Dog hair clings to fabric and can survive a normal wash cycle. This shows practical ways to lift hair off clothes before and during laundry so your garments come out clean and fur-free.
What you'll need
- Lint roller or tape
- Dryer sheets
- Dampened rubber glove or sponge
- White vinegar
- Washing machine and dryer
Step by step
- Remove loose hair firstBefore washing, go over the garment with a lint roller, packing tape, or a damp rubber glove to lift off as much surface hair as you can.
- Tumble in the dryer brieflyPut the item in the dryer on a no-heat or air-fluff cycle with a dryer sheet for about 10 minutes. This loosens hair, which the lint trap catches.
- Shake and clean the lint trapTake the clothes out, shake them, and empty the lint trap. Removing hair before washing keeps it from redistributing in the water.
- Wash with a vinegar boostWash as normal but add about half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse. It helps relax fibers so hair rinses away more easily.
- Dry and checkDry the load, then clean the lint trap again. Inspect the clothes and repeat the roller step on any hair that remains.
Handy tips
- A quick pre-wash tumble in the dryer removes far more hair than washing alone.
- Do not overload the machine, since clothes need room to move for hair to rinse out.
- Clean the lint trap between loads so trapped hair does not transfer back.
Heads up
- Large amounts of pet hair can clog washer and dryer filters over time, so clean them regularly.
FAQ
Does washing clothes remove dog hair?
Washing alone often leaves hair behind and can spread it. Removing loose hair first and doing a short dryer tumble before washing works much better.
Does adding vinegar help remove pet hair?
A little white vinegar in the rinse can relax fibers and act as a natural softener, helping hair release during the wash.
How do I stop dog hair from spreading to other clothes?
Remove as much hair as possible before washing, avoid overloading the machine, and clean the lint trap between loads to prevent transfer.