Dealing With Dog Hair In Washer: Your Guide To Cleaner Laundry

It's a familiar scene for many of us who share our lives with a dog. You pull out a freshly washed shirt, expecting it to be clean and hair-free, but instead, it's covered in tiny strands. This can be quite frustrating, to be honest, and it often leaves us wondering how to truly tackle this persistent issue. The good news is, you are definitely not alone in this struggle, and there are practical steps you can take to make laundry day a lot smoother.

This guide will help you understand why dog hair seems to cling so stubbornly to fabric, especially when it goes through the wash. We will look at ways to prevent it from happening, and also how to get rid of any hair that does make its way into your washing machine. So, let's get into some useful tips for keeping your laundry, and your washer, wonderfully free of dog hair.

Table of Contents

• Why Does Dog Hair Stick to Clothes in the Washer?

• Preparing Your Laundry: The First Step Against Dog Hair

  • Shake It Out Before You Wash

  • Use a Lint Roller or Pet Hair Remover

  • Consider a Pre-Wash Cycle

• Adding Helpers to the Wash Cycle

  • Laundry Balls and Sponges

  • Vinegar: A Natural Softener and Hair Loosener

  • Baking Soda: Another Simple Addition

• Cleaning Your Washing Machine After Dog Hair

  • Wipe Down the Drum

  • Clean the Lint Trap or Filter

  • Run a Self-Clean Cycle

  • Check the Drain Pump Filter

• Preventing Future Dog Hair Build-Up

  • Regular Grooming for Your Dog

  • Cover Furniture and Pet Beds

  • Vacuum Often

• Common Questions About Dog Hair in Washer

  • Does dog hair ruin a washing machine?

  • How do you get dog hair out of a washing machine after washing?

  • What can I put in the washer to catch dog hair?

• Final Thoughts on Tackling Dog Hair

Why Does Dog Hair Stick to Clothes in the Washer?

It seems counterintuitive, doesn't it? You'd think water would just wash the hair away. But in fact, static electricity often plays a big role. When fabrics rub together in a dry environment, they create static, which acts like a magnet for hair. This is why you often see more hair on clothes right out of the dryer, too it's almost.

Even in the wash, hair can get tangled in fabric fibers. Wet hair can become heavier and stickier, making it harder for the water to rinse it away completely. The agitation of the washing machine can sometimes push the hair deeper into the fabric weave, rather than pulling it out. This means those tiny dog hairs can really embed themselves.

Also, some fabrics are simply more prone to holding onto hair than others. Fleece, corduroy, and certain synthetic blends are like hair magnets, while smoother materials tend to release hair more easily. So, the type of clothing you're washing can definitely influence how much dog hair stays behind.

Preparing Your Laundry: The First Step Against Dog Hair

The best offense is a good defense, as they say, and this is very true for dog hair. Taking a few moments to prepare your laundry before it even goes into the machine can make a big difference. This simple step can really cut down on the amount of hair that ends up in your washer.

Shake It Out Before You Wash

This might seem obvious, but it's often overlooked. Before tossing clothes into the washing machine, give them a good shake outdoors. This helps to dislodge loose hair that's just resting on the surface. You'd be surprised how much hair can come off with just a quick shake, and that's hair that won't be going into your machine.

For items like blankets or pet beds, shaking them out is especially important. These items tend to collect a lot of hair, naturally. Doing this outside prevents the hair from just settling on your floor inside, creating another mess to clean up. It's a quick and simple action that saves trouble later.

Use a Lint Roller or Pet Hair Remover

For items that are particularly covered in hair, a lint roller can be your best friend. Roll it over the fabric to pick up as much hair as possible before washing. This is particularly useful for delicate items or those with a very dense weave where hair tends to get stuck. You know, like your favorite black sweater.

There are also specialized pet hair removal brushes or gloves available. These often have a rubbery surface that grabs hair very effectively. Using one of these before washing can significantly reduce the amount of hair that enters your machine, making the whole process much cleaner, basically.

Consider a Pre-Wash Cycle

If you have a lot of very hairy items, running a short pre-wash cycle might be helpful. Use a cold water setting for this. Cold water is less likely to set stains, and it can help loosen hair without embedding it further into the fabric. After this cycle, you can then clean out the washer drum before the main wash.

Some people even prefer to run a quick rinse cycle with no detergent. This just helps to flush out a lot of the hair before you add soap and start a full wash. It's an extra step, yes, but it can really save your machine from accumulating too much hair over time, which is a good thing.

