As an affiliate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. We get commissions for purchases made through links on this website from Amazon and other third parties.
Yes, putting a blanket in the dryer can remove a lot of loose dog hair. The tumbling action helps lift hair from the fabric, while the lint filter catches some of it. However, the dryer may not remove hair that is deeply woven into fleece, sherpa, or other textured blankets.
The Best Way to Remove Dog Hair in the Dryer
For a washable blanket, try a short dryer cycle before washing it.
- Shake the blanket outside to remove loose hair.
- Put it in the dryer by itself.
- Choose an air-only, no-heat, or low-heat setting.
- Run the dryer for about 10 minutes.
- Remove the blanket and clean the lint filter.
- Wash and dry the blanket according to its care label.
The first dryer cycle loosens dry hair before water causes it to cling more firmly to the blanket.
Always check the care label first. Some blankets should not be tumble-dried, even without heat.
Why the Dryer Helps
Dog hair often sticks to blankets because of friction and static electricity. As the blanket tumbles, the fabric bends and moves. This releases some of the hair.
The dryer’s airflow then moves loose hair toward the lint filter. Some hair may also collect around the dryer drum or near the door seal, so check those areas after the cycle.
A dryer works best for:
- Loose surface hair
- Short dog hair
- Smooth cotton or microfiber blankets
- Blankets that are cleaned often
- Light shedding between full washes
It may be less effective on hair that has been pressed deeply into thick or fuzzy fabric.
Should You Dry the Blanket Before or After Washing?
A short dryer cycle before washing is often more useful for heavy dog hair.
Wet dog hair may clump together and stick to fabric. It can also collect inside the washing machine. Removing as much dry hair as possible first helps reduce the amount that reaches the washer.
After washing, dry the blanket as directed on the care label. Clean the lint filter partway through the drying cycle when the blanket sheds a lot of hair.
Do not use high heat unless the label allows it. High heat can shrink some blankets, damage waterproof layers, or affect certain synthetic fabrics.
What Dryer Setting Should You Use?
Use an air-only, no-heat, or low-heat setting for the first hair-removal cycle.
Air-only is a good starting point because it tumbles the blanket without adding heat. Low heat may be suitable when the care label allows tumble drying.
Avoid guessing with blankets made from:
- Wool
- Electric or heated blanket materials
- Weighted blanket inserts
- Faux fur
- Waterproof-backed fabric
- Delicate knits
- Blankets with glued decorations
Check the current manufacturer instructions for these items. Some may need air-drying or professional cleaning.
Will Dryer Sheets Remove More Dog Hair?
A dryer sheet may reduce static, which can make some hair easier to release. However, it is not required.
Dryer sheets can leave a coating on fabric. This may affect absorbent blankets, waterproof materials, or items used around pets that are sensitive to fragrance. Check the blanket’s care instructions and the dryer-sheet label before using one.
Wool dryer balls may help move the blanket around, but they do not guarantee complete hair removal. They can also make noise when used with a small load.
Other Ways to Remove Hair Before Drying
Removing surface hair first makes the dryer more effective.
Shake the blanket outside
Take the blanket outdoors and shake it firmly. This is especially helpful for a dog blanket, couch throw, or pet bed cover.
Use a rubber glove
Put on a clean rubber cleaning glove and lightly dampen it. Move your hand across the blanket in one direction. Hair often gathers into easy-to-pick-up clumps.
Use a lint roller
A lint roller works well for small areas and smooth fabrics. It may take many sheets for a large blanket.
Yes, putting a blanket in the dryer can remove a lot of loose dog hair; use this blanket buying guide to compare material, warmth, weight, size, construction, care, durability, budget, and fit for your room and sleep style.
Vacuum the blanket
Use an upholstery attachment on a low or moderate setting. Avoid pulling at loose threads, tassels, or delicate fabric.
Use a pet-hair brush
Reusable fabric brushes can lift hair from blankets without creating as much waste as disposable lint rollers. Test the brush on a hidden area first.
How to Wash a Hair-Covered Blanket
Check the care label before washing, drying, bleaching, ironing, or using heat.
