How to Remove Pet Hair from Clothes – Before, During, and After Washing

Pet hair on clothes is frustrating because it does not always come out in a normal wash. In fact, if you skip the pre-wash step, pet hair can spread through the washer and cling to other items in the load.

At The Dutchman’s Laundry in Clarksville, TN, we regularly help customers with pet hair, towels, bedding, blankets, work clothes, uniforms, and everyday laundry. This guide explains how to remove pet hair from clothes before washing, during washing, and after drying.

Why Pet Hair Sticks to Clothes

Pet hair clings to clothing because of static, fabric texture, and the structure of the hair itself. Dog hair and cat hair can hook into fibers, especially on fleece, towels, blankets, leggings, dark clothing, and synthetic fabrics.

The washer alone may not remove all pet hair. If too much hair goes into the washer, it can redeposit onto other clothes. That is why the pre-wash step matters.

Step 1: Remove Loose Pet Hair Before Washing

Before putting clothes into the washer, remove as much loose hair as possible. This helps prevent pet hair from spreading through the load.

• Use a lint roller: Roll it over the clothing before washing.
• Use a lint brush: Brush in one direction to lift hair from the fabric.
• Use a damp rubber glove: Wipe the fabric downward to gather hair into clumps.
• Shake clothes outside: Remove loose hair before adding items to the washer.
• Use a damp microfiber cloth: Wipe the surface before washing.

This step is especially important for black clothes, fleece, towels, pet blankets, and bedding.

Step 2: Use the Dryer Before Washing for Hairy Items

For very hairy clothes, blankets, or pet bedding, run the items in the dryer for about 10 minutes on no heat or low heat before washing. The tumbling action can loosen hair and move it into the lint trap.

1. Place hairy items in the dryer.
2. Use no heat or low heat.
3. Run for about 10 minutes.
4. Remove the items and shake them out.
5. Clean the lint trap before starting the wash.

Do not use high heat on delicate items or clothing that may shrink. Always check the care label first.

Step 3: Wash Pet Hair-Heavy Items Separately

Do not wash very hairy items with your regular laundry. Pet hair can transfer from blankets, towels, fleece, and pet bedding onto cleaner clothes.

Separate these items before washing:

• Pet blankets
• Dog towels
• Cat bedding
• Fleece jackets
• Dark clothing with visible hair
• Pet owner work clothes
• Blankets and comforters used by pets

For pet blankets, comforters, and oversized bedding, use our bulky items laundry service.

Step 4: Do Not Overload the Washer

Overloading the washer makes pet hair worse because clothes cannot move freely. Hair, detergent, and water need space to circulate and rinse away.

If the washer is too full, pet hair may redeposit on the fabric instead of washing out. Use a larger washer or split the load into smaller batches.

If you want to wash the load yourself, visit our self-service laundromat in Clarksville.

Step 5: Add White Vinegar to Help Reduce Static

White vinegar can help relax fabric fibers and reduce static, which may help pet hair release more easily during the rinse cycle.

• Add about 1/2 cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle.
• Use it only if the garment care label allows it.
• Do not mix vinegar with bleach or harsh chemicals.
• Rinse thoroughly after washing.

Vinegar is not a magic pet hair remover, but it can support the washing process when used correctly.

Step 6: Use Dryer Balls or Dryer Sheets Carefully

Wool dryer balls can help create movement in the dryer, which may loosen pet hair from fabric so it collects in the lint trap. Dryer sheets can reduce static, but they may not be ideal for every fabric.

• Use wool dryer balls to help loosen hair.
• Clean the lint trap before and after drying.
• Do not overload the dryer.
• Use low or appropriate heat based on the care label.

If you use dryer sheets, avoid using too many because residue can build up on fabrics over time.

How to Remove Pet Hair After Clothes Come Out of the Dryer

If pet hair is still clinging after washing and drying, do not worry. You can still remove a lot of it with the right tools.

• Use a lint roller on dry clothing.
• Use a lint brush for heavier fabric.
• Use a slightly damp rubber glove and wipe downward.
• Use a clothes steamer to relax fibers before brushing.
• Repeat a low/no-heat dryer cycle with dryer balls if the care label allows it.