Adding Helpers to the Wash Cycle

Once your laundry is prepared, you can also add certain items or substances to the wash cycle itself to help catch or loosen dog hair. These little tricks can make a big difference in how clean your clothes come out. They are pretty simple additions, and can make your life a little easier.

Laundry Balls and Sponges

Specialized laundry balls or sponges are designed to attract and collect hair during the wash cycle. These items typically have a rough or sticky surface that grabs onto loose hair as the clothes tumble around. You just toss them in with your laundry, and they do their work. They are fairly inexpensive, too.

Make sure to clean these items after each use, as they will be covered in hair. They are reusable, which is nice, but their effectiveness depends on how well you keep them clean. Some people even use simple dryer balls, which can also help loosen hair in the wash, not just the dryer, actually.

Vinegar: A Natural Softener and Hair Loosener

Adding about half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle can do wonders. Vinegar helps to relax fabric fibers, which in turn helps to release trapped hair. It also acts as a natural fabric softener and can help reduce static cling, which we know is a big cause of hair sticking. It's a very simple addition.

Don't worry about your clothes smelling like vinegar; the scent usually disappears during the drying process. This is a safe and effective way to deal with hair, and it's also good for your washing machine, as it helps to clean out detergent residue. So, it's a double win, in a way.

Baking Soda: Another Simple Addition

Similar to vinegar, adding half a cup of baking soda to your wash cycle can help. Baking soda helps to loosen hair from clothes and can also reduce odors. You can add it directly to the drum with your clothes before starting the wash. It's a mild abrasive, so it helps to gently scrub the hair away.

Baking soda also helps to balance the pH levels in the water, which can improve the cleaning power of your detergent. This means not only less hair but also cleaner clothes overall. It's a really versatile household item that has many uses, and laundry is certainly one of them.

Cleaning Your Washing Machine After Dog Hair

Even with all the preventative measures, some dog hair is likely to end up in your washing machine. It's important to clean your machine regularly to prevent hair build-up, which could potentially cause issues. A clean machine means cleaner clothes, and also a longer life for your appliance, obviously.

Wipe Down the Drum

After you remove your laundry, take a damp cloth and wipe down the inside of the washer drum. Hair often sticks to the sides, especially if it's a front-loader. This quick wipe can pick up a surprising amount of hair that might otherwise transfer to your next load of laundry. It's a pretty easy step.

Pay special attention to the rubber gasket around the door of a front-loading machine. Hair, lint, and even mold can collect here. Wiping this area thoroughly after each wash is really important for both cleanliness and preventing odors. You'll be glad you did it, honestly.

Clean the Lint Trap or Filter

Many washing machines, especially older models or top-loaders, have a lint trap or filter that collects debris, including hair. Check your machine's manual to locate it and clean it regularly. Some machines have self-cleaning filters, but others require manual cleaning. This is a critical step for hair removal, you know.

If your machine has a filter, it can get clogged with hair and lint, which reduces its efficiency and can even lead to drainage problems. Cleaning it out after every few loads, or at least once a month, is a good habit to get into. It's a bit like emptying the vacuum cleaner, in a way.

Run a Self-Clean Cycle

Most modern washing machines have a self-clean or tub clean cycle. Running this cycle periodically helps to flush out any hair, lint, and detergent residue that has built up inside the machine. Use hot water and a washing machine cleaner or even just white vinegar for this cycle. It's a simple way to keep things fresh.

This cycle helps to clean parts of the machine you can't see, like the hoses and pump. It's a good idea to run this cycle about once a month, especially if you wash a lot of pet items. This will help keep your machine running smoothly and prevent issues caused by hair accumulation, essentially.

Check the Drain Pump Filter

For front-loading washing machines, there's often a drain pump filter located at the bottom front of the machine. This filter catches larger items that might otherwise clog the drain pump. Dog hair, especially in clumps, can certainly end up here. Check your manual for its exact location and how to access it. This is a very important spot to check.

Cleaning this filter can be a bit messy, as some water will likely come out. Have a shallow pan and a towel ready. Clearing this filter regularly can prevent drainage issues and even machine breakdowns caused by hair blockages. It's a vital part of keeping your washer healthy, at the end of the day.

Preventing Future Dog Hair Build-Up

While we've talked about managing hair in the laundry, reducing the overall amount of dog hair in your home is the ultimate solution. Since dogs were domesticated from wolves around 15,000 years ago, and have had a long association with humans, their hair has always been a part of living with them. So, managing it is key.

Domestic dogs are mostly kept as pets, and a third of all households worldwide have a dog. This means a lot of homes are dealing with this very same hair situation. By taking steps to control shedding at the source, you can dramatically lessen the amount of hair that even makes it to your washing machine, which is great.

