clothes, a reusable pet hair remover pad may be worth trying.

These laundry accessories are designed to be placed in the washing machine with your laundry. Depending on the product design and fabric type, their textured surfaces may help collect some loose hair, lint, and debris during the wash cycle.

For best results:

1. Check the product instructions before use.
2. Place the recommended number of pads in the washer with your clothes.
3. Wash using a cycle suitable for the garments.
4. Remove the pads after the cycle.
5. Clean the collected hair from the pads and allow them to dry as directed.

A laundry hair remover is not a guaranteed solution for every fabric or type of fur, so results may vary. It works best as part of a regular laundry routine rather than as a replacement for removing heavy fur buildup beforehand.

Looking for a Reusable Laundry Hair Remover?

If you want to try a simple accessory for your laundry routine, take a look at our 6-piece Pet Hair Remover for Laundry.

The star-shaped pads are designed for use with laundry to help collect loose pet hair and lint. Having multiple pads also gives you extras to use according to the product’s instructions.

Shop the 6-piece Pet Hair Remover for Laundry at EliteBuyMarket

Before publishing, confirm that this product link matches your live WooCommerce product URL.

3. Choose the Right Washing Cycle

The correct washing cycle depends on the garments, the washing machine, and the care labels.

Consider these tips:

• Separate heavily fur-covered items from clothing that has little or no pet hair.
• Avoid overcrowding the washer, as clothes need room to move.
• Choose a cycle that is appropriate for the fabric and soil level.
• Follow the garment care labels and your washing machine’s instructions.

A larger load is not always better. If the washer is packed too tightly, water and detergent may not circulate as intended.

For heavily fur-covered blankets or pet bedding, consider washing them separately when the care instructions allow it.

4. Clean Your Washing Machine Regularly

Pet hair and lint can accumulate around parts of a washing machine over time. Regular maintenance helps keep the appliance working properly.

Here is what you can do:

• Wipe the rubber door seal on a front-loading washer.
• Check and clean accessible lint filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Remove visible hair from the drum after washing heavily fur-covered items.
• Run the washer’s recommended cleaning cycle when needed.

Never reach into moving parts or remove panels without following the manufacturer’s safety instructions. Some washing machines have drain pumps or filters that require specific cleaning procedures.

Regular maintenance can help prevent residue and debris from building up.

5. Dry Clothes Carefully

Drying can be another opportunity to deal with remaining pet hair.

If your garments are suitable for tumble drying, follow their care labels and the dryer’s instructions. A suitable drying cycle may loosen some hair, which can then collect in the lint filter.

Remember to clean the lint filter as recommended after each load. This helps maintain airflow and dryer performance.

For clothes that cannot go in a dryer, use a lint roller or clothing brush after washing and air-drying.

Do not put delicate garments in a dryer simply to remove pet hair. Always follow the care label.

6. Wash Pet Bedding Separately

Pet beds, blankets, and washable covers can carry a large amount of loose fur.

To keep that fur from spreading to other laundry:

1. Shake removable bedding outdoors when practical.
2. Remove loose hair with a brush or suitable cleaning tool.
3. Check the bedding’s care instructions.
4. Wash it separately from everyday clothing when appropriate.
5. Inspect and clean the washer afterward if necessary.

If the bedding contains large amounts of fur, remove as much as possible before washing. This can help reduce the amount of hair entering the washer and its drainage system.

7. Reduce Pet Hair Around Your Home

Preventing excess fur from reaching your laundry is often easier than removing it afterward.

Try building these habits into your routine:

• Brush your dog or cat regularly using a brush suitable for its coat.
• Wash pet blankets and covers on a regular schedule.
• Keep your pet’s favorite resting areas clean.
• Store clean clothes in a closed wardrobe or drawer.
• Remove fur from sofas and bedding before it transfers to clothing.

If your pet sheds more than usual or develops bald patches, irritated skin, or other unusual symptoms, consult a veterinarian.

Small habits can make a noticeable difference to how much fur ends up on your clothes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I remove pet hair from laundry?

Start by removing loose fur with a lint roller, clothing brush, or another suitable tool. Wash the garments according to their care labels, and consider a reusable laundry hair remover designed for washing-machine use.

What is the best way to remove dog hair from clothes?

For clothes with visible loose fur, a lint roller or clothing brush is a good starting point. For washable garments, removing loose hair before washing and using an appropriate laundry routine can help reduce the amount of fur that remains.

Do pet hair remover pads work in washing machines?

Results depend on the pad’s design, the type and amount of hair, the fabric, and the wash cycle. These accessories may help collect some loose hair and lint, but they should not be expected to remove every strand.

Can I use pet hair remover pads with every fabric?

Check the product instructions and garment care labels first. Delicate fabrics may need special care, and you should stop using any accessory that snags or damages clothing.

How can I keep pet hair out of my washing machine?

Remove excess fur from clothes and pet bedding before washing. Avoid overloading the washer, clean accessible filters as directed, and maintain the appliance according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Should I wash pet bedding separately?

Washing pet bedding separately can help prevent loose fur from transferring to other garments. Check the bedding’s care label and remove as much loose hair as possible before washing.

Make Laundry Day Easier

Pet hair on clothing can be frustrating, but a few simple habits can make laundry easier to manage. Remove loose fur before washing, use suitable cycles, clean your washing machine regularly, and keep pet bedding on a consistent cleaning schedule.

If you want to try an extra tool in your routine, explore our 6-piece Pet Hair Remover for Laundry and see whether it suits your laundry needs.

With a little preparation and consistent care, you can spend less time dealing with loose fur and more time enjoying life with your pets.