Advice & Tips

Few things ruin laundry day faster than pulling “clean” clothes from the dryer only to find them covered in clingy fur. While this guide focuses on dogs, these methods work just as well for cat hair, rabbit fur, and even stubborn lint. The key isn’t just washing smarter but stopping buildup before water ever touches your fabrics. Here’s how to revamp your laundry routine and finally master how to get dog hair out of clothes.

Step 1: The “Pre-Roll” (The Most Important Step)

When figuring out how to remove dog or pet hair from you clothes, the best place to start is before washing. Throwing hairy clothes straight into the washer forces fur deeper into fibers, creates that dreaded “wet dog” smell, and can clog up drains. Once hair gets wet, it practically glues itself to the fabric, and even a strong spin cycle won’t save you.

Your first line of defense is removing as much loose hair as you can. A big sticky lint roller works wonders for this. Unlike scraping tools or rubber brushes that can rough up fabrics, a high-quality tape roller grabs fur gently and cleanly.

It’s safe on wool, cotton, and synthetic blends, quick to use, and available in reusable options that drastically cut down on waste. Many eco-friendly households prefer silicone-based or washable rollers since they perform just as well as single-use sheets but are better for the environment.

For best results, lay out or hang up your clothes before rolling so the fabric stays taut. That way, the roller reaches hair deep in the weave. Don’t skip collars, cuffs, and underarms...these areas trap hair through friction.

Pre-rolling sets up every later step for success, letting your washer and dryer work more efficiently. Once your garments are mostly fur-free, it’s time for a clever trick that takes the whole process up a notch.

Step 2: The “Dryer First” Technique

Here’s a pro move most people miss: run your furry clothes through a 10-minute “No Heat” or “Air Fluff” dryer cycle before washing. The dry tumbles loosen stubborn hair while the airflow shifts those bits into the lint trap, not deeper into your clothes.

This small step can remove up to 80% of surface hair before washing even begins.The science behind it is simple. Movement and dry air reduce static, which breaks the bond between fabric and hair.

The dryer’s rotation then shakes other debris loose. When the short cycle ends, check the lint trap(it’ll probably be full), and clean it right away. Clean airflow helps stop hair from swirling back into the drum and reattaching later.

If you’re cleaning large items like blankets or dog bed covers, dry them separately so they don’t share fur with your clothes. You can also add dryer balls or microfiber cloths to the load, which attract stray hairs while tumbling.

This quick step prevents your washer from turning into a furry mess and gives you a major head start toward a cleaner final wash. Once you’ve done that, fine-tuning your washer’s settings is the next step.

Step 3: Washing Machine Settings & Additives

The wash is where deep cleaning actually happens. To learn how to remove dog hair from clothes in the washer, focus on three things: load size, additives, and temperature.

Don’t stuff the washer. Clothes need room to move so the water can lift fur away. When the drum’s packed tight, it just traps more hair inside folds. Filling it about two-thirds full usually gives the right balance of movement and water flow.

Next, pour in ½ cup of white vinegar during your rinse cycle. Vinegar acts like a natural, chemical-free fabric softener that helps relax threads and release stuck hairs. It also breaks down leftover detergent residue that encourages static cling.

The smell vanishes completely once clothes dry, so no worries there. It’s safe for all washable materials and helps keep your machine cleaner, too. While vinegar helps, there are specialized pet washing machine tablets that are designed to dissolve hair and odor.

As for temperature, stick with cool or warm cycles. Hot water might seem tempting, but it can actually “bake” hair into synthetics like polyester, making them worse. Cool water protects color and elasticity while keeping fibers soft, allowing hair to slide off more easily.

If your washer offers it, an extra rinse helps flush away more fur, especially from cling-prone fabrics. With that done, your load is ready for its second and most satisfying drying phase.

Step 4: The Dryer (Again)

The second dryer run is all about controlling static and finishing off the job. After washing, toss your clothes in the dryer again with wool balls or anti-static dryer sheets.

The gentle friction these create stops static buildup, which is the number-one reason pet hair clings so badly. As clothes tumble, that constant movement lifts remaining strands and brings back softness.

Halfway through drying, pause the cycle and clean out the lint trap. Skipping this allows loose hair to recirculate, undoing all your earlier steps. Cleaning midway doubles the lint you capture and boosts airflow for faster drying.

You can also toss in a slightly damp microfiber cloth. It will act like a magnet for lingering bits of hair or dust. Once dry, take clothes out right away so static doesn’t make fur reattach.

Smooth fabrics such as satin or polyester might still need a quick once-over with a lint roller or fabric brush. When done, your clothes should look and feel like new, soft and completely hair-free.

Handling Tricky Fabrics

Different fabrics behave differently when it comes to pet hair. Knowing how they interact helps you pick the right strategy each time.

Fleece, flannel, and synthetics are prime hair magnets because their textures and fibers hold static easily. Shorter drying times with wool balls significantly reduce cling, since over-drying only makes static worse.

A vinegar rinse or small dose of liquid softener helps too by cutting that surface charge. Try air-drying fleece items on a rack and finish them with a lint roller.

