Does Dry Cleaning Remove Pet Hair?

Last updated on October 26, 2025

Pet owners know the struggle — you’ve just put on your favorite black sweater or tailored pants, and suddenly you notice it’s covered in fur. Whether it’s from your playful dog or your affectionate cat, pet hair can cling stubbornly to fabrics. The question is, how do you remove pet hair from clothes quickly and effectively without damaging your garments?

Keep your wardrobe hair-free with professional pet hair removal and dry cleaning in Midtown Manhattan today!

Why Pet Hair Sticks to Clothes

Pet hair clings to clothes because of static electricity and the texture of the fibers. Synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon create more static, making them magnets for fur. Hair can weave itself into the fabric, especially on textured or loosely woven materials, making it harder to remove with just a shake or quick lint roll.

Best Ways to Remove Pet Hair from Clothes

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to remove pet hair from clothes. The method you choose depends on the fabric, the amount of hair, and whether the clothes are being cleaned at home or professionally.

1. Lint Rollers A classic solution for quick touch-ups, lint rollers are effective for removing surface hair. Keep one in your home, car, and bag for emergencies. Opt for reusable lint rollers to save money and reduce waste.
2. Dryer Sheets Toss clothes into the dryer with a dryer sheet for 10 minutes on low heat. The sheet helps loosen pet hair and reduces static, making it easier for hair to fall off.
3. Dampened Rubber Gloves Slip on a pair of slightly damp rubber gloves and run your hands over your clothes. The water creates light friction, allowing hair to stick to the gloves. Rinse and repeat as needed.
4. Fabric Brush A good-quality fabric brush can remove hair without damaging delicate fabrics like wool and silk. Brush in short, gentle strokes for best results.

Using Dry Cleaning to Remove Pet Hair

For clothes that are heavily covered in pet hair or made of delicate materials, professional dry cleaning is the safest option. Dry cleaners use specialized equipment to remove pet hair from clothes without harming the fabric. They can also treat the garment to reduce static and prevent future buildup.

Always let your cleaner know about pet hair concerns so they can take extra steps. At Clean Avenue NYC, we use advanced methods to lift stubborn fur from fibers, leaving clothes fresh and hair-free. This is similar to how sweat odors are removed during dry cleaning.

DIY Laundry Tips for Pet Hair Removal

• Shake before washing: Give clothes a good shake outside to remove as much loose hair as possible before putting them in the washer.
• Use a pet hair remover ball: These small, reusable balls catch fur in the wash and dryer cycles.
• Extra rinse cycle: Adding an extra rinse helps flush out hair from fabric fibers.
• White vinegar: Adding ½ cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle can help loosen hair and reduce static.

For expert advice on safe and effective pet hair removal—especially alternatives to dryer sheets—check out this American Kennel Club resource: does the AKC recommend dryer sheets for removing pet hair? Their guidance helps you remove pet hair from clothes without risking harm to your pets.

Preventing Pet Hair Buildup on Clothes

• Groom your pet regularly: Frequent brushing reduces shedding.
• Use furniture covers: Limit direct contact between clothes and pet hair sources.
• Choose pet-friendly fabrics: Smooth fabrics like leather and tightly woven cotton resist hair better than knits or fleece.
• Keep a pet-free closet: Store clothes away from areas where pets lounge.

For clothes covered in pet hair or made of delicate fabrics, professional dry cleaning is the safest option — you can learn more about how the dry cleaning process works in our guide to dry cleaning.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to remove pet hair from clothes is essential for any pet owner. From quick fixes like lint rollers and rubber gloves to professional dry cleaning services, there’s a solution for every situation. Combine these removal methods with preventive care, and you’ll spend less time de-furring your outfits and more time enjoying your furry friend.

For fast turnaround, you can also see how long it takes to get dry cleaning back — useful if you have a last-minute event.