How To Clean Dog Hair From Washing Machine (10 Easy Steps That Actually Work!)

How to clean dog hair from washing machine — if that phrase makes you sigh in frustration, you’re not alone. I’ve battled endless fur-covered laundry loads myself! Washing your dog’s blankets or your favorite hoodie often leaves your washer looking like a fur factory. Let’s fix that together with simple, real-life tricks that actually work.

So, how do you actually get rid of it? And more importantly, how do you keep your washer from turning into a fur trap again? Let’s break it down—step by step, with some real-life hacks I swear by.

Why Dog Hair Sticks to Clothes (and Everything Else)

Ever wonder why no matter how much you brush your dog, there’s still hair everywhere? That’s because dog fur carries static, especially when it’s dry. Once it hits moisture—like in your washer—it clings to fabrics, drains, and filters like a magnet.

Add in detergent, lint, and a bit of heat, and you’ve got yourself a perfect recipe for clogged filters and hairy clothes. Gross, right?

But don’t worry. With a few tweaks, you can easily fix this problem—and save your washer in the process.

If you cook for your pup, you’ve probably noticed the same battle when cleaning up after making recipes like our Homemade Chicken & Rice Dog Treats—the fur always sneaks in!

Step 1: : How To Clean Dog Hair From Washing Machine Before Washing

Before you even think about tossing your clothes in the machine, give them a good shake outside. It sounds simple, but it’s one of the best habits you can build.

Here’s what I do every single time:

• Shake out blankets, towels, and jackets outdoors to dislodge as much hair as possible.
• Use a lint roller or a rubber glove (yep, the dishwashing kind) to pick up stubborn fur.
• If I’m washing my dog’s bedding, I always vacuum it first—you’ll be amazed how much comes off.

Why bother? Because less hair in the wash means less hair in your drain, and that saves you from hours of cleaning later.

Step 2: Use a Hair-Catching Tool

Now for the fun part—gadgets! Ever tried a washing machine hair catcher or those pet-hair removal balls? They’re lifesavers.

I used to think they were gimmicks until I tested a few. My favorites:

• Reusable pet hair remover balls (those squishy silicone ones) – They attract fur during the wash.
• Mesh laundry bags – Perfect for small dog items like toys or sweaters.
• Lint traps that attach to your washer hose – Great for top-loaders that tend to clog faster.

Just toss them in, and they’ll grab most of the floating hair before it sticks to your clothes.

Pro tip: If you’re on a budget, a damp microfiber cloth in the wash works surprisingly well, too. It acts like a magnet for loose fur.

If you’re prepping your dog’s gear, do it alongside food prep like our DIY Dog Food Meal Prep—both will make your cleaning routine way easier.

Step 3: Run an Empty Rinse Cycle

After washing dog-covered items, run a quick empty cycle with hot water and vinegar. It clears out any leftover fur and deodorizes your machine.

Here’s my go-to formula:

1. Pour two cups of white vinegar directly into the drum.
2. Run a hot wash (no detergent needed).
3. When it’s done, wipe down the inside with a clean microfiber cloth.

You’d be amazed at how much hidden gunk comes out. This keeps your washer smelling fresh and prevents future clogs.

This trick keeps your washer smelling as fresh as your pup after a bowl of Beef Bone Broth for Dogs.

Step 4: Clean the Drain Pump and Filter

Let’s be honest—nobody enjoys this part, but it’s where the real magic happens. Most modern washing machines have a small drain filter at the bottom front panel. It’s where all the hair, lint, and gunk collect.

Here’s what I do every month:

• Unplug your washer first (because we don’t need any accidental shocks).
• Open the little panel and place a towel underneath—trust me, water will spill.
• Remove the filter and rinse it under running water until it’s spotless.
• Check for hair build-up around the rubber seal near the door, too.

You’ll instantly notice your machine running smoother and smelling cleaner.

Ever skipped this step? Yeah… that’s when your washer starts smelling like a wet dog. Learned that the hard way.

Step 5: Use the Dryer Smartly

Okay, this one surprised me at first. The dryer is your secret weapon against lingering hair.

Before drying your clothes:

• Toss in a few dryer sheets or dryer balls—they help break static and loosen leftover fur.
• Run a short cycle first (10 minutes on low heat), then clean the lint trap before drying again normally.

This double-dry method works wonders. The first spin catches hair; the second makes everything soft and fresh.

