Pet Laundry Care 101
Pets are our best friends, but pets and laundry- not so much.
If you have pets at home, you know the struggle. Fur on your favorite hoodie, mystery stains on the couch blanket, and endless lint rolling. We love our furry friends, but their mess? Not so much.
That’s why Laundry Tip Tuesday is here to help! Each week, we’ll share expert tips to keep your laundry fresh, clean, and hassle-free.
This week, we’re tackling pet stains and fur, because cuddles are great, but the mess they leave behind? Not so much. Here’s how to tackle it like a pro and keep your laundry room (and nose) happy.
Why Pet Laundry Is Different
Pet hair and dander cling to fabric fibers, and if you have allergies, that could spell a nightmare for you or your loved ones. What’s worse is your typical washer at home isn’t built to tackle pet hair, meaning all that hair can get stuck in your machine and then transfer to your next load of laundry, creating an endless cycle of bad orders and fur! This is why pet laundry often needs a slightly different approach.
Try These Smart Laundry Habits:
Separate Pet Items From People's Clothes
Keep your pet’s bedding, blankets, and towels in their own load. This prevents hair and dander from hitching a ride onto your favorite tees.
Pre-Treat Before Washing
Before washing:
Shake out excess fur outside
Use a lint roller or pet hair brush to remove as much hair as possible
For really hairy fabrics, try running them in the dryer for 10 minutes first. It loosens hair and catches it in the lint trap.
Wash Often
Building a routine helps keep odors and allergens down:
Pet bedding: every 1–2 weeks
Blankets and towels: weekly
Pet Items: as often as needed, based on wear and activity. This keeps bacteria and odors from settling in.
Boost Cleanliness Without Harsh Chemicals
If smells linger, try these safe laundry helpers:
Natural Odor Fighters:
Add ½–1 cup of baking soda with your detergent
Pour 1 cup of white vinegar into the rinse cycle; it neutralizes odors without strong scents.
Extra Rinse Cycle:
An extra rinse helps remove residual hair and allergens, especially useful for people with sensitivities.
Washer & Dryer Care
Your machine can accumulate pet hair, which can end up on future loads if it’s not cleaned out. Be sure to maintain appliance hygiene, too, such as:
Clean your lint trap every load
Wipe down seals and detergent trays weekly
Run an empty hot wash with vinegar monthly to flush buildup.
Quick Tips for Specific Items
Bulky beds or large blankets: Use a laundromat’s heavy-duty washer if it doesn’t fit at home.
Soft toys: Place in a mesh laundry bag so they don’t get tossed around or tangled. This also protects any stuffing from coming out too.
Pet sweaters: Wash gently and avoid high heat in the dryer to prevent shrinkage.
Final Thoughts
Pet laundry doesn’t have to be a never-ending battle. With a little pre-care, the right additions to your wash cycle, and a few regular cleaning habits, you can dramatically improve how clean (and fresh) pet items come out and keep your own laundry free from unwanted fur and odors.