How to Get Dog Hair Out of Blankets Before Washing

Lift loose dog hair from a blanket before washing with a simple dry-first routine, a fabric-safe roller or vacuum tool, and the blanket’s care label as your guide.

Quick take: Start with a dry, gentle method, test on a hidden area, and follow the material maker’s care instructions.

Use a gentle method for this surface

Owner lifting dog hair from a folded blanket before washing while a golden retriever watches
A practical, surface-first approach keeps cleanup simple.
  1. Check the blanket label. Note whether the blanket can be machine-washed and whether the maker gives a specific way to remove loose fur first.
  2. Lay it flat and dry. Smooth one section at a time. For a sturdy woven blanket, try a fabric-safe lint roller or reusable fur tool in short strokes. Test an inconspicuous edge first and stop if fibers catch or fuzz.
  3. Vacuum only if the material permits. A compatible upholstery attachment can be useful on a larger throw. Keep it moving with light pressure and follow the vacuum manual; avoid powered brush heads on delicate knits or loose weaves.
  4. Shake outdoors if practical. Hold the blanket securely and shake it where loose hair can be collected, rather than transferring it to another indoor surface.
  5. Wash according to the label. Use the stated cycle and temperature. Don’t assume a blanket is dryer-safe; check first, and clean the machine’s lint filter as directed.

3M describes a reusable roller for furniture, bedding, blankets, and clothing; that is one example, not a universal fabric recommendation. For larger areas around the home, see our dog-hair cleanup guide.

Before you finish

Clean or empty tools as their makers direct. If a fabric catches, pills, changes color, or loses its finish, stop and switch to the material maker’s recommended method.

Optional tool for this routine

If you want a dry pre-wash tool for a sturdy blanket, compare a reusable pet-hair roller for sturdy blankets (paid link to Amazon) (ChomChom Roller Original Size, on Amazon). ChomChom Roller Original Size uses a back-and-forth rolling action and collects hair in a chamber. Lay a suitable blanket flat and supported before a hidden-edge test. Do not assume that bedding compatibility covers delicate knits, loose weaves, or every blanket backing.

Use the tools you already own if they do the job. Follow both the surface and tool instructions, test an inconspicuous area with light pressure, and stop if fibers catch or the finish changes. This is a household cleanup tool, not a grooming tool for use on your pet.

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Keep reading: room-by-room dog-hair guide, vacuum attachment guide