How to Remove Lint from Clothes in a Washing Machine: A Step-by-Step Guide
A practical, step-by-step guide on removing lint from clothes in a washing machine. Learn pre-wash prep, in-wash techniques, and post-wash finishing to keep garments lint-free.
To remove lint from clothes in a washing machine, start with pre-cleaning fabrics and using a lint roller or brush to lift loose fibers. Choose appropriate cycles, avoid overloading, and use a lint trap or mesh bag when possible. This guide covers pre-wash, in-wash, and post-wash steps to minimize lint.
Why lint clings to clothes and how washers contribute
Lint on clothes after washing is a common annoyance. If you’re asking how to remove lint from clothes in washing machine, you’ll benefit from understanding lint sources and how fabric shedding interacts with machine action. Lint mainly comes from fibers released during washing and drying; cottons, fleeces, and wool shed more. The agitator or impeller design, drum texture, and the presence of other shedding fabrics can pull loose fibers away and redeposit them on garments. Even fabrics labeled low-shed can accumulate lint when loads are crowded or when water temperature and detergents are not optimal. According to Best Washing Machine, a methodical approach that tackles lint at every stage—pre-wash prep, in-wash loading, and post-wash finishing—will keep outfits looking clean and lint-free. The Best Washing Machine team found that consistency matters more than aggressive scrubbing. By implementing simple habits, such as item-by-item inspection, using lint traps, and choosing cycles designed to minimize fiber disturbance, you can significantly reduce lint transfer. In practice, lint control is about routine and attention to fabric types.
Pre-Wash Lint Reduction: garment prep and filters
A successful lint reduction starts before you start the wash. Begin by inspecting every item: turn sweaters inside out, zip up zippers, and remove obvious lint with a roller or brush. Use a lint roller on items that shed a lot of fibers, then bag or separate the most lint-prone pieces. Empty pockets, close buttons, and shake garments over a surface to catch loose fibers. If your wardrobe includes fleece or wool blends, run a quick pre-rinse or shake them outdoors to reduce bulk. In addition, check your washing machine for lint filters or pump screens; if present, remove the screen and rinse under running water to remove trapped fibers. The cleaner the drum and filters are, the less lint will circulate with your clothes. Regular maintenance of these parts, as recommended by Best Washing Machine, minimizes fiber buildup and improves wash effectiveness.
In-Wash Techniques: loading, cycles, and detergents
How you load the washer and what you wash with matters. Aim for compact, balanced loads rather than dense, heavy ones that rub fibers against each other and encourage lint transfer. When possible, wash shedding fabrics (like towels or fleece) separately from lint-prone items. For delicate or highly shedding fabrics, use a mesh bag to contain fibers. Choose cycles that are gentle enough to reduce friction: normal or gentle cycles with medium spin speeds are often effective without excessive fiber breakage. Water temperature can influence lint distribution; warm water may loosen fibers more than cold water, so adjust according to fabric care labels. Use a standard amount of detergent, not excessive suds, since residues can trap loose fibers. If your model allows, enable an extra rinse to flush loose fibers away. Best Washing Machine analysis shows small, contained loads and proper cycle selection have the strongest impact on lint control.
Post-Wash Care: drying and finishing touches
Even after washing, lint control continues. Remove clothes promptly to prevent new fibers from clinging as fabrics dry. Shake garments gently or run a quick pass with a lint roller to lift any remaining fibers. For items that shed heavily, consider air-drying on a rack instead of a hot dryer cycle, which can push fibers around. Clean the dryer lint filter after every use when you do dry clothes, and consider using a dryer sheet to reduce static cling that can attract fibers back onto fabrics. Finally, inspect the door seal and drum for stray threads and wipe them with a microfiber cloth. Regular post-wash checks reduce re-linting and extend the life of fabrics, a habit emphasized by Best Washing Machine team.
Common Issues and Maintenance for Less Lint
Lint problems often stem from clogged filters, overloading, or mixing fabrics that shed with ones that don’t. If you notice more lint than usual, start with the machine’s lint filter or pump screen cleanup and a quick wipe of the drum seal. Sorting items by shedding propensity reduces cross-linting; keep high-shedding pieces separate from low-shedding fabrics. Use mesh bags for towels or fleece to contain fibers and make removal easier. Keep detergent amounts in check; high-sudsing detergents can trap fibers and re-deposit them on clothes. Finally, consider specialized anti-shed fabrics or lint-collection devices that fit your model. Following a routine maintenance schedule helps prevent lint buildup and keeps clothes looking fresh.
