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The best way to remove pet hair from bedding is to take off as much loose hair as possible while the bedding is dry, then wash it, then dry it according to the care label. Do not rely on the washing machine alone. Wet pet hair can cling to fabric, collect in folds, and leave more cleanup inside the washer.
For most sheets, duvet covers, comforters, and washable blankets, this simple order works well:
- Shake the bedding outdoors or in an easy-to-clean area.
- Use a lint roller, rubber pet-hair tool, or vacuum upholstery attachment.
- For dryer-safe bedding with heavy hair, consider a short air-only or no-heat tumble before washing.
- Clean the lint screen.
- Wash according to the care label without overloading the machine.
- Dry as directed and clean the lint screen again.
Lint rollers are a standard option for removing stubborn surface debris, and appliance guidance also recommends removing excess pet hair before washing heavily fur-covered blankets. Whirlpool
The Best Method Step by Step
1. Remove the bedding without spreading hair everywhere
Start at one corner and fold or roll the bedding inward. This helps keep loose fur inside the bundle instead of shaking it across the bedroom.
For a pet-friendly home, avoid snapping a furry comforter in the air beside the bed. That often moves the cleanup job to the floor, curtains, and nearby clothes.
Take the bedding:
- outdoors, if practical
- to a balcony where shaking fabrics is allowed
- into a laundry room with an easy-to-clean floor
- over a bathtub or other contained area
Check rental, dorm, or building rules before shaking bedding from a window or balcony.
2. Shake off loose hair
A firm shake can remove fur that is sitting on top of the fabric. It will not remove hair woven into fleece, flannel, or textured blankets, but it reduces the amount that goes into your washer.
This step is especially useful for:
- flat sheets
- smooth duvet covers
- lightweight coverlets
- pet blankets
- removable bed throws
A coverlet is a lightweight bed covering that is usually thinner than a comforter.
3. Use a dry removal tool
For most households, this is the step that makes the biggest practical difference.
Choose the tool based on the fabric.
| Bedding surface | Good first choice | What to watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Smooth cotton sheets | Lint roller | Large beds may use many sticky sheets |
| Duvet cover | Rubber pet-hair tool | Test delicate fabric first |
| Fleece blanket | Rubber tool or vacuum | Hair can sit deep in the texture |
| Quilted comforter | Vacuum upholstery attachment | Use gentle suction on loose stitching |
| Pet blanket | Lint roller or rubber tool | Clean both sides |
| Delicate bedding | Gentle lint roller | Avoid aggressive scraping |
| Waterproof protector | Soft damp rubber glove | Check care instructions before using tools |
Maytag’s current guidance for dog blankets lists methods such as a lint roller and removing excess hair before the wash step. Maytag
Lint roller
A lint roller is simple and controlled. It works well for small areas, pillowcases, and the part of the bed where a cat or dog usually sleeps.
Use overlapping passes rather than rolling randomly. Work from one end of the bedding to the other.
Rubber pet-hair tool
A rubber squeegee-style tool or reusable rubber brush can gather hair into small piles. Pick up those piles by hand or with a vacuum.
Use light pressure first. Some fabrics can snag, stretch, or pill when rubbed too hard.
Vacuum with an upholstery attachment
A vacuum is practical for a large comforter or blanket with heavy shedding. Spread the bedding flat and work slowly.
Avoid dragging a spinning brush over:
- loose embroidery
- tassels
- fringe
- open knits
- damaged seams
- delicate quilting
Check the vacuum maker’s guidance for the attachment you are using.
Slightly damp rubber glove
For a small patch of stubborn hair, put on a clean rubber household glove and make short strokes across the fabric. A very slight amount of dampness can help gather loose hair into clumps.
Do not soak the bedding. The goal is surface pickup, not wet cleaning.
Should You Put Hairy Bedding in the Dryer Before Washing?
Sometimes. For dryer-safe bedding, a short air-only or no-heat tumble can help move loose hair off the fabric before washing. Maytag includes a dry-wash-dry approach in its pet-hair laundry guidance and advises checking the bedding care tag. Maytag
This can be useful for:
- heavily furred sheets
- washable pet blankets
- sturdy duvet covers
- everyday cotton bedding
A beginner-friendly approach is:
- Check the care label.
- Put only dryer-safe items in the dryer.
- Choose air-only or no heat when suitable for the item and machine.
- Run a short tumble.
- Remove the bedding.
- Clean the lint screen.
- Wash the bedding.
Do not use this method automatically for every item. Skip it when the care label does not allow tumble drying or when the item contains materials that need special handling.
Examples include some:
- foam-filled pet beds
- waterproof layers
- heated bedding
- weighted blankets
- delicate trims
- coated fabrics
- specialty mattress protectors
Always follow the current care label and manufacturer guidance.
