How to remove lint from clothes?

Removing lint effectively depends on the garment and the amount of buildup. For light lint, a lint roller or wide adhesive tape pulled across the surface works well. For moderate pilling, a fabric shaver or depilling comb can remove balls of fiber; use slow, gentle passes and test a small hidden area first to avoid thinning delicate fabric. For heavy or embedded lint, try washing the garment inside out with a gentle cycle and a low spin, then air-dry to reduce new friction. Finish by brushing with a soft clothes brush in one direction to lift remaining fibers. Delicate fabrics like silk or cashmere often respond best to professional cleaning or hand care to prevent damage.

Cleaning tools for lint removal

Several tools suit different lint problems. Lint rollers and adhesive sheets are fast and disposable for button-downs, suits, and upholstery. Reusable rubber or silicone brushes attract lint through static and can be rinsed clean. Electric fabric shavers remove pills quickly but require careful use on thin or patterned fabrics to avoid snags. A pumice stone or sweater comb is effective on heavy knits but should be used gently. For home fabrics, a vacuum with an upholstery attachment clears lint from couches and curtains. Regularly clean dryer lint traps and vacuum lint from vents to prevent buildup in machines and around laundry areas.

Laundry habits that reduce lint

How you launder items has a big impact on lint. Separate lint-producing items (towels, fleece, flannel) from low-shed garments like synthetics and delicates. Use a low or medium spin speed and choose a gentle cycle for fragile fabrics. Washing items inside out reduces surface abrasion. Avoid overloading the washer and dryer; overcrowding increases friction and shedding. Consider laundry bags for small or delicate items and add a microfiber lint catcher to the dryer to trap loose fibers. Clean the washer’s and dryer’s lint filters and vents frequently — a clogged dryer vent not only reduces performance but can redeposit lint on clothes.

When to contact local services about lint

Persistent or unusual lint problems may benefit from professional help. If lint appears after every wash despite precautions, local services that inspect and clean washing machines, dryers, and vents can diagnose mechanical causes such as failing bearings, worn drum seals, or clogged lint traps. Dry cleaner services offer specialized care for delicate or high-value garments that could be damaged by home depilling tools. Upholstery cleaning professionals can remove embedded lint from sofas and drapes without harming fibers. Look for local services with experience in textile care and clear information about the methods they use in your area to ensure safe handling.

Conclusion

Regular attention to how you wash, dry, and store fabric items prevents much lint and pilling. Use appropriate tools — lint rollers, brushes, shavers, and laundry accessories — and adopt simple laundry habits like sorting loads and cleaning filters to reduce shedding. For delicate fabrics or persistent issues, professional cleaning and machine maintenance by local services can resolve problems that home methods cannot. With consistent care, clothes and household textiles will look cleaner and last longer.