How to Keep Pet Hair from Overtaking Your Laundry and Your Dryer

Suffolk's Trusted Tips for Pet Owners Battling Hairy Laundry Disasters

Pet ownership brings so much joy—but it also brings a lot of dog hair, cat hair, and laundry pet hair. If you’ve ever pulled freshly washed clothes out of the washer only to find them still covered in hair, you’re not alone. Pet hair can sneak into your washer and dryer, cling to clothes, clog the lint trap, and even impact the performance of your laundry appliances.

At Dryer Vent Wizard of Suffolk, we understand how stubborn pet hair can create problems for both your laundry and your dryer vent system. Read on to discover effective laundry tips for pet hair removal from clothes, how to loosen pet hair, and ways to keep pet hair out of the washing machine—so you can enjoy clean clothes without worrying about clogged vents or fire hazards.

Why Pet Hair Is a Laundry Problem

Pet owners know that no fabric is safe from the grasp of loose hair. During the wash cycle, hair can stick to clothing, embed in fibers, and find its way into the washing machine and dryer vents. Over time, this can lead to:

Clogged lint traps and dryer vents
Reduced dryer efficiency
Increased fire risk
Foul odors and mildew buildup

The good news? With the right approach, you can effectively remove pet hair before it becomes a problem.

Create Pet Free Zones

A proactive step to prevent pet hair on clothes is to create pet free zones. Train your dog or cat to stay off furniture, laundry baskets, and bedrooms where clean clothes are stored. Use baby gates or closed doors to enforce these boundaries.

You can also store clean laundry in closed hampers or dressers to avoid contact with excess hair floating through your home.

Prep Your Laundry for Success

Before tossing clothes into the washer, take a few steps to tackle pet hair effectively:

Use a lint roller: Go over clothes, especially dark items and synthetic fabrics, to remove loose hairs.
Rubber gloves or rubber lips: Put on a slightly damp rubber glove and run your hand over the fabric. The hair will collect into clumps you can easily dispose of.
Shake items outdoors: Give clothes and pet bedding a good shake outside to remove as much hair as possible.
Vacuum with a crevice attachment: Use this to clean out the washer drum and dryer before laundry day, especially if your pet likes to sleep nearby.

Add Vinegar and Baking Soda to the Wash Cycle

Want to loosen pet hair in the wash? Just add vinegar and baking soda!

Use a half cup of white vinegar during the rinse cycle to reduce static and help loosen pet hair from clothes.
Add 1/4 cup of baking soda at the start of the wash to soften water and dislodge stubborn strands.

These natural ingredients also act as natural fabric softeners, eliminating the need for harsh chemicals.

Use Dryer Sheets or a Damp Cloth in the Dryer

While dryer sheets are well-known for their ability to reduce static cling and soften clothes, they’re also powerful in fighting pet hair. Throw in a dryer sheet during the drying cycle to help trap pet hair in the lint trap.

Alternatively, toss in a damp cloth or microfiber towel to collect hair from the drum and the clothes. Be sure to clean the lint trap and check the dryer vent after every load—especially when drying pet bedding or fleece items.

Don’t Forget the Pet Bedding

One of the biggest sources of excess hair in your laundry is your pet’s own bed. Pet bedding tends to collect huge amounts of dog hair and cat hair, which then transfers to your washer and dryer. To avoid this:

Wash pet bedding separately from clothing and towels.
Shake it out or vacuum it first to remove loose hairs.
Use a lint roller or rubber glove before washing.
Clean your lint trap and washer drum immediately afterward to prevent future buildup.

By keeping your pet’s belongings clean, you’ll reduce the amount of laundry pet hair circulating in your home—and protect your appliances in the process.

Clean Your Washer and Dryer Regularly

Regular cleaning of your washer and dryer is vital for pet hair removal and maintaining appliance performance. Follow these steps:

Washing Machine:

Run an empty cycle with hot water and white vinegar.
Wipe the drum, gasket, and filter with a damp cloth.
Remove any visible cat hair, dog hair, or lint from corners.

Dryer:

Clean the lint trap thoroughly after every use.
Wipe the drum with a cloth to catch remaining hairs.
Schedule professional dryer vent cleaning regularly to avoid buildup.

If your dryer seems to be underperforming or overheating, pet hair may be the culprit. Residents of Suffolk can count on Dryer Vent Wizard of Suffolk to handle deep vent cleanings that keep your home safe.

Choose the Right Laundry Tools

Want an effective tool to help on laundry day? Consider:

Dryer balls: These helps separate clothes to prevent pet hair from sticking.
Pet hair remover balls: Specifically designed to collect hair in the wash.
Lint trap accessories: Place in the washer to catch pet hair before it clogs drains.

Combining these tools with proper prep and cleaning methods makes removing dog hair and cat hair much easier.

Brush Your Pet Regularly

Last but not least, the most effective way to control hair from your laundry is to remove loose hairs at the source. Brush your dog or cat often—daily if needed—and bathe them as recommended. Use a high-quality vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to keep floors and furniture clear.

Don’t Let Pet Hair Ruin Your Laundry Routine

Dealing with laundry pet hair can be frustrating—but with consistent habits and the right strategies, you can take control of the situation. From using vinegar and dryer sheets to maintaining pet free spaces and scheduling regular dryer vent cleanings, you’ll be well on your way to laundry free of pet fur.

And remember, if your dryer vents need a deeper clean or you suspect a blockage caused by stubborn pet hair, our team is ready to help.

How to Keep Pet Hair from Overtaking Your Laundry—and Your Dryer