Managing Animal Hair in Commercial Laundry: A Guide for Vets, Kennels, and Stables

Throughout the summer season, animals will shed their heavy winter coats in order to stay cool. Whilst this is a natural and important process for animals to go through, it can pose a challenge for the laundry facilities at vets, boarding kennels, farms, and stables. 

The Impact of Shedding on Laundry

The additional animal fur and hair during the shedding season can significantly affect the laundry process in various settings:

•    Vets: Examining and treating animals often results in fur covered towels and bedding.
•    Boarding Kennels: With multiple animals in one place shedding, kennels must manage large volumes of fur in the laundry loads.
•    Farms: Bedding, blankets, and towels used for livestock can become covered in fur and animal hair making it difficult to clean and maintain hygiene standards. 
•    Stables: Horse blankets, saddle pads, and grooming towels all accumulate hair. 

Our Tips for Managing Animal Fur and Hair in Laundry

Pre-Laundry Prep:

•    Shake and Brush: Before washing, shake out bedding and towels outside to remove as much fur as possible. Use a brush or lint roller to help with this process.
•    Vacuum: Use a hoover with a brush attachment to remove fur from fabrics before placing them in the washing machine. 

Laundry Equipment Maintenance:

•    Clean Filters Regularly: Fur can clog washing machines and dryer’s filters, reducing efficiency and potentially causing damage. Clean filters frequently to prevent build-up. Click here to read our guide on cleaning a commercial tumble dryer’s ducting. 
•    Professional Servicing: Schedule professional maintenance to keep your commercial laundry equipment in the best condition possible. Click here to learn more about our servicing at GA Commercial. 

Washing and Drying Techniques

•    Use Liquid Fabric Softener: This can help loosen fur from fabrics making it easier to remove during washing and drying.
•    Dryer Balls: Add dryer balls to your tumble dryer. They help to agitate fabrics, loosening fur and allowing it to be captured in the lint trap. 
•    Embrace the Cold or Warm: Hot water can actually set animal hair deeper into fabric fibres making it harder to remove. Instead, opt for cold or warm water settings. Colder water temperatures are more effective at loosening animal hair and allowing it to wash away.
•    Low and Slow Drying: High heat drying can be a double-edged sword. Whilst it might seem like it removes animal hair, it can also damage clothes and worsen static cling, which attracts even more hair. Low heat drying is a gentler option; it helps release remaining fur and reduces static. 

Extra

•    Grooming is Key: Regular grooming sessions for animals can significantly reduce the amount of loose fur they shed. 
•    Air Drying Items: When possible, air-dry animal-related items outdoors. The breeze and sunlight can naturally help remove loose hairs or fur.
•    Invest in Animal-Friendly Bedding: Consider using materials that are less prone to trapping fur. Covers that are easily removeable and machine-washable can make a significant difference in managing animal hair.