If you’re a dog owner, you know the struggle: you put on a freshly washed shirt, and within minutes, it’s covered in fur. No matter how often you clean, shedding happens. That’s why knowing how to get dog hair out of clothes is essential.
From lint rollers to clever laundry hacks, there are simple ways to remove hair and keep outfits looking fresh. With the right techniques (and a little prevention), you can save time, protect your clothes, and reduce frustration.
1. Use a Lint Roller
A lint roller is the classic quick-fix for dog hair. Keep one near the door so you can do a final roll before heading out.
- Works best on dry clothes.
- Great for last-minute touch-ups.
- Portable enough to keep in the car or office.
Pro tip: Buy reusable lint rollers to save money and cut down on waste.
2. Try a Damp Cloth
When lint rollers aren’t handy, a damp cloth does the trick.
- Dampen a cloth, wring it out, and rub in circular motions.
- Hair clings to the cloth easily.
- Best for quick cleanups in a pinch.
This works especially well on darker fabrics where hair shows most.
3. Add Fabric Softener in the Wash
Fabric softener doesn’t just make clothes smell good—it helps loosen pet hair from fabric fibers.
- Add a small amount during the wash cycle.
- Hair detaches more easily during rinse and dry.
- Finish with a lint roller to catch leftovers.
Bonus tip: White vinegar in the rinse cycle can also help release hair naturally.
4. Use Rubber Gloves
It sounds strange, but rubber gloves are one of the most effective tools.
- Slightly dampen the glove.
- Rub over fabric in circular motions.
- Hair clumps together and sticks to the glove.
Rinse off the glove periodically to keep it working well.
5. Toss in a Dryer Sheet
Dryer sheets help reduce static cling, which means dog hair won’t stick as stubbornly.
- Add one sheet to the dryer cycle.
- Hair loosens and ends up in the lint trap.
- Works best when combined with other removal methods.
This trick is a lifesaver on laundry day.
6. Use a Vacuum Cleaner
For clothes truly buried in fur, a vacuum with an upholstery attachment works wonders.
- Best for heavier fabrics like denim or canvas.
- Sucks out deeply embedded hair.
- Handheld vacuums are perfect for quick clothing touch-ups.
Avoid on delicate fabrics that could stretch or tear.
7. Wash Clothes Inside Out
Turning clothes inside out before washing reduces how much hair clings.
- Exposes inner seams where hair collects most.
- Allows water and detergent to work directly on problem areas.
- Leaves outer fabric looking fresher after washing.
This little adjustment can make a noticeable difference.
8. Brush Your Dog Regularly
The best way to keep fur off clothes? Stop it at the source.
- Brush your dog daily or weekly, depending on breed.
- Use the right brush for your dog’s coat type.
- Collect loose hair before it falls on furniture and clothes.
Regular grooming means less shedding around the house.
9. Use a Fabric Shaver
Fabric shavers aren’t just for lint and pilling—they also work on stubborn dog hair.
- Run the shaver over thicker fabrics like sweaters or coats.
- Loosens embedded hair effectively.
- Avoid using on delicate or decorative fabrics.
Think of it as a deeper clean for tougher garments.
10. Try a Pet Hair Remover Tool
When nothing else works, go with a ready-made pet hair remover designed specifically for clothes and furniture.
- Usually shaped like special brushes or rollers.
- Reusable and effective on dry or wet surfaces.
- Works faster than DIY tricks.
These tools are an investment but save time long-term.
| Method | Best For | Cost | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lint roller | Quick touch-ups | Low | High |
| Damp cloth | Emergency cleanup | Low | Medium |
| Fabric softener | Laundry cycles | Low | High |
| Rubber gloves | Small areas | Low | High |
| Dryer sheet | Laundry + static control | Low | Medium |
| Vacuum | Heavy fabrics | Medium | High |
| Inside-out washing | Prevention | None | Medium |
| Dog brushing | Prevention | Low | High |
| Fabric shaver | Thick fabrics | Medium | High |
| Pet hair remover | Clothes & furniture | Medium | Very High |
FAQs About Removing Dog Hair From Clothes
Q: How do you get dog hair out of black clothes?
Use a lint roller or rubber glove for quick fixes, and add vinegar or fabric softener in the wash.
Q: Can I put clothes covered in dog hair straight in the washer?
Yes, but shake them out first. Otherwise, the hair may clog your washer or stick to other clothes.
Q: What’s the best prevention method?
Regular dog grooming and washing clothes inside out.
Learning how to get dog hair out of clothes doesn’t have to be frustrating. From lint rollers to grooming, there’s a solution for every level of shedding. The secret is combining daily prevention (like brushing your dog) with smart removal techniques (like damp cloths, vacuuming, or pet hair removers).
With these tricks, you can step out in fur-free clothes—and save yourself from constantly apologizing for being covered in dog hair.
