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Pet hair comes out of laundry best when you remove as much as possible before washing, loosen the rest in the dryer, and avoid overloading the machines. A lint roller, rubber glove, dryer cycle, and regular detergent can handle most everyday pet hair.
Do not put heavily fur-covered bedding straight into the washer. Wet hair can clump together, stick to fabric, and collect inside the machine.
Remove Loose Hair Before Washing
Start by taking the item outside and shaking it well. This works especially well for pet blankets, sheets, duvet covers, and washable dog-bed covers.
Then use one of these tools:
- A lint roller
- A slightly damp rubber glove
- A rubber pet-hair brush
- A dry microfiber cloth
- A vacuum with an upholstery attachment
Move the tool in one direction so the hair gathers into piles. Remove the piles by hand before continuing.
For large bedding, spread the item flat across the bed or floor. Working on a flat surface is usually easier than trying to clean a hanging sheet.
Use the Dryer Before the Washer
A short dryer cycle can loosen hair before washing.
Place the dry bedding or clothing in the dryer and run an air-only, no-heat, or low-heat cycle for about 10 minutes. Check the care label first. Some waterproof covers, foam-backed items, and delicate fabrics should not go in the dryer.
The tumbling action helps pull loose hair from the fabric. Much of it should collect in the lint filter.
Clean the lint filter as soon as the cycle ends. If the load is very hairy, pause halfway through and clean it again.
Do not add a dryer sheet unless the product label and fabric care instructions allow it. Dryer sheets can leave a coating on some fabrics, including towels and moisture-wicking materials.
Wash Pet-Hairy Laundry Separately
Wash heavily covered pet bedding separately from regular clothes and household sheets.
This keeps fur from moving onto:
- Bath towels
- Fleece pajamas
- Dark clothing
- Baby bedding
- Microfiber cleaning cloths
- Other pet-free laundry
Try not to mix smooth fabrics with fuzzy ones. Fleece, flannel, sherpa, and brushed fabrics can trap loose hair during washing.
Do Not Overload the Washer
Pet hair is harder to remove when bedding is packed tightly into the washer.
Items need space to move through the water. A stuffed drum may leave hair, detergent, and dirt trapped in the folds.
Large comforters and bulky pet beds may be too big for a home washer. Check the washer guide and the item's care label. A large-capacity machine may be needed.
Wash removable pet-bed covers separately from foam inserts. Do not place foam in the washer unless the manufacturer specifically says it is machine washable.
Choose the Right Wash Cycle
Use the wash cycle listed on the care tag. A normal or bedding cycle is often suitable for washable sheets, blankets, and covers, but fabric instructions come first.
An extra-rinse option can help carry away loosened fur and detergent. It is especially useful for thick blankets and large loads.
Use the recommended amount of regular laundry detergent. Adding too much detergent does not remove more hair. Excess soap may leave residue that makes fabric feel coated and holds onto lint.
Avoid using very hot water unless the care label allows it. Heat can shrink certain fabrics, damage waterproof layers, or set stains.
Can Vinegar Help Remove Pet Hair?
White vinegar may help reduce static and loosen some hair during the rinse cycle, but it is not a complete pet-hair remover.
Before using it, check the washer manufacturer's guidance and the item's care label. Vinegar should not be mixed with chlorine bleach. Avoid pouring it directly onto fabric.
If your machine instructions allow vinegar, place a small amount in the fabric-softener dispenser rather than adding it directly to the load.
Vinegar is optional. Shaking, brushing, dryer tumbling, and leaving enough room in the washer usually make a bigger difference.
Does Fabric Softener Remove Pet Hair?
Liquid fabric softener may reduce static on some fabrics, which can make hair easier to release. However, it is not suitable for every load.
Fabric softener can affect the absorbency or finish of:
- Towels
- Microfiber cloths
- Athletic fabrics
- Some waterproof mattress protectors
- Some pet-bed covers
Always check the care label and product instructions first.
Dry the Laundry Thoroughly
After washing, shake each item before moving it to the dryer. This opens folded fabric and releases hair that may still be trapped.
Dry according to the care label. Dryer tumbling often removes more hair than washing alone.
Clean the lint filter before starting and again after the cycle. For very furry loads, check it during drying as well.
Remove the laundry soon after the dryer stops. Letting items sit in a pile can increase wrinkles and allow loose hair to settle back onto the fabric.
Learn how to remove pet hair from blankets in a washing machine with pre-wash removal, proper load size, suitable additives, drying, and washer maintenance.
Air-dried bedding may still hold some fur because it does not get the tumbling action of a dryer. Shake it well outside before hanging, then use a lint roller after it dries if needed.
Clean the Washer After Hairy Loads
Pet hair can remain inside the washer and transfer to the next load.
After washing heavily covered items:
- Remove any visible clumps from the drum and door seal.
- Wipe the inside with a damp cloth.
- Check the detergent drawer and filter if your washer manual recommends it.
- Run the machine's cleaning cycle when needed.
- Leave the door or lid open so the inside can dry.
