How To Get Pet Hair Out of Clothes: 5 Hacks That Actually Work
There is so much magic that comes with a life of pets, including cuddles, late-night memories, and time spent giggling together. But unfortunately, it's also full of pet hair that you're going to find everywhere, no matter how much you vacuum or brush your furry family member. Somehow, their fur finds its way onto every fabric in your home, from your everyday work bag to the fancy suit that's sitting in the back of your closet. Fur even finds its way into a freshly washed shirt, and it can be a frustrating part of being a pet parent.
The good news is that removing pet hair from your clothes isn't an impossible task or a never-ending battle. There are a few clever laundry hacks that actually work to loosen fur and keep your clothes looking fresh and clean.
5 Pet Hair Removal Hacks That Work
It doesn't seem to matter how much you vacuum or sweep; pets have a superpower when it comes to shedding, at least it feels that way. One moment, your clothes look as if they're brand new, only to be covered in cat or dog fur the next, and it seems deeply woven into the fabric. While lint rollers and fur brushers work, sometimes you need to bring in a bigger tool, and thankfully, there are five great hacks that do the trick.
Use Rubber Gloves
Most of us have a pair in the kitchen, but if you don't, picking up rubber cleaning gloves can do wonders for removing pet hair from your clothes. According to Cost Appliances, dampen the rubber gloves before putting them on, then rub them over the fabric. The friction created by the rubber helps gather the pet hair into a clump, making it easier to remove. They can also be used to remove pet hair on heavy fabrics like furniture and coats.
Turn on the Vacuum
We use the vacuum to remove pet hair from the floor and carpets, but it can also remove fur from clothes, according to Shark Ninja. If you have a vacuum with an upholstery or brush attachment designed to lift hair from soft surfaces, it works wonders.
Try Letting Off Steam
If you have a garment steamer, it can do more than just remove wrinkles from shirts, as loosening pet hair is one of the extra perks. According to Shark Ninja, using the handheld steamer is great for lifting pet hair trapped in fabric fibers, making it easier to wipe or brush it away. This has the added benefit of reducing any pet odors lingering on the fabric, too.
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Use Fabric Softener Sheets
Dryer sheets are a big tool to have in your back pocket if you're struggling with pet hair all over your clothes. Using these in the dryer on laundry day can help reduce static electricity, which is like a magnet for pet hair. But using a dry one and rubbing it on your clothes can help remove stubborn pet hair that has gathered on them.
A Damp Cloth Can Help
If you're in a hurry, trying to rush out the door, and need something to help with pet hair in a pinch, using a damp cloth is better than trying to take care of it by hand. Gently wipe the surface of your clothes with the cloth, and the slight moisture will help loosen the fur and gather it into clumps that are much easier to remove. It's a great trick for that last-minute need before you're running out the door.
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Pet hair showing up on your clothes is an unavoidable part of sharing your life with dogs and cats, but it doesn't have to become an endless battle that takes over your closet. With a few hacks and the right grooming schedule, you can reduce the amount of fur that sticks to your clothes. And at least when it does happen, you have a few more tricks up your sleeve.
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This story was originally published June 20, 2026 at 8:02 AM.