How To Clean Dog Hair From Washing Machine

If you’ve ever thrown a blanket, towel, or your dog’s bed into the washing machine, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Dog hair has this uncanny ability to cling to everything, and sadly, your washing machine is not safe from it. One minute your washer is sparkling clean, and the next it looks like it hosted a small dog shedding convention.

The good news is, you can take control of the chaos. With a few simple habits and tricks, you can keep your washer free of hair, your clothes clean, and your sanity intact.

1. Prevention Is Key: Shake It Out First

Before tossing anything that’s covered in dog hair into the washer, give it a good shake. Seriously, take it outside and shake it like your life depends on it. The more hair you remove before washing, the less work you’ll have later.

A lint roller or vacuum works wonders too. Personally, I’ve found that taking a few minutes to shake and vacuum a dog blanket saves me so much frustration. And a little tip: don’t use your regular vacuum unless you want to deal with hair clogging it later—pet-specific tools are way better for this job.

2. Run an Empty Cycle

If your washing machine is already a hairy disaster, don’t panic. You can fix it. Run an empty cycle with hot water and a cup of white vinegar. The vinegar loosens hair clinging to the drum and helps neutralize any lingering odors.

After the cycle finishes, grab a cloth and wipe the drum. You’ll probably be shocked by how much hair comes out. Honestly, I’ve had moments where I couldn’t believe how hairy my washer had gotten—seeing it cleaned up is oddly satisfying.

3. Clean Out the Filter (Yes, Your Washer Has One)

Here’s a fun fact: most washing machines have a filter or lint trap, and dog hair loves hiding there. Many people don’t even know it exists.

Check your washer’s manual to locate it, then carefully remove it—keep a towel handy because water usually comes with it. Clear out all the hair and debris. If you’ve never cleaned it before, brace yourself. It’s a little gross, but completely necessary. You’ll notice your washer runs better and smells fresher once this step is done regularly.

4. Wipe Down the Drum and Door

Dog hair doesn’t magically disappear in the wash. It clings to the drum and hides in the rubber seal around the door. After every load, I always take a damp cloth or sponge and wipe the inside of the drum and pull back the rubber seal to remove trapped hair.

A dryer sheet works surprisingly well for this. It picks up hair in a way that feels almost fun, and your washer will look cleaner instantly. I can’t tell you how many times I found little tufts of hair hiding in that rubber seal—like a secret stash my dog had made for me.

5. Use a Hair-Catching Gadget

If your washing machine constantly ends up looking like a grooming salon exploded inside it, consider a hair-catching gadget. There are laundry balls or mesh bags designed to trap hair during the wash cycle. Toss one or two in with your load and watch them do their magic.

I’ve been using them for a while now, and while they don’t remove every single hair, they make a noticeable difference. Less hair in the drum means less cleaning for me and fewer little fur tumbleweeds on my clothes.

6. Dryer Sheets Aren’t Just for the Dryer

Here’s a neat little trick: put a dryer sheet into the washer along with your load. The anti-static properties help loosen hair and make it easier to remove during the wash.

I’ve been doing this for years, and even though it doesn’t do all the work for me, it definitely reduces the hair clinging to my clothes. It’s simple, cheap, and makes the whole cleaning process a lot less stressful.

7. Follow Up with the Dryer

Once you’ve tackled the washer, don’t forget the dryer. Hair that didn’t stick in the washer often ends up there. Always clean the lint trap after every load—it’s your first defense against hair buildup.

Wool dryer balls can also help collect stray hair while drying. They’re reusable, eco-friendly, and surprisingly effective. I love tossing a couple in with a load of towels or blankets—they really help cut down on the lingering fur.

8. Schedule Regular Deep Cleans

Yes, cleaning your washing machine isn’t the most exciting way to spend an afternoon, but keeping it on a schedule will save you headaches later. Once a month, run an empty hot water cycle with vinegar or a washing machine cleaner. Wipe down the drum, the rubber seal, and the filter while you’re at it.

Think of it like giving your appliance some TLC. A little maintenance now prevents a full-blown fur crisis later. I promise, your washer—and your clothes—will thank you.

Wrapping It Up of How To Clean Dog Hair From Washing Machine

Living with dogs means living with fur, but that doesn’t mean your washing machine has to suffer. A few simple steps—shaking out blankets, cleaning the filter, wiping the drum, and using smart tools—can keep your washer clean and your laundry fur-free.

Next time you wash your pup’s favorite blanket, you’ll know exactly how to handle the mess without losing your mind. With a little effort and some routine care, you can keep both your washing machine and your clothes happy, and still enjoy every wag of that furry tail.