We’ve got some tips and tricks for removing lint from clothes. From preventive measures to quick fixes, there are several ways to keep your outfits lint free.
Lint on clothes can be an annoying issue that many of us face regularly – especially with pet hair. Whether you’re going somewhere formal or just showing up to work, lint can ruin your otherwise neat appearance.
What Causes Lint?
Sometimes it’s obvious where lint comes from – for example, a shedding cat. Other times it’s not so clear, and you may wonder why you keep finding lint on your clothes.
Lint is mainly composed of loose fibers, hair, dust, and other particles that get stuck on fabrics. Some common causes include:
- Washing and drying clothes with lint-producing items like towels or blankets.
- Wearing clothes made from certain fabrics that are prone to shedding.
- Using low-quality laundry detergents or fabric softeners.
- Storing clothes in dusty environments.
Now that we know the causes let’s move on to the solutions!
The Lint Roller
This tool is going to be your best friend when it comes to lint. The lint roller is a handy device designed specifically to remove lint, dust, and pet hair from fabric surfaces.
It’s a roll with a mild adhesive on it – not enough to damage clothes, but just enough to gently collect the lint. Just roll the sticky adhesive over the lint and watch as it clings to the roller.
Keep a lint roller in your closet, car, or bag for touch-ups throughout the day. You can also keep one at work in a locker or desk drawer.
Try a Lint Brush
Lint rollers have to be thrown out and replaced from time to time. If you prefer a more sustainable option, consider using a lint brush.
These brushes typically have bristles made of natural fibers or rubber. They pick up lint almost as well as a lint roller, and one could last you the rest of your life.
To use a lint brush, gently sweep it over the clothing in one direction, following the grain of the fabric. It’s a great alternative to disposable lint rollers and can be easily cleaned for repeated use.
Use Tape as a Quick Fix
When you’re a hurry and don’t have lint roller or brush at hand, plain old tape can do the trick. Wrap a piece of adhesive tape (sticky side out) around your hand or fingers and gently pat it over the lint-covered areas.
The tape will pick up the lint effectively. This trick works best for small areas or when dealing with delicate fabrics.
Change Your Laundry Routine
Prevention is key when it comes to dealing with lint on clothes. With a few easy changes to your laundry routine, you can greatly reduce the chances of lint showing up on your garments.
Clean the Lint Filter: Regularly clean the lint filter in your dryer before each use. A clogged lint filter can increase lint and reduce the dryer’s efficiency.
Separate lint-producing items: Wash and dry towels, blankets, and other lint-prone items separately from your clothing to minimize lint transfer.
Turn clothes inside out: This simple trick can reduce friction between fabrics during the wash cycle, which means less lint will form.
Use quality laundry products: Invest in high-quality laundry detergents and fabric softeners that are less likely to leave residue or contribute to lint formation.
Clean your washing machine: Regularly clean your washing machine’s drum and filters to prevent lint buildup and transfer onto your clothes.
Empty Pockets: Check and empty pockets before washing, as items like tissues or paper can break down and create lint during the wash cycle.
Zip Up Zippers: Close zippers and fasten buttons on clothing items before washing to prevent them from snagging and causing lint.
Avoid Overloading the Dryer: Overloading the dryer can cause excessive friction between clothes, leading to lint generation. Dry your clothes in smaller batches to prevent this.
Choose Different Fabrics
Certain fabrics are more prone to shedding and attracting lint than others. To avoid that, you can choose garments made from these fabrics.
- Natural fibers like cotton and linen tend to shed less compared to synthetic materials.
- Fabrics with tighter weaves, such as denim or twill, are less likely to accumulate lint.
- Opt for lighter-colored clothing: most lint is light in color and therefore shows up more on dark clothes, so wearing lighter colors can help camouflage any stray fibers.
Remove Lint with Fabric Shavers
Fabric shavers, also known as lint removers or fabric de-pillers, are great tools for removing lint and pilling from clothing.
These handheld devices have rotating blades that safely remove fuzz balls and loose fibers from fabric surfaces. Gently glide the fabric shaver over the affected areas, and watch as it restores your clothes’ appearance.
You may find they can pull on loose fibers or thicker weave clothing like cable knit sweater, so always be careful using them on an item for the first time.
Dryer Sheets, Balls and Fabric Softeners
Dryer sheets and fabric softeners not only make your clothes smell fresh but can also help reduce static cling and minimize lint buildup. When drying your clothes, toss in a dryer sheet to prevent lint from sticking to the fabric.
Dryer sheets can also help soften fabrics and reduce wrinkles, making your clothes more resistant to attracting lint.
You can also use dryer balls for a more eco-friendly alternative to dryer sheets.
Regularly Clean Your Closet
A dusty closet can contribute to lint-related problems. Regularly clean your closet by dusting shelves and hangers to minimize the chances of lint transferring onto your clothes.
Consider using garment bags or covers to protect your clothing from dust when not in use.