Dog in a laundry room in front of a white top load Maytag® washer and dryer pair

HOW TO MINIMIZE DOG HAIR AND FUR SHEDDING IN YOUR HOME

We all love our pets, but that doesn’t mean we need to love all the hair they leave behind. It can be a struggle to minimize dog shedding and to keep pet hair off your clothes or away from the interior of your car. Most pet owners need to familiarize themselves with dog shedding prevention tips and how to reduce dog shedding in their home and on their clothes.

Luckily, dog shedding solutions do exist, as the market offers techniques, tools, and specialized laundry appliances. If you have cute dogs with lots of fur, this guide offers helpful advice to keep your home as fur-free as possible.

Why Do Dogs Shed?

It’s a common misconception that certain dogs don’t shed. That said, some shed less than others, and some breeds produce less dander and are generally considered to be more hypoallergenic.

Dogs can shed due to stress, to get rid of old hair or to regulate their body temperatures. Since some breeds tend to shed more than others, do your research if you want to manage dog shedding in your home.

When Do Dogs Shed Most?

Different breeds of dogs shed at different times of the year and at different rates. Some breeds might shed seasonally, whereas others might shed year-round.

The most common times of the year for most dogs to shed are during the spring and fall. This is a result of seasonal transitions, which cause dogs to lose some of their undercoats to accommodate hot weather or grow new fur for cold weather. These seasons are when you need to be most vigilant in minimizing your dog’s shedding and making sure your home and clothing are free of as much dog hair as possible.

HOW TO REDUCE DOG SHEDDING - 9 EFFECTIVE METHODS

Dogs leave a distinct mark in every home, and one of the most visible signs of their presence is their loose hair or fur. But there are ways to help reduce the dog hair on your clothes, bedding, furniture, and floors. The following tips for dogs that shed can help keep your family comfortable in a clean home.

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1. REMOVE PET HAIR FROM CLOTHES

Pet hair that clings to your clothing or in your laundry machines can recirculate throughout your home, making the problem worse. One dog shedding prevention method is to invest in a specialized laundry pair, like any of the Maytag® washers and dryers with the Pet Pro System.

 

Select laundry pairs from Maytag brand feature the built-in Pet Pro Filter. This filter visibly removes pet hair, while the dryer’s lint trap captures it. Together, they help prevent pesky pet hair from clinging to your clothes after the wash.

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2. CLEAN BEDDING

By washing your petʼs bed regularly, you can help remove pet hair and dander. Another option is to use a pet hair remover tool or a lint roller to help remove dog hair from your pet’s toys and bed.

 

A washer with the Maytag® Pet Pro System lets you simply toss the bedding cover or washer-safe dog toys into the washing machine, and then the Pet Pro Filter handles the rest.

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3. BRUSH YOUR DOG REGULARLY

Routine grooming and/or bathing can help control dog shedding and any pet hair problems by minimizing how much hair your pets leave in your home. Depending on your furry friend’s coat, you should brush them every day with a high-quality pet brush to remove loose fur before it falls onto your carpet or bed. You can also bathe your dog regularly to help remove loose fur. Regular grooming and bathing can also help keep unpleasant pet odours at bay.

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4. BUY TOOLS TO REMOVE PET HAIR

Pet hair removal tools, such as a lint roller, rubber gloves, or a specialized pet hair removal brush, are handy to keep around. Use them whenever you need to remove dog and cat hair from clothing, furniture, carpets, and other surfaces.

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5. DESIGNATE SLEEPING AREAS FOR YOUR PET

Even though they want to sleep on the couch or in your bed, one way to reduce dog shedding in your house is to limit your pet’s sleeping zone to certain areas. This can help minimize the amount of hair that spreads throughout different rooms.

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6. PUT AWAY CLEAN CLOTHING IMMEDIATELY

When folding clean laundry, try not to leave it in piles where your pet may lie on it. It’s best to put clothing away in a drawer or closet to help prevent it from coming in contact with pet hair.

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7. WALK YOUR DOG

Dogs that are healthy and less stressed often shed less. This means that regular exercise, like walks, can help minimize dog shedding. You should also wash leashes, collars, and harnesses routinely to help prevent excess fur buildup that will make its way around your home.

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8. VISIT THE VET REGULARLY

Regular vet visits can help ensure that your pet is healthy and that no underlying health issues that may cause excessive shedding are present.

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9. USE AN AIR PURIFIER

An air purifier with a HEPA filter (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) can help improve the air quality in your home by clearing the air of pet hair and dander. Always review your air purifier’s product details for specific information.

How to Deal With Excessive Dog Hair

Some dogs really love to shed, and before you know it, your favourite rooms will be filled with dog hair, and it will also be all over the inside of your car. Reduce dog shedding before it gets excessive with these tips:

Vacuum rooms often

Vacuuming your home regularly can remove a lot of dog hair before it has a chance to travel or accumulate. Pay special attention to the rooms your dog spends the most time in.

Cover your furniture and car seats

Using removable covers for your furniture and car seats can minimize dog shedding, as you can wash these covers regularly. 

Remove hair from the upholstery or the dog bed regularly

Being diligent about removing hair from any upholstery or your dog’s bed can help you stay ahead of loose fur or hair accumulating and becoming excessive.

Wash clothes, blankets and rugs frequently

Washing the items your dog loves to lie on, such as clothes, blankets and rugs, will prevent dog hair from building up and making it harder to keep a clean home. 

