How to prevent pets from accessing or spreading soiled laundry
Pets, especially dogs and cats, often find dirty laundry irresistible. They are drawn to the scents on soiled clothes, which can smell like their owners or contain interesting smells from outside. This attraction can lead to pets rummaging through laundry baskets, spreading dirt and pet hair around your home. To keep your pets from accessing or spreading soiled laundry, here are some simple and effective tips.
## Keep Laundry Out of Reach
The easiest way to prevent pets from getting into dirty clothes is to store laundry in a secure place. Use hampers with lids or keep baskets inside closets or rooms that pets cannot enter. If you don’t have a closed hamper, consider using a large plastic bin with a tight-fitting lid for dirty clothes.
## Use Laundry Bags or Covers
If you must leave laundry out temporarily, try enclosing it in washable bags or covering it with sheets tied at the ends. This creates a barrier that discourages pets from digging through piles of clothing[2].
## Establish Boundaries for Pets
Training your pet not to approach the laundry area helps reduce access over time. Use commands like “leave it” consistently when they show interest in the basket. Reward them for staying away from these areas.
## Regular Grooming Reduces Spread
Keeping your pet clean reduces how much dirt and dander they carry onto clothing[5]. Bathe dogs every few weeks with gentle shampoo and brush cats regularly to minimize loose hair and skin flakes that cling to fabrics.
## Clean Pet Bedding Frequently
Pet beds can harbor fleas, dirt, and odors that transfer onto household textiles including clothes[3][4]. Wash bedding often using hot water if possible to kill insects and remove allergens thoroughly.
## Maintain Your Washing Machine
Pet hair tends to accumulate inside washers after washing contaminated items like blankets or pet beds[4]. Clean your machine regularly by wiping down drums after cycles and using specialized cleaners designed for removing pet hair buildup.
By combining these practical steps—securing dirty laundry storage, training pets away from baskets, grooming animals well, cleaning their bedding frequently, and maintaining appliances—you can significantly reduce how much soiled laundry gets accessed by pets or spreads around your home. This keeps both your living space cleaner and helps protect fabrics from damage caused by claws or excessive fur shedding while also reducing unpleasant odors linked with pet contact on clothing[1][5].
