July 15, 2026, 9:33 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Anyone with pets or a penchant for dark clothing knows the problem: Your favorite shirt comes fresh out of the washing machine, yet lint or pet hair still clings to it. A supposed life hack frequently circulates on social media. The idea: Simply toss an ordinary plastic bag into the washing machine with your laundry. The lint is supposedly attracted to it. But does it really work? myHOMEBOOK consulted an expert.
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Why the Plastic Bag Is Supposed to Work
The movement in the washing drum is said to statically charge the plastic bag, attracting hair and lint. However, there is no credible basis for this claim. In fact, several factors argue against this effect occurring during the wash cycle.
Expert Evaluates the Washing Trick
According to Dr. Bernd Glassl from the German Cosmetic, Toiletry, Perfumery and Detergent Association, there is no reason to believe that a plastic bag in the washing machine effectively attracts lint or pet hair. “I find it unlikely that a plastic bag and textiles would become electrostatically charged in washing machine drums made of metal and grounded.” The conditions in a washing machine are quite different from dry clothing, which can indeed become statically charged after drying in a dryer or through friction. During the wash cycle, textiles are in water and detergent solution, an environment where electrostatic charges can hardly build up.
There Could Even Be Disadvantages
Instead of making the laundry cleaner, the plastic bag could even hinder the washing process. Glassl explains: “Textiles to be washed might slip into the plastic bag during the wash cycle, reducing their contact with the detergent solution or rinse water, which could result in poor cleaning or rinsing performance.”
In the worst case, individual laundry items may be less thoroughly cleaned or detergent residues may not be completely rinsed out.
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What Happens to Lint and Pet Hair During Washing?
The expert notes that fewer lint particles remain on clothing after washing primarily due to the normal washing process. Water, detergent, and the drum’s movement loosen loose fibers from the textiles, which are then rinsed away with the wash water. Pet hair, however, can be more stubborn, especially if it has worked its way deep into the fibers.
The Expert’s Recommendation
Pet hair often clings more stubbornly to textiles in the washing machine than lint. Instead of relying on dubious internet tricks, Glassl recommends removing pet hair as much as possible before washing. The first step is simple: Shake out clothing, blankets, or other textiles with lots of dog, cat, or horse hair thoroughly outdoors. Doing this not only right before the wash cycle but also regularly in between prevents the hair from embedding deeper into the fibers.
Particularly stubborn pet hair can then be removed with a special rubber nodule brush. Such brushes are available in equestrian stores and are suitable not only for clothing and blankets but also for upholstered furniture. After brushing, Glassl recommends shaking the textiles vigorously again. Only then should the textiles go into the washing machine. The expert suggests using programs with the highest possible water level, such as gentle plus or delicate wash. An additional rinse cycle can also help rinse out loosened hair more effectively.
It is also worthwhile to pay attention to the order of wash loads. After washing heavily haired textiles, wash less sensitive items like cleaning cloths or garden clothes first: “Never wash black clothes immediately after a wash cycle (e.g., with a pet blanket) because some hair may still find its way back onto the black clothing,” the expert advises.
If a lot of hair has already accumulated in the machine, a machine cleaning program with an appropriate cleaner is recommended.