Regular Grooming for Your Dog

One of the most effective ways to reduce dog hair in your home is through regular grooming. Brushing your dog frequently, especially during shedding seasons, removes loose hair before it has a chance to spread. This is probably the single most impactful thing you can do, honestly.

Different breeds have different grooming needs, of course. Some dogs, like those with double coats, might need daily brushing, while others can go longer. Investing in a good deshedding tool can also be very helpful. It's a small effort that yields big results in terms of hair reduction, pretty much.

Cover Furniture and Pet Beds

If your dog spends a lot of time on furniture, consider using washable covers. Throw blankets or specific pet furniture covers can catch a lot of hair that would otherwise stick to your upholstery. These covers are much easier to wash and de-hair than the furniture itself, which is a definite plus.

Similarly, regularly washing your dog's bed is important. Pet beds are hair magnets, naturally. Washing them frequently, and shaking them out before washing, will prevent a huge amount of hair from circulating in your home and ultimately ending up in your laundry. It's a very simple step that helps a lot.

Vacuum Often

Regular vacuuming is a must for any dog owner. Using a vacuum cleaner with good suction and attachments designed for pet hair can pick up a lot of hair from floors, carpets, and even upholstery. The more hair you remove from your home, the less there is to cling to your clothes. It's a constant battle, but a necessary one.

Consider vacuuming high-traffic areas daily, and doing a more thorough clean a few times a week. This consistent effort will significantly reduce the amount of loose hair that finds its way into your laundry basket. It's a bit of work, but it really pays off in the long run.

Common Questions About Dog Hair in Washer

People often have specific worries or questions about dog hair and their washing machines. Here are some common ones, with some helpful answers. These are things many pet parents think about, and it's good to clear them up.

Does dog hair ruin a washing machine?

While a small amount of dog hair usually won't ruin your washing machine, a large build-up can certainly cause problems. Excessive hair can clog filters, hoses, and the drain pump, leading to drainage issues, reduced machine efficiency, and even breakdowns. So, regular cleaning is very important to prevent this.

It's not that a few hairs will instantly break it, but consistent neglect can lead to issues over time. Think of it like a slow accumulation. By taking preventative steps and cleaning your machine regularly, you can avoid these problems and keep your washer running well for years to come, thankfully.

How do you get dog hair out of a washing machine after washing?

After washing, if you still see hair, first wipe down the drum and the rubber gasket with a damp cloth. This will pick up most of the loose hair. Then, run a quick rinse cycle with no clothes to flush out any remaining strands. You can also add a cup of white vinegar to this rinse cycle for extra cleaning power, too.

For front-loaders, check and clean the drain pump filter regularly, as hair often collects there. For top-loaders, clean any accessible lint traps. These steps help ensure that the hair doesn't transfer to your next load of laundry. It's a bit of a routine, but it's worth it.

What can I put in the washer to catch dog hair?

You can add specific laundry items designed to catch hair. These include specialized laundry balls, lint-catching sponges, or even simple dryer balls. These items typically have a textured surface that attracts and traps hair during the wash cycle. They are really quite clever, actually.

Additionally, adding half a cup of white vinegar or baking soda to the wash cycle can help loosen hair from clothes, making it easier for the machine to rinse it away. These natural additives also help with static and fabric softening, which is a nice bonus. You know, it's a multi-purpose approach.

Final Thoughts on Tackling Dog Hair

Living with a dog means living with a bit of their hair, that's just a fact of life for us pet lovers. Our dogs, which are a subspecies of the gray wolf and were the first species to be domesticated by humans, bring so much to our lives, from companionship to guarding. And honestly, a little hair is a small price to pay for all that joy.

However, managing dog hair in your washing machine doesn't have to be a constant headache. By adopting a few simple habits – like preparing your laundry, using helpful additives, and regularly cleaning your machine – you can keep your clothes and your appliance in great shape. It's all about being proactive, more or less.

Remember, a consistent approach to grooming your dog and cleaning your home will significantly reduce the amount of hair that even makes it to your laundry. For more information on pet dog behavior and welfare, you can learn more about dog care on our site, and also check out helpful tips on keeping your home clean. With these tips, you can enjoy a cleaner home and cleaner clothes, allowing you to focus on the wonderful bond you share with your furry family member.

The American Kennel Club is an exhaustive reference on dog breeds, health, and training, offering even more insight into our amazing canine friends. Understanding our dogs helps us understand their shedding habits, too. So, keep up the good work, and enjoy your clean laundry!