Bonus hack: Add a damp microfiber cloth to the dryer. It’ll trap floating hair like a champ.

Step 6: Regular Washer Maintenance

If you share your home with a shedding dog (or three), make washer cleaning part of your routine.

Here’s my personal monthly “no-fur-left-behind” checklist:

• Run a vinegar rinse cycle (as mentioned earlier).
• Wipe down the rubber door gasket weekly—hair loves hiding there.
• Leave the washer door open after each load to prevent odors.
• Use a vacuum or handheld brush to clear lint around the door and filter area.

Keeping up with this not only prevents clogs but also makes your laundry smell cleaner. Plus, you’ll extend your washer’s life—less repair drama, more time for puppy cuddles.

Step 7: Wash Dog Stuff Separately

This one’s non-negotiable. Always wash your dog’s blankets, towels, and bedding separately. Mixing them with your clothes spreads fur everywhere.

I’ve got a “dog-only laundry day” rule, and it’s been a game-changer. Here’s my quick routine:

• Shake and vacuum all dog items first.
• Wash on warm or hot settings (check labels).
• Add ½ cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle—it breaks down hair and removes odor.
• Dry with dryer balls to knock loose any stragglers.

Doing this keeps both your clothes and your machine cleaner, longer.

Step 8: Use the Right Detergent

Did you know some detergents are better at fighting fur than others? I didn’t either—until I tested a few.

The winners? Enzyme-based detergents. They break down pet oils and hair better than regular formulas. I like ones labeled for “odor removal” or “pet laundry.”

Also, skip the heavy fabric softener. It can make fabrics sticky, which traps more fur instead of repelling it. Use vinegar as a natural softener instead—it’s cheaper and safer for sensitive dog skin, too.

Step 9: Prevent Hair Build-Up Before Laundry

Let’s be real—cleaning hair after every wash is annoying. So, the smarter move? Stop it before it starts.

Here’s what’s worked best for me:

• Brush your dog regularly, especially during shedding season. Less loose hair = less mess in your washer.
• Keep a designated dog blanket for furniture so you’re not washing your couch throws every week.
• Vacuum your laundry basket every now and then. Sounds weird, but it helps more than you’d think.

You’d be shocked how much fur collects where you least expect it.

Step 10: When All Else Fails—Go Deep Clean Mode

If your washer has seen one too many dog-hair disasters, it might need a full deep clean.

Here’s how I reset mine every few months:

1. Run a hot cycle with baking soda (1 cup).
2. Follow up with a second cycle using vinegar (2 cups).
3. Remove and scrub the detergent drawer with an old toothbrush.
4. Wipe every crevice with a vinegar-soaked cloth.

After this, my washer smells brand-new and runs smoother. Plus, it stops leaving that annoying lint-fur combo on my clothes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Let’s save you from some classic rookie moves:

• Overloading the washer – Hair can’t rinse out properly.
• Skipping filter cleaning – That’s a guaranteed clog.
• Mixing human and dog laundry – Instant fur explosion.
• Using cold water only – Warm water helps loosen hair better.

Remember: A clean washer = clean clothes. Simple but true.

Extra Tricks From My Laundry Experiments

Because I’ve tested almost everything, here are a few weird-but-effective hacks:

• Add a teaspoon of olive oil to the rinse cycle—it helps break static and repel fur.
• Throw in a pumice stone wrapped in a sock. Sounds wild, but it collects tons of hair.
• Use dryer-safe rubber gloves to wipe the drum post-wash—quick and effective.

Some of these sound odd, but hey, if it keeps my black jeans hair-free, I’m all in.

Final Thoughts: Keep Calm and De-Fur On

Washing dog hair out of your machine isn’t glamorous, but it doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With a few smart habits—like shaking clothes out first, cleaning the filter regularly, and running a vinegar rinse every month—you’ll keep both your clothes and your washer spotless.

Owning a dog means a little extra cleaning, sure, but it also means endless love, wagging tails, and soft cuddles. So yeah, I’ll take the hair trade-off any day.

Next time you toss a load in, remember: your washer deserves a little TLC too. Treat it well, and it’ll handle all that dog fur like a champ.

The same care you put into cooking homemade meals for your dog (like those Homemade Chicken & Rice Dog Treats) should extend to cleaning their laundry too. It’s all part of being a loyal paw parent!