How to Get Dog Hair Out of a Washing Machine?

Table of Contents > Does a Washing Machine Remove Dog Hair? Before Washing During Washing After Washing Will Dog Hair Clog a Washing Machine? How to Get Dog Hair Out of Your Washing Machine How to Prevent Best Washing Machine Features for Dog Owners Final Thoughts FAQs

Dog hair is one of the most common laundry problems for pet owners. Even after a complete wash cycle, you may find fur stuck on clothes, blankets, and bedding. Over time, loose dog hair can also collect inside your washing machine drum, door seal, drain filter, and other parts.

This guide explains how to get dog hair out of a washing machine, remove pet hair from laundry, and prevent future buildup.

📍 TL;DR Table

Does a Washing Machine Remove Dog Hair?

A washing machine can remove some dog hair, but it is not designed specifically to collect pet fur. During washing, water and detergent loosen loose hair, allowing some fur to drain away.

However, dog hair often remains because:

• It becomes trapped between fabric fibers.

• Wet hair becomes heavier and harder to separate.

• Materials such as fleece, microfiber, wool, and thick blankets hold onto fur easily.

• Most washing machines do not have filters designed to capture large amounts of pet hair.

For this reason, removing excess hair before washing is one of the most effective ways to improve cleaning results.

How to Get Dog Hair Off Clothes Before Washing

The easiest way to reduce dog hair in your washing machine is to remove as much fur as possible before starting laundry.

1. Shake Clothes and Bedding Outdoors

Before putting pet-covered items into the washer:

• Shake blankets, sheets, and clothes outside.

• Remove loose fur with your hands.

• Avoid shaking indoors because hair can spread throughout your home.

This simple step reduces the amount of hair entering your washing machine.

2. Use a Vacuum or Pet Hair Removal Tool

For heavily covered items, use a pet hair removal tool before washing.

Effective options include:

• Pet hair vacuum attachments

• Lint rollers

• Rubber gloves

• Fabric brushes

Rubber gloves work well because the friction helps gather loose hair into easy-to-remove clumps.

Source: Cleaningwithdanielled on TikTok

3. Put Hairy Items in the Dryer First

A short dryer cycle before washing can remove a surprising amount of pet hair.

Steps:

1. Put dry clothes or bedding into the dryer.

2. Run an air-only or low-heat cycle for about 10 minutes.

3. Clean the lint filter.

4. Wash normally.

The dryer loosens trapped fur and allows the lint filter to collect it before it reaches your washing machine.

How to Collect Dog Hair During Washing

Many pet owners look for something to put in the washing machine to collect dog hair. While no product catches 100% of pet fur, some options may help.

1. Laundry Hair Catchers

Reusable pet hair collectors can help collect loose fur during washing.

Common types include:

• Silicone hair remover balls

• Laundry hair-catching discs

• Reusable fabric hair collectors

They work best when there is only a moderate amount of loose hair.

Some DIY methods are also suggested by YouTube creator Smart Fox, including using kitchen sponges, plastic hair rollers, or wet wipes to help collect pet hair during washing.

2. Use a Pet Hair Dissolver

A pet hair dissolver can help loosen pet hair and residue during the wash cycle, allowing water to carry away more loose fur. Always follow the product label for the recommended water temperature, as the ideal setting depends on the formula and fabric type.

For better results, remove excess fur before washing and clean the washing machine regularly. A pet hair dissolver is an additional cleaning aid, not a substitute for removing large amounts of loose hair before the wash.

3. Use an Extra Rinse Cycle

An extra rinse can help remove:

• Loose fur

• Detergent residue

• Floating lint

This is especially useful for pet bedding and blankets.

4. Avoid Overloading the Washer

A crowded washing machine prevents proper movement of fabrics and water flow.

For better pet hair removal:

• Wash smaller loads.

• Leave enough space for clothes to move.

• Separate heavily shedding items.

How to Deal With Remaining Dog Hair After Washing

If dog hair remains after washing, you can still remove it without starting over.

1. Use the Dryer Again

Place the clean but hairy items in the dryer:

• Use an air-only or low-heat cycle.

• Run for 10–15 minutes.

• Clean the lint filter afterward.

The dryer can loosen remaining hair and collect it in the filter.

2. Use a Lint Roller or Fabric Brush

For stubborn hair:

• Roll over clothing surfaces with a lint roller.

