Every pet owner knows the struggle. You pull fresh sheets from the laundry, only to find them covered in stubborn pet hair. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. As of 2024, nearly 80% of Canadian households have at least one pet, and millions of pet parents across the country deal with this hairy situation daily.

The good news? Removing pet hair from bed sheets before washing doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With the right techniques and a few simple tools, you can get hair-free bedding that actually stays that way. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process that will change your laundry routine forever.

Why It’s Important to Remove Pet Hair Before Washing

A golden retriever lies comfortably on a rug in a laundry room, next to a basket of clean clothes and modern washer-dryer machines.

Skipping the pre-wash hair removal step is a costly mistake. “Once water is added to the equation, it becomes that much more difficult.” The mix of water and pet hair results in clumps that stick to fabrics and the sides of the washer drum, clogging drain pumps.

Here’s what happens when pet hair meets your washing machine:

  • Machine damage: Hair clumps can clog drain pumps and stress your washer
  • Poor cleaning results: Wet hair sticks to fabric fibers and won’t come out
  • Spread to other clothes: Hair redistributes throughout the entire wash load
  • Expensive repairs: Clogged pumps can lead to costly washing machine repairs

Taking five minutes to remove hair before washing saves you hours of frustration and potentially hundreds of dollars in repairs.

Suggested Read: How to Clean A Washing Machine?

Step-by-Step: How to Remove Pet Hair from Bed Sheets Before Laundry

A dog with different laundry sheets.

Here’s your complete game plan for getting pet hair off bed sheets before they hit the washing machine.

Step 1: Shake It Out Outdoors

Start with the simplest method that removes about 60% of loose hair instantly.

Take your sheets outside and give them a vigorous shake. The outdoor air current helps lift hair away from the fabric. Hold each corner and snap the sheets like you’re making a bed. Do this for 30 seconds per sheet.

Pro tip: Shake sheets before they go in the hamper. Fresh hair comes off much easier than hair that’s been sitting for days.

Step 2: Use a Pet Hair Removal Tool

Now tackle the stubborn hair that didn’t shake loose. You have several effective options:

  • Lint rollers: Great for small areas and spot cleaning. Roll in one direction for best results.
  • Rubber gloves: Put on slightly damp rubber cleaning gloves. Run your hands over the fabric in one direction. The rubber creates static that attracts hair.
  • Dryer balls: Toss wool dryer balls in with dry sheets and run a 10-minute no-heat cycle. The balls create friction that loosens hair.
  • Pet hair removal tools: Specialized tools like the ChomChom Roller or Evercare Magic Lint Brush work exceptionally well on bedding.

Step 3: Toss in the Dryer (Before Washing)

This counterintuitive step is incredibly effective. Put your sheets in the dryer for 10 minutes on the “air fluff” or no-heat setting. Add a dryer sheet to reduce static.

The tumbling action and airflow will loosen remaining hair. Most of it will end up in your lint trap, making removal easy. Clean the lint trap thoroughly when done.

Step 4: Wash as Usual, but Smarter

Now you’re ready to wash with a few smart adjustments:

  • Use fabric softener: It reduces static that makes hair cling to fabric
  • Add white vinegar: Pour ½ cup in the rinse cycle to naturally soften fabric and release any remaining hair
  • Don’t overload: Give sheets room to move freely in the washer
  • Use the right water temperature: Warm water works best for most bedding

Step 5: Dry and Clean Up

After washing, clean your lint trap again before drying. Pet hair that survived the wash will collect here during the dry cycle.

Run your dryer on the appropriate heat setting for your sheets. Check the lint trap halfway through and clean it again if needed.

How to Prevent Future Pet Hair Buildup

A hand holds a yellow grooming brush above a gray tabby cat, which is looking curiously off to the side on a soft gray surface.

Prevention is always easier than removal. Here are proven strategies to minimize pet hair on your bedding:

Weekly grooming routine: Brush your pets regularly to remove loose hair before it ends up on your sheets. Nearly a quarter of respondents said they wash their bedding at least once a week due to pet hair, but regular grooming can extend this time.

Pet-friendly bedding choices:

  • Microfiber sheets repel hair better than cotton
  • Tightly woven fabrics collect less hair
  • Darker colors hide hair better than light colors

Bedroom boundaries: Consider keeping pets off the bed, or use a washable pet blanket on top of your sheets.

Air purifiers: These reduce airborne pet dander and loose hair floating around your bedroom.

Regular sheet changes: Change sheets every 1-2 weeks to prevent hair buildup.

Frequently Asked Questions

A person brushes a cat with a blue grooming comb, collecting clumps of light brown fur on the comb's bristles.

Got more questions about dealing with pet hair on your sheets? Here are some quick answers to help you out:

Does pet hair damage laundry machines?

Yes, over time it can. Pet hair can clog the washer’s drain or filter and block your dryer’s lint trap. This may reduce your machine’s efficiency or even lead to costly repairs if not cleaned regularly.

What is the best remover for stubborn pet hair on fabrics?

Reusable lint rollers, rubber gloves, and pet hair brushes work well. For deeper cleaning, using wool dryer balls or running a pre-dry cycle in the dryer can also help loosen stubborn hair.

Can I just wash pet hair off sheets without pre-cleaning?

It’s not recommended. Washing without removing hair first can cause the hair to clump, stick to other clothes, or stay on the sheets. Always follow a few pre-cleaning steps before tossing your sheets in the washer.

Related Blog: How to Clean Dog Toys with Vinegar?

Conclusion

Removing pet hair from bed sheets before laundry isn’t just about cleaner sheets, it’s about protecting your washing machine and getting better results. The five-step process of shaking, using removal tools, pre-drying, smart washing, and proper drying will transform your laundry routine.

Remember, consistency is key. Make hair removal part of your regular routine, and you’ll spend less time fighting stubborn clumps and more time enjoying fresh, hair-free bedding.

Need a Hair-Free Haven? We’ve Got You Covered!

If pet hair has taken over your home, it might be time to call in the pros. Our expert cleaners understand the unique challenges of homes with pets and know exactly how to tackle them, gently and thoroughly.

Hellamaid offers professional cleaning services in multiple cities across Canada. Whether it’s your bedroom, laundry room, or living space, we’ll help make it spotless and fur-free.

Book your professional cleaning today and enjoy a home that feels fresh again.