How to Wash and Clean Pet Hair off your Clothes Effectively – FurZapper is Your Best Solution
How to Wash and Clean Pet Hair off your Clothes Effectively – FurZapper is Your Best Solution
Pet hair not only sticks to your clothes but also finds its way into your washing machine and dryer, often clinging to other laundry items during the wash cycle. This can make your entire load of laundry covered in hair, spreading the problem rather than solving it. Additionally, pet hair can clog your washer and dryer filters, reducing their efficiency and potentially leading to maintenance issues.
Fortunately, there are effective ways to wash and clean clothes with pet hair, and using specific products can make the process much easier. Products like FurZapper are designed to tackle the problem head-on by helping to loosen and remove pet hair during the washing and drying cycles. With the right techniques and tools, you can significantly reduce the amount of pet hair on your clothing, keeping your wardrobe looking fresh and clean despite your furry companions.
1. Pre-Wash Steps to Remove Pet Hair
1.1 Shake and Brush Off Excess Hair
Before placing your clothes in the washing machine, take them outside and give them a good shake. This helps remove loose hair. Using a lint roller or a pet hair remover brush can also be very effective for getting rid of hair on the surface. These tools can quickly pick up a significant amount of hair, especially from high-shedding areas. For even better results, consider using a rubber glove or a damp sponge to gently wipe down your clothes, as the static generated can help lift hair away from the fabric.
1.2 Use a Dryer First
Running your clothes through a short cycle in the dryer before washing can help remove pet hair. Use the dryer on a low or no-heat setting for about 10 minutes. The dryer’s lint trap will capture a lot of the hair. Don’t forget to clean the lint trap after this step. This pre-drying technique helps to loosen and dislodge hairs from fabric fibers, making the washing process more effective. Additionally, adding a dryer sheet can help reduce static, making it easier for hair to be trapped in the lint filter.
1.3 Use Sticky Rollers or Tape
For particularly stubborn areas, use sticky rollers or even duct tape to pick up as much hair as possible. This is especially useful for larger items like blankets or bedspreads. Sticky rollers are designed to grab and hold onto hair with each pass, making them a quick and efficient way to tackle remaining pet hair. For a more thorough job, use wide, high-tack masking tape, which can cover larger areas and be pressed deeper into fabric creases where hair might be hiding.
2. Washing Clothes to Remove Pet Hair
2.1 Use a Hair Removal Product
The first and most crucial step in removing pet hair from your clothes is using a product specifically designed for this purpose. One of the most popular and effective products is the FurZapper. The FurZapper is a soft, tacky disc that you throw in the washer with your clothes. During the wash cycle, it helps to loosen pet hair, making it easier for the hair to be flushed away with the water. These discs are designed to float in the wash, attracting pet hair and preventing it from redepositing on your clothes. By using FurZapper, you can significantly reduce the amount of pet hair on your laundry, ensuring cleaner results.
2.2 Wash with a Fabric Softener
Adding a liquid fabric softener to your wash can further help loosen pet hair from fabrics. Fabric softeners work by reducing static cling, which makes it easier for pet hair to be rinsed away during the wash cycle. The reduced static also means that pet hair is less likely to stick to your clothes after washing, resulting in cleaner, hair-free garments. This step enhances the effectiveness of the FurZapper by ensuring that any loosened hair is more readily removed.
2.3 Use an Extra Rinse Cycle
Running an extra rinse cycle can help ensure that all the pet hair is washed out. This is particularly helpful if you have a large amount of pet hair on your clothes. The additional rinse cycle helps to remove any remaining hair that might still be clinging to your clothes after the initial wash. This step is especially important if you are dealing with heavy shedding from your pets.
2.4 Wash with Vinegar
Adding half a cup of white vinegar to your washing machine can help loosen pet hair from your clothes. Vinegar acts as a natural fabric softener and can help remove stubborn hair. The acidity of vinegar helps break down the oils that cause hair to stick to fabrics, making it easier to wash away. This natural solution is safe for most fabrics and can also help deodorize your laundry.
2.5 Clean the Washer Drum
After washing clothes with pet hair, it’s essential to clean the washer drum to prevent hair from sticking to other loads of laundry. Run an empty wash cycle with just water and a cup of vinegar or bleach to clean the drum. This step helps maintain your washing machine’s efficiency and ensures that pet hair does not accumulate and affect subsequent washes. Regularly cleaning your washing machine drum is a good practice to keep it running smoothly and effectively.
3. Post-Wash Steps to Ensure Clothes are Hair-Free
3.1 Use the Dryer Again
After washing, place your clothes in the dryer with a dryer sheet. The dryer sheet helps reduce static and further removes pet hair. Tumble dry on a low heat setting. The tumbling action and the dryer sheet will help dislodge any remaining pet hair, which will be collected in the dryer’s lint trap. It is crucial to check and clean the lint trap after each cycle to ensure it remains effective at trapping pet hair.
3.2 Use a Lint Roller
Once your clothes are dry, use a lint roller or a pet hair remover brush to remove any remaining pet hair. This final step ensures that your clothes are completely hair-free and ready to wear. For best results, go over each garment thoroughly, paying special attention to areas where hair tends to accumulate, such as seams, collars, and cuffs. Lint rollers are particularly effective because they can pick up even the smallest hairs that might have been missed during washing and drying.
4. Regular Maintenance Tips
4.1 Keep Your Home Clean
Regularly vacuuming and dusting your home can significantly reduce the amount of pet hair that ends up on your clothes. Focus on areas where your pet frequently sits or lies down, such as sofas, carpets, and pet beds. Using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter can be particularly effective in capturing fine hairs and dander. In addition to vacuuming, dust surfaces with microfiber cloths, which are great at picking up pet hair without scattering it around.
4.2 Groom Your Pet
Regularly grooming your pet can significantly reduce the amount of loose hair that they shed. Use grooming tools designed to remove excess hair, such as de-shedding brushes and grooming gloves. Brushing your pet outside whenever possible can help keep loose hair from spreading throughout your home. For pets with longer coats, consider scheduling regular professional grooming sessions to keep their hair under control.
4.3 Use Pet-Friendly Furniture Covers
Using covers on your furniture can help contain pet hair to specific areas, making it easier to manage and clean. Choose washable, pet-friendly covers for sofas, chairs, and beds. These covers can be easily removed and laundered, helping to keep pet hair from embedding itself into the fabric of your furniture. Additionally, pet beds with removable covers can make it easier to keep your pet’s sleeping area clean.
By following these steps and incorporating specific products designed to help remove pet hair, you can keep your clothes clean and free from pet hair. Consistent maintenance and grooming are key to managing pet hair effectively.
Other Recommended Products
Lint Rollers: Essential for pre- and post-wash hair removal. Lint rollers can pick up even the smallest hairs, ensuring your clothes are completely hair-free. They are particularly useful for quick touch-ups and for removing hair from hard-to-reach areas on your clothing.
Fabric Softener: Helps reduce static and loosens pet hair during washing, making it easier for hair to be rinsed away. The reduced static also means that pet hair is less likely to stick to your clothes after washing, resulting in cleaner, hair-free garments.
Recommended Cleaning Service
For those times when managing pet hair and maintaining a spotless home becomes overwhelming, consider enlisting the help of a professional cleaning service like Good Cleaner Co. Good Cleaner Co. specializes in thorough, efficient, and eco-friendly cleaning solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of pet owners. Our experienced team uses high-quality products and techniques to ensure your home stays clean, fresh, and free of pet hair. Whether you need regular maintenance or a deep clean services, Good Cleaner Co. can help keep your living space immaculate, allowing you to spend more quality time with your furry friends.