You can always tell who has a pet. They're the ones who own six lint rollers and still look slightly fuzzy.

Quick answer: remove loose hair before washing, give the dryer ten minutes on low first, clean the lint trap and filter often, and wash pet bedding separately.

Before the wash

Water makes fur cling. So the trick is getting as much off as possible while it's still dry.

1. Shake clothes outside or over a trash can.
2. Run a lint roller or damp rubber glove over the worst spots.
3. Tumble dry for 10 minutes on low before washing. The dryer loosens hair and the lint trap catches it.

Step three sounds backwards. It works.

During the wash

• Don't overload. Clothes need room to move so hair can rinse away.
• Add an extra rinse on heavy shedding weeks.
• Wash pet bedding separately. Mixing it with clothes spreads fur everywhere.

After the wash

• Shake each item before it goes in the dryer.
• Use wool dryer balls. They help lift hair as clothes tumble.
• Clean the lint trap every load. You'll be impressed and slightly horrified.

Keep your washer fur-free

Fur builds up in drum holes, door seals and filters. Once a week in shedding season:

1. Wipe the drum and seal with a damp cloth.
2. Check and clean the filter if your machine has one.
3. Run an empty rinse cycle.

Prevent it in the first place

FAQ

Why does pet hair stick to clothes even after washing? Wet fur clings, and an overloaded washer can't rinse it away. Remove hair before washing and give clothes room to move.

Does fabric softener help with pet hair? It can reduce static, but wool dryer balls do a similar job without adding fragrance or residue.

Can pet hair damage my washing machine? Heavy buildup can clog filters and drains. Clean them regularly in shedding season.

What's the best detergent for pet owners? One with no fragrance and no essential oils. Just 7 is made that way.