10 Easy Ways To Clean Dog Hair From The Washing Machine

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1. Wipe The Inside Of The Drum With A Dry Microfiber Cloth Before Running Another Load

Okay, babe, ever opened your washing machine and felt personally attacked by dog hair stuck everywhere?

Before you toss in fresh clothes, grab a dry microfiber cloth and wipe the drum fast like you mean it.

This quick move makes a difference:

• Dry Wipe First: Run a dry microfiber cloth around the drum to lift loose dog hair instantly.
• Focus On The Back Wall: Press firmly on the rear panel where hair clings after spin cycles.
• Check The Door Glass: Wipe the inside window to remove stuck fur before the next wash.

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Open the washer, press a dry microfiber cloth against the drum walls, and wipe in slow circles until no loose hair shows.

How I Made It Easy: Consider a thick reusable microfiber cleaning cloth set to grab hair fast.

2. Run A Hot Water Empty Cycle With Vinegar To Loosen Hair

Hot water is your secret weapon here, girl.

An empty hot cycle with white vinegar helps loosen dog hair stuck inside your washing machine, and FYI, it also freshens odors.

Let the heat do the work:

• Pour 2 Cups Vinegar: Add it directly into the drum before starting the cycle.
• Select The Hottest Setting: Choose the longest hot wash available on your washer.
• Run Completely Empty: Skip detergent and clothes to flush hair properly.

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Pour vinegar into the empty drum, set the washer to its hottest cycle, and let it run fully without stopping.

How I Made It Easy: Consider a large gallon of cleaning vinegar to keep on hand for monthly washer resets.

3. Scrub The Rubber Door Seal Where Hair Gets Trapped

Girl, that rubber seal around the door is basically a secret dog hair hideout.

Pull it back gently and scrub inside because fur loves to camp out in those folds.

Here’s where to look:

• Lift The Gasket Edge: Pull the rubber seal back carefully to expose hidden hair.
• Use A Small Brush: Scrub inside the folds to break loose stuck fur.
• Wipe With Damp Cloth: Finish by wiping away loosened debris.

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Gently pull back the rubber seal, scrub inside the folds with a small brush, then wipe clean with a damp cloth.

How I Made It Easy: Consider a small detail cleaning brush with firm bristles for tight spots.

4. Remove And Rinse The Detergent Drawer To Clear Hidden Hair

Okay bestie, dog hair somehow travels everywhere, even into the detergent drawer, which feels rude.

Slide it out and rinse it under warm water to clear out fur and buildup hiding inside.

Don’t skip this spot:

• Pull Drawer Fully Out: Remove it completely to access all compartments.
• Rinse With Warm Water: Wash away hair stuck in corners and channels.
• Scrub With Toothbrush: Clean residue inside tight sections thoroughly.

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Remove the detergent drawer, rinse it under warm running water, and scrub any trapped hair before sliding it back in.

How I Made It Easy: Consider a long-handled bottle brush to reach inside narrow detergent slots.

5. Check And Clean The Washer Drain Pump Filter

This one feels slightly dramatic, but trust me.

Dog hair can clog the drain pump filter, and when that happens, your washer drains slower than your toddler getting dressed.

Here’s what to handle:

• Locate The Filter Panel: Open the small access door at the bottom front of the washer.
• Unscrew Slowly: Turn the filter cap carefully to release trapped water.
• Remove Built-Up Hair: Pull out debris and rinse the filter clean.

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Place a towel under the panel, unscrew the filter cap slowly, remove dog hair buildup, rinse it clean, and secure it back tightly.

How I Made It Easy: Consider a shallow drain pan to catch water when opening the filter.

6. Vacuum Around The Door Rim And Washer Opening

Loose fur loves to hang around the washer opening like it pays rent.

Grab your vacuum and run it along the rim to suck up stray hair before it slips back inside.

Focus on these areas:

• Use A Crevice Tool: Slide it along the rim to reach tight grooves.
• Vacuum Door Hinges: Remove hair stuck near the hinge area.
• Clean The Top Lip: Run suction along the upper edge of the opening.

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Attach a crevice tool to your vacuum, run it slowly around the washer opening, and remove visible fur before starting a new load.

How I Made It Easy: Consider a universal vacuum crevice attachment to reach tight washer edges.

7. Run A Second Rinse Cycle To Flush Out Leftover Hair

Ever notice hair still floating after a wash?

Running a second rinse cycle helps flush out leftover dog hair that hides during the first spin, and IMO, it’s worth the extra few minutes.

Here’s when to use it:

• After Washing Dog Bedding: Select an extra rinse before removing items.
• When Hair Is Visible: Run another rinse if you still see fur inside.
• Use High Spin Speed: Choose a strong spin to push hair toward the drain.

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: After finishing a load with heavy fur, select the extra rinse option and let the washer spin again before unloading.

How I Made It Easy: Consider a washer-safe pet hair laundry ball to reduce loose fur during rinses.

8. Clean The Washer Lint Trap If Your Model Has One

Not all machines have a lint trap, but if yours does, do not ignore it, girl.

A clogged lint trap keeps dog hair trapped inside your washing machine instead of flushing out.

Here’s the quick fix:

• Locate The Lint Filter: Check your washer manual or inside the drum rim.
• Remove Carefully: Pull it out gently to avoid damage.
• Rinse Under Water: Wash away collected fur and let it dry.

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Find the lint trap, remove it gently, rinse off trapped dog hair, and place it back once fully dry.

How I Made It Easy: Consider a small mesh strainer to help rinse lint traps without losing pieces.

9. Use A Damp Paper Towel To Grab Hair Stuck To The Drum

Sometimes fur sticks flat against the drum like it’s glued there.

A slightly damp paper towel grabs that hair instantly when dry cloths miss it.

Try this simple trick:

• Lightly Wet The Towel: Dampen it just enough to attract fur.
• Wipe In One Direction: Move in steady strokes to collect hair.
• Check Bottom Edge: Focus on the lower rim where fur settles.

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Dampen a paper towel lightly, wipe the drum walls in one direction, and toss the towel once it fills with fur.

How I Made It Easy: Consider heavy-duty paper towels designed for cleaning tough messes.

10. Leave The Door Open To Let The Drum Fully Dry

Okay babe, this one sounds simple, but it matters more than you think.

Leaving the washer door open after each load keeps moisture from trapping dog hair inside and sticking it to the drum.

This habit helps:

• Air Out The Drum: Allow fresh air to circulate after every wash.
• Prevent Hair Clinging: Reduce damp surfaces that attract fur.
• Stop Musty Smells: Keep the inside fresh and clean.

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: After every load, leave the washer door open for at least 1 hour to let the drum dry completely.

How I Made It Easy: Consider a magnetic washer door prop to keep it safely open.

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