For black clothes, remove pet hair after drying and before storing, because dark fabric shows hair more clearly.

How to Keep Pet Hair Out of Future Laundry Loads

The best way to reduce pet hair in laundry is to control it before it reaches the washer.

• Brush pets regularly to reduce shedding.
• Wash pet bedding separately.
• Keep a lint roller near the door or laundry basket.
• Shake pet blankets outside before washing.
• Vacuum furniture and pet sleeping areas often.
• Clean the washer and dryer regularly.
• Clean the lint trap before and after each dryer cycle.

Pet Hair on Blankets, Bedding, and Comforters

Pet hair can be especially stubborn on blankets, comforters, quilts, and bedding because these items have more surface area and often collect hair over time.

Before washing, shake the item outside and run it through a no-heat dryer cycle if the care label allows it. Then wash it in a machine large enough for the item to move freely.

For oversized pet-hair-heavy bedding, use our bulky items laundry service in Clarksville.

For more bedding help, read our guide on how to wash big blankets and comforters.

Pickup and Delivery for Pet Hair Laundry

If you have large laundry loads with pet hair, towels, bedding, blankets, or family laundry, pickup and delivery can save time.

Our laundry pickup and delivery service in Clarksville is a convenient option for busy households and pet owners.

Need Help With Pet Hair Laundry in Clarksville?

The Dutchman’s Laundry helps Clarksville customers with pet hair-heavy laundry, everyday clothes, towels, bedding, blankets, comforters, and family laundry loads.

Use our drop-off laundry service if you want our team to wash, dry, and fold it for you.

If you prefer to handle the load yourself, visit our self-service laundromat in Clarksville.

Related Laundry Guides

For more laundry and fabric-care help, read these related guides:

• How to wash big blankets and comforters
• How to wash pillows and how often you should do it
• How to do laundry without damaging your clothes
• How to choose a detergent
• Laundry tips blog

Key Takeaways

• Pet hair sticks to clothes because of static and fabric texture.
• Remove loose pet hair before washing to prevent it from spreading through the load.
• A short no-heat or low-heat dryer cycle before washing can help loosen hair.
• Wash pet hair-heavy items separately from regular clothes.
• Do not overload the washer or dryer.
• White vinegar, dryer balls, lint rollers, and lint brushes can help when used correctly.
• The Dutchman’s Laundry in Clarksville can help with pet hair-heavy laundry, bedding, blankets, drop-off laundry, bulky items, and pickup/delivery.

FAQs: Removing Pet Hair From Clothes

Q. What removes pet hair from clothes the fastest?

A. A lint roller is usually the fastest option. If you do not have one, use a slightly damp rubber glove or microfiber cloth and wipe in one direction to gather the hair.

Q. Should I remove pet hair before washing clothes?

A. Yes. Removing loose pet hair before washing helps prevent hair from spreading to other items in the washer.

Q. Does white vinegar help remove pet hair in the wash?

A. White vinegar can help reduce static and relax fabric fibers, which may help pet hair release more easily. Always check garment care labels first and never mix vinegar with bleach.

Q. Do dryer sheets remove pet hair?

A. Dryer sheets can reduce static, which may help hair release from fabric, but they do not dissolve pet hair. Clean the lint trap before and after drying.

Q. Do wool dryer balls help with pet hair?

A. Yes. Wool dryer balls can create movement and friction in the dryer, helping loosen pet hair so it collects in the lint trap.

Q. Why does pet hair stay on clothes after washing?

A. Pet hair may stay because of static, overloaded machines, fabric texture, or hair redepositing during the wash. Pre-removal and proper sorting help reduce this problem.

Q. What should I avoid when washing pet hair-covered clothes?

A. Avoid overloading the washer, washing very hairy items with regular clothes, skipping the lint trap, and using high heat on fabrics that may shrink or get damaged.

Q. Where can I wash pet hair-heavy laundry in Clarksville?

A. The Dutchman’s Laundry in Clarksville offers self-service laundry, drop-off laundry, bulky item laundry, and pickup/delivery options for pet hair-heavy clothes, towels, blankets, and bedding.