If you house adorable furry pets, it’s no shocker for pet owners to find pet hair just about everywhere. It’s on your bed, clings to the couch, and definitely all over your clothes. You could spend hours vacuuming, lint rolling, and brushing, but somehow, those stubborn hairs still find a way to cling to your favorite outfit. Unfortunately, this is true when it comes to washing them because even after a full laundry cycle, your clothes still seem to be covered in fur.
In this post, we share five easy hacks to banish fur from your clothes, plus a few extra tips to keep pet hair under control!
Why Your Clothes Still Have Pet Hair After Washing
It’s a frustrating experience to see some of your clothing items still have noticeable pet hair on them even after you run them through the washer, and most especially when you did everything by the book. Let’s dig into why this happens in the first place.
Reason #1: Static Cling
One of the biggest culprits behind pet hair sticking to your clothes is static electricity. During the wash and dry cycles, your clothes create static, which acts like a magnet for pet hair. This static cling makes it difficult for the hair to be rinsed away, causing it to latch on to the fabric fibers and hang on tight. If you wash a mix of synthetic and natural fibers, the static charge can be even stronger, making it nearly impossible for the hair to break free.
Reason #2: Some Fabrics Attract More Hair
Certain fabrics are more prone to attracting and holding on to pet hair. Materials like polyester and other synthetic fabrics tend to generate more static electricity and have a texture that makes it easy for pet hair to get embedded. In contrast, clothing items made of natural fibers like cotton or wool are less likely to hold on to hair, though they’re not completely immune.
Reason #3: Washing Machine and Dryer Limitations
Even the best washing machines and dryers have their limits because in reality, most of them aren’t designed specifically to remove pet hair. While the washing process loosens some of the fur, it often gets redistributed across your clothes rather than being fully removed. Similarly, the dryer may blow off some hair, but the lint trap might not catch it all, leading to fur sticking to your clothes after they’re dry.
Reason # 4: Overloading the Machine
Overloading your washing machine also plays a role in why pet hair sticks around. When the machine is too full, clothes don’t have enough space to move about, which reduces the effectiveness of both washing and rinsing cycles. This means the pet hair doesn’t get rinsed away as it should, and instead, it clings to the damp fabric.
Four Simple Tricks to Get Lint and Pet Hair Out of Your Laundry
1 of 4 | Start with a Lint Roller or Adhesive Tape
Just before you put your clothes in the washer, give them a good once-over with a lint roller or some sticky tape. This is especially important for items particularly prone to collecting pet hair, like sweaters or fleece blankets. By tackling the lint and hair before it hits the water, you reduce the amount that ends up clinging to your clothes during the wash.
How to Do It:
- Lay your clothing flat on a clean surface, like a table or bed.
- Take your lint roller and roll it over your clothes using a firm, back-and-forth motion.
- For areas with stubborn hair, like collars, cuffs, and seams, use a piece of adhesive tape.
- Press down the tape on the fabric and then peel it off to lift away any remaining hair.
- Ensure you cover all areas, especially those that tend to gather hair, such as underarms and sleeves.
2 of 4 | Add White Vinegar in Your Wash Cycle
White vinegar is a go-to solution for many laundry problems, and it works wonders when it comes to loosening lint and pet hair. The acidity of the vinegar softens the fabric, making it easier for the hair and lint to detach during the wash. It’s a simple, natural way to keep your clothes looking fresh and clean.
How to Do It:
- Measure out half a cup of white vinegar.
- Add the vinegar directly to your washing machine during the rinse cycle.
- For top-loading machines, pour the vinegar into the fabric softener dispenser or directly into the drum.
- For front-loading machines, use the designated dispenser or add it to the machine when the rinse cycle begins.
- Let the wash cycle continue as usual; the vinegar will work its magic on softening your clothes and detaching any hair or lint.
3 of 4 | Clean Your Washing Machine Regularly
Over time, your machine collects all sorts of debris (including lint from previous washes), which then gets redeposited onto your clothes during the wash. Regular cleaning keeps your machine running smoothly and ensures your laundry comes out as clean as possible.
How to Do It:
- Start by running an empty cycle with hot water.
- Add a cup of white vinegar or a specialized washing machine cleaner to the drum.
- For front-loading machines, clean the rubber door seal by wiping it down with a cloth soaked in vinegar.
- Remove and clean the detergent dispenser, as lint and hair often accumulate here.
- Run a second rinse cycle with just water to ensure all the vinegar or cleaner is flushed out.
- Make it a habit to clean your machine at least once a month to keep it running efficiently.
4 of 4 | Use a Pet Hair Remover Ball
A pet hair remover ball is a small, handy tool that works wonders in both the washer and dryer. It’s designed to attract and trap pet hair, preventing it from sticking to your clothes. Simply toss one or two into your laundry load, and let them do the heavy lifting.
How to Do It:
- Before starting your wash, place one or two pet hair remover balls directly into the washing machine drum along with your clothes.
- Run the wash cycle as usual. The balls collect hair as your clothes tumble, reducing the amount that sticks to the fabric.
- If you prefer, you can also use the balls in the dryer. Just add them to the load, and let them help remove any remaining hair as your clothes dry.
- After each use, clean the balls by removing any accumulated hair so they’re ready to go for the next load.
For Spotless Clothes Every Time, Partner with Jan’s Professional Dry Cleaners!
Preventing pet hair from sticking to your clothes requires regular smart laundry choices, and that means using the right techniques and services. But even with the best hacks, nothing beats the convenience and thoroughness of a professional touch. For spotless clothes every time, partner with Jan’s Professional Dry Cleaners!
Our expert wash and fold service, combined with our top-notch dry cleaning, ensures your clothes are always pet-hair-free and perfectly cleaned. Plus, we offer easy FREE pickup and delivery right to your door in Clio, Frankenmuth, Flint, Fenton, Grand Blanc, and Saginaw in Michigan.
Just send us an email to schedule your pickup or call us at 810-687-7590 and let us take care of the rest!