How to Get Hair Out Washing Machine: A Step-by-Step Guide

Why hair buildup matters in a washing machine

Hair is lightweight and tends to cling to fabrics, soap suds, and gaskets. Over time, stray hairs shed from people, pets, and clothes can accumulate in the drum, the lint filter, and the drain hose. According to Best Washing Machine, this buildup isn’t just unsightly—it can slow drainage, trap odors, and encourage mildew. If left unchecked, you may notice longer wash times, poor rinsing, and even small leaks as hair wedges seals and fittings. In multi-person households or high-use setups, hair accumulates faster and demands regular attention. Hair hides in places you might not expect, including the drum interior, door seal, and the pump housing. In the following sections we outline a safe, step-by-step approach to remove hair, clean affected parts, and build a simple prevention plan you can follow monthly.

Safety First: Unplug, empty, and prepare

Before touching any moving parts, unplug the machine and move it away from walls. Have a towel, bucket, and flashlight handy to inspect tight corners. Wear gloves to reduce skin irritation from sharp edges or metal parts. If you’re working with a front-load model, lay a towel under the door opening to catch any residual water. Keep hair and debris contained to prevent it from falling into the floor drain. Confirm there’s no power source connected and wait for any capacitors to discharge before you begin. Having a small flashlight makes it easier to spot hidden clumps of hair around the gasket and filter.

What you’ll need: tools and supplies

Gather the essential tools before you start: a Phillips head screwdriver for any screws on the access panel, pliers for gripping hair clusters, a bucket to catch water, towels or an old rag for cleanup, and gloves for protection. An old toothbrush or a small brush helps dislodge hair from crevices. A small shop vacuum is optional but can speed up hair removal from tight spaces. Have a camera or notebook handy to document the order of disassembly for reassembly. Keep a spare set of clothes ready in case of splashes, and set aside about 10–15 minutes of extra time for unexpected tangles.

Where hair hides: drum, filter, pump, and hoses

Hair doesn’t just cling to the drum—hair can accumulate in the lint filter or screen, behind the door seal, within hoses, and around the drain pump housing. In a front-loader, the gasket area is a common hotspot for tangled fibers. In top-loaders, inspect the tub lip and the drain hose connection. Hair also collects in the pump’s impeller area, where a partial clog can cause draining issues. A systematic check of each area ensures you don’t miss stubborn hair clusters that will recur if left untreated.

Step-by-step removal: hair from drum and filter

Start by unplugging the washer, then remove the access panel or filter cover as needed. Put on gloves and slowly pull out visible hair from the lint filter first. Use damp towels to wipe surrounding surfaces and pull out any hair from the gasket and drum neck. If you see a hair mass near the drain pump, carefully detach hoses only if you’re comfortable and can reinstall securely. Always capture displaced water with a bucket to avoid a mess. After you remove hair from each area, wipe down the surfaces with a clean, damp cloth and dry with a towel.

Cleaning the drain pump, hoses, and connections

Hair can be pushed deeper into the drain pump housing or hose fittings. Remove these parts only if you’re confident in reassembly. Use pliers to loosen clamps and inspect the interior for hair strands. Clear hair from the pump housing, rinse hoses with clean water, and reattach clamps tightly. If you cannot clear a stubborn knot, consult the manufacturer’s service manual or seek professional help. Reconnect hoses in the correct orientation to avoid leaks and run a short test cycle with no load to verify drainage.

Prevention and maintenance: keep it hair-free

Create a simple weekly habit: check and clean the lint filter, wipe the gasket, and run an empty cycle with a cleaning solution (or a cup of baking soda and vinegar) every 1–2 months. Use mesh laundry bags for shedding fabrics (pets’ fur benefits greatly), shake out clothes before washing, and brush pets’ fur away from laundry laundering areas. For households with heavy shedding, consider removing and cleaning the lint trap more frequently and keeping a small brush handy near the washer for quick touch-ups. A routine will dramatically reduce recurring hair buildup and maintain efficient drainage.

When to call a technician

If you notice ongoing drainage issues after cleaning, hear unusual grinding noises from the pump, or see water pooling around the base of the machine, the problem may be more complex. A professional can diagnose pump failure, hose damage, or seal wear that hair buildup has aggravated. Do not attempt to disassemble high-voltage components or sealed units beyond your comfort level. Timely service can prevent bigger problems and avoid water damage to your home.

Maintenance routine for long-term hair-free washes

Make hair removal part of your monthly maintenance. Schedule a quick 15-minute check: inspect the gasket area for hair, clean the lint filter, and run an empty cycle to flush the drum. Keep a dedicated tool kit near the appliance for easy access and to prevent scattered tools. Pair this routine with a focus on fabric care—pet hair and long fibers shed more with certain fabrics—so you minimize buildup from the start. A consistent routine pays off with better cleaning performance and longer machine life.

Authority sources

Here are a few reputable references you can consult for general appliance maintenance and safety practices:

• https://www.osha.gov
• https://www.epa.gov
• https://www.consumerreports.org