Lint on clothes can be frustrating, making your favorite garments look unkempt and less appealing. Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or just want to look your best on a regular day, dealing with how to get rid of lint on clothes can be a hassle. Fortunately, there are various methods to get rid of lint, including both readily available products and DIY home remedies. In this article, we’ll explore these options and provide helpful tips to minimize lint buildup on your clothes.
Products and Devices to Get Rid of Lint on Clothes
FlyLady’s Rubba Scrubba
We don’t have any affiliate relationship with FlyLady regarding this (or any) product, but it is hands down our favorite way to remove lint from clothes. This brush has little rubber fingers that grab onto lint when stroked down the length of the garment. It also does a fantastic job of getting lint and pet hair off upholstery and car interiors. They work great for cleaning the lint trap in your dryer as well.
Another feature we always look for is if a tool or piece of furniture can perform multiple functions. This product certainly ticks that box. This little rubber brush can be used in many applications.
At such a reasonable price, we like to have two Rubba Scubbas on hand, one for clean jobs, such as lint removal, and one for dirty jobs, such as cleaning stovetops or dishes.
Lint Rollers
Lint rollers are a simple and effective solution for removing lint from clothes. Their availability in most supermarkets, textile stores, and even pet shops makes them easily accessible to everyone. Using a lint roller is straightforward – simply remove the protective wrap from the roller section and start rolling it across the fabric you want to clean. As you do this, the sticky surface of the roller will pick up lint and other particles, leaving your clothes looking fresh and clean.
One of the advantages of using a lint roller is that it is convenient and mess-free. Unlike alternative methods such as tape or sticky brushes, lint-rollers provide an all-in-one solution. You don’t have to worry about sticky residue or disposing of used adhesive sheets because with a lint roller, once one layer becomes less tacky from picking up lint, you can simply peel it back to reveal a new sheet underneath. This allows you to continue using the same roller multiple times before needing a replacement, making it both cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
Fabric Shavers
Fabric shavers, also known as lint removers or sweater shavers, are electric or battery-powered devices designed to remove lint and pilling from clothing. They work by gently shaving off the top layer of fabric to eliminate lint and leave your clothes looking fresh and smooth. Fabric shavers are particularly useful for delicate or knit fabrics prone to pilling.
Lint Brush
Lint brushes are a good alternative to lint-rollers for removing lint and fuzz from clothes. They look like hairbrushes but have a pad instead of bristles to catch lint. The pad works like soft velcro, gathering lint and pulling it off the fabric.
To use a lint brush, brush the entire garment in one direction, starting at the top and moving towards the bottom. This ensures you cover all areas and remove as much lint as possible.
Lint brushes are simple, efficient, and convenient for dealing with clothing covered in fuzz. They are also durable and reusable, unlike disposable lint-rollers that require replacements. A good quality lint brush can last for months or even years with proper care. This makes lint brushes a cost-effective solution for keeping clothes clean without constantly buying new products. Consider investing in a lint brush to maintain your wardrobe in pristine condition effortlessly.
DIY Home Remedies to Remove Lint from Clothes
Sticky Side Out Tape Trick
You can use tape as a makeshift lint roller. It doesn’t matter what kind of tape. Use what you have on hand. Wrap a piece of tape around your hand, sticky side out. Go around your hand a few times, making the surface wide. You can press and lift off the lint-covered areas or roll it, allowing the full use of the tape on the back of your hand. Repeat as needed until your clothes are lint-free.
The other method of the tape trick is to pull off a 12-14 inch strip and hold each end between your thumb and forefinger. Lightly skid the sticky side down the fabric surfaces, picking up lint as you go. Repeat as needed or until the adhesive becomes clogged with lint and hair. If it gets too much static, you’ll have “fun” trying to get it in the waste basket. You can just ball it up and toss it.
Velcro Strip
A strip of Velcro can be surprisingly effective at removing lint. Simply rub the Velcro strip over the linty areas, and the hook-like side of the Velcro will grab the lint particles. Be sure to clean the Velcro strip after each use.
