1) Use Lint rollers
Lint roller is one of the wonder tools which can help you to remove lint from clothes in seconds. Use the rollers and slide it up and down until the lint is remove completely. When the adhesive sheets are fully covered in lint replace them before using it for next time.
2) Tape
Tape is a mandatory household item which can also double up to remove lint from clothes. Wrap a large sized tape around your hand with the sticky side facing outwards. Place the tape on the lint, press it gently and remove the lint from the fabric. Repeat the process until all the lint have been removed from the clothing.
3) Lint Brush
To remove lint and pet hairs, lint brush also comes in handy. Lint brush must be cleaned regularly so that lint doesn’t get accumulated in it. Be careful not to damage, while brushing on light weight fabrics. Instead of lint brush you can also use any household item which contains soft bristles to remove lint from clothing.
4) Rubber gloves
Rubber gloves that we use day to day can also be used to get rid of lint from your clothes. Simply dampen the gloves and run it through the lint covered fabric and pick up the lint. Once you’re done wash the rubber gloves thoroughly so that it can be used multiple times.
Keep in mind that rubber gloves may not be effective as much as a lint roller or fabric shaver but it can be used when you run of out options.
5) Vinegar
Vinegar is one of the natural alternatives to fabric softener and can be used to remove lint from clothes. Add half cup of white distilled vinegar in washing machine during the rinse cycle, after the washing is done. Lint will be removed and the clothes also feel soft and odour free.
6) Baking soda
Similar to white vinegar, you can use half cup of baking soda while doing your laundry. Baking soda will help soften the water and loosen the clothing fibers which will in turn shed lint and other debris. It will also brighten your clothes and eliminate odour from them.
However, use baking soda in moderation as adding too much can get accumulated in the washing machine and damage your clothes in the long run.
7) Pumice Stone
Pumice stone can be used to remove lint from clothes due to its rough texture. It can be used on cotton, denim, woolen clothes etc. Wet the pumice stone and gently rub against the linted fabric in circular motion. Continue until all the lint has been removed and rinse the stone well in water. Avoid using pumice stone on fabrics like silk or nylon.
How to Prevent Lint in Clothes
1) Avoid overloading
When too many clothes are loaded into washing machine beyond its capacity there are high chances of lint being formed due to high friction. It is always best to leave enough space in the washing machine so that it operates freely. Also clean the washing machine time from time to time to prevent lint from getting on clothes.
2) Sort clothes before wash
During laundry first sort your clothes based on fabric type and capacity to produce lint. Always wash high lint producing fabrics including towels and sweaters separately. Also turn the clothes inside out to avoid lint forming in the surface of the fabrics.
3) Use lint filter
Check the lint filter before and after every wash and clean it whenever necessary. This will help prevent lint build up in the washing machine and the possibility of lint spreading to other clothes. Make sure the lint filter is in working condition and replace if it damaged or worn out.
4) Wash in cold water
Hot water tends to shrink the clothes and release more fiber which eventually turns into lint. It is ideal to wash your clothes in cold water so that the fabric retains their texture and less amount of fiber gets accumulated.
5) Use fabric softeners
To avoid static electricity you can use fabric softeners while washing your clothes. This will make the clothes feel soft and avoid lint at the same time. White vinegar is also another natural alternative which help reduce friction and static in clothes.
In conclusion there are many easy and effective ways to remove lint from clothes. From lint roller, tapes, lint brush, rubber gloves to vinegar and pumice stone there are many household hacks that can be used. Be it pet hair or fuzz from woollen clothes, with the above methods you can get rid of lint and recover your garments to the original state.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What causes lint on clothes after washing?
Lint forms when clothes shed their fibers or attract fiber from other clothes during washing. This happens due to the vigorous movement of the washing machine leading to the loosening and breakage of clothing fiber. The fibers later form into small clusters or balls.
The quantity of lint produced depends on factors like type of fabric, age and condition of the garments and the detergent used in the washing machine. Some fabrics like woollen tend to shed more fibers than other materials. Segregate the clothes by colour and fabric type before washing to avoid lint formation. You can also use fabric softener or a dryer sheet to reduce the static on clothes
2) Why do black clothes attract lint?
Black clothes attract more lint due to their dark colour and the nature of lint itself. Lint is highly visible on black clothes due to contrasting nature of the colour. Also, black clothes tend to attract more light in comparison to light coloured fabrics and this generates more static electricity which is one of the major reasons for lint.
You can regularly use a lint roller or lint brush to remove lint and avoid washing black clothes with high lint producers like towels and blankets to keep the lint at bay.
3) How to remove lint from clothes quickly?
- Lint Roller - When there is a lot of lint on your clothes, you can use a lint roller to quickly remove lint and other debris from your clothes. A lint brush also comes in handy to remove the accumulated fiber on clothes.
- Tape – For stubborn lint you can wrap a wide tape around your hands and press the sticky side on the lint covered areas and repeat the process until lint is removed completely from the garment.
- Fabric shaver – Using fabric shaver is a fast and effective way to remove lint. However, you must be careful not to cut through the fabric.
- Damp cloth – Another method for removing stubborn lint is using a damp cloth. Wet a small cloth, wring it and rub against the lint filled garment. Moisture in the damp cloth will loosen the lint and makes it easier to remove.
4) How To Prevent And Remove Pilling From Clothes ?
Pills are fabric fibers which breaks or loosen away to form small balls or fuzz on the surface of the clothes. You can prevent these firm balls of lint by washing the clothes inside out, using gentle wash cycle and washing clothes of similar fabric type and colour together rather than mixing everything. Fabric softeners also helps to prevent the fibers from breaking and pilling.
If pilling has already occurred you can remove them using a lint roller, fabric shaver or pumice stone by gently sliding or rubbing against the fabric. You can also use a scissor to cut off larger or stubborn lint balls from the clothes.
5) What are the ways to remove lint from clothes without a lint roller ?
Lint can be removed from clothes without a lint roller using various methods. Packing tape or duct tape, damp cloth, dry sponge, rubber glove, clothes brush and fabric shaver are effective ways to remove lint. Dry sponge and clothes brush are easily available household items which can be rubbed or brushed against the fabric to quickly lift the lint.
6) Can you rewash or redry clothes to remove lint?
Yes, you can rewash or redry clothes to get rid of lint. However the results might depend on type of fabric and severity of lint.
To rewash your clothes, you first need to remove the lint using lint roller or tape. Remove as much lint as you can and then put the clothes in the washer. Once washing is done, during drying phase you can use a dryer sheet or fabric softener sheet in the dryer to reduce static cling and possible lint on clothes.
After rewashing and redrying if you don't feel lint hasn’t been removed, you need to manually remove lint using a lint brush or fabric shaver.