Velcro closures are another trouble spot. They grab and hold fur like nothing else. Before washing, fasten every Velcro strap and clean them with a fine comb, toothbrush, or even the edge of a credit card to get hair out of the hooks. This prevents them from catching even more fuzz in the washer.

For black leggings, athletic wear, and yoga pants, every single strand of hair stands out. Because of their tight synthetic weave, the cling is strong. Keep a travel lint roller handy for quick post-gym touch-ups.

When washing these garments, turn them inside out and ditch dryer sheets that might coat fibers; use wool balls instead for a crisp, static-free finish.

Understanding these small differences lets you adjust your laundry routine by fabric type, keeping every piece, from work clothes to outerwear....clean and easy to care for.

Maintenance: Cleaning Your Machine

Even if you do everything right, lingering hair will find its way back if your washer and dryer aren’t clean. Both collect hair in corners where you can’t see it, which then transfers to fresh loads.

For your washer, run an empty hot-water cycle with a full cup of white vinegar. This clears out detergent residue and hair bits. Afterward, wipe down the drum, door seal, and detergent tray with a damp microfiber cloth.

The cloth grabs lint without scratching anything. Check around rubber gaskets since pet hair collects there most.

For your dryer, rinse the lint screen every few uses and vacuum around its housing and back vent occasionally to keep airflow strong. Built-up hair not only slows drying but can become a fire hazard if ignored.

A good deep clean four times a year keeps your dryer smell-free and running efficiently. Keeping your machines tidy stops lint and fur from getting recycled back into freshly washed laundry.

It also extends appliance life and cuts down on energy costs. A smooth-running washer and dryer mean cleaner clothes, less hassle, and peace of mind.

Prevention & Long-Term Strategies

Brush your dog once or twice a week with a de-shedding tool that suits their coat type. Whether it’s fine, long, or double-layered. This reduces loose undercoat that would otherwise end up on your furniture or clothes.

Professional groomers point out that baths and periodic comb-outs minimize heavy seasonal shedding, particularly in breeds like huskies and Labradors.Your clothing choices also matter.

Go for smooth, tightly woven fabrics like denim, twill, or leather alternatives, which naturally resist fur. Avoid materials with fuzz or fleece, especially on days you’ll be snuggling pets. 

Some owners even keep a set of “pet cuddle clothes” made from low-static fabric, washing them separately so they don’t spread hair to the rest of your wardrobe. To cut down on shed hair around the house, wash pet bedding, throws, and blankets once a week.

Shake them out outside and lint-roll beforehand to stop major buildup. Vacuum your laundry area and furniture often, using attachments made for pet hair, since it tends to settle on everything nearby.

If you prefer sustainable choices, switch to eco-friendly tools such as washable lint brushes, reusable rollers, or silicone grooming gloves. These align with the EPA’s sustainable materials guidelines and reduce disposable waste by a lot.

Building these habits keeps your clothes looking good while also supporting a cleaner planet. Proof you can care for pets responsibly and still live sustainably.

Final Hairless Recommendation

The formula for fur-free laundry is straightforward: Roll → Wash → Roll. Start by rolling to remove embedded fur before washing, use vinegar during the wash to loosen fibers, then finish with a final dryer or roller session for spotless clothes. This rhythm transforms even the hairiest laundry piles into fresh, soft, ready-to-wear outfits.

For that last finishing touch, keep a few Extra Sticky Lint Rollers nearby. They’re reusable, gentle on fabrics, and perfect for quick cleanups before heading out. Once you make this three-step system part of your routine, a fur-free wardrobe becomes second nature—and that clean, confident feeling follows you everywhere.

PetLovers’ Take on Fur-Free Living

Keeping clothes pet hair free isn’t about one miracle device... it’s about consistency. Start with a pre-roll, add a short no-heat tumble, then optimize your wash for hair release. Paying attention to fabric types and cleaning your machines regularly ensures steady results and longer-lasting garments. Prevention through grooming and reusable tools keeps your home under control long-term.

These simple habits turn an everyday annoyance into something you barely think about anymore. You’ll spend less time fussing over lint and more time enjoying your dog, knowing that comfort, cleanliness, and sustainability all work together beautifully.

FAQs about How To Get Dog Hair out of Clothes

How do you get dog hairs off your clothes?

Put fur-covered clothes in the dryer with one or two damp microfiber cloths on a low-heat cycle for a few minutes. The cloths attract loose fur, making it easy to follow up with a lint roller or brush after.

Why do my clothes still have dog hair after washing?

Dog hair clings tightly to fabric, especially when static builds up. Use vinegar or softener in the rinse and clean your lint trap regularly. 

What to put in the washing machine to collect dog hair?

Use lint-catching balls, special laundry sponges, or pet hair remover discs. They move through your wash, pulling hair away before it sinks into your fabrics.

Why do my clothes still have hair on them after washing?

That usually means the hair wasn’t loosened first. Try a pre-wash lint roll, short dryer tumble, or an extra rinse to eliminate more strands, as prepping clothes upfront always improves the results.