Lint on your laundry is more than just a minor inconvenience. Tiny fibers can cling to clothes, making them look old and worn out. And besides the unsightly appearance, lint can also clog washing machines and dryers, leading to potential mechanical issues. Furthermore, lint can cause allergic reactions in people and harm to aquatic life. (In fact, much of the microplastics in the world's water supply come from laundry lint.)1

That means, effectively removing and preventing lint from accumulating is crucial. From microplastics to allergies, there are plenty of reasons to want lint gone for good. Here are our best no-fail ways to remove lint from laundry and minimize build-up along the way.

These Common Lint-Removal Methods Actually Don't Work

Many common remedies people use to remove lint from laundry often prove ineffective or counterproductive. These remedies often fall short because they either don't address the lint's root cause, or inadvertently worsen the problem.

More detergent isn't better: One common mistake is using excessive detergent. While it might seem like more soap would lead to cleaner clothes, too much detergent can leave behind residue that attracts lint.

Don't overload the washer: Another common misconception is that overloading the washer saves time and energy. But it prevents clothes from being properly rinsed, which can lead to lint buildup.

Always use dryer sheets: Skipping dryer sheets is another remedy that people often turn to to avoid chemicals or save money. However, static electricity can increase without dryer sheets or dryer balls, causing lint to cling more stubbornly to fabrics. Similarly, washing clothes with lint-producing items like towels can cause lint transfer.

Fabric softener isn't a fix-all: Relying on fabric softener for every load may seem like a good idea. Still, it doesn't always effectively remove lint.

Can Using Fabric Softener Hurt Your Washing Machine?

No-Fail Ways to Remove Lint

It's common for lint to form on clothes. The good thing is that a few laundry tips and household items can make all the difference. Here are a few of our favorite ways to remove lint from laundry.

1. Wash Clothes on the Proper Setting

Lint loves friction, static, and heat. Thus, to avoid it, wash clothes in cold water on a low to moderate cycle. It will lead to far less lint buildup. If you wash a load and clothes come out with excessive lint, find the garment causing the problem and remove it. Then, rewash the remaining clothes without detergent to displace the lint.

For a large load, just add a cup of distilled white vinegar or liquid fabric softener to the rinse cycle to help relax the fibers and loosen lint from the clothes. Some of the fibers that create lint include cotton and polyester. Spandex and lycra are more lint-resistant. So, separate lint producers—such as blankets, towels, or sweaters—and wash them separately.

Washing Machine Settings: What They Mean and When to Use Each One

2. Wash Clothes Inside Out

This approach helps to prevent lint from accumulating on the outside of the fabric. Turn the clothes inside out before placing them in the washing machine. Add fabric softener to help prevent lint from forming. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions before adding fabric softener to your machine.

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3. Use Lint Rollers, Sticky Tape, or Rubber Gloves

Lint rollers are handheld tools with adhesive sheets that pick up lint from fabric. Roll the adhesive surface over your clothes, replacing sheets after they become full. Alternatively, use sticky tape to remove lint. Wrap the tape around your hand with the sticky side out and pat down on the fabric to lift the lint. You can also try brushing lint-covered clothes with a damp rubber glove. Lint will stick to the surface.

4. Use a Fabric Shaver

Using a fabric shaver to remove any excess pilling will help eliminate the transfer of lint. Lay the garment on a flat surface to ensure it's smooth and free of wrinkles, then turn on the shaver and gently glide it over the fabric's surface to remove lint, pills, and fuzz. Always move the shaver in a consistent motion. Avoid pressing too hard to prevent snagging the fabric. Frequently empty the contents of the lint compartment into the trash during the process, as a full compartment can reduce the shaver's effectiveness. After finishing, inspect the garment for any remaining lint or fuzz and go over any missed spots.

5. Always Use Dryer Sheets

Lint tends to clump together due to static cling, but dryer sheets have anti-static laundry properties that can help. Place one or two sheets in the dryer with your laundry before running the drying cycle. Alternatively, toss your lint-covered garments into the dryer on an air-only cycle with a dryer sheet to remove as much lint as possible before running the wash cycle. Always ensure that the dryer filter is clean before starting an air cycle. You can also rub the surface of your outfit with a single dryer sheet to remove lint.

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6. Apply Anti-Static Spray

Anti-static spray removes lint from laundry by neutralizing the static electricity that causes lint to cling to fabrics. When applied, the spray reduces the static charge, making brushing or wiping away lint easier, which helps remove existing lint and prevents more lint from sticking to the fabric. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for best results.

10 Easy Ways to Get Rid of Static Around Your Home

7. Steam Your Garments

Steam removes lint from laundry by relaxing the fabric fibers, which helps release lint and other small particles trapped in the material. The moisture from the steam loosens the lint, making it easier to brush or wipe away. Steaming also reduces static.

How to Steam Clothes to Remove Wrinkles

How to Prevent Lint from Coming Back

One of the most effective strategies is to sort your laundry by fabric type. Washing similar materials together, like keeping towels separate from clothes, can prevent lint from transferring between items. Additionally, using a lint-free washer bag for delicate or lint-prone items can minimize the amount of lint that sticks to your clothes.

Regularly clean your washing machine and dryer. Clean the washing machine's drum periodically to remove any lint buildup, and always empty the dryer's lint trap after each use. Most modern washers have self-cleaning lint filters, and while this sounds great, the lint can be trapped if you don't use enough water to flush lint completely out of the machine. Hence, run a monthly cleaning cycle to flush the lint away. Overloading the washing machine can hinder proper rinsing, leaving lint on your clothes, so be mindful of load sizes.

Choosing the right detergent can make a difference as well. Opt for a high-quality, low-sudsing detergent that doesn't leave residue. Adding a fabric softener or vinegar to the wash can help reduce static and prevent lint accumulation. Finally, consider air drying your laundry when possible, as tumble drying can generate lint.