Washing Machine Clogged with Pet Hair: Easy Prevention and Maintenance

Published on and modified on 13/02/2026 18:59.

Having pets brings joy and companionship, but it can also create unexpected problems, especially with your washing machine. Pet hair can build up inside the drum, filters, and pipes, causing clogs, bad odors, and even machine damage.

The good news is that with simple and regular habits, you can prevent these problems and keep your washing machine working perfectly.

Why Pet Hair Clogs Washing Machines

Pet hair is light, but it easily mixes with dirt and detergent residue. The most affected areas are:

  • Drain filter

  • Door seal (rubber gasket)

  • Drum

  • Drain hoses

If these areas are not cleaned regularly, pet hair can cause:

  • Water drainage problems

  • Bad smells

  • Poor washing results

  • Faster machine wear

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1. Brush and Clean Clothes Before Washing

Before putting clothes into the washing machine, you should:

  • Shake clothes outside to remove loose hair

  • Use a lint roller or pet hair brush

This greatly reduces the amount of pet hair entering the machine.

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2. Clean the Washing Machine Filter Regularly

The filter catches debris and hair. To prevent clogs:

  • Remove and rinse the filter after every 2–3 washes if you have pets

  • Check corners for trapped hair

This simple step prevents long-term problems.

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3. Wipe the Door Seal and Drum

Pet hair often collects inside the rubber door seal and around the drum.

  • Wipe with a damp cloth after washing

  • Check corners to remove hair and prevent odors

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4. Run an Empty Cleaning Cycle Regularly

To keep your washer clean:

  • Run an empty hot water cycle with white vinegar or baking soda

  • This helps dissolve residue and remove remaining hair

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5. Prevent Hair Build-Up in Laundry

Simple habits help a lot:

  • Wash heavy hair fabrics separately

  • Avoid overloading the machine

  • Shake pet blankets before washing

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6. Maintain Drain Pipes and Water Flow

If hair builds up in pipes:

  • Use an extra lint trap or drain filter

  • Check water drainage regularly

  • Fix slow draining early

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7. Bonus: Helpful Tools and Accessories

Useful tools include:

  • Pet hair laundry brushes

  • Lint rollers before washing

  • Extra washing machine lint filters

These tools help extend the life of your washer and improve cleaning results.

Conclusion

Pet hair can cause washing machine problems, but regular prevention and maintenance can easily avoid clogs and bad odors.

Follow these simple steps:

  • Clean clothes before washing

  • Clean filters, seals, and drum regularly

  • Run cleaning cycles to maintain your washer

With these habits, your washing machine will stay efficient, and your laundry will stay clean, even with pets at home.