Use dry wipes, sticky rollers or lint brushes to clean up dog hair

Using any item that’s adhesive and adept at removing hair or fur can effectively help you manage your dog’s shedding.

SHOP MAYTAG® PET PRO WASHERS AND DRYERS

Say goodbye to pet hair with Maytag® washers and dryers with the Pet Pro System. Some models from Maytag brand have the Pet Pro Option, which releases additional water and provides a deep rinse to assist the Pet Pro Filter, which removes and captures pet hair from clothes. Once removed, pet hair is captured in the built-in Pet Pro Filter for a visible clean.

Dog sitting in front of white Maytag® top load laundry pair

HOW TO MINIMIZE DOG SHEDDING AND PET HAIR IN A CAR?

Getting pet hair out of your car is all about prevention. Use these approaches to limit fur buildup and help ensure that regular cleaning is a breeze.

  • Place a blanket where your dog or cat sits during trips.
  • Spray a combination of water and fabric softener on cloth seats and then wipe with a microfiber cloth. A squeegee or a rubber glove can help remove smaller hairs.
  • If hair ends up on your car’s seats and floor, use a vacuum with a pet hair attachment or a lint roller to help pick up the larger clumps.
Person and a dog in front Maytag® front load washer and dryer

FRONT LOAD PET PRO WASHER

CONQUER PET HAIR LIKE A PRO

The Maytag® front load washer with Pet Pro Option unleashes additional water and a deep rinse to help remove pet hair.

HOW TO MINIMIZE DOG HAIR IN LAUNDRY

Pet hair in your clothes can be annoying and may ruin how they look when you wear them. Furthermore, it can cause problems in your washer or dryer if left unchecked.

Without a specialized laundry set engineered to deal with pet hair—like those with the Maytag® Pet Pro System—excessive pet hair on clothes can transfer to the washer or dryer, impacting the machines’ performance. Use these steps to learn how to get pet hair out of your clothes and machines.

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1: REMOVE HAIR BY HAND

If you don’t have a Maytag® Pet Pro Washer, it's best to remove as much pet hair as possible before putting clothing in a standard washing machine to undergo a cycle. To do so, shake out clothing with pet hair outside. Next, remove as much hair as possible with a lint roller before proceeding to the next step.

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2: DRY, WASH, DRY AGAIN

With a standard washing machine, place clothes in the dryer first and tumble on a no-heat setting. This can help loosen pet hair and even collect some of it in the lint trap before clothes are placed in the washer. 

 

Once clothes finish a tumbling cycle in the dryer, wash and dry them as you normally would.

 

The Maytag® Pet Pro washer includes a built-in Pet Pro Filter that removes pet hair effectively and efficiently.

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3. CLEAN BOTH LAUNDRY APPLIANCES

Cleaning pet hair out of Maytag® washers and dryers with the Pet Pro System is a simple process. 

  • Lift the Pet Pro Filter
  • Remove the collected hair clump from the base, or clear it out of the dryer’s lint trap. 

Cleaning out washers without a uniquely engineered pet hair system requires some more effort.

  • Leave the washer lid open for 24 hours. 
  • Use a vacuum with a crevice attachment to collect any dried clumps of hair.  
  • Use a damp cloth to wipe the washer down.
  • Add a washing machine cleaner tablet to clean your washer and run it empty for a cycle.

DOG SHEDDING SOLUTION TIPS

Here are some additional tips to help keep dog or cat hair out of your home:

  • Invest in a uniquely engineered laundry pair like the Maytag® Pet Pro washer and dryer. This laundry set collects pet hair from clothes and helps prevent it from traveling from room to room in your home.  
  • Consider switching carpet flooring to hardwood, which is often easier to clean.
  • Keep lint rollers in your supply closet, and use them regularly to help remove pet hair from furniture and clothing.
  • Get your air ducts cleaned and replace air filters routinely to help prevent pet hair from spreading around your home and accumulating.
  • Replace velvet sofa covers with leather ones. Leather is more resistant to pet hair and easier to wipe clean.
  • Use a high-quality vacuum with a pet hair attachment, and also dust all surfaces with a microfiber cloth regularly. 
  • Place washable rugs or runners in high-traffic areas and in your pet’s favourite spots to help collect pet hair for simpler cleaning.

How do I stop my dog from shedding so much?

There are several methods you can try to see if they can help prevent your dog from shedding. One method that is believed to be effective is to regularly groom and bathe your dog, take them on regular walks and visit the vet routinely.  

Does brushing your dog’s hair help with shedding?

Yes, brushing your dog’s hair is a proven way to manage their shedding. Brushing can trap fur in the brush instead of letting it land on the floor and travel throughout the home.

SHOP MAYTAG® WASHERS & DRYERS

Maytag® washers and dryers are equipped with powerful cleaning features and durable parts, helping ensure an easier process for cleaning up after your furry friends. Select laundry pairs feature the Maytag® Pet Pro System, which is uniquely capable of conquering pet hair.

These Maytag® washers feature the Pet Pro Filter, which is designed to lift and capture pet hair from clothes. Pet hair is then caught in the built-in Pet Pro Filter for a visible clean.

Maytag® dryers with the Pet Pro Option capture pet hair from clothes in the lint trap thanks to the combination of reduced heat, extended cycle time, and moisture sensors that detect when a spray of water is required.1

1. Not available on select cycles, including Normal. For optimal performance, connect the dryer to a water line.

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