How To Get Dog Hair Out Of Washer

How to Get Dog Hair Out of Your Washer: A Comprehensive Guide

Dealing with pet hair is a constant battle for many pet owners, and the washing machine often becomes a battlefield. Finding your clothes covered in dog hair after a wash is frustrating, but there are effective ways to prevent and remove this pesky problem. This guide will equip you with the strategies and tools to conquer dog hair in your washing machine and keep your laundry clean.

Understanding the Problem: Why Dog Hair Clogs Washers

Dog hair, especially from breeds with thick or long coats, is incredibly tenacious. It's lightweight enough to float around the washer during the wash cycle but also clings to fabrics and builds up in the machine's crevices. This buildup can lead to several issues including:

• Reduced washing efficiency: Hair clogs the drainage system and can prevent the water from properly circulating, leaving clothes less clean.
• Unpleasant odors: Trapped hair can create a breeding ground for bacteria and mold, leading to musty smells in your laundry.
• Machine damage: Excessive hair buildup can damage the washer's pump and other internal components over time.

Prevention is Key: Minimizing Hair in the Wash

The best approach to dealing with dog hair in your washer is to minimize the amount that gets in there in the first place. Here are some preventive measures:

• Pre-cleaning: Before tossing clothes in the washing machine, thoroughly brush your dog to remove loose hair. Consider using a lint roller on clothes as well.
• Washing separately: Wash heavily shedding dog bedding and towels separately from other clothes.
• Mesh laundry bags: Use mesh laundry bags for items that shed heavily, containing the hair and preventing it from spreading throughout the washer.
• Regular vacuuming: Vacuum your laundry area frequently to remove stray hairs that may end up in the machine.

Effective Removal Techniques: Getting Rid of Existing Hair

Even with preventive measures, some dog hair will inevitably make its way into your washer. Here's how to effectively remove it:

• Lint Roller or Sticky Tape: For small amounts of hair, a simple lint roller or a piece of sticky tape can work wonders in removing hair from the rubber seals, door, and other accessible areas.
• Wet/Dry Vacuum: This is a highly effective tool for removing hair from the interior drum. Use the appropriate attachment to reach all areas.
• Cleaning the Filter: Most washing machines have a lint filter that collects debris. Regularly check and clean this filter to prevent hair buildup. Consult your washing machine's manual for the location and cleaning instructions.
• Deep Cleaning with a Brush: Use a stiff brush, such as a bottle brush, to scrub the inner drum and the rubber seals. This will remove hair that's clinging to the surfaces. Follow up by wiping down the areas with a damp cloth.

Maintaining a Hair-Free Washer: Long-Term Solutions

Consistency is key to keeping your washing machine free of dog hair. Make these actions a regular part of your laundry routine:

• Regular Cleaning: Clean your washer’s interior and filter at least once a month, or more frequently if you have a heavily shedding dog.
• Check the Hoses: Periodically inspect the washing machine hoses for hair buildup, especially the drain hose.
• Consider a Washing Machine Cleaner: Use a washing machine cleaner regularly to remove trapped dirt, grime, and hair buildup.

By implementing these preventive and removal strategies, you can significantly reduce the amount of dog hair in your washing machine, ensuring clean clothes and a well-maintained appliance. Remember that proactive measures are always better than reactive ones when dealing with pet hair!