Having pets can be a joy, but dealing with all the pet hair left behind on furniture, carpets, and clothing can be a real challenge. Pet hair has a way of sticking to fabric and can be difficult to remove in the washing machine. However, there are certain types of washing machines that are better equipped to handle pet hair than others. In this article, we will discuss the features you should look for when shopping for the best washing machine to remove pet hair.
Page Contents
- 1 Top-Loading vs Front-Loading
- 2 Wash Cycles
- 3 Capacity
- 4 Water Temperature
- 5 Steam Cycles
- 6 Internal Heater
- 7 Stainless Steel Drum
- 8 Direct Drive Motor
- 9 High Spin Speed
- 10 Extended Tumble/Anti-Wrap Feature
- 11 Lint Filter
- 12 Automatic Dispensers
- 13 Steam Refresh Cycle
- 14 Top Recommended Washing Machines
- 15 Tips for Washing Pet Items
- 16 Conclusion
Top-Loading vs Front-Loading
The first consideration is whether to get a top-loading or front-loading washing machine. Top-loaders are the most common style of washing machine found in American homes. They have a lid on top that opens allowing you to load clothes into a central agitator. Front-loaders have a door on the front instead and use a tumbling method to clean clothes instead of an agitator.
In general, front-loading washing machines tend to be better at removing pet hair than top-loading models. This is because front-loaders use higher water levels and the tumbling action is gentler, allowing pet hair to become detached from clothing. The agitator in a top-loader can actually rub pet hair into fabric making it harder to remove.
Advantages of Front-Loaders
- Higher water levels to loosen pet hair
- Gentle tumbling action instead of agitator
- Better at removing pet hair overall
Disadvantages of Front-Loaders
- More expensive upfront cost
- Smaller capacity than top-loaders
- Must leave door open to dry out after use
While front-loaders tend to be better at removing pet hair, they do come with some drawbacks. The upfront cost is higher and they usually have smaller capacities than comparably sized top-loaders. You also must leave the door open after each wash to allow air flow and prevent mold growth.
Wash Cycles
Look for washing machines that offer specialty wash cycles designed for pet hair removal. Cycles that use extra rinses, higher water levels, and extended wash times will be most effective at forcing out all that stubborn pet fur. Some models even have specific “pet hair” or “animal” wash cycles.
Cycles to look for include:
- Heavy duty
- Bulky items
- Allergen removal
- Pet hair/animal cycle
- Extra rinse
- Deep water wash
The best washers will let you customize settings like water temperature, number of rinses, and wash time to optimize the cycle for pet hair removal.
Capacity
Larger capacity washing machines will be able to handle bulky items like pet beds and blankets more easily. Look for a minimum capacity of at least 4.0 cubic feet for the best pet hair removal. The larger tub size allows more room for heavy, hairy items to move around and become fully saturated with water. This leads to better cleaning performance. Just note that front-loaders usually have smaller capacities than comparably sized top-loaders.
Recommended Minimum Capacity
- Top-loader: 4.5 cubic feet
- Front-loader: 4.0 cubic feet
Water Temperature
Washing with hot water is key for removing stubborn pet hair. Hot water helps loosen the hair so it detaches from fabric. Make sure to get a machine that can heat water up to at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit. The hottest temperature setting should be 140-150°F for the best results.
You may need to wash pet bedding or very hairy items separately on the hottest setting. Use lower temperatures for delicate fabrics.
Ideal Minimum Water Temperatures
- Hot wash: 130°F
- Sanitize: 150°F
Steam Cycles
Some high-end washing machines come equipped with steam cycles. These inject steam into the wash drum to help loosen up pet hair. The combination of hot water and steam can be great for pretreating very hairy items.
Look for models with steam cycles or settings you can add to existing cycles. This will provide an extra boost when trying to remove stubborn pet hair.
Internal Heater
To achieve hot enough temperatures to remove pet hair, look for a washer with an internal heater. This allows the machine to heat the water internally up to 150°F for sanitizing high-temp washes. Models without internal heaters rely on your home’s external water heater and can top out at 130°F.
Stainless Steel Drum
Stainless steel drums are ideal for pet hair removal for a few reasons:
- More durable than plastic drums
- Withstands high heat washing
- Smooth surface doesn’t accumulate pet hair
Plastic washing machine drums can absorb odors, harbor bacteria, and get scratched up over time. Stainless steel is non-porous so it won’t absorb odors from washing smelly, hairy pet items. The smooth surface also prevents pet hair from getting caught in nooks and crannies.
Direct Drive Motor
Higher-end washing machines feature direct drive motors rather than belt drive motors. Direct drive motors connect directly to the drum without a belt. This allows them to produce higher spin speeds for faster water extraction.
