If your laundry comes out with pet hair still clinging to it, the problem may be the washer itself.
This guide explains how to clean pet hair from washing machine parts, why hair builds up, and how to stop it from returning.
Why Pet Hair Builds Up in Washing Machines
Pet hair does not always rinse away during a normal cycle.
Loose fur can collect in the drum, settle in the door seal, clog the drain pump filter, and attach to residue from detergent and fabric softener.
Front-load washers and high-efficiency top-load models can be especially prone to buildup because they use less water.
When hair combines with lint, soap scum, and hard-water deposits, it can stick to internal surfaces and reduce washing performance.
What You Need Before You Start
Gather a few basic supplies before cleaning the washer:
- Rubber gloves
- Microfiber cloths
- Soft sponge or non-abrasive scrub brush
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Warm water
- Small bucket or bowl
- Toothbrush or detailing brush
- Towels for catching drips
If your machine has a removable lint or drain filter, check the user manual first so you can remove and reinstall it correctly.
How to Clean Pet Hair from Washing Machine Parts
1. Clear loose hair from the drum
Start with an empty washer.
Wipe the inside of the drum with a damp microfiber cloth to lift visible hair, lint, and residue.
For hair stuck to the walls or around the rim, use a slightly dampened sponge and work in small sections.
If the drum is stainless steel, avoid harsh abrasives that could scratch the finish.
A soft brush can help dislodge hair from textured surfaces and seams.
2. Clean the door seal or gasket
Front-load washers often trap hair in the rubber gasket around the door.
Pull back the seal gently and inspect the folds, where debris tends to collect.
Remove hair by hand, then wipe the area with warm water and a cloth.
For sticky buildup, mix a small amount of dish soap with warm water and clean the gasket thoroughly.
Dry the seal afterward to discourage mold and residue buildup.
3. Check the detergent drawer
Hair does not usually collect directly in the detergent drawer, but soap residue can trap lint and fur nearby.
Remove the drawer if possible and rinse it with warm water.
Use a toothbrush to clean corners, sliding tracks, and narrow channels.
Let the drawer dry before replacing it.
A clean dispenser helps detergent dissolve properly and reduces residue that can catch pet hair during future cycles.
4. Inspect and clean the drain pump filter
The drain pump filter is one of the most important places to check when learning how to clean pet hair from washing machine systems.
It often catches lint, coins, debris, and clumps of pet hair before they enter the drain.
Place towels and a shallow container under the filter access panel.
Open it slowly, drain any trapped water according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and remove the filter.
Pull away any hair or buildup, then rinse the filter under warm water before reinstalling it.
On some models, this step may also help solve drainage problems, slow spin cycles, or error codes related to water removal.
5. Run a cleaning cycle
After removing visible pet hair, run a hot wash or machine-cleaning cycle.
Add white vinegar to the drum or use a washing machine cleaner approved for your appliance.
Then run a second rinse cycle if recommended by the manufacturer.
Baking soda can help neutralize odors and loosen residue, but it should be used in moderation and according to the machine’s care guidelines.
A cleaning cycle helps remove remaining hair fragments, detergent buildup, and odors from the wash chamber and internal lines.
How to Remove Pet Hair from Laundry After Washing
Cleaning the machine is only part of the solution.
If hair is still transferring to clothes, blankets, or bedding, adjust your laundry routine.
- Shake items outdoors before washing to remove loose fur.
- Use a lint roller or pet hair remover brush on fabric before loading the washer.
- Wash pet bedding separately from regular laundry.
- Use extra rinse settings when available.
- Avoid overloading the drum, which reduces water flow and hair removal.
- Choose a dryer cycle with dryer balls or wool balls to help lift remaining hair.
For heavily furred items, a pre-wash soak or a pet-hair-specific laundry product can improve results.
Mesh laundry bags can also help contain shedding on smaller washable items.
How to Prevent Pet Hair Buildup in the Washer
Prevention is the easiest way to keep a washer cleaner over time.
Regular habits reduce the amount of fur that reaches the drum and drain system in the first place.
Clean pet bedding more carefully
Pet beds, blankets, and throws usually shed the most.
Pre-brush them outside, and wash them on a cycle that provides enough water movement.
If your washer has a “pet hair” or “deep clean” setting, use it for these loads.
Maintain the filter on a schedule
Check the drain pump filter every few weeks if you have pets that shed heavily.
In homes with multiple dogs or cats, more frequent inspection may be necessary.
Regular filter maintenance prevents clogs and keeps the washer draining properly.
Use less residue-producing product
Too much detergent or fabric softener leaves behind a film that can trap hair.
Measure detergent carefully and use a high-efficiency formula if your washer requires one.
Liquid fabric softener can also contribute to buildup, so consider reducing use where possible.
Wipe the washer after hair-heavy loads
A quick wipe of the drum, gasket, and door after washing pet items can stop hair from drying inside the machine.
This simple habit takes only a minute and can prevent recurring buildup.
Signs Your Washing Machine Needs Deep Cleaning
Some signs indicate that pet hair and residue are starting to affect performance:
- Clothes come out with visible hair still attached
- A musty or sour odor develops in the drum
- Water drains slowly or leaves residue behind
- The door seal looks dirty or feels slimy
- The washer vibrates or spins less efficiently
- You notice lint, hair, or debris in the filter
If these problems continue after cleaning, the washer may need a deeper inspection, especially in the drain hose, pump area, or gasket folds.
When to Call a Technician
If your washer will not drain, shows recurring error codes, or makes unusual noises after you clean the filter and drum, a technician may need to inspect the pump or internal hoses.
Persistent hair buildup can sometimes signal a clog deeper in the system.
It is also worth getting help if the door seal is damaged, the filter housing is cracked, or water continues to leak after maintenance.
Keeping Pet Hair Under Control Long Term
Knowing how to clean pet hair from washing machine components is useful, but the best results come from combining washer maintenance with pet grooming and laundry habits.
Brushing pets regularly, shaking out fabrics before washing, cleaning the filter on a schedule, and running periodic cleaning cycles will keep the machine working more efficiently.
With a few consistent steps, you can reduce fur buildup, improve drainage, and keep pet hair from sticking to every load you wash.