Garment Care · Pet Hair

Six Steps to Remove Pet Hair From Clothes Before Washing

When cat or dog hair clings to a dark top, start by lifting loose fur rather than tossing it straight into the washer. Work from a gentle surface clean to care-label-appropriate laundry.

5 min read2026-10-25

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OriginalGarment lint roller, product and usage3M · Scotch-Brite

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01

What you need

A pet-hair-covered garment
Its care label
A garment-safe lint roller or gentle brush
Washer and dryer instructions

02

How to

1. Read the wash and dry symbols first. Delicate wool, silk and items labeled 'do not tumble dry' need different handling from sturdy everyday tops. Keep heavily fur-covered pieces separate until they have been pre-cleaned.
2. While the garment is dry, shake off loose hair gently in a suitable ventilated area. Inspect the surface to find the areas where fur is thickest before using a tool.
3. Roll a garment lint roller over the surface without pressing hard. 3M markets its pet-hair pickup roller for clothing and other fabric surfaces. Test a discreet spot first if the cloth is delicate, embellished or prone to snagging.
4. Only if both the garment label and machine permit it, consider a short no-heat tumble before washing to loosen remaining hair. Maytag describes collecting loosened fur in the lint screen this way; it is an optional method, not a rule for every fabric.
5. Recheck the surface, then wash on the garment-label cycle. Avoid overloading the washer and, where possible, handle heavily furry pet bedding separately from ordinary clothes.
6. After drying, clean the lint screen as directed by the appliance maker and inspect the clothes again. If the washer filter or drain needs attention, follow that machine's specific owner manual before opening anything.

One more tip

Do not tumble-dry items whose labels prohibit tumble drying—even on a no-heat cycle solely to remove fur. Check the garment label and dryer manual. Patch-test adhesive rollers on delicate fabrics.

Sources and media

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