How to Get Rid of Pet Hair in Your Washing Machine and Dryer
Maintaining a pet hair-free washer and dryer is crucial for the smooth performance of your laundry machines, but dealing with persistent dog hair requires more than just an ordinary wash or dry cycle. Follow the instructions below to effectively remove dog hair from both appliances, and then find out how to prevent excessive dog hair from entering your machines in the first place.
What Breaks Down Pet Hair in the Washer?
Although they won't dissolve dog hair, natural fabric softeners such as vinegar and baking soda can help loosen stubborn pet hair stuck in the nooks and crannies of your washing machine. This makes it easier for hair to be flushed into the washer's filter pump or to loosen and settle in the tub, where it can be easily cleaned off.
If you're looking for a washing machine that takes the hassle out of dealing with pet hair, consider opting for a specialized model. For instance, Maytag® washers equipped with the Pet Pro System are designed to remove up to five times more pet hair from your clothes, capturing it in the integrated Pet Pro Filter.1
How to Clean Dog Hair Out of a Washing Machine
Getting rid of dog hair from your washing machine involves a few simple steps with items you likely already have at home. Check out the six steps below for tips on how to soften and eliminate pet hair from the washer drum.
SUPPLIES
TOOLS
Vacuum with the crevice attachment
Damp cloth
Floating lint trap (optional)
Step 1: Air Dry and Vacuum the Tub
Begin by clearing out any loose pet hair from the washing machine drum. Keep the drum empty and the door open for a minimum of 24 hours. After that, use a vacuum with a crevice tool to get rid of any dry and loose hair clusters.
Step 2: Wipe With a Damn Cloth
Grab a moist cloth to clean the interior of the drum, making sure to get under the washer's rubber seal as well.
Step 3: Run a Rinse Cycle with Vinegar
Pour half a cup of vinegar into the machine and start a rinse cycle. Vinegar serves as an effective natural softener that helps release stubborn pet hair from the machine's hard-to-reach spots. However, it's wise to consult your machine's manual to ensure vinegar won't harm your washer.
Step 4: Clean the Washer Tub with an Affresh® Tablet
Include 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, start a rinse and spin cycle for top-load washers to eliminate any remaining cleaning agent. Once done, give the washer drum a good wipe with a damp cloth.
Step 5: Use a Floating Lint Trap
Some washer supplements are designed to help extract lint and hair from clothes as they wash. Adding a floating lint trap to the upcoming wash cycle will assist with successfully gathering fur and hair in top-load washers.
If you’re planning to change 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: Clear the Pump Filter Trap
Should you have ongoing concerns about pet hair accumulation in your washing machine, it's wise to clean the water pump filter. Over time, this filter can become blocked with fur and hair, which might impact the machine's efficiency. The placement of this filter differs across models, so for precise instructions, refer to your owner's manual.
Make It Easier with an Integrated Filter
Experience a visible difference in cleanliness with the Maytag® Pet Pro washer, designed specifically for trapping and eliminating pet hair. Simply select the Pet Pro feature to engage the integrated Pet Pro Filter, effectively removing up to five times more pet hair. For drying, the Pet Pro setting utilizes a cool, prolonged cycle to detach pet hair from fabrics and collect it in the extra-large lint trap.The Maytag® Pet Pro System works together as a complete laundry solution for pet parents.
Keeping Your Dryer Dog Hair-Free
Minimizing dog hair in your dryer and maintaining its cleanliness involves regular upkeep, such as emptying the lint filter following every cycle, and employing tools that trap unwanted particles.Using dryer sheets or dryer balls can help minimize static in the dryer and allow pet hair to loosen so it can be seized by the lint trap. Using a lint roller or vacuum to clear away pet hair from clothes before washing and drying can further prevent pet hair from getting into 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.
Advice for Preventing Pet Hair in Your Washer and Dryer
Pet hair can obstruct the water pump filter of a washing machine, so it's advisable to steer clear of washing items that are heavily covered in dog hair. Below are some strategies to eliminate pet hair before it reaches your washer and dryer.
Regularly grooming your pets can reduce shedding on clothes, blankets, and furniture.
Frequently vacuum pet hair from floors and furniture. Before washing, always vacuum or use a lint roller on items like furniture covers or small mats.
When a lint roller isn't available, use masking tape to pick up pet hair from your clothes.
Place clothes in the dryer on a cool cycle before washing and drying them again to loosen and trap pet hair in the lint filter, easing the load on your washer's filter.
After washing items with a lot of pet hair, like pet bedding and covers, clean the washer drum to remove any leftover hair.
SHOP MAYTAG® WASHERS AND DRYERS
Maytag® washers and dryers can help you overcome the tough odors and stains that can follow your favorite furry friends. Master pet hair effortlessly with the Maytag® Pet Pro System. The built-in Pet Pro Filter in the washer eliminates 5x more pet hair,1 while the XL lint trap in the dryer traps 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 whenever needed.
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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.
