How to clean pet hair from washing machine? Step-by-step guide

Pet owners know the struggle: even after clothes come out of the wash, stubborn pet hair can still cling, or worse, accumulate inside the washing machine itself. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to effectively remove pet hair from your washing machine, ensuring your clothes come out cleaner and your appliance remains in top condition. We’ll cover why hair gets stuck, what tools you’ll need, and how to perform a thorough clean, from the drum to the hidden filters, along with prevention tips to keep hair build-up at bay.

Why pet hair sticks inside your washer

Understanding why pet hair clings to the inside of your washing machine is the first step to effectively removing it. It’s not just about the volume of hair, but also the science of how fabrics and hair interact, especially when wet.

1. Static Cling: When clothes tumble in a dryer, static electricity helps remove hair. However, in a washer, the wet environment can temporarily reduce static, causing hair to release less easily from fabrics. As the water drains and surfaces dry slightly, static can reappear, making hair stick to the drum or other parts of the machine.
2. Wet Hair Adherence: Wet pet hair becomes heavier and more prone to sticking to smooth surfaces, including the stainless steel drum or plastic components of your washer. Unlike dry hair that can be easily dislodged, wet hair clumps and adheres more stubbornly.
3. Lint Trap Limitations: While washing machines have some mechanisms to filter out lint and debris, these are often not as robust or easily accessible as dryer lint traps. Fine pet hairs can bypass these internal filters, settling in crevices, the rubber gasket, or the drain pump.
4. Residue Buildup: Over time, detergent residue, fabric softener, and hard water minerals can build up inside the washer. This sticky film creates an ideal surface for pet hair to latch onto, making it harder for the hair to be rinsed away with the wash water.
5. Lack of Pre-Treatment: If clothes heavily laden with pet hair are put directly into the washer without any pre-treatment, a significant amount of hair is introduced into the machine, overwhelming its ability to flush it all away.

Understanding these factors emphasizes the importance of both thorough cleaning and preventive measures to keep your washing machine free of pet hair.

Tools & supplies you’ll need (Vacuum, Vinegar, Microfiber)

Before you begin the cleaning process, gather these essential tools and supplies. Having everything on hand will make the job more efficient and ensure you can tackle every aspect of pet hair removal.

• Vacuum Cleaner with Hose Attachment: An essential tool for dry hair removal.
  • Purpose: To suck up loose, dry pet hair from the drum, crevices, and the rubber gasket before introducing any moisture. A narrow crevice tool or brush attachment will be particularly useful for reaching tight spots.
• White Vinegar: A natural disinfectant, deodorizer, and cleaning agent.
  • Purpose: Used in a hot cycle to dissolve detergent buildup, eliminate odors, and help loosen any stuck-on hair or residue. Its acidic nature is effective against mineral deposits.
• Baking Soda (Optional Alternative/Supplement to Vinegar): Another natural cleaner, deodorizer, and mild abrasive.
  • Purpose: Can be used in conjunction with or as an alternative to vinegar to scour the drum, absorb odors, and provide a gentle abrasive action.
• Microfiber Cloths (Several): Soft, absorbent, and excellent for picking up fine particles.
  • Purpose: For wiping down the drum, cleaning the rubber gasket, and drying surfaces. Microfiber’s electrostatic properties help attract and hold onto pet hair and lint.
• Spray Bottle: For applying a cleaning solution.
  • Purpose: To mix water and vinegar (or a mild all-purpose cleaner) for targeted cleaning of the gasket and other accessible areas.
• Old Towel or Rags: For spills and absorbing excess water.
  • Purpose: To place under the washer when cleaning the drain pump and filter, or for general wiping.
• Small Bowl or Tray: To catch water and debris.
  • Purpose: Absolutely necessary when opening the drain pump filter, as water and gunk will come out.
• Gloves: To protect your hands from dirt, hair, and cleaning solutions.
  • Purpose: For hygiene and comfort during the cleaning process, especially when dealing with the drain pump.
• Small Brush (e.g., old toothbrush or bottle brush): For scrubbing tight areas.
  • Purpose: To dislodge stubborn hair and grime from the folds of the rubber gasket or inside the filter housing.

Having these items ready will prepare you for a thorough and effective pet hair cleaning session for your washing machine.

Step 1 – Wipe the drum and rubber seal

This initial step focuses on manually removing as much dry pet hair as possible from the accessible parts of your washing machine. This prevents hair from being redeposited or pushed further into the machine during a wash cycle.