Front-loading washers often collect hair around the rubber door gasket. Top-loading machines may collect it around the drum rim or agitator.
Follow the washer manual before opening or cleaning filters.
Clean the Dryer Too
Pet hair can build up around the dryer door, lint screen, and drum.
After drying pet bedding:
- Empty the lint filter.
- Wipe the door and drum.
- Vacuum the lint-screen area when the dryer is cool and unplugged, if the manual allows it.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions for vent cleaning.
A lint filter should be cleaned after every load. A blocked filter can reduce airflow and increase drying time.
Best Tools for Pet Hair on Laundry
You do not need many special products. A few simple tools usually work well.
Lint Roller
Best for clothing, pillowcases, and small areas. It can be slow on large blankets.
Rubber Glove
Lightly dampen the glove and sweep your hand across the fabric. Hair often rolls into easy-to-remove clumps.
Upholstery Vacuum
Useful for comforters, pet-bed covers, sofas, and thick blankets. Use gentle suction on delicate fabric.
Rubber Hair Brush
Helpful for short pet hair that works into tightly woven fabric.
Dryer Balls
Dryer balls may help separate laundry and reduce static during drying. Check that they are suitable for your dryer and fabrics. They will not replace pre-cleaning when a blanket is heavily covered in fur.
Fabrics That Hold Pet Hair
Some materials are harder to clean because hair catches in their raised surface.
Common hair-trapping fabrics include:
- Fleece
- Flannel
- Sherpa
- Velvet
- Chenille
- Brushed microfiber
- Loose knits
Smooth, tightly woven fabrics are usually easier to brush and wash. Cotton percale, smooth microfiber, and tightly woven synthetic blends may release hair more easily, although results depend on the fabric finish and the type of pet hair.
Percale is a crisp, closely woven fabric often used for sheets. Its smooth surface tends to trap less hair than fuzzy bedding.
How to Keep Pet Hair Off Clean Laundry
Reducing buildup is easier than removing a thick layer later.
Wash pet blankets regularly before they become heavily covered. Use a washable throw over the area where your pet sleeps. Brush pets as appropriate for their coat and grooming needs.
Store clean sheets and towels in a closed cabinet or drawer. Do not place freshly washed laundry on a sofa, carpet, or bed where pets rest.
A removable duvet cover is also easier to wash than a whole comforter. In pet-friendly bedrooms, a smooth cover can protect the thicker insert underneath.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not wash large clumps of pet hair into the machine. Remove them first.
Do not overload the washer or dryer. Bedding needs room to move.
Do not use extra detergent to fight fur. It may leave residue.
Do not use high heat without checking the care label. Waterproof backing and synthetic fabrics can be damaged.
Do not mix chlorine bleach with vinegar, ammonia, or other household cleaners.
Do not assume every pet bed is fully washable. Many have washable covers but non-washable inner foam.
A Simple Pet-Hair Laundry Routine
For most washable pet bedding, use this order:
- Shake the item outside.
- Vacuum, brush, or lint-roll visible hair.
- Tumble it briefly on air-only or low heat if allowed.
- Clean the lint filter.
- Wash it separately without overloading the drum.
- Use the recommended detergent amount.
- Add an extra rinse if helpful.
- Shake the item before drying.
- Dry according to the care label.
- Clean the washer, dryer, and lint filter afterward.
This routine works for sheets, pillow covers, washable throws, duvet covers, and removable pet-bed covers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to get pet hair out of laundry?
Shake the item outside, brush or vacuum it, then tumble it in the dryer on an air-only or low-heat setting before washing. Check the care label first. The dryer can loosen hair and collect it in the lint filter.
Can I put pet-hairy clothes straight into the washing machine?
You can, but it is better to remove loose hair first. Wet pet hair can clump, stick to fabric, and remain inside the washer.
Does vinegar dissolve pet hair?
No. Vinegar does not dissolve pet hair. It may reduce static and help some hair release during rinsing, but physical removal and dryer tumbling usually matter more.
Do dryer sheets remove pet hair?
Dryer sheets may reduce static, which can help loosen hair. They are not suitable for all fabrics and may leave a coating on towels, microfiber, and some performance materials. Check the care label.
Why is there still pet hair on my laundry after washing?
The washer may have been overloaded, the fabric may have a fuzzy surface, or too much loose hair may have entered the machine. Remove hair before washing and use the dryer afterward when the care label allows it.
How do I keep pet hair from spreading to other laundry?
Wash pet bedding separately, clean the washer after furry loads, empty the dryer lint filter, and keep clean laundry away from pet sleeping areas.
What bedding fabric is easiest to clean when you have pets?
Smooth, tightly woven fabrics are generally easier to brush and wash than fleece, sherpa, flannel, or velvet. Check the product listing and care label for washing and drying instructions.
Should I clean my washer after washing pet bedding?
Yes, especially after a heavily covered load. Remove visible hair, wipe the drum and door seal, and follow the washer manual for cleaning cycles and filter care.
does vinegar dissolve pet hair. what can i use for dryer sheets if i dont have any. laundry sanitizers really work.
