How to Remove Lint from Clothes

Have you ever washed a sweater, just to realize it’s covered with lint? Believe me, it’s more common than you think.

For example, it can happen if your clothes rub against other fabrics in the washer. Pilling can also happen if you overload the machine as that will create friction between items.

But don’t throw away your lint-covered sweater just yet, because there are several ways you can remove lint from your clothes. It’ll take a little bit of time but with the right technique, your sweater will look new again!

What’s the best way to remove lint from clothes? What tools do you need? How can you prevent lint transfer? Keep reading for all the answers.

How to Remove Lint From Clothes

There’s more than one method when it comes to removing lint. Here are some things you can try.

Use a Dryer Sheet

Dryer sheets aren’t just for softening your clothes and eliminating static cling, they can also be used to eliminate lint.

Simply throw your lint-covered garments in the dryer, add one dryer sheet, and run an air-only cycle. The dryer sheet will not only remove lint, but will help get rid of any pet hair as well.

For the best results, clean the dryer lint filter on the machine before starting the cycle.

Wash Again With White Vinegar

White vinegar can be effective if there’s remaining lint on your clothes. The only thing is that you’ll have to wash the affected items again.

Place them in the washer and add one cup of distilled white vinegar instead of laundry detergent during the rinse cycle.

The agitation of the machine, along with the white vinegar, will help displace and loosen the lint from the fabric. As an extra bonus, it’ll also soften and deodorize your clothes.

Use a Lint Roller

Using lint rollers is a cheap and effective way to remove lint from your clothes. They’re easy to use too – just roll it up and down the garment until all of the lint is gone.

If you don’t have a lint roller, you can improvise with a roll of tape – just wrap it around your fingers to peel off the link. You can also gently rub the fabric with a damp rubber glove; that will also allow you to remove lint from delicate fabrics.

Tip: Make sure the lint roller is clean before you start removing lint from clothing.

Tumble Dry With Microfiber Towels

If you have a few microfiber towels lying around, you can use them to remove lint from your clothes. Simply place them in the dryer, along with your freshly washed lint-covered garments.

As it tumbles, the lint will transfer from your clothes to the microfiber cloths.

Remove the garments when they’re still slightly damp and use a lint roller to remove the remaining lint on the fabric.

Use a Clothes Steamer

Adding some steam to the garments will reduce the static cling that’s holding the lint to the fabric, making them easier to remove.

For example, you can use a clothes steamer on your lint-covered shirt. If you don’t have a steamer, try hanging the garment in a steamy bathroom for 15 to 20 minutes.

Apply an Anti-Static Spray

If you don’t have time to re-wash the garment or place it in the dryer, you can use an anti-static spray to loosen the lint.

Once you’ve applied the spray, brush the fabric with a dry sponge – that will help get rid of the lint and any pet hair. Alternatively, if you have a lint roller, you can use that on the item.

How to Prevent Lint From Sticking To Your Clothes

You can keep lint under control by preventing it from sticking to your garments in the first place. Here’s how.

Clean the Lint Trap Regularly

Some older washing machines have a lint trap on the upper rim or side of the tub. If you don’t clean it regularly, the lint can easily transfer onto your laundry.

Newer models, on the other hand, tend to have self-cleaning lint filters behind the tub or under the agitator in top-load washers.

Despite being self-cleaning, you still have to run a cleaning cycle once every three to four weeks to flush the lint away, otherwise, it can accumulate and transfer onto your clothes.

Clean the Water Pump Filter

If the water pump filter is clogged, suspended lint won’t be away to drain away properly, meaning there’s a high chance they’ll remain on your clothes.

That’s why it’s so important to clean the pump filter regularly, ideally once every three months. To access the water pump, open the outer housing of your washing machine and turn the pump filter counterclockwise to remove it from the unit.

After removing debris from the filter, replace it on the machine by turning it clockwise. Make sure it’s tightened properly before closing the access door.

Keep the Dryer Lint Filter Clean

Every dryer has a lint filter that’s designed to trap lint and minimize build-up. If the screen isn’t cleaned regularly, however, it will clog, increasing the chance that it will re-deposit onto your clothes.

Not only that but if the filter is clogged, the machine will have to work harder to dry your clothes and that will increase your utility bills. It will also become a fire hazard as the lint will essentially become a bundle of tinder.

Removing Lint From Clothes – FAQs

How can you reduce lint production when washing clothes?

Using a mesh laundry bag will prevent your clothes from rubbing against each other, therefore reducing lint. Not overloading the machine will also prevent your sweaters from pilling.

Why are my clothes covered with lint after washing?

Dirty filters in the washing machine can cause built-up lint to redeposit onto your clothes. The same thing goes for the dryer.

How often do you have to clean the dryer lint filter?

You should clean the dryer filter after each use. Neglecting to clean the screen will not only increase the chance of lint on your clothes but it can also become a fire hazard as lint is highly flammable.

Can you rewash clothes to remove lint?

Yes, you can rewash your clothes in the washing machine to remove lint. Just add one cup of distilled white vinegar instead of laundry detergent during the rinse cycle. The vinegar will loosen the lint, making it easier to remove.