How to Get Rid of Dog Hair in Washing Machine
Learn proven steps to remove dog hair from your washing machine and prevent transfer to clothes. This guide covers pre-wash prep, drum and gasket cleaning, lint-catching tools, and maintenance tips for cleaner laundry.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know how to remove dog hair from your washing machine and keep hair from ending up on clothes. Start with thorough pre-wash hair removal, then run a dedicated rinse cycle with an empty load to flush lint. Add routine checks, lint catchers, and seal-cleaning to minimize shedding and buildup.
Why dog hair ends up in the washing machine
Dog hair is tiny, lightweight, and clingy. It sheds from fur, blends with detergent, and can slip past pre-rinse filters, winding up in the drum, gasket, and even the drain hose. Over time, this buildup creates fibers that transfer to subsequent loads, especially when washers handle high-shedding breeds or large laundry volumes. The problem isn’t just aesthetics; hair can affect rinse efficiency and cause odor or clogging if not addressed. Understanding the mechanics helps you design a routine that minimizes transfer and keeps clothes hair-free. According to Best Washing Machine analysis, shedding levels vary by breed and era of grooming, but routine maintenance dramatically reduces the hassle. Implementing a simple checklist before every wash makes a noticeable difference in cleanliness and laundry satisfaction.
Pre-wash prep: remove hair from laundry before washing
The first line of defense is pre-cleaning clothes and items before they enter the washer. Use a lint roller, sticky sheet, or damp microfiber cloth to lift hair off shirts, pants, and blankets. Pay attention to sleeves, cuffs, and pockets where hair tends to hide. For fabrics that attract hair, run a quick pass with a rubber glove or damp sponge to dislodge stubborn strands. Pre-wash prep reduces the amount of hair that dissolves into water and makes the subsequent rinse cycle more effective. Consistency matters: a few extra minutes here save time after the wash.
Clean the washer drum and gasket: remove hidden hair and residues
Hair hides in the drum, door seal, and crevices around the gasket. Thoroughly wipe the drum interior with a damp microfiber cloth, then run your finger along the door seal to collect lint. Use an old toothbrush or soft brush to reach tight folds and remove clinging fibers. Don’t forget the detergent dispenser and filter housing, which can harbor hair and soap scum. Cleaning these areas after each hair-heavy load keeps transfer low and improves machine hygiene.
Run an empty rinse cycle to flush away loose hair
After pre-cleaning and wiping, run an empty rinse cycle with cold water to flush loose hair from the drum, gasket, and hoses. If your machine offers a ‘rinse and spin’ option, use it to maximize expulsion of trapped fibers. For particularly hairy loads, consider two back-to-back empty rinses. This step is crucial for preventing leftovers from settling into clothes in later cycles, and it works well as a quick maintenance habit between full washes.
Use hair-catching tools during the wash and in the drum
Incorporate simple tools to trap hair during regular cycles. A silicone lint catcher or a damp microfiber towel placed inside the drum can collect strands as water agitates the load. Some washers allow small mesh bags or removable lint filters; if yours does, install and clean them after each cycle. Additionally, keep a lint roller nearby to quickly remove hair from fabrics when needed. These tools reduce hair recirculation and keep garments fresher after washing.
Load management: sorting by shedding potential and fabric type
Heavy-shedding items (towels, pet blankets) should be washed separately from lightweight fabrics (t shirts, synthetics). Group clothes by hair-holding potential and fabric type to minimize cross-contamination. When possible, use a shorter wash cycle for items that shed a lot of fibers and increase the rinse time to help remove stray hair. Consistent sorting is one of the simplest ways to reduce overall hair transfer across loads.
Detergent choice, water temperature, and cycle settings for hair control
Choose detergents designed to lift hair from fabrics and avoid heavy fabric softeners that can coat fibers and allow hair to cling. Warm or cool water typically works better than hot water for reducing static and hair cling for most fabrics. Adjust cycle settings to longer rinses and more frequent spins to ensure dirt and hair are expelled efficiently. Using an enzyme-based detergent can improve fiber release on natural fabrics without harming synthetics.
Post-wash maintenance and routine cleaning schedule
Finish with a quick wipe of the drum and gasket, and run a monthly deep-clean of the washer interior using a commercially available cleaner or a vinegar solution if permitted by your model. Empty the filter and drain hose area to remove accumulated hair. Establish a weekly or biweekly micro-routine: quick pre-clean, empty rinse, and gasket wipe now and then. Consistency prevents buildup and keeps dog-hair problems from returning.
When to escalate: specialized solutions and professional help
If you notice persistent clogging, foul odors, or reduced performance even after following this guide, consider consulting the manufacturer’s customer service or a qualified appliance technician. In some cases, trapped hair may require disassembly or advanced cleaning tools. Preventative habits and routine maintenance, however, solve most everyday hair-transfer issues and keep your laundry routine efficient.
