HOW TO REMOVE DOG HAIR FROM YOUR WASHER AND DRYER
Keeping your washer and dryer free from pet hair can help your laundry appliances run smoothly, but removing stubborn dog hair isn’t as simple as running a wash or dry cycle. Use the guide below to learn how to get dog hair out of a washer and dryer, then discover tips that can help you stop excess dog hair from making its way into your machines.
WHAT DISSOLVES PET HAIR IN THE WASHING MACHINE?
While they don’t dissolve dog hair, natural fabric softeners like vinegar and baking soda can loosen coarse pet hair that’s wedged into the crevices of the washing machine. This can help wash hair clumps into the washer filter pump or loosen and settle them in the tub to be wiped away.
If you want a washer that helps manage pet hair for you, consider a specialized model like Maytag® washers with the Pet Pro System that removes 5x more pet hair from clothes, trapping it in the built-in Pet Pro Filter.1
GUIDE TO REMOVING DOG HAIR FROM A WASHING MACHINE
Removing dog hair from your washer requires a handful of steps using household items. See the 6 steps below to learn how to soften and remove pet hair from the washer tub.
SUPPLIES
TOOLS
Vacuum with the crevice attachment
Damp cloth
Floating lint trap (optional)
STEP 1: AIR DRY AND VACUUM THE TUB
Start the cleaning process by removing any loose dog hair from the washer tub. Leave the tub empty and the washer door open for at least 24 hours, then use your vacuum and crevice attachment to remove any dried and loose clumps of pet hair.
STEP 2: WIPE WITH A DAMP CLOTH
Use a damp cloth to wipe down the inside of the tub, including under the rubber lip of the washer.
STEP 3: RUN A RINSE CYCLE WITH VINEGAR
Add half a cup of vinegar to the washing machine and run a rinse cycle. Vinegar acts as a natural fabric softener and can help loosen coarse pet hairs that are wedged in washer crevices. Check your owner’s manual first to make sure it’s safe to use vinegar with your machine.
STEP 4: CLEAN YOUR WASHER TUB WITH AN AFFRESH® TABLET
Add an affresh® washing machine cleaner tablet2 to the bottom of the tub to clean your washer. Run the washer using the washer’s cleaning cycle, then run a rinse and spin cycle for top-load washers to remove any excess cleaner. Wipe down the washer tub with a damp rag once the cycle is complete.
STEP 5: ADD A FLOATING LINT TRAP
Some washer additives are designed to help remove lint and hair from clothes as they wash. Add a floating lint trap to the next wash cycle to help collect fur and hair in top-load washers.
If you’re in the process of replacing your laundry set, consider a washer with a built-in filter for dog and pet hair like the Maytag® Pet Pro washer. These washers feature the Pet Pro Filter that removes 5x more pet hair1 in the washer.
STEP 6: CLEAN THE PUMP FILTER TRAP
If you’re still concerned about dog hair build-up in the washer, consider cleaning out the water pump filter on your washing machine. It can get clogged with fur and hair over time, affecting performance. The filter’s location varies by model, so consult your owner’s manual for more information.
SIMPLIFY THE PROCESS WITH A BUILT-IN FILTER
Get a clean you can see with the Maytag® Pet Pro washer that's built to trap and remove pet hair. Just press the Pet Pro option to activate the built-in Pet Pro Filter and remove 5x more pet hair.1 The Pet Pro option on the dryer uses a no-heat, extended dry time to lift pet hair from clothes and capture it in the XL lint trap. The Maytag® Pet Pro System works together as a complete laundry solution for pet parents.
HOW TO GET DOG HAIR OUT OF A DRYER
You can reduce dog hair in your dryer and help it stay clean by keeping up with regular maintenance—like cleaning the lint trap after every load—and using supplies that help capture debris. Using dryer sheets or dryer balls can help reduce static in the dryer and allow pet hair to loosen so it can be captured by the lint trap. Using a lint roller or vacuum to remove pet hair before washing and drying can also help keep pet hair out of the dryer.
If you’re ready for an upgrade, consider a laundry pair like the Maytag® Pet Pro Washer and Dryer designed to tackle pet hair. A Pet Pro filter in the washer that removes 5x more pet hair1 so less hair makes it into the dryer, while the XL lint trap in the dryer traps and removes additional pet hair.
TIPS FOR KEEPING PET HAIR OUT OF YOUR WASHER AND DRYER
Dog hair can clog a washer’s water pump filter, so it’s best to avoid putting excessively hairy items in the washer altogether. Follow the tips below to help remove pet hair before it makes it to the washer and dryer.
Brush your pets regularly to help prevent excessive shedding that makes its way onto clothing, blankets and furniture.
Vacuum pet hair from your floor and furniture regularly. Always use a vacuum or lint roller on items like furniture covering or small rugs before adding them to the washer.
Use masking tape to blot away pet hair from your clothing when you don’t have a lint roller handy.
Add clothes to the dryer first, tumbling on a no-heat setting, before washing and drying them again. This can help loosen pet hair on dry items and collect it in the lint screen, helping your washer filter stay cleaner.
Wipe down the washer tub to collect excess hair after washing particularly hairy items like pet bedding and covers.
SHOP MAYTAG® WASHERS AND DRYERS
Maytag® washers and dryers can help you tackle the tough odors and stains that can accompany your favorite furry friends. Conquer pet hair like a pro with the Maytag® Pet Pro System. The built-in Pet Pro Filter in the washer removes 5x more pet hair,1 while the XL lint trap in the dryer traps and removes additional pet hair. Spot treat, rinse or soak clothes with the built-in water faucet and get more water when you want it with the Deep Fill option.
EXPLORE MORE PET LAUNDRY TIPS WITH MAYTAG BRAND
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1. Comparing Normal cycle with Pet Pro Filter and option to cycle using traditional agitator without Pet Pro Filter and option. Results will vary based on fabric and type of pet hair.
2. affresh® brand products and the recommending brands’ products are all owned and distributed by Whirlpool Corporation.
