Keep Your Wardrobe Clean With These Fur Removal Tricks

Dog owners know the deal—fur can show up where it wants, especially on clothes. It clings with confidence, defying quick fixes and casual brushing. Still, there’s no need to settle for everything covered by lint. Here are 15 clever tricks that make it easier to keep outfits fur-free.

Use A Lint Roller Like A Pro

A lint roller might seem basic, but it works best with a little technique. Use gentle pressure and roll in smooth, steady strokes without changing direction to lift fur that lies flat on the fabric. Also, replace the sticky sheet often so it stays effective, particularly on textured clothing such as knits or flannel shirts.

Try The Dryer Trick First

Running clothes through the dryer for 10 minutes on low before washing helps a lot. Add a dryer sheet to boost static control; this loosens embedded hair and collects it in the lint trap. Once the fur is out, fewer hairs cling to clothes during washing.

Dampen Rubber Gloves For Pickup

Rubber gloves can do more than protect your hands. Dampen them slightly and rub them over your clothes in firm strokes. The static and rubber texture pull fur together into clumps. It’s affordable and works exceptionally well on thicker items that don’t respond to a lint roller.

Apply Fabric Softener Spray

A DIY fabric softener spray can help loosen stubborn dog hair. Mix one part liquid softener with three parts water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the clothing and use a brush or roller. The softener cuts static and helps release fur from fabrics like shirts or jackets.

Add White Vinegar To The Wash

White vinegar doesn’t just freshen laundry—it also softens fabric fibers, making it easier for hair to come loose. Pouring half a cup into the rinse cycle lowers static and prevents fur from sticking back onto the fabric. Vinegar is safe for most fabrics and won’t leave behind a strong scent after rinsing.

Go For A Dedicated Pet Hair Brush

Brushes designed for pet hair removal beat standard lint brushes. Look for ones with rubber bristles or textured edges that grip tightly to fur. Embedded strands come loose more easily with these brushes, especially on tough fabrics such as fleece or denim. They also last longer than disposable rollers.

Use A Damp Sponge For Stubborn Fur

Slightly damp sponges work well on clothes with clingy hair. Wipe in one direction to gather fur into piles, then lift it off by hand or vacuum it away. Heavier fabrics like flannel or canvas respond well when other tools don’t quite do the trick.

Reach For A Damp Microfiber Cloth

To catch dog hair that sticks to smooth materials like cotton or polyester, a damp microfiber cloth works best. Gently rubbing it over clothing in one steady motion pulls fur into clumps. This technique is gentle on fabric and more effective than traditional rollers or brushes.

Choose The Right Laundry Load

Mixing hair-covered fleece with smooth cotton only spreads the mess. Sort laundry based on hair level and fabric type. Pet-hair-heavy items should be washed together in the same load. Doing this prevents fur transfer and keeps your less affected clothes from picking up fresh strands during the wash cycle.

Tumble In Dryer Balls For Static Control

Wool dryer balls reduce static and knock hair loose while bouncing around in the dryer. Toss in three or four with your clothes. They create movement and help soften fabrics, too. Unlike dryer sheets, they’re reusable and reduce buildup from pet hair over multiple laundry cycles.

Flip Clothes Inside Out Before Washing

The outer surface of clothes gets less hair buildup when flipped inside out prior to washing. This approach helps the washer clean the inner parts where hair collects. Textured fabrics like jackets, pants, and shirts see the biggest improvement because hair grips woven materials firmly.

Don’t Overload The Machine

A jam-packed washer limits movement and stops clothes from rubbing together, which is key for dislodging hair. Leave room for tumbling so water and detergent can reach fur stuck deep in seams or corners. More space equals better cleaning and fewer surprises when laundry comes out.

Grab Packing Tape In A Pinch

When there’s no lint roller in sight, wide packing tape works surprisingly well. Wrap a strip around your hand, sticky side out, and press it onto fur-covered spots. Peel and repeat as needed. It sticks better than regular tape and covers more surfaces in fewer passes.

Add A Pet Hair Catcher To The Wash

Silicone pet hair removers designed for washing machines grab loose fur during the wash cycle. Toss one or two into the drum with your laundry. They attract floating hair before it sticks to the fabric again, helping clothes become cleaner and noticeably less fuzzy.