How to get dog hair out of fleece blankets? (6+ Tips)

Tim de JongWritten by Tim de Jong
6 min read
How to get dog hair out of fleece blankets? (6+ Tips)

The quickest way to get dog hair out of a fleece blanket is to go over it with a lint roller, a damp sponge or a rubber glove, then tumble it in the dryer on a no-heat or low-heat setting for 10–15 minutes so the loose hair ends up in the lint trap. After that, wash it on a cool, gentle cycle. Below are 6+ tips in more detail, plus how to stop the hair from sticking in the first place.

Why does dog hair stick so easy to fleece blankets?

Fleece is a type of fabric that’s made from polyester. It’s known for being lightweight, soft, and warm. But two things make it a magnet for dog hair.

First, polyester easily builds up static electricity, especially in dry air, and that static pulls loose hairs onto the fabric. Second, fleece has a brushed, fuzzy surface, and short or wiry hairs work their way in between those soft fibers and get trapped.

While this can be frustrating for dog owners, there are a few things that you can do in order to get rid of the hair.

Why does dog hair stick so easy to fleece blankets?

6 tips to get dog hair out of fleece blankets

Fleece blankets are great for snuggling up on the couch or bed. But, if you have a dog, then you know that they can shed quite a bit of hair. This can make it difficult to keep your fleece blankets clean and free of hair.

Here are 6 tips to help you get dog hair out of fleece blankets:

  1. Use a lint roller
  2. Clean with a damp sponge
  3. Use tape as lint roller
  4. Put the blanket in the washing machine
  5. Put the blanket in the dryer
  6. Vacuum clean the blanket

1Use a lint roller

Use a lint roller

Not only is this a very effective way to remove hair from your fleece blankets, but it’s also quick and easy. Simply roll the lint roller over the surface of the blanket and the hair will stick to it.

Lint rollers are very cheap and can be found at most stores.

2Clean with a damp sponge

Use a damp sponge

Another option is to use a damp sponge to collect the hair. Simply wet the sponge, wring it out well, and then run it over the surface of the blanket in one direction. The hair will clump together and stick to the sponge, and you can rinse it off as you go.

It’s not as easy as a lint roller, but most people have a sponge around the house. A slightly damp rubber kitchen glove works the same way: wipe your gloved hand across the blanket and the hair rolls up into clumps you can pick off.

3Use tape as lint roller

Use tape as lint roller

This is a similar method to using a lint roller, but it’s a bit more DIY. All you need is some tape (Scotch or masking tape works well) and you can use it to pick up the hair. Just wrap the tape around your hand and then pat it over the blanket. The hair will stick to the tape and you can just peel it off when you’re done.

4Put the blanket in the washing machine

Put the blanket in the washing machine

Another great option for getting dog hair out of blankets is to use the washing machine. Wash your fleece blanket on a cold or warm, gentle cycle – not on a high temperature, because heat damages polyester fleece and makes it pill and lose its softness. Skip the fabric softener, which can leave a coating on fleece; half a cup of white vinegar in the rinse helps relax the fibers and release hair instead.

For best results, remove as much hair as possible with a lint roller, tape or the dryer first, so it doesn't clog your machine. Clean the washer's filter or wipe the drum afterwards.

5Put the blanket in the dryer

Put the blanket in the dryer

This is another great option for getting rid of dog hair from blankets. Simply put the blanket in the dryer on a no-heat (air fluff) or low heat setting for 10–30 minutes. A couple of wool dryer balls or a dryer sheet help reduce static and loosen the hair. The hair will collect in the lint trap, so empty it when you’re done.

This works best before washing, since a dry tumble shakes out loose hair that water would otherwise make cling to the fabric.

6Vacuum clean the blanket

Vacuum clean the blanket

If you have a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment, then this is a great way to remove dog hair from blankets. Simply run the brush attachment over the surface of the blanket and the hair will be sucked up into the vacuum.

Make sure the brush is clean before you start so that you don’t just move the hair around.

How to prevent dog hair from sticking to fleece blankets?

Now that you know how to get dog hair out of fleece blankets, you’re probably wondering how to prevent it from happening in the first place. Unfortunately, there’s no surefire way to prevent dog hair from sticking to fleece blankets. However, there are a few things that you can do to reduce the amount of hair that sticks to the blanket.

Here are a few tips:

1Groom your dog regularly

One of the best ways to reduce the amount of hair that your dog sheds is to groom them on a regular basis. This will help to remove any loose hair before it has a chance to fall onto the blanket.

2Vacuum regularly

If you don’t want your dog’s hair on your fleece blankets, it’s important to vacuum regularly. Vacuuming will remove any hair that has already built up, and it will also help to catch any loose hairs before they have a chance to spread. The best robot vacuums for dog hair can take care of this for you.

In addition, regular vacuuming will extend the life of your carpet and furniture by preventing the build-up of dirt and dust. So if you’re looking to reduce the amount of dog hair on your fleece blankets, make sure to vacuum regularly.

3Wash the blanket regularly

Another good way to reduce the amount of hair that sticks to the blanket is to wash it on a regular basis. This will remove any hair that has already built up, and it will make it easier to maintain the fleece blanket in the future. If the blanket smells as well, see how to get dog smell out of blankets.

Final thoughts – How to get dog hair out of fleece blankets?

There are a few different ways that you can get dog hair out of fleece blankets. The best method for you will depend on the tools available to you. However, some of the best methods include using a lint roller/tape, vacuuming, or washing the blanket regularly.

Whichever method you choose, make sure to vacuum regularly and wash the blanket frequently to prevent the build-up of dog hair in the future. And if your dog sleeps on your bed, our tips on how to keep white bedding clean with dogs may help too.

How to get dog hair out of fleece blankets? (6+ Tips)