• Use a fabric brush to lift embedded fur.

• Focus on areas where dogs frequently lie or rub.

3. Rewash With Better Preparation

If large amounts of hair remain:

1. Remove loose fur manually.

2. Clean the washing machine drum and filter.

3. Wash again with a smaller load.

4. Add an extra rinse cycle.

Will Dog Hair Clog a Washing Machine?

Yes, excessive dog hair can contribute to washing machine problems, although normal amounts of pet hair usually do not immediately damage a washer.

Possible issues include:

• Clogged drain filters

• Slow drainage

• Hair buildup around seals

• Unpleasant odors

• Reduced cleaning performance

The risk is higher when washing large amounts of heavily shedding pet bedding without removing loose hair first.

How to Get Dog Hair Out of Your Washing Machine

If your washing machine already contains dog hair, follow these cleaning steps.

1. Wipe the Washing Machine Drum

Start by removing visible hair.

Source: Cleaningwithdanielled on TikTok

 

Steps:

1. Open the washing machine door.

2. Wipe the drum with a damp microfiber cloth.

3. Remove hair stuck on the inside walls.

4. Check corners and edges where fur collects.

For front-load washers, inspect the area around the rubber gasket carefully.

2. Clean the Rubber Door Seal

Front-loading washing machines often trap dog hair inside the rubber gasket.

Source: Cleaningwithdanielled on TikTok

To clean it:

1. Pull back the rubber seal.

2. Remove trapped hair and lint.

3. Wipe the area with a damp cloth.

4. Dry the gasket completely.

Regular cleaning also helps prevent odors caused by moisture and residue.

3. Clean the Drain Filter

Many front-load washing machines have a drain filter designed to collect debris.

Source: Cleaningwithdanielled on TikTok

Dog hair may mix with:

• Lint

• Dirt

• Small objects

• Detergent residue

To clean the filter:

1. Turn off the washing machine.

2. Open the filter access panel.

3. Remove trapped debris.

4. Rinse the filter.

5. Reinstall it properly.

Check your manufacturer’s instructions before removing the filter.

4. Run an Empty Cleaning Cycle

After removing visible hair:

1. Run an empty rinse cycle.

2. Use a washing machine cleaner if needed.

3. Wipe the drum afterward.

A cleaning cycle removes odors and residue, but it will not magically dissolve large amounts of dog hair. Physical removal is still necessary.

How to Prevent Dog Hair Buildup in Laundry

The best way to deal with dog hair is prevention.

1. Brush Your Dog Regularly

Regular grooming removes loose hair before it reaches:

• Clothes

• Sofas

• Beds

• Blankets

2. Use Pet Covers on Furniture and Beds

Washable covers can collect most pet hair before it reaches larger fabrics.

Benefits:

• Easier cleaning

• Less laundry buildup

• Less washing machine maintenance

3. Wash Pet Items Separately

Dog beds, blankets, and covers usually contain more hair than everyday clothing.

Washing them separately helps:

• Reduce hair transfer.

• Prevent washer buildup.

• Make cleaning easier.

4. Clean Your Washing Machine Regularly

A simple maintenance routine:

Weekly:

• Remove visible hair

• Wipe the door seal

Monthly:

• Clean the filter

• Run a washer cleaning cycle

Regular maintenance keeps pet hair from accumulating.

Best Washing Machine Features for Dog Owners

If you have dogs, certain washing machine features can make laundry easier.

Look for:

• Large Capacity Drum: Provides enough space to wash dog blankets, covers, and large bedding without overloading the washer.

• Extra Rinse Function: Helps remove loose pet hair, detergent residue, and leftover debris from laundry.

• Self-Clean Cycle: Helps keep the drum clean and reduces odors caused by moisture and buildup.

• Easy-to-Clean Filters: Makes it easier to collect and remove trapped pet hair and lint.

• High-Speed Spin Cycle: Removes excess water, helps loosen pet hair, and improves laundry cleaning efficiency.

Final Thoughts

Dog hair in a washing machine is difficult to avoid, but it can be controlled. The best strategy is a combination of prevention and maintenance: remove loose fur before washing, avoid overloading your washer, clean filters regularly, and use proper laundry techniques.

With these steps, you can keep your clothes cleaner, reduce pet hair buildup, and help your washing machine perform better for years.

FAQs