Remove Pet Hair and Odors from Clothing

How to Remove Pet Hair and Odors from Clothing Like a Pro

If you share your home with dogs or cats, you already know: pet hair has a magical ability to stick to everything. Clothes, jackets, blankets, car seats, towels, even freshly washed laundry - nothing is safe. Add in the occasional pet-related odor, and suddenly laundry day becomes a bit more complicated than it used to be.

The good news? With the right techniques (and a few tricks most people don’t know), you can remove pet hair and eliminate odors like a true pro. Whether you’re prepping clothes for work, cleaning blankets covered in fur, or sending items to Tip Top Laundry in Glendale, AZ, these tips will help keep your wardrobe fresh and your home feeling clean.

🐾 Loosen Hair Before the Wash - This Step Makes a Big Difference

Most people throw pet-covered clothes straight into the wash, but that’s actually the least effective way to remove fur. Hair clings tightly to fabric, and once it’s soaked with water, it can stick even more.

Here’s what to do instead:

Shake or brush clothes before washing
Take garments outside and give them a few firm shakes. For heavy fabrics (like hoodies or joggers), use a lint brush or rubber glove to pull hair off the surface.

Use a dryer cycle before washing
The dryer is excellent at loosening trapped hair - far better than the washer. Toss clothes in for 10 minutes on air only (no heat) with dryer sheets or wool dryer balls. The tumbling motion shakes hairs loose, and the lint trap collects them.

You’ll be shocked how much fur ends up in the lint trap after this step.

Use Tools That Grab Pet Hair Better Than Tape Rollers

Lint rollers work - but they’re not the most efficient option for heavy hair.

Try these instead:

Rubber Gloves
Dampen a pair of dishwashing gloves and run them over fabric. The static pulls hair off instantly.

Microfiber Cloths
Wipe clothes in long strokes. Microfiber attracts fur the same way it attracts dust.

Pumice Stones (for sturdy fabrics)
Pumice is amazing for removing embedded hair from bedding, couch covers, or thick cotton - but avoid delicate materials.

Reusable Lint Brushes
Better for the environment and extremely effective on daily clothing.

Tip Top Laundry's commercial dryers also use strong airflow that removes significantly more pet hair than most home machines can.

Fight Pet Odors at the Source

Pet odors usually come from three things:

  • Natural oils from fur, especially dogs

  • Residue from saliva

  • To neutralize those odors completely (not just mask them), try these methods:

Add White Vinegar to the Rinse Cycle
Vinegar breaks down oils and bacteria that cause odor. Use ½ cup per load. Don’t worry - the vinegar smell disappears once clothing dries.

Use Baking Soda in the Wash
Baking soda deodorizes deep into the fibers. Add ½ cup directly into the drum.

Choose an Enzyme Detergent
These detergents break apart organic compounds, which are often the source of pet smells.

If clothing still holds odor after washing, Tip Top Laundry’s professional cleaning process uses optimized water temperature and high-efficiency machines that remove lingering smells more effectively than smaller home washers.

Wash Pet Bedding, Blankets, and Clothes Regularly

One reason clothes continue to pick up hair and odor is that the pet items themselves aren’t washed often enough. Fur builds up, oils collect, and fabrics become odor carriers.

A good routine:

  • Wash dog beds every 2–3 weeks

  • Wash pet blankets weekly

  • Wash stuffed toys and removable covers regularly

  • Vacuum or lint-roll beds between washes

If you bring heavily soiled or extra-furry items to Tip Top Laundry, put them in a separate bag and label it. We’ll wash them using a process designed to handle pet-heavy fabrics.

Clean Your Washer and Dryer to Prevent Re-Contamination

Many people notice pet odors returning immediately after washing. The culprit? A dirty washing machine.

Pet hair often collects here:

  • Inside the gasket of front-loading washers

  • In the detergent tray

  • Behind the agitator of top loaders

  • Around the dryer door

  • In the lint trap housing

A quick cleaning routine every few weeks will eliminate lingering smells and hair:

  • Run a hot cleaning cycle with vinegar or washer cleaner

  • Wipe the gasket and drum with a microfiber cloth

  • Clean the lint trap thoroughly

  • Remove lint buildup from the dryer vent system

Commercial laundromat machines (like ours) are deep-cleaned daily and engineered to handle pet hair without clogging.

Choose the Right Laundry Products for Pet Households

Certain products work better for homes with furry friends:

  • High-efficiency detergent dissolves oils better

  • Enzyme cleaners break down organic smells

  • Scent-boosters add freshness (optional)

  • Wool dryer balls improve airflow and reduce static that attracts hair

Avoid using too much detergent - it can trap odors rather than eliminate them.

Wash Pet Laundry Separately When Possible

If your dog blankets or cat bedding have heavy fur, wash them as their own load. This prevents hair from transferring to your clothes.

If you must wash them together:

  • Pre-dry everything for 10 minutes first

  • Use a mesh laundry bag for smaller items

  • Clean the washer drum when finished

Tip Top Laundry can handle pet laundry separately upon request - just let us know in your order notes.

For Stubborn Odors, Use a "Double-Wash" Method

Sometimes one wash isn’t enough, especially for dog bedding or damp pet towels.

Here’s a pro method:

Wash 1:

  • Hot or warm cycle

  • White vinegar only (no detergent)

  • Purpose: strip oils and bacteria

Wash 2:

  • Regular detergent

  • Baking soda in drum

  • Purpose: clean and deodorize fully

This two-step process is extremely effective for stubborn odors.

Our Best Tip: Let the Pros Handle It

Pet owners are some of our favorite customers at Tip Top Laundry because we know exactly how challenging pet laundry can be. Hair gets embedded, odors linger, and some items need deeper cleaning than home machines can deliver.

Our drop off wash-dry-fold service (with optional pickup & delivery!):

  • Removes significantly more pet hair than home appliances

  • Neutralizes odors using the right detergents and temperatures

  • Handles heavy items like bedding with ease

  • Delivers everything soft, fresh, and folded

  • Saves you hours every month

Many Glendale pet owners use us weekly because it keeps their entire home smelling cleaner and reduces buildup dramatically.

Final Thoughts

Pets make life better - but laundry definitely becomes more interesting when you live with furry family members. With the right techniques, products, and habits, you can remove pet hair and odors efficiently and keep your wardrobe looking (and smelling) amazing.

And when the laundry feels overwhelming, Tip Top Laundry in Glendale, AZ is here to help. From heavy pet blankets to everyday clothing, our professional machines and expert techniques can handle what home washers struggle with.

Experience the convenience of Tip Top Laundry’s professional pickup and delivery service.

Schedule your pickup and let us handle the rest – fresh, clean clothes delivered right to your door.

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