1. Ensure the Washer is Empty and Dry: Make sure there are no clothes in the washing machine and the drum is as dry as possible. If it’s still damp from a previous cycle, wipe it down with a dry microfiber cloth or allow it to air dry for a bit.
2. Vacuum the Drum:
   • Using your vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment (preferably a crevice tool or brush attachment), thoroughly vacuum the entire interior of the drum.
   • Pay close attention to any visible clumps of hair, dust bunnies, or lint stuck to the sides.
   • Move the vacuum nozzle around to cover all surfaces, including the agitator (if it’s a top-loader) or paddles (if it’s a front-loader).
3. Clean the Rubber Gasket (Front-Loaders Only):
   • For front-loading washing machines, the rubber gasket (also known as the “boot” or “door seal”) is a notorious hiding spot for pet hair, lint, and mildew.
   • Carefully pull back all the folds and crevices of the rubber gasket. You will likely find a significant amount of wet and dry pet hair, lint, and possibly some slime or mildew.
   • Vacuum First: Use your vacuum’s crevice tool to suck out all the loose, dry hair and debris from within the folds.
   • Wipe Down: Dampen a microfiber cloth with warm water and a splash of white vinegar (or a mild all-purpose cleaner). Thoroughly wipe down the inside and outside of the gasket, ensuring you get deep into all the folds. This will remove any remaining hair, grime, and mildew.
   • Scrub Stubborn Spots: For particularly stubborn residue or hair, use a small brush (like an old toothbrush) to gently scrub the affected areas.
   • Dry: After cleaning, wipe the gasket dry with a clean, dry microfiber cloth. Leaving it damp can encourage mildew growth.
4. Wipe Down the Door and Exterior: Briefly wipe down the inside of the washer door and any exterior surfaces around the opening to catch any stray hairs or dust.

By manually removing the visible hair and debris, you’re setting the stage for a much more effective deep clean in the subsequent steps.

Step 2 – Run a hot vinegar or baking soda cycle

After manually removing loose hair, a hot cleaning cycle with natural ingredients will help to sanitize the machine, dissolve detergent buildup, eliminate odors, and flush out any remaining pet hair or residue.

Option A: Vinegar Cycle

1. Add White Vinegar: Pour 2 cups of distilled white vinegar directly into the detergent dispenser (or into the bleach dispenser if your machine has one, or directly into the drum if your machine doesn’t have accessible dispensers).
2. Select Hot Water Cycle: Set your washing machine to the hottest water setting available (e.g., “Sanitize,” “Hot,” or “Heavy Duty” with extra rinse). Ensure the water temperature is as high as possible, as heat helps vinegar work more effectively to break down grime and kill bacteria.
3. Start the Cycle: Run the empty washing machine through a complete hot water cycle with the vinegar. The vinegar will circulate, cleaning the drum, hoses, and internal components.
4. Pause and Soak (Optional, for extra cleaning): If your machine allows, halfway through the cycle (once the drum is filled with hot water and vinegar), pause the machine and let the mixture sit and soak for 30 minutes to an hour. This extended contact time can help loosen stubborn buildup. Resume the cycle afterward.
5. Wipe Down After Cycle: Once the cycle is complete, the drum should be much cleaner and smell fresher. If any residue remains, wipe down the inside of the drum with a clean microfiber cloth.

Option B: Baking Soda Cycle (Alternative or Follow-up)

You can use baking soda as an alternative to vinegar, or run a baking soda cycle after a vinegar cycle for an extra boost of cleaning and deodorizing.

1. Add Baking Soda: Sprinkle 1/2 cup of baking soda directly into the empty washing machine drum.
2. Select Hot Water Cycle: As with vinegar, choose the hottest water setting and a full wash cycle.
3. Start the Cycle: Run the empty machine. Baking soda works as a gentle abrasive and powerful deodorizer.
4. Wipe Down: After the cycle, wipe down the drum.

Important Considerations:

• Never Mix Vinegar and Bleach: Do not use bleach in the same cycle as vinegar or baking soda, as it can create hazardous fumes.
• Machine Cleaner: Some washing machines have a dedicated “Tub Clean” or “Self Clean” cycle and may recommend using a specific washing machine cleaner tablet. If your manufacturer recommends this, you can use it in place of or in addition to the vinegar/baking soda cycle, following the product instructions.

This hot cleaning cycle is crucial for flushing out unseen hair, dissolving hidden grime, and refreshing the entire internal system of your washing machine.

Step 3 – Clean the filter and drain pump

This is arguably the most critical step for removing embedded pet hair and preventing future clogs, especially for front-loading machines. The drain pump filter (sometimes called a coin trap or lint filter) traps debris and lint before it reaches the pump.

Important Safety Precaution: Always unplug your washing machine from the power outlet before attempting to access or clean the filter and drain pump. This prevents accidental activation and electric shock.

