How to Remove Lint from Clothes

Why Lint Happens

Lint is loose fibers that shed from fabric during wearing and washing. It's most visible on dark clothes and tends to accumulate in the dryer, on upholstery, and on the surface of garments. Removing lint is quick and easy with the right tools — and preventing it is even easier.

Method 1: Lint Roller (Fastest for Most Situations)

A lint roller is the quickest and most convenient tool for removing lint from clothes. The extra sticky lint roller with 400 sheets removes lint, pet hair, and dust from clothes, furniture, and carpet in seconds.

• Roll in one direction (top to bottom) for the most effective pickup.
• Tear off used sheets as they fill up to expose a fresh sticky surface.
• Works on all fabric types including wool, cotton, and synthetics.

Method 2: Fabric Shaver (For Lint and Pilling Together)

If your garment has both lint and pilling, a fabric shaver addresses both at once. It shaves off pills and collects loose fibers simultaneously, leaving the fabric surface clean and smooth.

Method 3: Damp Rubber Glove

A damp rubber glove is a surprisingly effective lint remover in a pinch:

1. Put on a rubber glove and dampen it slightly.
2. Run your hand over the fabric in one direction.
3. The rubber creates static that attracts and collects lint fibers.
4. Rinse the glove to remove collected lint and repeat.

Method 4: Dryer with a Dryer Sheet

For lint on multiple items at once, tumble them in the dryer on low heat for 10 minutes with a dryer sheet. The dryer sheet reduces static (which attracts lint) and the tumbling action loosens and collects lint in the dryer filter.

Preventing Lint Buildup

• Wash lint-producing items (towels, fleece) separately from lint-attracting items (dark clothes, synthetics).
• Clean the dryer lint filter after every cycle — a clogged filter means lint recirculates onto clothes.
• Use a mesh laundry bag for lint-attracting items to reduce fiber transfer during washing.
• Turn dark clothes inside out before washing to reduce visible lint on the outer surface.

Final Thoughts

A lint roller is the fastest solution for most lint situations. For garments with both lint and pilling, a fabric shaver is more efficient. Prevention — separating laundry loads and cleaning the dryer filter — reduces how often you need to de-lint in the first place.