Throwing a Scouring Pad into the Washing Machine: The Simple Trick That Solves a Common Problem

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5 More Unusual but Genius Laundry Hacks Every Pet Owner Should Know”
(You’ll never look at your laundry the same way again!)

🐶 1. Use Rubber Gloves — Even in the Dryer

If you’ve ever used rubber gloves to clean fur off furniture, you know how effective the friction can be. Try this:
After drying your laundry, put on a pair of slightly damp rubber gloves and rub them over the fabric. The static will lift the last stubborn hairs, clumping them together so you can pull them off easily.

🧼 Bonus: Works great on pet beds and blankets too!

🧴 2. Add White Vinegar to the Wash

Vinegar isn’t just for cleaning your countertops. Pouring half a cup of white vinegar into the fabric softener compartment can:

Loosen stubborn pet hair from fabrics
Soften clothes naturally
Eliminate odors (especially wet dog smell!)
Help rinse out residual detergent, which attracts fur

Important: Vinegar is safe for most fabrics but avoid using it on delicate silks or specialty items.

🌀 3. Try a Pet Hair Catcher Ball

There are special silicone or foam balls made to go in the washer or dryer and attract hair. But here’s a cheap alternative:
💡 Tennis balls!
Toss one or two clean tennis balls into the dryer. They bounce around, helping lift pet hair and prevent clothes from clumping. Static is reduced, and drying is faster too.

🧺 4. Wash Pet Items Separately — Always

It’s tempting to wash your dog’s bed or your cat’s blanket with a regular load, but don’t. Washing pet items separately:

Prevents excessive fur transfer to clothes
Keeps bacteria and allergens isolated
Helps maintain your washer’s hygiene

If you can, run an empty rinse cycle or cleaning cycle after washing pet-related items.

🧹 5. Clean the Washing Machine Filter Regularly

Many pet owners don’t know this, but your washer has a filter that traps debris — and yes, pet hair gets trapped there too.

If your washer smells bad or drains slowly, this filter is likely clogged. Locate your filter (usually at the bottom front panel), remove it, and rinse it under warm water. Do this once a month if you have pets.

Final Reminder

Pet hair is part of life for animal lovers — but that doesn’t mean your clothes or washing machine have to suffer. By combining everyday items like scouring pads, vinegar, tennis balls, and gloves, you can keep things fur-free without breaking the bank or buying fancy gadgets.

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