Eliminate excess lint on your clothes and laundry with these simple tricks.
Getty Images / Dulin
Lint on your laundry is more than just a minor inconvenience.
Tiny fibers can cling to clothes, making them look old and worn out.
Credit:Getty Images / Dulin
And besides the unsightly appearance, lint can alsoclog washing machinesand dryers, leading to potential mechanical issues.
Furthermore, lint can cause allergic reactions in people and harm to aquatic life.
(In fact, much of the microplastics in the world’s water supply come from laundry lint.)
That means, effectively removing and preventing lint from accumulating is crucial.
From microplastics to allergies, there are plenty of reasons to want lint gone for good.
Here are our best no-fail ways to remove lint from laundry and minimize build-up along the way.
More detergent isn’t better:One common mistake isusing excessive detergent.
Don’t overload the washer:Another common misconception is that overloading the washer saves time and energy.
But it prevents clothes from being properly rinsed, which can lead to lint buildup.
Similarly, washing clothes with lint-producing items like towels can cause lint transfer.
Fabric softener isn’t a fix-all:Relying onfabric softenerfor every load may seem like a good idea.
Still, it doesn’t always effectively remove lint.
No-Fail Ways to Remove Lint
It’s common for lint to form on clothes.
The good thing is that a fewlaundry tipsand household items can make all the difference.
Here are a few of our favorite ways to remove lint from laundry.
Wash Clothes on the Proper Setting
Lint loves friction, static, and heat.
Thus, to avoid it,wash clothes in cold wateron a low to moderate cycle.
It will lead to far less lint buildup.
Then, rewash the remaining clothes without detergent to displace the lint.
Some of the fibers that create lint include cotton and polyester.
Spandex and lycra are more lint-resistant.
So, separate lint producerssuch as blankets, towels, or sweatersand wash them separately.
Add fabric softener to help prevent lint from forming.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions before adding fabric softener to your machine.
Roll the adhesive surface over your clothes, replacing sheets after they become full.
Alternatively, use sticky tape to remove lint.
you’re able to also try brushing lint-covered clothes with a damp rubber glove.
Lint will stick to the surface.
Use a Fabric Shaver
Using afabric shavertoremove any excess pillingwill help eliminate the transfer of lint.
Always move the shaver in a consistent motion.
Avoid pressing too hard to prevent snagging the fabric.
After finishing, inspect the garment for any remaining lint or fuzz and go over any missed spots.
Place one or two sheets in the dryer with your laundry before running the drying cycle.
Always ensure that the dryer filter is clean before starting an air cycle.
you could also rub the surface of your outfit with a single dryer sheet to remove lint.
Apply Anti-Static Spray
Anti-static spray removes lint from laundry byneutralizing the static electricitythat causes lint to cling to fabrics.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for best results.
The moisture from the steam loosens the lint, making it easier to brush or wipe away.
Steaming also reduces static.
Washing similar materials together, likekeeping towels separate from clothes, can prevent lint from transferring between items.
Regularlyclean your washing machineand dryer.
Hence, run a monthly cleaning cycle to flush the lint away.
Choosing the right detergentcan make a difference as well.
Opt for a high-quality, low-sudsing detergent that doesn’t leave residue.
Adding a fabric softener or vinegar to the wash can help reduce static and prevent lint accumulation.
Finally,consider air drying your laundrywhen possible, as tumble drying can generate lint.
