How To Get Rid Of Lint On Clothes

Seven strategies for eliminating the pesky fibers that can wreak havoc on a black turtleneck in record time.

Lint is a collection of fibers that cling to clothes and other fabrics. It can result from washing machine agitation, static electricity, washing lint producers with lint attractors, or simply layering a white sweater over a black shirt. 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 on hand.

Tape, disposable razors, dryer sheets, and even a pumice stone can help effectively remove lint 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 seven strategies for getting rid of lint on clothes can be just as effective—and sometimes more efficient too.

Tape

Packing tape or masking tape can be an effective tool 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

A favorite tool for removing sweater pilling, the safety razor can just as effectively remove lint. 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 lint by hand or with any of the other lint-removal techniques described here.

Dryer Sheets

These handy little sheets are used to reduce static in the dryer subsequently reducing the occurrence of lint, which is why they’re a great preventative tool. But if you’re dealing with a lint issue that’s already apparent, 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 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, but 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. 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 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, run 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.

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 is lint?

Lint is a fuzzy accumulation of broken-down fibers from clothes, textiles, or linens that cling to other fabrics.

Why are my clothes covered in lint after I wash them?

Washing machines can cause lint due to not cleaning your filters often enough (like your dryer’s lint trap, this device is made to collect lint and needs to be cleaned regularly) or from vents that similarly require cleaning. Lint can also be caused by washing lint producers with lint attractors in the same load (i.e. a black turtleneck and white terry bathrobe). Little scraps of tissues and paper that make it into the load (check your pockets!) can also create lint.

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

Use dryer sheets to prevent lint from sticking to clothes. Also make sure all lint from your lint trap is fully removed between each load.

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