1. Locate the Access Panel:
   • For most front-loading washers, the drain pump filter is located behind a small access panel at the bottom front of the machine. This panel might be a small door or a kick plate that needs to be unclipped or unscrewed.
   • For some top-loading washers, the filter might be integrated into the center agitator or a removable lint screen. Consult your appliance’s manual if you cannot locate it. If your top-loader doesn’t have an accessible filter, focus on prevention (Step 4).
2. Prepare for Water Drainage:
   • Place an old towel or several rags on the floor directly beneath the access panel.
   • Position a shallow pan or bowl (like a baking tray) on top of the towel, directly under the filter housing.
3. Drain the Remaining Water:
   • Most machines have a small drain hose next to the filter cap. Pull this hose out and remove its cap (or stopper) to allow any residual water to drain into your pan. This can be a surprising amount of water, so be prepared to empty the pan multiple times if necessary.
   • Once the water flow stops, re-cap the small drain hose and tuck it back into its slot.
4. Remove the Filter Cap:
   • Carefully unscrew or unclip the large circular filter cap. It might be stiff from trapped debris, so you may need some gentle force.
   • As you remove the cap, be prepared for more water and debris to spill out into your pan.
5. Clean the Filter and Housing:
   • Remove Debris: You will almost certainly find a mixture of pet hair, lint, coins, buttons, and other small items wrapped around the filter. Pull all of this out and discard it.
   • Rinse the Filter: Take the filter to a sink and thoroughly rinse it under running water. Use a small brush (like an old toothbrush) to scrub away any stubborn hair, lint, or slimy residue from the filter mesh and vanes.
   • Clean the Housing: Look inside the opening where the filter sits. Use a microfiber cloth or your small brush to clean out any remaining gunk or hair from the housing.
6. Inspect the Drain Pump Impeller:
   • With the filter removed, you can often see the impeller (a small fan-like blade) of the drain pump. Gently try to rotate it with your finger. If it’s stuck, there might be a larger obstruction (like a hair tie or button) preventing it from spinning. Carefully remove any such blockages.
   • Caution: The impeller can be sharp or have sharp edges; wear gloves and be gentle.
7. Reassemble:
   • Once the filter is clean and the housing/impeller are clear, screw the filter cap back in tightly.
   • Close the access panel.
8. Plug In and Test: Plug the washing machine back into the power outlet. Run a quick rinse cycle with no clothes to ensure there are no leaks from the drain pump filter and that water drains correctly.

Cleaning this filter regularly (every 1-3 months, or more often if you have heavy-shedding pets) is essential for preventing drainage issues, odors, and the recirculation of pet hair onto your clothes.

Prevention tips to reduce pet hair build-up

Beyond regular cleaning, adopting preventive habits can significantly reduce the amount of pet hair that ends up in your washing machine and on your clothes. These tips help manage hair at the source and before it enters the washer.

1. Brush Your Pets Regularly: This is the single most effective prevention method.
   • Frequency: Brush your dog or cat daily, or several times a week, especially during shedding seasons. Use appropriate grooming tools for their coat type (e.g., deshedding brushes, slicker brushes).
   • Location: Brush outdoors or in an easy-to-clean area (like a tiled bathroom) to contain the loose hair.
   • Benefit: Removing hair directly from your pet means less hair ends up on your clothes and in your home.
2. Pre-Treat Clothes with Heaviest Hair:
   • Lint Roller: Before washing, use a lint roller or pet hair removal brush on heavily pet-haired items.
   • Dryer Cycle: Put items with a lot of pet hair into the dryer on a “no heat” or “air fluff” cycle for 10-15 minutes before washing. The tumbling action and dryer’s lint trap can remove a surprising amount of hair.
   • Shake Out Clothes: Vigorously shake out blankets, pet beds, and clothing outdoors before putting them in the washer.
3. Use Laundry Aids Designed for Pet Hair:
   • Pet Hair Catchers: Special devices (often sticky balls or mesh bags) designed to attract and trap pet hair during the wash cycle can be added to your laundry. These help collect hair that has come off the clothes.
   • Microfiber Cloths/Sponges: Throw a clean microfiber cloth or a specific pet hair laundry sponge into the wash with your clothes. Their texture and static properties can help attract and hold loose hair.
4. Avoid Overloading the Washer:
   • Space for Movement: Overloading the machine prevents clothes from moving freely, which means pet hair has fewer opportunities to be rinsed away. Wash smaller loads of heavily soiled items.
5. Use Less Detergent:
   • Residue: Too much detergent can lead to residue buildup on clothes and inside the washer, making hair more likely to cling. Use only the recommended amount or slightly less, especially if you have soft water.
6. Clean Your Dryer’s Lint Trap Religiously:
   • Transfer: A full dryer lint trap will allow hair to escape and potentially get back onto your clothes, or even into the air ducts. Clean it before and after every load.
7. Consider a Washer Cleaning Routine:
   • Regular Maintenance: Beyond hair, regularly run an empty hot cycle with vinegar or a commercial washer cleaner once a month to keep the machine fresh and free of residue that hair can stick to.
   • Wipe Gasket: For front-loaders, wipe down the rubber gasket after every few washes to prevent hair and mildew buildup.

By integrating these preventive measures into your pet care and laundry routine, you can significantly reduce the amount of pet hair that bothers you, your clothes, and your washing machine.

Don’t let pet hair diminish the joy of your furry companions! With this step-by-step guide, you’re now equipped to thoroughly clean your washing machine and implement preventive measures that keep your clothes and appliance hair-free. A clean machine means cleaner laundry and a happier home for everyone.

For comprehensive home cleaning solutions, including expert pet-friendly cleaning services that handle even the toughest pet hair challenges, contact Amazing Maids today. We’re here to make your home shine!

Call Amazing Maids for a free estimate and discover the difference a truly clean home can make!