How to Wash Pet-Hair-Covered Bedding
Check the care label first
Before washing, check:
- allowed water temperature
- normal or gentle cycle
- bleach restrictions
- drying method
- heat limits
- whether the item can be machine washed at all
This matters for ordinary bedding and even more for mattress protectors, waterproof covers, heated blankets, foam-filled items, and oversized comforters.
Do not overload the washer
Bedding needs room to move.
A tightly packed comforter may fold into a heavy bundle. Sheets may wrap around it. Hair and detergent can remain trapped in creases.
If a king-size item barely fits into the drum when dry, check your washer guidance before forcing it in. A larger machine may be needed for bulky bedding.
Separate very hairy bedding when practical
A dog blanket covered in fur is not the best wash partner for dark work clothes or a load of small towels.
Consider washing heavily furred items separately from:
- lint-attracting clothes
- delicate garments
- uniforms
- small items that can become trapped inside sheets
This is especially helpful during seasonal shedding.
Use the correct detergent amount
More detergent is not automatically better.
Too much can be difficult to rinse from a bulky load. Follow the detergent directions and your washer guidance, especially for high-efficiency machines.
Consider an extra rinse for a heavy-hair load
If pet hair or lint remains after washing, follow the machine instructions for an additional rinse and clean the washer as directed.
An extra rinse can be a reasonable choice when:
- the load began with a lot of fur
- the bedding is bulky
- visible debris remains
- your machine guidance recommends it
Check your washer controls and owner’s manual.
Should You Add Vinegar?
Do not treat vinegar as a universal pet-hair fix.
Some appliance guidance discusses vinegar for particular cleaning routines, but it also says to check the owner’s manual first because machine guidance varies. Maytag
That is the practical rule: do not pour vinegar, homemade mixtures, or extra laundry additives into the washer just because a social media tip recommends it.
Check:
- the washer manual
- the bedding care label
- detergent directions
- instructions for any waterproof or coated layer
The same caution applies to bleach, fabric softener, scent boosters, and other additives.
Drying Bedding After Washing
Dry according to the care label.
For tumble-dry-safe bedding
Use the allowed heat setting. Bulky bedding may need to be repositioned during drying so damp folds are exposed.
Clean the lint screen as directed by the dryer manufacturer. Pet hair can collect with lint, and good airflow matters for dryer performance. Whirlpool’s current dryer guidance notes that pet hair is one factor that can affect lint and vent maintenance needs. Whirlpool Product Help
Check weave, static, brushing, vacuuming, washing, dryer aids, air filtration, embedded hair, and limits.
For air-dry bedding
Shake the item before hanging it. Smooth out folded areas and give thick sections room to dry.
A small bedroom can make air-drying bulky bedding awkward. A duvet cover is much easier to hang than a thick comforter, which is one reason removable covers can be practical in pet-friendly homes.
What Works Best for Different Types of Bedding?
Sheets
For sheets, use:
- shake
- lint roller or rubber tool
- wash
- dry as directed
Smooth sheets are usually easier to clear than deep-textured blankets.
Pay extra attention to the fitted sheet. Hair often gathers around:
- the foot of the bed
- mattress edges
- elastic corners
- the pet’s usual sleeping spot
Duvet covers
A removable duvet cover is useful in a pet-friendly bedroom because you can clean the outer layer without washing the entire duvet insert every time.
A duvet insert is the thick inner layer that goes inside the removable cover.
Before washing:
- remove surface hair
- close buttons or zippers as directed
- check whether the cover should be turned inside out
- follow its care label
Comforters
Comforters are bulky, so start with dry hair removal.
Vacuuming the surface may be faster than covering a large comforter with sticky lint-roller sheets. Then check whether your washer has enough room for the item to move.
Do not force a thick comforter into a small washer.
Fleece blankets
Fleece can hold stubborn fur in its texture. A rubber hair-removal tool often makes more sense than repeated washing.
Work in small areas and gather the hair into piles before laundering.
Also watch for pilling. Aggressive scraping can make a fuzzy surface look worn.
Flannel bedding
Flannel has a brushed surface that can catch hair. Remove fur while dry before washing.
Use a gentle tool and avoid harsh rubbing.
Mattress protectors
Treat these carefully. Waterproof protectors may have coatings or membranes with specific care rules.
Remove loose hair with a gentle method, then follow the current care label. Do not assume that high heat, bleach, fabric softener, or a homemade additive is suitable.
Weighted blankets
Check the product instructions before washing or drying. Weight, fill material, construction, and machine limits vary.
A removable cover can make routine pet-hair cleanup easier.
Pet blankets used on the human bed
These are good candidates for regular dry hair removal.
A small washable throw can protect the spot where a pet normally sleeps. It is often easier to clean one throw than a full comforter.
Best Method for Heavy Shedding
When the bed is covered in fur, use more than one dry-removal step.
Try this order:
- Roll the bedding inward and take it to a cleaning area.
- Shake it.
- Vacuum the largest concentration of hair.
- Use a rubber tool on stubborn patches.
- Use a lint roller for the last visible strands.
