Clean Dog Hair from Washing Machine: A Pet Parent’s Guide
If you’re a dog parent, you already know the struggle is real: no matter how much you sweep, vacuum, or lint-roll, the hair finds its way into everything. And when it comes to laundry, dog fur doesn’t just stick to clothes — it clings to the inside of your washer. Learning how to clean dog hair from washing machine isn’t just about tidiness; it’s about keeping your machine running smoothly and your laundry truly fresh.
I’ve been there — pulling out “clean” laundry only to find it still covered in fur. Frustrating, right? The good news is, there are simple steps to get rid of stubborn pet hair and prevent it from building up again.
1. Shake and Brush Before Washing
The first step in knowing how to clean dog hair from washing machine starts before you even hit the wash cycle.
- Shake clothes and bedding outside to remove loose fur.
- Use a lint roller or pet hair remover brush.
- For blankets or large items, a quick tumble in the dryer on “air only” for 10 minutes can loosen hair (just empty the lint trap afterward).
This reduces the amount of fur entering your washer in the first place.
2. Use a Pet Hair Removal Tool in the Wash
There are special laundry balls and filters designed to catch hair during the cycle. Adding one of these to your laundry can make a big difference. Even a simple dryer sheet in the wash helps loosen hair.
Prevention is half the battle when learning how to clean dog hair from washing machine.
3. Run an Empty Cleaning Cycle
After washing pet laundry, always run an empty hot cycle to flush out lingering hair.
- Add ½ cup of vinegar or baking soda to help break down residue.
- Let the cycle run fully, then wipe down the drum.
- Don’t forget to also check around the door seals where fur often hides.
This keeps your washer fresh and prevents fur from transferring to your next load.
4. Clean the Filter and Drain Pump
One of the most overlooked steps in how to clean dog hair from washing machine is the filter.
- Locate your washer’s lint filter or drain pump (check the manual).
- Remove trapped hair and rinse it under warm water.
- Clean monthly if you wash a lot of pet items.
Neglecting this step can lead to clogged drains, odors, and costly repairs.
5. Wipe Down the Drum and Rubber Seals
Dog hair has a sneaky way of sticking to damp surfaces. After every wash:
- Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe inside the drum.
- Pay extra attention to the rubber door seal — it’s a magnet for fur and grime.
- Leave the door open afterward to let the machine air dry.
These little habits keep your laundry truly clean and your washer smelling fresh.
6. Prevent Hair Build-Up in the First Place
Of course, the easiest way to clean dog hair from washing machine is to stop it from piling up.
- Brush your dog regularly to reduce shedding.
- Wash dog bedding separately from your clothes.
- Use laundry bags for small items like socks or sweaters.
Taking these steps helps keep your washer (and your sanity) in better shape.
Final Thoughts
Dog hair is part of the package when you love a furry friend. But with a little routine, you can easily clean dog hair from washing machine and prevent it from building up again.
Because at the end of the day, those cuddles, tail wags, and sloppy kisses are worth every extra load of laundry. And when your clothes come out fur-free and fresh, it’s just another reminder of how much love our dogs bring into our lives — hair and all. 🐶❤️If you’re a dog parent, you already know the struggle is real: no matter how much you sweep, vacuum, or lint-roll, the hair finds its way into everything. And when it comes to laundry, dog fur doesn’t just stick to clothes — it clings to the inside of your washer. Learning how to clean dog hair from washing machine isn’t just about tidiness; it’s about keeping your machine running smoothly and your laundry truly fresh.
I’ve been there — pulling out “clean” laundry only to find it still covered in fur. Frustrating, right? The good news is, there are simple steps to get rid of stubborn pet hair and prevent it from building up again.
1. Shake and Brush Before Washing
The first step in knowing how to clean dog hair from washing machine starts before you even hit the wash cycle.
- Shake clothes and bedding outside to remove loose fur.
- Use a lint roller or pet hair remover brush.
- For blankets or large items, a quick tumble in the dryer on “air only” for 10 minutes can loosen hair (just empty the lint trap afterward).
This reduces the amount of fur entering your washer in the first place.
2. Use a Pet Hair Removal Tool in the Wash
There are special laundry balls and filters designed to catch hair during the cycle. Adding one of these to your laundry can make a big difference. Even a simple dryer sheet in the wash helps loosen hair.
Prevention is half the battle when learning how to clean dog hair from washing machine.
3. Run an Empty Cleaning Cycle
After washing pet laundry, always run an empty hot cycle to flush out lingering hair.
- Add ½ cup of vinegar or baking soda to help break down residue.
- Let the cycle run fully, then wipe down the drum.
- Don’t forget to also check around the door seals where fur often hides.
This keeps your washer fresh and prevents fur from transferring to your next load.
4. Clean the Filter and Drain Pump
One of the most overlooked steps in how to clean dog hair from washing machine is the filter.
- Locate your washer’s lint filter or drain pump (check the manual).
- Remove trapped hair and rinse it under warm water.
- Clean monthly if you wash a lot of pet items.
Neglecting this step can lead to clogged drains, odors, and costly repairs.
5. Wipe Down the Drum and Rubber Seals
Dog hair has a sneaky way of sticking to damp surfaces. After every wash:
- Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe inside the drum.
- Pay extra attention to the rubber door seal — it’s a magnet for fur and grime.
- Leave the door open afterward to let the machine air dry.
These little habits keep your laundry truly clean and your washer smelling fresh.
6. Prevent Hair Build-Up in the First Place
Of course, the easiest way to clean dog hair from washing machine is to stop it from piling up.
- Brush your dog regularly to reduce shedding.
- Wash dog bedding separately from your clothes.
- Use laundry bags for small items like socks or sweaters.
Taking these steps helps keep your washer (and your sanity) in better shape.
Final Thoughts
Dog hair is part of the package when you love a furry friend. But with a little routine, you can easily clean dog hair from washing machine and prevent it from building up again.
Because at the end of the day, those cuddles, tail wags, and sloppy kisses are worth every extra load of laundry. And when your clothes come out fur-free and fresh, it’s just another reminder of how much love our dogs bring into our lives — hair and all. 🐶❤️
