You mean your washing machine has turned into a hairy mess? Greetings from the club! You understand exactly what I mean if you’ve ever thrown a blanket, towel, or—for heaven’s sake—your dog’s bed in the washing machine.
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Unfortunately, your washing machine is not exempt from the magical way that dog hair sticks to everything. Don’t worry, though! I’m here to assist you in taking back your machine and preventing dog hair from ruining your clothing.
Let’s explore a few simple (but efficient) methods to restore your washer to its former glory.
1. Prevention Is the First Step
The less dog hair you put into the washer, the easier everything else becomes. Before tossing in dog blankets, bedding, or fur-covered clothing, give each item a good shake outside. A lint roller or a pet-specific brush can help with stubborn hairs, and a handheld vacuum works well if you have one. Avoid using your main household vacuum unless you want to risk clogging it with fur.
2. Run an Empty Cycle with Vinegar
If you’ve just washed a particularly hairy load and your machine looks worse for wear, running an empty cycle can help.
- Set your washer to the hottest cycle.
- Add one cup of white vinegar directly to the drum.
- Let the cycle run completely, then wipe down the inside afterward.
The vinegar acts as a natural cleaner, loosening hair and neutralizing odors. You’ll be surprised at how much fur drains away.
3. Clean the Filter
Many washing machines—especially front-loaders—have a filter or lint trap that collects debris. This is one of the main places dog hair tends to build up.
- Check your washer’s manual to locate the filter.
- Place a towel on the floor before removing it, since some water may spill out.
- Pull out the filter and clean away the buildup of hair and other gunk.
If you’ve never cleaned your washer’s filter before, prepare yourself: it can be unpleasant, but it’s an important step in keeping your machine running properly.
4. Wipe Down the Drum and Door Seal
Hair often sticks to the inside of the washer even after a full cycle. After each load, wipe down the drum with a damp cloth or sponge. For front-loading machines, pay special attention to the rubber door seal, as fur collects in the folds.
For stubborn hairs, try wiping with a dryer sheet. The anti-static coating makes it easier to lift fur from the metal surface.
5. Use Hair-Catching Gadgets
If dog hair in the laundry is a constant issue, consider using a product designed to catch hair during the wash cycle.
Options include:
- Reusable laundry balls that grab fur as they tumble.
- Sticky silicone discs like FurZapper.
- Mesh laundry bags for pet bedding or heavily furred items.
While these tools are not 100 percent effective, they can reduce the amount of hair that ends up in your machine.
6. Try a Dryer Sheet in the Washer
Dryer sheets aren’t just for the dryer. Adding one directly into the wash can help reduce static and loosen hair so it rinses away more easily. You’ll still want to clean the drum afterward, but the difference can be noticeable.
7. Don’t Forget the Dryer
Even if you’ve dealt with the washer, some hair will transfer to the dryer. Make it a habit to:
- Clean the lint trap after every load.
- Wipe down the dryer drum regularly.
- Use wool dryer balls to help shake loose and collect hair.
Taking care of both machines keeps the problem from recycling between them.
8. Schedule Regular Deep Cleans
Maintaining your washing machine regularly saves you from bigger problems later. About once a month:
- Run an empty hot water cycle with vinegar or a washing machine cleaner.
- Wipe down the drum, seals, and detergent drawer.
- Clean the filter thoroughly.
This keeps your washer running efficiently and reduces the buildup of fur, lint, and detergent residue.
Final Thoughts
Dog hair in the washing machine is frustrating, but it doesn’t have to be a permanent battle. By shaking out items first, running regular vinegar cycles, cleaning the filter, and wiping down the drum, you can significantly reduce the problem. Add in a few tools like laundry balls or mesh bags, and your washer will stay cleaner for longer.
With a little regular maintenance, you’ll spend less time cleaning dog hair out of your appliances and more time enjoying the company of your pet.