Rubber Glove
Rubber gloves are commonly used for household chores such as dishwashing, but they can also be used to remove lint. Instead of picking each piece off one by one, simply slip on a rubber glove and rub your hand across the fabric in one direction. This will easily gather and remove all the lint in a fraction of the time it would take otherwise. The rubber material creates friction that helps to dislodge the lint from the fabric and simultaneously pushes it off the surface. This simple and efficient trick is not only practical but also saves you from unnecessary frustration.
Moreover, this technique is not limited to removing lint alone; it works wonders in getting rid of stubborn animal fur too. If you share your home with cats or dogs, their shedding fur can be frustrating to clean up. However, by using a rubber glove, you can effortlessly collect pet hair from clothing or furniture. Simply put on the glove and begin rubbing it over the fur-covered surface. The glove’s texture attracts loose hairs due to static electricity and collects them effectively. This trick enables pet owners to maintain a clean environment without constantly battling against pesky fur.
Use Distilled White Vinegar
Distilled white vinegar is a versatile household product that comes in handy for a variety of cleaning tasks. However, one lesser-known use for vinegar is its ability to remove lint from clothing. Whether you’re dealing with pesky fuzz on your favorite sweater or annoying lint on your bath towels, adding a cup of distilled white vinegar to the final rinse cycle of your laundry can make a world of difference. As the vinegar mixes with the water and detergent, it helps break down any lingering lint, allowing it to be easily washed away. The result is fresh, clean clothes that are free from unsightly fuzz.
The beauty of using distilled white vinegar to remove lint is that it is a natural and chemical-free solution. This makes it an excellent alternative to potentially harmful commercial fabric softeners or dryer sheets that rely on artificial ingredients. Additionally, the use of vinegar in laundry not only eliminates lint but also helps soften fabrics, leaving them feeling plush and cozy. This simple trick can save you time and effort while providing you with impeccably clean and lint-free garments every time you do your laundry. So next time you’re faced with stubborn fuzz on your sweaters or towels, reach for that trusty bottle of distilled white vinegar and experience the remarkable results yourself.
Sweater Stone or Pumice Stone
Make sure to test the stone on an inconspicuous area first to ensure that it does not cause any damage or changes in texture. If the fabric is sensitive or prone to damage, it’s recommended to skip using a sweater stone or pumice stone and opt for other methods instead.
Dryer Sheets
Dryer sheets have multiple uses, including reducing static cling and refreshing laundry. They can also be used to remove lint from clothing when used outside the dryer. The antistatic properties of dryer sheets make them effective in attracting lint fibers, resulting in a lint-free outfit. To remove lint, take a single dryer sheet and gently rub it over your clothes, and observe the lint sticking to the sheet.
Dryer sheets work well in removing lint due to their composition. They are coated with fabric softeners, lubricants, and fragrance agents. These chemicals create a slight tackiness on the sheet’s surface, allowing it to grab loose fibers and particles. When rubbed on clothing, the tacky coating acts like a magnet, effectively lifting off lint.
Using dryer sheets to remove lint is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to purchasing specialized tools. It helps save money and reduce waste.
Helpful Hints to Prevent and Minimize Lint on Clothes
- Sort Your Laundry: Separate lint-producing items like towels and blankets from your clothing to reduce lint transfer.
- Use a Lint Filter: Regularly clean the lint trap in your dryer to prevent lint from accumulating on your clothes during the drying process.
- Wash Delicate Items Inside Out: Turn delicate fabrics inside out and wash on a gentle washing cycle to reduce friction and minimize lint.
- Opt for Quality Fabrics: Invest in high-quality clothing made from natural fibers, as they tend to produce less lint than synthetic materials.
- Avoid Overloading the Dryer: Overloading the dryer can cause more friction and lead to lint production. Dry clothes in smaller loads for better results.
Dealing with lint on clothes doesn’t have to be a never-ending battle. You can easily restore your garments to their lint-free glory with the right products and DIY remedies. Additionally, following the preventive tips mentioned above, you can minimize lint buildup and enjoy a fresh and well-maintained wardrobe. Say goodbye to lint and hello to crisp, clean clothing!
