How to Remove Pet Hair from Clothes in the Wash

Cat and dog hair clings to clothes like it was designed to. If you have pets, you know the struggle — lint rollers can only do so much before laundry day. Here's how to remove pet hair from clothes before, during, and after the washing cycle.

Before Washing: Pre-Treat the Hair

• Tumble in the dryer first (10 minutes, no heat). This is the single best trick — the tumbling action loosens pet hair, and it collects in the lint trap before you even wash. Empty the lint trap afterward.
• Lint roller. Quick pass over heavily covered items before tossing them in the wash.
• Rubber gloves. Dampen a pair of rubber dishwashing gloves and run your hands over the fabric. The friction grabs pet hair effectively.
• Damp sponge. Similar to the glove trick — wipe down garments with a damp sponge to collect hair.

During Washing: Add These to the Load

• White vinegar. Add 1/2 cup to the rinse cycle. Vinegar loosens pet hair from fabric fibers and prevents static cling.
• Dryer sheets in the wash. Toss a dryer sheet into the washer with the load. It reduces static and helps release hair.
• Wool dryer balls. Some people add them to the wash cycle too — they agitate fabric and help release hair.
• Don't overload. Pet hair needs room to release from fabric during agitation. Leave extra space in the drum.

After Washing: The Dryer Does the Heavy Lifting

• Use dryer sheets. They reduce static, which is what makes pet hair cling.
• Use wool dryer balls. 3-4 dryer balls tumble through the load, physically knocking hair loose.
• Clean the lint trap halfway through. Pet-heavy loads fill the lint trap fast. A clogged trap reduces airflow and traps hair on your clothes instead of catching it.
• Run an extra dryer cycle if needed. Sometimes one pass isn't enough for heavy shedders.

At a laundromat, the large commercial dryers are especially effective at removing pet hair thanks to their higher airflow and tumbling action.