If you have a dog or a cat, you already know the routine. You get dressed for something nice, and within seconds you are covered in fur. We hear it all the time at Vogue. People love their pets, they just wish the hair would stay off the good clothes. The trick is knowing that once fur goes through the wash the wrong way, it gets harder to remove, not easier. Here is how to actually win this one.
Why Pet Hair Sticks So Stubbornly
Pet hair clings because of static and because of the way it works its way into the weave of the fabric. Soft, textured fabrics like fleece, knits, and wool are the worst offenders. When you toss a fur covered item straight into the washer, the water can press that hair deeper into the fibers, and then the dryer bakes it in. That is why the first step happens before the wash.
Get the Loose Hair Off First
Before anything touches water, pull off as much fur as you can:
- Run the item through the dryer on a short no heat or air fluff cycle, then clean the lint trap. The tumbling loosens a surprising amount of hair.
- Go over it with a lint roller or a piece of packing tape
- Wipe it down with a slightly damp rubber glove or a clean damp sponge, the hair balls right up
Washing Clothes to Remove Pet Hair
Once the loose fur is gone, wash smart:
- Shake each item out before it goes in
- Add half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to relax the fibers and release hair
- Do not overload, clothes need room to move so the hair can float free
- Clean the lint trap again after drying
Protect Your Washer and Dryer
Pet hair can build up in your machine and end up back on the next load. Wipe the drum after fur heavy loads, clean the dryer lint trap every time, and run an occasional empty rinse to flush out what collects in the filter.
When Fur Meets Fine Fabric
Some pieces are too delicate to fight with, like suits, wool coats, and anything dry clean only. Those are worth handing to us. At Vogue Cleaners we have the tools to lift fur out of fabric without roughing up the material, so your nice pieces come back clean and fur free.
Tired of wearing your pet everywhere you go? Schedule a pickup or sign up for Vogue Valet today and enjoy expertly cared-for clothes without the hassle.
