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APPLIANCE EXPERTS SAY THE TIKTOK TIP COULD LEAVE YOUR WASHING MACHINE DAMAGED OR BROKEN 10:38, 02 Jun 2025Updated 10:49, 02 Jun 2025 A warning has been issued over a TikTok cleaning hack
that could cost you hundreds of pounds in washing machine repairs. A social media trend aimed at people who want to get rid of pet hair clinging to their clothes could damage appliances as
well as the garments themselves. One TikTokker has suggested pet owners place Velcro hair rollers in their washing machines to try to capture the hair. The video, which has been shared over
5,000 times, shows a person placing the rollers into the drum with laundry that's covered in dog hair. READ MORE: Many claimed it was a genius idea, while others said it didn't
work. But experts say it's best not to even try it. Article continues below Matt Ayres, an appliance expert at RDO Kitchens & Appliances, says using DIY methods like this can come
with some problems, leaving your washing machine damaged or even broken. Matt explained: "If the hair roller has a rigid plastic core or hard plastic edges, it could easily damage the
rubber door seal, get caught in the drum holes, and damage the drum itself, especially on a fast spin cycle. "It’s important to note that if the rubber door seal gets damaged by the
hair roller, it could lead to further leakage from your washing machine's door, causing additional problems, which could put your washer out of order. "Beyond it impacting your
washer, it could also damage your clothing. As the Velcro surface is designed to grip, it tends to snag delicate fabrics like knits or lace, which could cause pulls or tears in your
clothing. "Also, the roller could come apart, potentially blocking the drain pump, leading to drainage issues or expensive repairs." So what is the proper way to remove hair
that's stuck on clothes from pets who are shedding? Matt said: "Instead, pet owners should take some pre-care before placing the clothes into the washer. "De-fluffing the
laundry before it enters the washer drum will reduce the amount of dog hair that stays on the clothes and gets in the drum. You can do this with a lint roller or a fine pet hairbrush.
"The washing machine may also hold onto pet hair, transferring it to the clothes, resulting in potentially more pet hair on the clothes before it went in. "Pet owners are advised
to clean their washing machines about once a month to ensure that the additional pet hair is removed from it. "For the best results, turn your washing machine off and let it air for 24
hours. This ensures that the drum dries completely before beginning the cleaning process, making it much easier to gather the loose pet hair. "Begin by removing any loose pet hair from
the washer drum using a vacuum cleaner. This will allow any clumps of hair and loose hair to be removed. "Then, use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe down the inside of the drum and
seals. Make sure you take extra care when wiping under the rubber lip of the washer. "After this, you can begin running your washing machine’s cleaning cycle. This is available on many
modern washing machines; however, with older machines, I suggest running your washing machine on an empty cycle at the hottest temperature without using detergent. "This will help to
remove dirt and bacteria, keeping your appliance clean, hygienic, and ready for use. "Although some home remedies suggest using vinegar in a rinse cycle, you should check the washer
manual to ensure it is safe to use, as this could do more harm than good in the long run." Article continues below Join our dedicated BirminghamLive WhatsApp community for the latest
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