If you live with dogs, laundry isn’t just a chore—it’s a full-time job. Between the fur, the muddy pawprints, and the drool-covered blankets, it feels like the washer never gets a break. And if your machine isn’t built for pet messes? Forget it—you’ll be rewashing the same load twice.
That’s why leaning into automation and smart washer features is a game-changer. Instead of scrubbing and re-running cycles manually, today’s washers can be programmed to handle fur, odors, and bulky bedding on autopilot.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know the best smart laundry tricks for pet parents, which washer features are worth using, and how to cut down the mess without adding more work.
🐾 TL;DR — Smarter Laundry, Less Stress
- ✔️ Automate cycles: set up extra rinses, steam, and pet-hair removal modes so you don’t have to babysit laundry.
- ✔️ Dedicated “pet loads” keep fur from spreading to everyday clothes.
- ✔️ Washers like Whirlpool’s Pet Pro System and LG’s TurboWash + steam cycles are built with fur-heavy laundry in mind.
- ✔️ Smart hacks: quick pre-dryer tumble, lint-catching laundry balls, and self-clean cycles keep your washer fresh.
Scroll on for the full guide—and how to make laundry day less of a battle against fur, drool, and pawprints.
Shake loose stubborn fur automatically.
Fur-focused settings built for messy loads.
Flushes out lingering hair and odors.
Why Laundry Gets So Messy with Pets
If it feels like you’re always running laundry, you’re not imagining it. Dogs bring more than love into your home—they also bring:
- Fur & Dander: It clings to everything, especially fabrics with texture like fleece and towels.
- Mud & Grass: One romp outside can mean pawprints all over blankets and bedding.
- Drool & Odors: Dog slobber and “wet dog smell” sink into fabrics fast.
- Bulky Pet Bedding: Washing comforters is one thing—washing a dog bed the size of a small sofa is another.
All of this adds up to laundry that feels endless and frustrating. That’s why smart washers are such a relief: instead of manually re-running cycles, you can automate settings like extra rinses, deep cleans, and fur-focused programs to do the heavy lifting for you.
Automate Wash Cycles with Smart Washers
The beauty of modern washers is that they can do the remembering for you. Instead of resetting cycles every time you wash dog bedding or fur-covered clothes, you can program settings that kick in automatically.
For example, Whirlpool’s Pet Pro System has a built-in cycle just for fur-heavy laundry. Once you’ve used it, you won’t go back—it filters out surprising amounts of hair without you needing to pre-rinse.
LG front-load washers also shine here. Their TurboWash + steam options can be saved as custom cycles, so one tap handles pet bedding with the exact rinses and spins you need.
If speed is your issue, Samsung’s Super Speed Wash can be automated for quick daily runs (perfect for towels and blankets your dog cycles through constantly).
Even top-load loyalists get smart options: Maytag’s Deep Fill setting is programmable too, giving bulky items like dog beds the extra water and agitation they need.
Pro Tip: If you’re shopping for a new washer, look for models that let you save cycle presets. That way, “pet laundry” becomes as easy as pressing one button.
Smart Laundry Tips Every Pet Owner Should Try
Even with automation on your side, a few smart habits make the difference between “clean” and actually fur-free. Here are some easy wins:
- Schedule Weekly Pet Loads
Dedicate one cycle a week just for your dog’s bedding, blankets, and favorite toys. Using a washer with programmable settings—like Maytag’s Deep Fill—makes it simple to set and forget. - Do a Pre-Treat Tumble
Toss fur-heavy items in the dryer for 5–10 minutes with wool dryer balls before washing. The tumbling action loosens hair so the washer doesn’t get overloaded. - Use Multiple Rinses
Set your washer to double rinse automatically. LG and Samsung models handle this especially well, ensuring fur and dander don’t sneak back onto fabrics. - Think Big on Drum Size
A larger drum means better tumbling, which means more fur gets shaken out instead of pressed in. Handy if you’re constantly washing bulky dog beds. - Automate Self-Clean Cycles
Don’t forget about the machine itself. Many washers let you program regular self-clean reminders—vital for keeping fur from building up inside the drum.
⚠ Heads-up: Overloading the washer is the fastest way to undo all these tips. Clothes (and fur) need room to move if you want results.
When Automation Isn’t Enough
Even with the best smart washer, some fur and mess will slip through. That’s when it helps to add extra tools to your routine:
Laundry Aids That Catch Fur
Fur-grabbing laundry balls and mesh bags can trap loose hair before it clogs your machine or sticks to clothes.
Separate the Messy Stuff
Wash dog beds, blankets, and heavily furred towels separately from everyday laundry. It keeps hair from spreading to your clean clothes.
Groom Before Laundry Day
Brushing your dog regularly reduces shedding at the source. Less fur in the coat = less fur in the washer.
Vacuum Boost
A quick pass with a cordless vacuum on bedding or blankets before washing cuts down how much hair makes it into the drum.
Pro Tip: Even with automation, prevention always beats cure. A few minutes with a brush or vacuum saves hours of re-washing.
Final Thoughts: Smarter Laundry, Happier Pet Parents
Laundry with pets will never be spotless, but it doesn’t have to feel endless. By leaning on washers with automated cycles and pet-friendly features, you can save time, reduce mess, and finally keep fur from taking over your laundry room.
Whether it’s Whirlpool’s Pet Pro filtering out clumps of hair, LG’s TurboWash steaming away odors, Samsung’s quick cycles for daily loads, or Maytag’s Deep Fill tackling bulky dog beds—automation makes all the difference.
Pair those features with smart habits—like scheduling pet-only loads, pre-tumbling with dryer balls, and grooming before wash day—and you’ll spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying life with your pup.
