Pet Owners Have Specific Washing Machine Needs
If you have dogs or cats, your washing machine works harder than most. Pet hair wraps around drum paddles, clogs filters and blocks drain hoses. Pet odours require hotter washes or specific cycles to eliminate. And pet dander on bedding and clothing can trigger allergies in household members. Here's what to look for in a washing machine if you share your home with pets.
The Core Problem: Pet Hair in a Washing Machine
Pet hair in a washing machine is more of a problem than most people realise. It doesn't wash away — it clumps together when wet, sticks to fabric and can block the pump filter. Unchecked, it builds up and eventually causes drainage problems. Some simple habits make a big difference:
- Shake or lint-roll heavily hairy items before loading
- Run an empty hot cycle monthly to flush accumulated hair
- Clean the pump filter every 1–2 months (the access flap at the front bottom of front loaders)
- Add a mesh laundry bag specifically designed to catch pet hair during the wash
What to Look for in a Washing Machine for Pet Owners
High-Temperature Programs
Pet bedding, blankets and covers need a 60°C+ wash to reliably kill bacteria, mites and odour-causing microbes. Look for a machine with a 60°C cotton or hygiene cycle. Bosch, Electrolux and Samsung all offer machines with dedicated hygiene programs.
Allergen or Hygiene Cycles
Some machines have dedicated allergen or hygiene cycles that combine high temperature with extra rinsing. This is valuable for households with allergy sufferers or asthma.
Extra Rinse Option
Pet hair and dander can remain after a standard rinse. An extra rinse cycle (usually available as an add-on setting) flushes the drum again, removing more residue before spinning.
Self-Clean Drum Feature
Some machines (Samsung, LG) include a drum self-clean program that runs hot water through the drum and gasket to remove accumulated hair, residue and bacteria. Very useful for pet-owning households.
Stainless Steel Drum
Pet hair sticks less to smooth stainless steel drums than to plastic paddles. Most modern machines have stainless drums, but check that the drum paddles are also smooth rather than grooved (pet hair lodges in grooves).
Top Washing Machine Picks for Pet Owners
Samsung Eco Bubble (8–9 kg front-load): Excellent hygiene cycle, drum self-clean, high energy and water efficiency.
Bosch Serie 6 (8 kg front-load): Reliable, quiet, with active hygiene wash at 60°C. Known for longevity.
LG 8 kg front-load with TurboWash: Fast wash times, allergen cycle available, Steam+ function reduces allergens.
Quick Tip: Dryer Lint Trap
If you use a dryer, check the lint trap after every load involving pet items. Pet hair clogs it faster than regular laundry, reducing efficiency and creating a fire risk in extreme cases.
Find the Right Washing Machine at Oceania Appliances
We stock quality second-hand and refurbished washing machines from Samsung, Bosch, LG, Electrolux and more. All come tested and covered by our 3–6 month warranty. Visit us in Wetherill Park or shop online — free delivery across Sydney.