How to stop clothes from collecting lint in the first place

Strategies to get rid of lint that wreaks havoc on black turtlenecks

Lint is a collection of fibers that cling to clothes and other fabrics. It can result from washing machine agitation, from static electricity, or from washing items that produce lint (like fuzzy blankets) with items that attract lint (like corduroy pants).

These linty fibers cling to fabrics with a little stem that can be easy to dislodge, as long as you’re armed with the right tools—many of which you probably already have. Tape, disposable razors, dryer sheets, and even a pumice stone can help effectively remove fluff from your garments with ease.

These tactics can stand in for traditional lint rollers that can be both expensive (depending on how much lint you’re dealing with regularly) and more wasteful than some of the other strategies we’ve outlined here.

While a lint roller or lint brush is certainly a good tool to have on hand for use in a pinch, these strategies that get rid of and remove lint and fuzz balls from clothes can be just as effective—and sometimes more efficient, too.

Tape

Packing tape, masking tape, and even duct tape can be effective tools for DIY lint removal.

Start by wrapping the tape around your hand with the sticky side out. Press the tape into the garment and lift. Repeat all over, rolling tape to the fresh side and/or getting a new piece of tape when the side in contact with the garment is no longer sticky.

Safety Razor

In addition to cleaning up sweater pilling, safety razors can just as effectively remove lint. Fabric shavers work, too.

Lay the garment on a flat surface, then run the razor over it in short strokes. This will effectively shave off the lint layer in addition to any pilling. Remove leftover shaved fluff by hand or with any of the other lint-removal techniques described here.

Related: The 8 Best Fabric Shavers, According To Our Testing

Dryer Sheets

Handy little dryer sheets are used to reduce static in the dryer, subsequently reducing the occurrence of lint, which what makes them a great preventative tool. Dryer sheets can also be used to remedy the problem without requiring another run in the machine.

Using a clean dryer sheet, gently rub the garment in one direction (not back and forth) to remove lint. You should be able to easily remove the excess by hand.

Scissors

A pair of small, sharp scissors can slice off the lint layer of clothes relatively easily and effectively, just make sure you start by laying the garment on a flat surface.

Work section by section, gently trimming off lint. Remove cut-off lint as you work. We recommend finishing by running a pumice stone or lint roller over the garment to remove any stragglers.  

Pumice Stone

A pumice stone (the kind used for at-home pedicures) can help remove both lint and pilling from your garments thanks to its abrasive texture.

Gently rub the clean stone over your lint-covered items and the small fibers will be removed with ease. A pumice stone is a great tool to have instead of a lint roller, as it can remove lint quickly and efficiently but doesn’t require the waste of adhesive sheets.

Hair Dryer

If you’re really in a pinch, a hair dryer can help remove lint and fluff.

Start by securely hanging your garment (ideally against a wall where it can receive air circulation while also providing a hard surface) and setting your hair dryer on the high setting with cool air.

Next, dampen a new dryer sheet and carefully rub it over the garment while, at the same time, you blow away the lint. Once you get the hang of the simultaneous arm motions, you should have lint-free clothes in a flash.   

Change Your Laundry Routine

For clothes that are already clean but have an excessive amount of lint on them, wash them again using a cup of distilled vinegar in place of detergent. The vinegar will reduce static and relax the fibers, so the washing machine’s agitation can more easily rid the garment of lint and fuzz balls.

You can also wash items that are prone to lint inside out, on a cold, gentle cycle. You’ll want to use fabric softener, too. The reduced agitation, colder temperature, and minimized static electricity (thanks to the fabric softener) can help keep your lint issues in check before they become a problem.

Frequently asked Questions

What can you do to remove lint before clothes are done drying?

A lint roller can be used on partially dry clothes that have lint on them. There's no need to wait for them to dry entirely.

Why does it seem like black clothes have more lint?

Black clothes don't actually attract more lint, but their dark color makes lint more noticeable, giving the impression that there's more.

How do you get rid of lint in the washing machine?

To remove lint from the washing machine, run an empty wash cycle with a cup of vinegar. You can also use a commercial washing machine cleaner and follow the instructions on the packaging to help eliminate lint.

Read the original article on Southern Living