How to Remove Pet Hair from Your Washing Machine (Complete Guide)

If you share your home with a dog or cat, you’ve probably noticed it: fur everywhere. On the sofa. On your clothes. In the car. And eventually — inside your washing machine.

If you’re dealing with pet hair in your washing machine, the short answer is this:

Brush off as much hair as possible before washing, clean your machine regularly, and run a monthly maintenance cycle to prevent buildup.

That simple routine prevents clogs, reduces odours, and keeps your washer running properly. Below is the full breakdown — what causes the problem, how to fix it, and how to stop it coming back.

Why Pet Hair Ends Up in Your Washing Machine

When you wash pet bedding, throws, or clothes covered in fur, not all of that hair rinses away. Instead, it moves through the drum and collects in places you can’t easily see:

• Around the rubber door seal

• In the drum perforations

• Inside the filter

• In drain lines and internal components

Over time, this buildup becomes compacted. When mixed with detergent residue and moisture, it can create odours and restrict water flow.

This is why so many pet owners search for:

• pet hair washing machine problems

• remove dog hair from washer

• cat hair in washing machine

It’s not just cosmetic — it can affect performance.

Why Pet Hair Can Cause Machine Issues

Pet hair is light, fibrous, and stubborn. Unlike lint, it doesn’t always break down easily. When repeatedly washed:

1. It forms clumps. These collect in filters and drains.

2. It traps moisture. Damp hair can lead to musty smells.

3. It mixes with detergent residue. This creates a sticky buildup inside seals and hidden areas.

4. It reduces efficiency. Restricted drainage can make cycles longer or less effective.

You may notice:

• Hair still stuck to clothes after washing

• A musty smell when opening the door

• Slow draining water

• Visible hair caught in the rubber gasket

The good news? It’s manageable with the right approach.

Step 1: Prevention Before Washing (The Overlooked Fix)

Most people try to fix the problem after the wash cycle. The smarter move is to reduce the amount of hair entering the machine in the first place.

Remove Hair From Carpets and Fabrics First

Pet hair builds up in carpets, rugs and upholstery. When pets lie on bedding or blankets, that hair transfers to laundry loads.

Using a dedicated carpet rake before washing helps reduce the amount of hair that ends up in the drum.

A dual-edge carpet rake works by pulling embedded hair to the surface, especially from:

• Low to medium pile carpets

• Pet bedding

• Fabric mats

• Rugs

Removing hair at this stage dramatically reduces what enters the washer.

This step alone can prevent recurring cat hair in washing machine issues.

Step 2: Shake and Pre-Clean Pet Bedding

Before placing items in the washer:

• Shake them outdoors

• Use a lint remover if needed

• Brush heavy-shedding items

It may feel small, but this step prevents large hair clumps from circulating in the drum.

Step 3: Clean the Door Seal Regularly

One of the most common places for pet hair buildup is the rubber door seal on front-load machines.

To clean it:

1. Pull back the rubber gasket.

2. Wipe out visible hair with a cloth.

3. Check for trapped clumps in the folds.

4. Dry thoroughly.

Neglecting this area is a common cause of odour complaints.

Step 4: Check and Clean the Filter

If you’re searching how to remove dog hair from washer filters — this is where to look.

Most front-load machines have a small filter door at the bottom front panel.

To clean it:

1. Turn off and unplug the machine.

2. Place a shallow tray underneath (water may drain).

3. Open the filter cap slowly.

4. Remove trapped debris and hair.

5. Rinse and reinstall securely.

Do this every few months in heavy pet households.

Step 5: Run a Dedicated Cleaning Cycle

Even with preventative steps, fine hair and detergent residue still accumulate.

Running a monthly cleaning cycle is essential for pet homes.

A washing machine cleaner tablet designed for pet households can help break down:

• Hair residue

• Odour buildup

• Detergent film

• Internal grime

Use it in an empty machine on a hot cycle.

This prevents long-term accumulation and helps maintain performance.

How Often Should Pet Owners Clean Their Washing Machine?

For most households:

• Once per month is sufficient.

For heavy-shedding dogs or multiple cats:

• Every 2–3 weeks may be better.

If you regularly wash large pet blankets, more frequent maintenance helps.

Signs Your Washer Needs Cleaning

If you’re unsure whether pet hair is building up, look for:

• Musty smell when opening the door

• Visible hair in the rubber seal

• Hair sticking to freshly washed clothes

• Longer drainage times

• Residue on the inside drum

Catching it early is easier than clearing a clogged drain later.

Best Products for Pet Owners

Managing pet hair washing machine issues usually requires two things:

1. A Carpet Hair Removal Tool

Removing embedded hair before it reaches the washer makes the biggest difference long term.

A dual-edge carpet rake:

• Lifts deep pet hair

• Works on common carpet types

• Reduces transfer to laundry

• Requires no batteries

This is prevention.

2. A Washing Machine Cleaner for Pet Hair

For internal maintenance, a washing machine cleaner tablet formulated for pet homes can help reduce buildup inside:

• Drum perforations

• Seals

• Hidden internal areas

Used monthly, it keeps the machine fresher and reduces recurring hair residue problems.

This is maintenance.

Together, they form a complete system.

What Not To Do

Avoid these common mistakes:

• Don’t overload the washer with hair-heavy bedding.

• Don’t ignore visible hair in the seal.

• Don’t assume detergent alone removes hair buildup.

• Don’t use harsh scraping tools inside the drum.

Regular care prevents more serious issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does washing machine cleaner dissolve pet hair?

It helps break down hair residue and buildup inside the machine. It does not replace manual removal of large clumps or filter cleaning.

Can pet hair damage a washing machine?

Over time, heavy accumulation can restrict drainage and contribute to odours. Regular cleaning reduces this risk.

Why is there still pet hair on clothes after washing?

Hair can redeposit during the rinse cycle if buildup exists inside the drum or seal. Cleaning the machine and removing hair before washing reduces this.

Is this only a problem with dogs?

No. Cat hair in washing machines can be just as persistent, especially with short-haired breeds that shed frequently.

Should I use a lint trap inside the washer?

Some people use floating lint catchers, but they don’t replace regular maintenance. Prevention and cleaning are more effective long term.

Living with pets means accepting some fur — but it doesn’t have to take over your washing machine.

The key is a simple routine:

1. Remove embedded hair from carpets and fabrics first.

2. Shake out heavy bedding.

3. Clean the seal and filter periodically.

4. Run a monthly cleaning cycle.

If you stay consistent, you’ll avoid most common pet hair washing machine problems before they escalate.

Pet ownership doesn’t have to mean clogged drains or musty washers — just smarter maintenance.