You definitely love your pets at home, but you certainly don't like their fur stuck everywhere, including your clothes and maybe your blanket. Before putting clothes that have pet hair on them in the washing machine and dryer, brush the hairs first so they don't clog the machine. After that, add vinegar or fabric softener to the washing machine to help get rid of the stuck hair. Don't forget to clean your washer and dryer when you're done!
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Method 1 of 3: Removing Pet Hair before Washing Clothes
Step 1. Brush a dry sponge to remove the bristles from the surface of the fabric
Take a dishwashing sponge that you don't use anymore. Use the rough side of the sponge to brush clothes and blankets and remove pet hair.
- Do this step outside or in a trash can to keep the fluff from getting on the floor.
- For bristles that are difficult to remove, you can use a damp sponge. Wet the sponge then squeeze out the excess water before using it to brush the cloth.
Step 2. Lift stubborn bristles from the fabric with a lint roller
Start with the adhesive sheet still clean on the roller. Then roll the roller across the surface of the object in an uninterrupted motion in one direction. Pay special attention to areas that are particularly dirty with fur.
- Peel off the adhesive sheet once it's covered with feathers to reveal a new adhesive sheet. Otherwise, the rollers will no longer be effective at removing the hair.
- You can also loosen the hair before using the rollers by spraying a static guard on the fabric.
How to Make Your Own Fiber Roller
Wrap hands with duct tape, pointing the adhesive side out. Run your hand over the surface of the fabric to lift the hair.
Step 3. Use a steam iron if pet hair gets caught in easily damaged fabrics
The heat and warmth of the steam can also release trapped hair, making it easier to clean in the washing machine. Fill the tank of the steam iron with water then rub the tool on the cloth from top to bottom.
- Steam irons are safe for use on easily damaged fabrics such as wool or velvet. However, check the instructions for use on clothing labels if in doubt.
- You will find it easier to use this tool on hanging clothes.
- If you want to save money, buy a small steam iron which generally sells for around Rp. 200,000 to Rp. 400,000, instead of buying a standing steam iron which can cost as much as Rp. 1,000,000.
Method 2 of 3: Removing Hair from Clothes in the Washing Machine and Dryer
Step 1. Put the clothes in the dryer for 10 minutes before washing
Put the clothes that have fur in the dryer and then dry them on a low temperature cycle, such as a permanent press. If there is still a lot of hair on the garment, repeat this process for another 5-10 minutes.
Clean the lint filter bag after drying the clothes to remove any accumulated hair
Step 2. Use fabric softener to loosen the fluff from the fabric
Check the back of the package to find out how much product to use in one wash. After that, before turning on the washing machine, measure out an appropriate amount of fabric softener and put it in the container in the machine.
- Most fabric softener bottles come with a lid that you can use to measure out the liquid. The fabric softener container in the washing machine may also have a line that can be used as a guide.
- Depending on the model of washing machine you're using, the fabric softener container may look like a tall cylinder in the middle of the machine or a small drawer at the top.
- Never pour fabric softener directly into the washing machine drum.
- On older washing machines, read the instructions for use first to see if you need to wait and manually pour the fabric softener right before the last rinse cycle. Meanwhile, newer washing machine models can do this step automatically.
Step 3. Add white vinegar to the rinse cycle as a natural hair remover
The acetic acid in the vinegar will soften the fabric, making it possible for the attached pet hair to come off. Measure out 1/2 cup (about 120 ml) of vinegar and then pour it into the fabric softener container in the washing machine before turning it on.
- You can use apple cider vinegar in place of white vinegar if you prefer.
- If your washing machine is old, you may have to manually add the vinegar before the last wash cycle. On newer washing machines, you can add the vinegar in the early stages and the machine will dispense it into the drum automatically during rinsing.
- Read the instructions for using the washing machine first to make sure it is safe to use this vinegar.
Step 4. Insert 1-2 dryer sheets to dissipate static electricity as well as give aroma
This sheet will dissipate static electricity that can keep the hair from sticking to the fabric. Put this sheet in the washing machine with wet clothes before starting the machine. If the clothes are washed a little, 1 sheet should be enough. Meanwhile, if the clothes are washed a lot or a lot, use 2 sheets.
For fabrics that have a lot of static electricity, such as flannel, use more dryer sheets
Step 5. Put 3-6 wool dryer balls in the dryer to make it more environmentally friendly
These dryer balls can dissipate static electricity and release fluff like a dryer sheet. However, these balls can decompose naturally and be used over and over again. Put this tennis ball-sized ball in the dryer with wet clothes before drying.
You can buy these dryer balls at online stores or major department stores
Step 6. Clean the lint filter bag in the middle of the drying process
If the bag becomes clogged during the drying process, pet hair may come out and soil your clothes again. Turn off the dryer after halfway through the drying process and then remove the lint filter bag. Brush and remove any accumulated hair or lint then attach the bag again and continue the drying cycle.
This lint filter bag is usually located at the top of the dryer or just inside the door, depending on the model of machine you are using
Method 3 of 3: Cleaning Pet Hair from Washers and Dryers
Step 1. Turn on an empty washing machine after you finish washing clothes
This washing cycle will clean the remaining hair that is still attached to the machine. Just set the washing machine on a regular wash cycle and leave it running with nothing in it.
- For deeper cleaning, choose a washing cycle with the hottest and longest temperature on the machine.
- Settings marked "white" or "stain" usually use the highest temperature.
- Select " extra rinse " if it is on your machine.
Step 2. Wipe the drum of the washer and dryer with a rag if there is any remaining hair
Otherwise, when you wash again, the pet hair will stick to the clothes. Use a damp cloth or kitchen paper to remove any animal hair remaining on the drums of the washer and dryer.
- If you also want to clean the machine while removing any remaining hair, pour a few drops of laundry detergent onto a cloth or paper towel first.
- Be sure to clean all the crevices and grooves of the machine drum, including the door and rubber.
Step 3. Suck any excess hair from the washer or tumble dryer with a tool
Attach a soft brush to the vacuum cleaner and then use it to suck out the remaining bristles left on the machine. Sweep this brush all over the drum, including the top and sides. Before vacuuming your washing machine, make sure it is completely dry first.
- To dry the washing machine drum, leave the door open to allow air to flow, or wipe with a dry cloth.
- You can buy this vacuum cleaner at a home supply store, hardware store, or online.