Wash the blanket separately when it has a large amount of dog hair. This keeps hair from moving onto sheets, clothes, and towels.
Do not pack the washer too tightly. A blanket needs room to move so water and detergent can reach the fabric. Large comforters and thick pet blankets may need a larger machine than the one at home.
Use the amount of detergent recommended for the load. Adding extra detergent does not remove more hair and may leave residue behind.
After the wash:
- Remove visible hair from the drum.
- Check the rubber door seal on a front-loading washer.
- Run the washer’s cleaning cycle when needed.
- Follow the machine manufacturer’s cleaning guidance.
Clean the Dryer Afterward
Dog hair can collect in more places than the lint filter.
After drying the blanket:
- Clean the lint filter.
- Wipe loose hair from the dryer drum.
- Check around the door and seal.
- Look for hair on the floor near the dryer.
- Follow the dryer manufacturer’s guidance for vent cleaning.
Do not run the dryer with a clogged lint filter. Good airflow helps the dryer work properly.
Why Some Blankets Hold More Dog Hair
Fabric texture makes a big difference.
Smooth, tightly woven blankets usually release hair more easily. Cotton quilts, smooth microfiber, and flat-woven throws may be simpler to clean than fuzzy fabrics.
Fleece, sherpa, chenille, faux fur, and loose knits can trap hair between fibers. A dryer may loosen some of it, but brushing or vacuuming is often still needed.
For a pet-friendly home, consider blankets that are:
- Machine washable
- Safe for tumble drying
- Smooth rather than deeply textured
- Sized to fit comfortably in your washer
- Easy to shake out between washes
Check the current product listing and care instructions before buying.
Tips for Keeping Dog Hair Under Control
Place a dedicated washable throw where your dog usually rests. It is easier to wash one small blanket than a full comforter or duvet cover.
For shared beds, place the pet blanket over the foot or side of the bed. Shake it out often and wash it before hair builds up deeply.
Keep a lint brush near the bedroom or sofa for quick cleanup. Regular brushing of the blanket usually works better than waiting until it is heavily covered.
For guest rooms, remove the pet blanket and clean the bedding several days before guests arrive. This gives you time for another wash if hair remains.
When the Dryer Is Not Enough
The dryer may not remove all dog hair when:
- The blanket is thick or heavily textured.
- Hair has been pressed into the fabric for a long time.
- The dog has fine undercoat hair.
- Static is high.
- The dryer is packed too full.
- The blanket cannot tumble freely.
In these cases, use a rubber glove, pet-hair brush, lint roller, or vacuum before washing. You may need to repeat the process for heavily covered blankets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a dry blanket in the dryer just to remove dog hair?
Yes, when the care label allows tumble drying. Use an air-only, no-heat, or low-heat setting for about 10 minutes, then clean the lint filter.
Should I remove dog hair before washing a blanket?
Yes. Shaking, brushing, vacuuming, or briefly tumble-drying the blanket can keep some hair out of the washing machine.
Does dryer heat kill or dissolve dog hair?
No. Heat does not dissolve dog hair. The tumbling motion and airflow are what help loosen and collect it.
Can dog hair clog a dryer?
Large amounts of hair can collect in the lint filter, drum, door area, or vent system. Clean the lint filter after each pet-hair load and follow the dryer manufacturer’s vent-cleaning guidance.
Can I use a dryer sheet on a dog blanket?
Possibly, but check the blanket and dryer-sheet labels. Dryer sheets may reduce static, but they can leave residue or fragrance on fabric.
What blanket fabric is easiest to clean when you have a dog?
Smooth, tightly woven, machine-washable fabrics are usually easier to clean than fleece, sherpa, faux fur, and loose knits. Always check the product’s care instructions.
Why is there still dog hair on the blanket after washing and drying?
Some hair becomes trapped deep in textured fabric. Brushing or vacuuming the blanket before washing can remove hair that the washer and dryer leave behind.
get rid of pet hair on blankets. does vinegar dissolve pet hair. best pet hair removers for bedding roundup.