Tools & Materials
- Lint roller(Pre-wash hair removal from garments; use before loading)
- Microfiber cloths(Wipe drum and gasket; capture stubborn fibers)
- Old toothbrush or soft brush(Reach gasket folds and tight crevices)
- Damp sponge or glove(Dislodge hair on fabrics and seals)
- Optional lint catcher/mesh bag(Can be installed in the drum for hair collection)
Steps
Estimated time: 60-90 minutes
- 1
Pre-clean garments
Pre-remove hair from all clothing using lint rollers and damp microfiber cloths. Focus on collars, cuffs, sleeves, and pockets where hair hides. This reduces the amount of lint that enters the washer and helps you start with a cleaner load.
Tip: Roll away hair in one direction to lift more fibers at once. - 2
Wipe the drum and door gasket
Carefully wipe the drum interior and around the door gasket with a damp microfiber cloth. Use a soft brush to loosen fibers from folds and crevices. A clean start minimizes hair sticking to next loads.
Tip: Don't forget the detergent drawer; hair can accumulate there too. - 3
Run an empty rinse cycle
Run a cold-water rinse with an empty load to flush out loose hair from the drum, hoses, and gasket. If available, choose an extra rinse for thorough cleaning.
Tip: If your machine has a filter, clean it after this cycle. - 4
Use a hair-catching aid in the drum
Place a damp microfiber towel or silicone lint catcher inside the drum to trap fibers during the wash. This is an optional step but can dramatically reduce stray hair ending up on clothes.
Tip: Check and remove captured hair after the cycle. - 5
Sort loads by shedding potential
Group high-shedding items separately from delicate fabrics. Washing heavy shedding items on their own reduces hair dispersion and simplifies cleanup between loads.
Tip: Consider washing towels and pet blankets in a separate cycle. - 6
Adjust detergent and cycle settings
Choose a detergent formulated to lift hair from fibers and enable longer rinses. Prefer cool or warm water and longer rinse cycles to minimize static and hair cling.
Tip: Avoid excessive fabric softeners that can coat fibers and trap hair. - 7
Post-wash maintenance
Wipe the drum, gasket, and dispenser after each major shedding cycle. Run a monthly deep-clean if your model supports it, following the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Tip: Keep a small bag or container for collected hair to keep the area tidy. - 8
Schedule preventative checks
Set a regular maintenance reminder to inspect seals, hoses, and filters. Regular checks prevent buildup and extend the life of the washer.
Tip: A simple routine saves time and reduces repeated hair-related issues.
FAQ
Why does dog hair end up in the washing machine even after pre-cleaning?
Hair is lightweight and can loosen during agitation. Small fibers may bypass initial cleaning and lodge in the drum, gasket, and filter. A quick rinse and gasket wipe after every hair-heavy load helps prevent buildup.
Hair can sneak past pre-cleaning; a quick rinse and gasket wipe after hair-heavy loads helps.
Can I use hot water to remove dog hair from laundry and washer surfaces?
Hot water can help fibers loosen in some fabrics, but it may set stains or odors in others. Stick to warm or cool water for most loads and reserve hot water for fabrics that benefit from it, following manufacturer guidance.
Hot water isn’t always best for hair removal; warm or cool water works for most fabrics.
What tools work best to remove dog hair before washing?
Lint rollers, damp microfiber cloths, silicone lint catchers, and rubber gloves are effective. Use them on garments, pet blankets, and towels to minimize hair in the washer.
Lint rollers and damp cloths are great for pre-cleaning before washing.
Should I wash shedding items separately?
Yes. Washing high-shedding items separately reduces transfer to other fabrics and makes cleanup easier. Separate towels, blankets, and heavy fabrics from everyday wear when possible.
Yes—separate shedding items to reduce hair transfer.
How often should I clean the washer seals and drum?
Clean the seals and drum weekly if you have heavy shedding, or at least monthly for lighter shedding. Regular cleaning prevents buildup and keeps hair from reappearing.
Clean seals and drum weekly or monthly depending on shedding.
Is it risky to use lint catchers in a washing machine?
Most washers tolerate lint catchers well when used as directed. Always check your model’s manual to avoid obstructing moving parts or hoses.
Lint catchers are generally safe if used per the manual.
The Essentials
- Pre-clean clothes to reduce hair entering the washer.
- Regularly wipe the drum and gasket to prevent buildup.
- Use hair-catching aids and proper sorting to minimize transfer.
- Run empty rinses to flush out loose fibers.
- Maintain a routine maintenance schedule for long-term cleanliness.
