How to Get Dog Hair Out of Clothes: A Comprehensive Guide

Dog hair on clothes is a common problem for pet owners. It seems like no matter how much you vacuum or lint roll, those pesky hairs find their way onto your favorite garments. But don’t despair! There are several effective methods to remove dog hair from clothes, preventing you from looking like you’re wearing a fur coat.

Pre-Wash Strategies for Dog Hair Removal

Before throwing your clothes into the washing machine, consider these pre-wash strategies to loosen and remove as much dog hair as possible.

1. Shake It Out

The simplest and often most effective first step is to vigorously shake your clothes outside. This dislodges loose hairs before they get a chance to embed further into the fabric during washing.

  • Hold the garment firmly and shake back and forth.
  • Focus on areas with the most visible hair.
  • Do this outside to avoid spreading the hair inside your home.

2. Lint Rollers

Lint rollers are a staple for a reason. They’re convenient, portable, and effective for removing surface-level hair.

  • Use a sticky lint roller to go over the affected areas.
  • Apply firm, even pressure.
  • Peel off the used sheet to reveal a fresh, sticky surface.
  • Consider a reusable lint roller for an eco-friendly option.

3. Fabric Brushes

Fabric brushes work by using specially designed bristles to grab and lift hair from the fabric.

  • Use a downward sweeping motion.
  • Clean the brush regularly by removing the collected hair.
  • Suitable for delicate fabrics that may be damaged by adhesive lint rollers.

4. Dryer with No Heat

A surprising but effective technique is to put your clothes in the dryer on a no-heat or air-fluff cycle for about 10-15 minutes.

  • The tumbling action loosens the hair.
  • The dryer’s lint trap will catch a significant amount of the dislodged hair.
  • Clean the lint trap thoroughly after each use.
  • Avoid using heat as it can bake the hair into the fabric.

5. Static Electricity Tricks

Static cling can help lift dog hair. Several items around your house can generate static.

  • Latex Gloves: Put on a pair of latex or rubber gloves, dampen them slightly, and run your hands over the fabric. The hair will cling to the gloves, allowing you to easily remove it.
  • Sponge: A slightly damp sponge can also attract hair through static. Wipe the sponge over the affected areas.

Washing Machine Techniques

If pre-treating doesn’t remove all the hair, these washing machine techniques can help.

1. Add Fabric Softener or White Vinegar

Fabric softener or white vinegar can help relax the fibers of the fabric, making it easier for the hair to release during the wash cycle.

  • Add fabric softener to the dispenser as usual.
  • Alternatively, add 1/2 cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. Vinegar also helps to eliminate odors.
  • Avoid using both fabric softener and vinegar in the same load, as they can neutralize each other.

2. Use a Pet Hair Remover Laundry Bag/Ball

Specialized laundry bags or balls are designed to attract and trap pet hair during the wash cycle.

  • Place your clothes and the pet hair remover in the washing machine.
  • The remover will attract hair, preventing it from re-attaching to your clothes.
  • Clean the remover after each use.

3. Extra Rinse Cycle

An extra rinse cycle helps to ensure that all loose hair is thoroughly flushed out of the washing machine.

  • Select the “extra rinse” option on your washing machine.
  • If your machine doesn’t have this option, run a second regular rinse cycle.

4. Wash Smaller Loads

Overloading the washing machine can prevent the water from properly circulating and removing hair.

  • Wash smaller loads to ensure adequate water flow and hair removal.

Dryer Tips for Hair-Free Clothes

The dryer can be both a friend and a foe when it comes to dog hair. Here’s how to use it effectively.

1. Clean the Lint Trap After Every Load

This is crucial. A clean lint trap ensures optimal airflow and prevents hair from being redeposited onto your clothes.

  • Clean the lint trap before every load, even if it doesn’t look full.

2. Dryer Sheets

Dryer sheets can help reduce static cling, which can prevent hair from sticking to clothes in the first place.

  • Use a dryer sheet in each load.
  • Consider hypoallergenic dryer sheets if you have sensitive skin.

3. Pet Hair Dryer Balls

Similar to laundry balls for the washing machine, dryer balls made of rubber or silicone help to attract and remove pet hair in the dryer.

  • Place the dryer balls in the dryer with your clothes.
  • They will bounce around, dislodging hair and trapping it.
  • Clean the dryer balls periodically.

Prevention is Key

While these methods are effective, the best way to manage dog hair on clothes is to minimize the shedding in the first place.

  • Regular Grooming: Brush your dog regularly to remove loose hair before it ends up on your clothes and furniture.
  • Healthy Diet: A balanced diet can improve your dog’s coat health and reduce shedding.
  • Designated Pet Areas: Encourage your dog to stay in certain areas of the house to contain the shedding.
  • Furniture Covers: Use furniture covers to protect your upholstery from hair.

By combining these methods and implementing preventative measures, you can keep your clothes looking clean and hair-free, even with a furry friend at home.