Real-World Scenarios: mixed fabrics, pet hair, and heavy shedding
Different homes face different lint challenges. In mixed fabric loads (cotton with synthetics), lint transfer can be common; pre-scan items and consider washing results by fabric type. Pet owners frequently encounter hair lint; use a microfiber glove or lint roller on dry clothes before washing and include a pet-hair removal step in wash if needed. Heavy-shedding fabrics like fleece and towels benefit from small, separate loads and lint-trap accessories. For those with compact spaces or older machines, optimized cycle selection and routine cleaning are even more important. By adapting these approaches to your wardrobe and appliances, you’ll minimize lint and keep outfits looking neat and presentable, according to Best Washing Machine guidelines.
Tools & Materials
- Lint roller(Sticky sheets; use pre-wash to lift surface lint)
- Mesh laundry bag(Contain shedding fibers for delicate or synthetic items)
- Soft-bristled brush(Extra lint lifting for bulky fabrics)
- Washing machine lint filter / pump screen(Consult your model manual and clean regularly)
- Microfiber cloth(Wipe drum, door seal, and gasket after wash)
- Drying rack or hanger(Air-dry to reduce lint transfer in dryers)
Steps
Estimated time: 25-40 minutes
- 1
Pre-clean lint from garments
Inspect each item for visible lint and remove it with a lint roller or brush before loading. Target edges, cuffs, and pockets where fibers tend to gather. Quick pre-cleaning reduces the amount of lint circulated during the wash.
Tip: Run the lint roller in a single pass across each item for best results. - 2
Inspect and clean the machine's lint filter or pump screen
If your washer has a lint filter or pump screen, remove it and rinse under warm running water. Use a small brush to loosen trapped fibers before replacing it. A clean filter dramatically lowers lint recirculation.
Tip: Do this between loads if you wash shedding fabrics frequently. - 3
Load management: sort and size loads properly
Avoid overloading the drum; give fibers room to move without constantly rubbing against other fabrics. If possible, separate high-shedding items (towels, fleece) from those that attract lint.
Tip: Aim for a balanced load that fills the drum to about 70-80% capacity. - 4
Set cycle and temperature for lint control
Choose gentle or normal cycles with medium spin speeds. Avoid very hot cycles for fabrics prone to shedding, and follow care labels to prevent damage. An extra rinse can also help flush loose fibers away.
Tip: If your machine has a lint-control option, enable it during shedding loads. - 5
Use lint-catching aids during wash
Place shedding items in a mesh bag when washing to trap fibers and prevent them from re-depositing on clothes. Consider adding a second lint trap if your model supports it.
Tip: Pair mesh bags with a lint roller for a quick finish. - 6
Post-wash finishing and lint checks
As soon as the cycle ends, remove clothes and inspect for any remaining lint. A quick pass with a lint roller or microfiber cloth can catch stray fibers before drying.
Tip: Drying racks can help reduce static cling and lint transfer during drying.
FAQ
Why does lint appear on clothes after washing even when I pre-clean?
Lint can still transfer if mixed fabrics rub fibers during agitation or if tiny fibers escape pre-cleaning. Regularly inspect items and use lint-catching methods during wash to minimize transfer.
Lint can appear after washing due to fabric interactions during agitation; pre-cleaning helps, but a consistent lint-control routine is key.
How do I locate and clean my washing machine's lint filter?
Many washers have a lint filter or pump screen near the agitator or bottom panel. Check your user manual for exact location and cleaning steps; rinse under warm water and brush away residue.
Check your manual for filter location; rinse and brush away lint after cleaning.
Can using fabric softener affect lint transfer?
Fabric softener can leave residues that influence fabric feel and static; while it may help reduce cling for some fabrics, it can also trap fibers in others. Follow care labels and test on a small batch.
Fabric softener can change how fibers cling; use as directed and monitor results on your fabrics.
Are mesh laundry bags effective for preventing lint?
Mesh bags help contain shedding fibers, especially for towels, fleece, and delicate items. They reduce lint redistribution and make post-wash lint removal easier.
Yes, mesh bags are effective for containing shedding fibers and simplifying lint removal.
What should I do if lint keeps returning despite following these steps?
Revisit load sizes, ensure filters are clean, and consider washing shedding fabrics separately. If lint persists, consult your washer's manual or seek professional maintenance.
If lint keeps returning, check filters, adjust loads, and separate shedding fabrics; more thorough maintenance may be needed.
The Essentials
- Pre-clean lint before washing every item.
- Do not overload the drum; balance loads.
- Use lint traps or mesh bags for shedding fabrics.
- Clean filters after shedding loads.
- Choose cycles that minimize fiber release.