The fast spin cycles generated by a direct drive motor help remove more water and pet hair. They are also more reliable and quieter than belt drive motors.
High Spin Speed
Faster spin speeds help extract more water and pet hair out of clothes. Look for machines with maximum spin speeds of at least 800 RPM (revolutions per minute). Top speeds over 1,000 RPM provide optimal pet hair removal through centrifugal force.
Recommended Minimum Spin Speeds
- Top-loader: 800 RPM
- Front-loader: 1,000 RPM
Extended Tumble/Anti-Wrap Feature
A nice feature for pet hair removal is an extended tumble or anti-wrap cycle. Following the wash and rinse cycles, the drum will continue to tumble the load without water for 5-10 minutes. This helps loosen up pet hair so it can be extracted during the high-speed spin.
Lint Filter
A lint filter catches all the pet hair and debris that comes off your laundry. Look for a washing machine with an external, self-cleaning lint filter for the easiest maintenance. Top-loaders will have the filter on the agitator while front-loaders have it built into the door.
You’ll want to wipe this down regularly as it collects pet fur. A self-cleaning filter makes this easier.
Automatic Dispensers
High-end models may come with automatic detergent and fabric softener dispensers built right into the machine. These can automatically release the right amount of cleaning agents at the optimal time during the wash cycle.
Using liquid fabric softener can help reduce static so pet hair doesn’t cling to clothes as they’re washed. Just make sure to use an appropriate amount since too much softener can leave residues on clothes that attract dirt over time.
Steam Refresh Cycle
Some washing machines have a steam refresh cycle you can use on clothes that aren’t fully dirty yet. This quickly steams clothes to remove odors and loosen up pet hair. It uses much less water than a full wash cycle.
This can be great for freshening up clothes covered in pet hair to get an extra wear or two before fully washing them.
Top Recommended Washing Machines
Based on the criteria listed above, here are some top recommended washing machines for effectively removing pet hair:
| Brand | Model | Type | Capacity | Spin Speed | Steam Cycle? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LG | WM4000HWA | Front-loader | 4.5 cu ft | 1,300 RPM | Yes |
| Samsung | WF45R6300AC | Front-loader | 4.5 cu ft | 1,200 RPM | Yes |
| Maytag | MVW6200KW | Top-loader | 5.2 cu ft | 800 RPM | No |
| Whirlpool | WTW8127LC | Top-loader | 4.5 cu ft | 800 RPM | No |
LG WM4000HWA
This LG front-loader has a 4.5 cubic foot capacity and max spin speed of 1,300 RPM. It has steam cycles and cycles designed specifically for pet hair removal. The stainless steel drum, internal heater, and direct drive motor make this a top pick.
Samsung WF45R6300AC
The Samsung WF45R6300AC is a 4.5 cubic foot front-loader with a powerful 1,200 RPM spin speed. It features steam-wash cycles and Super Speed wash for quicker cleaning. This Energy Star certified model has convenient sensor-monitored cycles.
Maytag MVW6200KW
With a large 5.2 cubic foot capacity, this top-loader from Maytag is great for washing bulky loads. An internal water heater, stainless steel wash basket, and deep-water wash option make it effective at pet hair removal. It lacks steam but is very affordable.
Whirlpool WTW8127LC
This Whirlpool top-loader features a dual-action agitator, 4.5 cubic foot capacity, and internal water heater. The built-in presoak option boosts pet hair cleaning. While it only has an 800 RPM spin speed, it is an affordable option with useful cycles.
Tips for Washing Pet Items
To get the best results, follow these tips when washing pet items in your washing machine:
- Shake out items first – This removes excess hair before washing
- Pretreat stains – Use an enzymatic pet stain remover or mix baking soda and water into a paste to pretreat stains and odor
- Wash on hottest setting – Use the machine’s highest heat setting safe for the fabric
- Use heavy duty detergent – Look for detergent designed for pet messes with strong cleaning enzymes
- Add white vinegar – Vinegar helps remove odors and soften fabric; use 1/2 to 1 cup per load
- Clean lint filter – Check and clean the lint filter regularly to remove pet hair
- Reduce static – Add liquid fabric softener or dryer sheets to reduce static cling that attracts pet hair
- Clean washer regularly – Use affresh or bleach to clean the wash drum and detergent dispenser
Conclusion
Finding a washing machine that can handle all the pet hair from your furry friends doesn’t have to be a challenge. Focus on finding a front-loader with at least a 4.0 cubic foot capacity, strong spin speeds over 1,000 RPM, and specialty cycles designed for hair and allergen removal. Extra features like steam cycles, stainless steel drums, and internal water heaters also boost pet hair cleaning performance. With the right washing machine features, you can tame the pet hair beast in your laundry room and keep your clothes, linens and upholstery hair-free.