- Pre-tumble only if the care label permits.
- Clean the lint screen.
- Wash without overloading.
- Use an extra rinse when suitable.
- Dry according to the label.
- Clean the appliance areas that collected hair.
This is more work than tossing everything straight into the washer, but it reduces the amount of loose fur entering the laundry process.
How to Keep Pet Hair From Building Up on Bedding
You do not need a perfect pet-free bed. A few simple habits can make laundry day easier.
Put a washable throw on the pet’s favorite spot
This works well when a dog sleeps at the foot of the bed or a cat uses one corner.
Choose a throw that:
- fits in your washer
- has a clear care label
- dries in a practical way for your home
- does not have delicate fringe if your pet catches claws in fabric
Clean small areas between full washes
A lint roller beside the bed can handle fresh hair before it becomes a thick layer.
This is useful in:
- guest rooms
- kids’ rooms
- small apartments
- RV bedrooms
- dorm-style spaces where pets are permitted
- homes with shared laundry facilities
Wash removable covers more often than bulky inserts
Where the product design allows it, a washable duvet cover or removable pet-bed cover can simplify routine cleanup.
Always check the actual product instructions.
Keep hair-removal tools near the bedroom
A tool is more likely to be used when it is easy to reach.
A small basket can hold:
- lint roller
- reusable hair brush
- spare roller sheets
- laundry bag
In a small bedroom, store it under the bed only if the area stays dry and the tools remain clean.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Washing a thick layer of hair without pre-cleaning
The washer is not a substitute for removing a heavy blanket of loose fur first.
Overloading the machine
A packed drum can make bulky bedding hard to wash and rinse well.
Using high heat without checking the label
Some fabrics, fills, elastic parts, and waterproof layers need lower heat or another drying method.
Scraping delicate fabric too hard
A rough tool can snag threads or change the surface of soft bedding.
Forgetting the lint screen
Pre-tumbling furry bedding can move a noticeable amount of debris to the dryer’s lint collection system. Check and clean it according to the appliance instructions. Maytag
Ignoring hair inside the washer
Pet hair can collect around doors, seals, and other areas. Whirlpool currently advises cleaning pet hair and residue from the interior door area on relevant front-load machines. Product Help | Whirlpool
Follow your washer manual for accessible filters, seals, cleaning cycles, and maintenance.
Reaching for random laundry additives
Check the care label and appliance manual first. A tip that works for one washer or fabric may not suit another.
The Easiest Beginner-Friendly Choice
For most pet owners, keep it simple:
Use a lint roller or reusable rubber hair tool before washing. For heavy shedding, add a vacuum step. Use a short no-heat pre-tumble only when the care label and appliance guidance allow it. Then wash without overloading the machine and dry according to the label.
You do not need a complicated collection of gadgets. The biggest improvement usually comes from changing the order of the job: remove dry hair first, launder second.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to remove pet hair before or after washing bedding?
Before washing is usually the better first step. Remove as much loose hair as you reasonably can while the bedding is dry. Then wash it. After drying, use a lint roller for any remaining strands.
Can I put bedding covered in pet hair straight into the washing machine?
You can wash bedding according to its care label, but heavily fur-covered bedding is better pre-cleaned first. Shake it, use a lint roller, vacuum it, or use another fabric-safe hair-removal tool. This reduces the amount of loose hair going into the washer.
Does a dryer remove pet hair from bedding?
A dryer can help move loose hair away from dryer-safe fabric. For heavily furred items, some appliance guidance recommends a pre-wash tumble approach. Always check the care label first, use an appropriate cycle, and clean the lint screen afterward. Maytag
What is the best pet-hair remover for bed sheets?
A lint roller is a simple choice for smooth sheets and small areas. For a whole bed, a reusable rubber tool may be more practical. A vacuum upholstery attachment can help when there is a large amount of hair.
How do I remove pet hair from a fleece blanket?
Work on the dry blanket first. Shake it, then use a rubber pet-hair tool in short strokes. Gather the fur into piles and pick it up or vacuum it. Use gentle pressure because aggressive rubbing can wear the surface.
Should I use fabric softener to remove pet hair?
Do not assume fabric softener is suitable for every item. Check the bedding care label, the product directions, and your washer guidance. Some waterproof, coated, or specialty bedding may have specific restrictions.
How often should I wash bedding when a pet sleeps on the bed?
There is no single schedule that fits every home. It depends on shedding, dirt, odors, accidents, fabric type, and how much of the bed the pet uses. A washable throw on the pet’s favorite spot can make between-wash cleanup easier. Follow the bedding care label and avoid washing an item more aggressively than its construction allows.
How do I stop pet hair from clogging up laundry equipment?
Remove heavy surface hair before washing, avoid overloading, clean the dryer lint screen as directed, and inspect accessible washer areas according to the owner’s manual. Pet hair can collect around some washer door areas and contribute to laundry-equipment cleanup needs. Whirlpool Product Help
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