How to remove lint from clothes: 3 tips for easy lint removal
After you’ve handled laundry day, the last thing you want to see is lint-covered fabric on your work clothes, casual outfits or kid’s school uniforms. Don’t let your hard work go to waste or let lint hinder your family’s style. Save time in your daily routine with these tips to help prevent and remove lint from your clothing.
How to remove lint from clothing
It’s not uncommon for lint to form on clothes. Luckily, it can be minimized with a few laundry tips and household items, so you can quickly get back to your day. Learn how to remove lint with the different tips below:
Supplies
Dryer sheets
Masking tape
Lint roller
Tip 1: Wash clothes inside out
Washing your clothes inside out with a cold, gentle cycle can help prevent lint and pilling from forming on the outside of the fabric. Prepping your favorite shirt or pants before laundry day can save you time and frustrations with pesky lint when it’s time to wear them.
Additionally, adding fabric softener to your load can also help prevent lint from forming. Be mindful to check the manufacturer’s instructions before adding fabric softener to your washer.
Tip 2: Dry clothes on “air only” settings
Let your dryer remove lint for you by tossing in your garments on a no-heat or air-dry cycle. Coupled with adding a dryer sheet, this hands-off method can easily shake and tumble the lint from your favorite outfit. Remember to always check your garment’s care tag for optimal dryer settings. For increased tumbling, consider adding a few clean towels to the load. Regularly cleaning your dryer’s lint trap can go a long way to prevent lint residue and help keep your Whirlpool® Dryer running smoothly.
Tip 3: Use masking tape or a lint roller
Do you have masking tape or a lint roller in the back of your junk drawer? For masking tape, wrap your hand with the sticky side of the tape facing outward. Then, blot your clothing to capture any lint formations, fuzz or pet hair. If you are using a lint roller, simply roll along the fabric to capture any remaining lint.
Where does lint come from?
Lint comes from fabric fibers that are broken apart from clothing due to heat and friction from washing and drying cycles, as well as daily wear and tear.
How do I prevent lint from getting on my clothes?
Lint and pilling can be prevented by reducing the amount of friction, heat and static from your clothes on a daily basis. Adding a few simple precautions to your laundry routine can help minimize the amount of lint on your garments.
- Cleaning your washer
Refer to your appliance's use and care guide for cleaning instructions for your model. - Sort your laundry
Keeping your heavy fabrics and lighter fabrics separate, as well as colors sorted, can help prevent damage and lint.
Fasten zipper and buttons
Fastening these harder materials can help prevent fabrics from rubbing against them.Turn clothes inside out
Turning your garments inside out protects the outer layer from friction and abrasion in the washing cycle.Use gentle washing cycles
Washing clothes in cold water on a gentle setting can help prevent lint from forming. Be mindful to avoid overloading the washer. Follow your product’s care tag for insight on washing cycles and dryer settings to help extend the life of your clothing.
- Use a low-heat drying
Drying your clothes on a low-heat setting goes a long way in protecting them from damage and lint. Refer to your garment's care tag for optimal dryer settings. - Dryer maintenance
Routine dryer maintenance and cleaning your lint trap after each load are also great methods to help minimize lint and pilling.
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How do I remove stubborn lint without damaging my clothes?
Stubborn lint can be safely removed from clothes by rubbing the fabric with a lint roller, as well as blotting the lint-covered areas with masking tape.
If you are still having trouble with stubborn lint, turning your clothes inside out and using a cold, gentle washing cycle can save you time and frustrations when dealing with lint. When drying, select a low-heat cycle or opt to air dry your garments.
Front load washer and dryer sets
Keep laundry fresh
The FreshFlow™ Vent System on select Whirlpool® Washers helps keep your clothes and washer fresh, while steam-enhanced cycles on select Whirlpool® Dryers help prevent wrinkles and reduce static
How do I get lint off of black pants, shirts or jackets?
Lint can safely be removed from black pants, shirts and jackets with masking tape and lint rollers. While black clothing tends to serve as lint magnets, you can prevent buildup and pilling by reducing friction, static and heat during your laundry routine.
More lint removal tips:
Along with the lint removal tips above, consider the following methods to help get rid of lint from your clothing:
Use fabric softener.
Wear fewer clothing layers to avoid friction.
Use the right amount of laundry detergent.
Take the guesswork out of measuring with Swash® Laundry Detergent* and the Precision Pour Cap designed to help you use the right amount to care for your clothing.
Shop Whirlpool® Washers and Dryers
The wide selection of Whirlpool® Washers and Dryers can help you protect your clothes and take the hassle out of laundry day. Not sure what to look for? Use our Appliance Finder Tool to help you choose.
Helping kids stay in school
Learn how Whirlpool helps end the dropout cycle by giving kids access to clean clothes through the Care Counts™ Laundry Program
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*Swash brand is owned and distributed by Whirlpool Corporation.
