How To Remove Cat Hair From Clothes?

As a cat owner, you know that cat hair can get everywhere. It sticks to furniture, carpets, bedding - and especially clothing.

Finding cat hair on your clothes is annoying and can be embarrassing. But getting rid of it doesn’t have to be difficult.

In this article, we’ll share some of the best tips and tricks for removing cat hair from clothes. With a few simple tools and techniques, you can keep your clothes looking fresh and hair-free!

Why Cat Hair Sticks

To understand how to remove cat hair from fabric, it helps to know why it sticks in the first place. Cat hair is designed to cling. It has microscopic scales that act like Velcro, latching onto clothing fibers.

The hair also has a static charge, which makes it stick to fabrics through electrostatic attraction. And once cat hair gets wet, it tends to form clumps that bind even more tightly to clothes.

Some fabrics attract more hair than others due to their texture. Materials like wool, fleece, corduroy, and terry cloth are hair magnets. Tightly woven fabrics like denim and microfiber do a better job of repelling hair.

But no matter what you’re wearing, a shedding cat can leave hair behind. Fortunately, you have options for effective removal.

Remove Loose Hairs First

Before washing clothes covered in cat hair, it’s smart to remove as much of the loose hair as possible. This prevents masses of hair from clinging and clumping in the washing machine.

Here are some simple ways to get rid of surface hair before laundering:

• Lint roller: Roll sticky tape lint rollers over clothing to pick up surface hair. This is one of the quickest and easiest methods.

• Rubber glove: Put on a rubber glove and dampen it slightly. Pet the fabric to make hair cling to the glove. The moisture helps create static.

• Hand plucking: Simply pick off or peel clumps of hair using your fingers or tweezers. This works best on heavy fabrics where hair gathers into clusters.

• Adhesive sponge: Many pet stores sell reusable sponges coated in an adhesive gel that attracts hair. Just rub it over clothing to remove hair.

Ditching the loose hairs first means you won’t have to deal with a clogged washing machine or clothes covered in wet wads of hair.

Use the Dryer Before Washing

One of the best ways to remove cat hair from laundry is to use the clothes dryer before washing. Here are the steps:

1. Brush off all the loose hairs possible from clothing.

2. Toss the dirty clothes in the dryer and run it for 10 minutes on low or no heat.

3. The tumbling action will cause more hair to detach from fabric.

4. Clean out the dryer lint screen trap which will contain lots of cat hair now!

5. Move clothes to the washing machine for regular laundering.

How does it work? The dryer’s motion and circulating air cause hairs to loosen and shed off clothing. The lack of heat prevents hair from clinging more stubbornly.

Any remaining hair will get caught in the lint trap rather than ending up wet and clumped in the washing machine. Pretty clever!

Add Vinegar to the Rinse Cycle

For an extra hair-removal boost, add white vinegar to your rinse cycle. About 1/2 to 1 cup of vinegar is sufficient.

The acid in vinegar helps dissolve residual hairs stuck to fabric fibers. It acts as a natural fabric softener.

Vinegar also helps remove soap residue that can attract dirt over time. And it serves as a natural deodorizer to keep clothes smelling fresh.

If you dislike the mild vinegar scent, consider adding a few drops of essential oil like lavender. Just avoid oils that are toxic for cats.

Vinegar is an inexpensive yet powerful tool for keeping laundry cat hair-free!

Maintain the Washer

To prevent cat hair buildup in your washing machine, perform regular maintenance. Here are some useful tips:

• Wipe the washing machine’s interior drum, gaskets, and dispenser drawer every month using a disinfectant cleaner. Hair and dirt accumulate easily.

• Use an affresh washing machine cleaner monthly to dissolve residue, smells, and buildup. Cat hair can survive cycles and accumulate.

• Check and clean the water pump filter per the manufacturer’s instructions. Lint and hair commonly clog the filter.

• Leave the door open between cycles. This allows moisture to evaporate rather than getting moldy and trapping hair.

• Run a hot cycle monthly on empty as a cleaning rinse. Use bleach or other washing machine cleaners for maximum effect.

• Disinfect the rubber door gasket which commonly harbors dirt, hair, and bacteria.

Taking good care of your washer ensures it will keep doing its job of cat hair removal!

Protect Your Dryer

It’s just as important to maintain your clothes dryer when dealing with cat hair issues:

• Clean the lint screen before and after each and every load. Excess lint buildup can create fire hazards.

• Use a dryer vent brush to remove lint and hair from the interior venting 1-2 times per year. Avoid blockages.

• Vacuum the back vent outside your home regularly. Clogged vents are dangerous and inefficient.

• Every few months, wipe down the dryer drum and interior with a cloth and soapy water or an all-purpose cleaner.

• Consider installing a dryer vent box with a built-in fan. It sucks out lint while reducing moisture in venting.

By keeping your dryer well-maintained, it will run smoother, safer and do a better job of removing cat hair during cycles.

Alternative Laundry Methods

In a pinch, or if you prefer more natural methods, try these alternative ways to remove cat hair from laundry:

• Hand wash garments in a basin using cool water and mild soap. Air dry items to avoid heat setting in hair.

• Spot clean clothes with sticky fabric rollers or a slightly damp rubber glove. Then air dry before wearing again.

• Hang clothing outside and use a stiff brush to whisk away loose hairs. Follow up with a lint roller.

• For delicate fabrics, fill a spray bottle with equal parts water and vinegar. Lightly spray garments and wipe gently with a cloth.

• Spot clean pet bedding by wiping it down with rubber grooming mitts designed for cats.

Depending on the fabric and soiling level, you may be able to skip the washing machine entirely!

Prevention Is Ideal

While it may be impossible to avoid cat hair on clothes entirely, you can take some preventive steps:

• Brush or comb your cat daily to remove loose hair on their end before it ends up on clothes.

• Use furniture throws and covers that can be regularly washed to protect upholstery.

• Place mats or small rugs where cats nap to keep shed hair contained.

• Use a dampened handheld vacuum after petting or playing with your cat to remove hair right away.

• Stick to tightly woven fabrics like microfiber, denim, leather, or polyester to avoid hair clinging as much.

• Keep your home clean and do frequent laundry so hair doesn’t accumulate over time on fabric.

With some simple diligence, you can take a proactive stance against the endless battle with cat hair! Prevention is the best medicine.

No Need to Stress

Dealing with cat hair on clothes is just part of being a pet parent. But with the right tools and techniques, you can keep your laundry looking freshly groomed.

Test out lint rollers, dryer cycles, vinegar rinses, maintenance routines, and prevention methods. Find the best hair-removal regimen that fits your life.

Saves time, maintenance and stress - and best of all, your reputation for being covered in cat hair!