Let’s face it, our furry friends bring a whole lot of love (and cuddles) into our lives. But that love often comes with a not-so-furry downside: pet hair, including cat hair, clinging to our clothes like a second skin. In fact, a recent survey in New Zealand even showed that 68% of pet owners struggle with pet hair on their clothes! But fear not, fellow pet lovers! We will help you understand how to address this problem, and will equip you with the knowledge and laundry hacks to combat pet hair and keep your clothes looking sharp. So, let’s start!
Understanding the Problem of Pet Hair
Before diving into some real life tips, we must understand the problem first. Shedding is a natural part of a pet’s life, but it can feel like an endless battle when it comes to keeping our clothes fur-free. Different factors like breed, coat type, and even the season can influence how much your pet sheds. Understanding the shedding cycle can help you stay ahead of the game and manage excess hair on clothes. Short-haired pets might shed consistently year-round, while long-haired breeds often have heavier shedding seasons in spring and fall.
Ways to Avoid Pet Hairs in Your Laundry
Before we dive into laundry hacks, let’s explore some ways to minimise pet hair from reaching your clothes in the first place:
- Brush Your Pet Regularly: Regular brushing helps collect pet hair before it has a chance to fall on your clothes. It’s a win-win for both you and your pet, as it also promotes healthy skin and prevents matting.
- Invest in a Lint Roller: Keep a lint roller handy for quick touch-ups before you head out the door. It’s a lifesaver for those inevitable moments when your favourite outfit becomes a fur magnet.
- Create Pet-Free Zones: Dedicate specific areas in your house where your pet doesn’t spend much time, like the couch you use for guests. This helps contain the hair and makes laundry a little easier.
- Wash Pet Bedding Regularly: Don’t forget about your pet’s bed! Wash it weekly in hot water (check the care label) to remove accumulated fur.
5 Techniques in Removing Pet Hair in Your Laundry
Overcoming pet hair in your laundry requires a multi-pronged approach. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the five techniques mentioned earlier, along with some additional insights to help you achieve fur-free clothes. Using a pet hair remover tool can also be highly effective in ensuring all pet hair is eliminated from your laundry.
The Pre-Wash Power of Drying (No-Heat Tumble)
This trick is all about prevention. Think of it as a pre-emptive strike against pet hair. By tossing your clothes in the dryer for a short 5-10 minute tumble cycle on NO HEAT, you loosen pet hair clinging to the fabric. This allows the dryer’s lint trap to do its job effectively, catching a significant amount of hair before it even enters the washing machine and potentially getting redeposited on your clothes during the wash cycle. Remember, NO HEAT is crucial here. Heat can actually set the hair into the fabric, making it more difficult to remove later.
The Magic of Rubber Gloves (The Textured Trap)
This might seem like an unusual weapon in your laundry arsenal, but rubber gloves are surprisingly effective for pet hair removal. The key lies in the texture of the damp rubber. Put on a damp rubber glove and gently sweep it across the surface of your clothing in a light, back-and-forth motion. The dampness helps the rubber cling to the hair, while the texture acts like a magnet, attracting and trapping loose fur and embedded pet hair. This is a great way to tackle stubborn pet hair on delicate fabrics that might not be suitable for a lint roller.
Lint Roller Rescue (The Final Touch-Up)
Even after the pre-wash drying and the rubber glove trick, there might still be some lingering pet hair. This is where your trusty lint roller comes in for the final touch-up. Lint rollers are best used on dry clothes and are highly effective for pet hair pickup. Run the lint roller in long, even strokes across the fabric surface, applying light pressure. For stubborn pet hair, you might need to go over the area a few times, but be gentle to avoid damaging delicate fabrics.
Pro Tip: For heavily fur-covered clothes, consider using a lint roller before and after the washing process. This double whammy approach can significantly reduce the amount of hair that survives the laundry cycle.
Washing Wisely (Settings for Hair Removal)
Now it’s time to optimise your washing machine settings for maximum pet hair removal. Here are some key points to remember:
- Check the Care Label: This might seem obvious, but it’s crucial to always follow the care instructions on your clothing labels. Washing on a high heat setting that’s not recommended for the fabric could damage your clothes and worsen the pet hair problem.
- Embrace the Cold or Warm: Hot water might feel tempting for a good clean, but it can actually set pet hair deeper into the fabric fibres, making it harder to remove. Instead, opt for cold or warm water settings. Colder water temperatures are more effective at loosening pet hair and allowing it to wash away. The washing machine’s lint trap can also help trap pet hair during the wash cycle.
- Low and Slow Drying: High heat drying can be a double-edged sword. While it might seem like it would remove pet hair, it can also damage clothes and worsen static cling, which attracts even more hair. Low heat drying is a gentler option. It helps release any remaining hair and reduces static for a fur-free finish.
Tennis Ball Toss (The Textured Tumble)
This might sound like a playful addition to your laundry routine, but a clean tennis ball can actually be a surprisingly effective tool against pet hair. The textured surface of the ball acts like a giant lint roller inside the dryer. As the clothes tumble around, the tennis ball dislodges trapped hair, which then gets caught in the lint trap. Additionally, dryer sheets can also be used to reduce static and trap pet hair in the dryer.
Bonus Tip: Consider using dryer balls specifically designed for pet hair removal. These reusable balls are similar to tennis balls in function, but they often have additional features like ridges or softer textures that can be even more effective at grabbing and trapping pet hair.
Fight Pet Hair with Trusted Laundromats
Sometimes, the battle against pet hair feels never-ending. Even with the best home laundry routine, fur can cling stubbornly. But worry no more! Consider utilising a trusted laundromat like Liquid Laundromats!
Liquid Laundromats offer a haven for pet owners seeking a fur-free laundry experience. Our state-of-the-art equipment, including high-powered dryers with advanced filtration systems, tackles even the most stubborn pet hair. Some laundromats use advanced tools like the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser for effective pet hair removal. Don’t let pet hair win! Visit your nearest Liquid Laundromats location and experience the difference professional laundry care can make.