3 Ways To Remove Lint From Clothes - WikiHow

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow The Best and Easiest Ways to Get Lint Off of Your Clothes PDF download Download Article Learn how to remove lint fast (and prevent it from coming back) Co-authored by Susan Stocker

Last Updated: July 24, 2025 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article
  • Using Adhesion & Abrasion to Remove Lint
  • |
  • Other Methods
  • |
  • Preventing Lint
  • |
  • Video
  • |
  • Q&A
  • |
  • Warnings
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Susan Stocker. Susan Stocker runs and owns Susan’s Green Cleaning, the #1 Green Cleaning Company in Seattle. She is well known in the region for outstanding customer service protocols — winning the 2017 Better Business Torch Award for Ethics & Integrity —and her energetic support of green cleaning practices. There are 13 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 2,070,263 times.

Having lint stick to your clothing can ruin an otherwise perfectly dashing outfit; more so if your clothes are dark-colored. Learn how to get rid of this fuzzy, pesky problem with a few simple solutions, and your outfits will look as dapper as they were meant to be in no time.

How to Remove Lint from Clothes without a Lint Brush

  1. Stick a piece of tape on the lint and gently pull it off the fabric.
  2. Rub a pumice stone over sweaters and fleece fabrics.
  3. Shave off pills with a clean razor.
  4. Wipe the lint away with a dryer sheet.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 3:

Using Adhesion & Abrasion to Remove Lint

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Use a lint roller. 1 Use a lint roller. You can find them in the laundry department of a supermarket, as well as in fabric stores and pet stores. Peel the wrapper off the tube part, and roll it across the garment. Use and up-and-down motion. As you continue to roll, you will notice that the lint roller is become less tacky. When this happens, simply peel off the sticky sheet to reveal a fresh sticky underneath. Keep rolling and removing sheets until there is no more lint.

    When you run out of sticky sheets, you can buy a replacement roll of sticky sheets or a whole new lint roller.

    You can also buy a re-usable lint roller. These rely on a sticky gel material to pick up the lint. When they become dirty, you simply rinse them off using soap and water.

  2. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Lint from Clothes 2 Make a homemade lint roller. You will need a roll of wide, packaging tape and a rolling pin. Unroll a little bit of tape, and place the end against one of the ends of the rolling pin. Make sure that the sticky side of the tape is facing you, and the smooth side is facing the rolling pin. Carefully wrap the tape around the rolling pin in a spiral, like a candy cane, making sure to overlap each turn. When you reach the other end of the rolling pin, cut the tape off. It should hold together by itself, but it if doesn't, you can use a small piece of tape to stick it down to the pin.
    • To use this, simply place the rolling pin on your garment. Hold it by the handles, and roll it up and down until the lint is gone.
    Advertisement
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Lint from Clothes 3 Roll some wide, packaging tape around your hand. Cut a piece of wide tape that is a little more than twice the width of your hand. Hold out your hand with your fingers closed together. Wrap the tape, sticky-side-out around your fingers, and overlap the edges. Lightly pat the affected area with your fingers. When the tape stops being sticky, simply rotate the tape around your fingers until the dirty side is facing you. Continue patting the garment with the fresh side of the tape.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Lint from Clothes 4 Use a strip of tape. Find some wide tape, and cut a piece that is a few inches long. Place the tape, sticky-side-down, onto the affected area. Make sure that the tape is going in the same direction as the weave of the fabric (usually up-and-down). Rub your finger across the tape to smooth it down, then pull it off.
    • The wider the tape is, the more area you will cover. Try to find something that is about 2 inches (5.08 centimeters) wide.
  5. Step 5 Consider an electric lint shaver. 5 Consider an electric lint shaver. This is a battery-powered device that you can glide on to your clothes to take care of the lint. Turn on the shaver, and run it gently across the fabric. When you are done, open up the lint compartment, and toss the shaved lint into the trash.
  6. Step 6 Rub a pumice stone or a "sweater stone" against sweaters and fleece. 6 Rub a pumice stone or a "sweater stone" against sweaters and fleece. This can also remove pilling. Make sure that you are going with the weave of the fabric, and not against it. Also, try not to rub too hard, or go over the same area too much. The pumice stone will take off the top layer of the fabric. If you keep going over the same spot, you may get a hole.

    Avoid using this on cotton or wool. You also won't want to use it on delicate or shiny fabric, such as silk or satin.

    Most of the lint will be dragged down towards the bottom of the garment. You can use some tape or a lint roller to pull the lint piles off.

    Consider working on top of a table or tablecloth; this will make cleaning to lint debris a lot easier.

  7. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Lint from Clothes 7 Use Velcro to rub lint away. Purchase some Velcro and cut a piece that is about the width of your hand. Find the rough side with the hooks and set aside the soft, fuzzy side. Rub the Velcro downward against the garment. If the lint gathers at the bottom of the garment, then pick it off using some tape or a lint roller.
  8. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Lint from Clothes 8 Use a clean shaving razor to shave off pills. This is especially effective for lint that is stuck deep into the fabric. Take a shaving razor, and place it near the top of the garment. Gently drag the razor down the fabric a few inches. Lift it off and tap off any excess lint. Continue pulling the razor down the fabric, stopping every few inches to tap the lint off.
    • If you do not have an electric lint shaver, a more inexpensive option would be to use a single-blade razor. Hold the razor at such an angle to skim the fabric surface and get rid of the lint, but be careful not to cut into the cloth and ruin the garment.
  9. Step 9 Use a damp sponge or scouring pad to buff away lint. 9 Use a damp sponge or scouring pad to buff away lint. Wet a sponge or scouring pad with water, and squeeze it to get rid of the excess moisture. Gently rub the rough side of the sponge or scouring pad against the fabric. Use a downward motion, and work in small sections at a time.[1]
  10. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 3:

Using Other Methods to Remove Lint

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Lint from Clothes 1 Use a lint brush to buff lint away. They look like an ordinary hairbrush, except that instead of bristles, they have a fuzzy pad instead. The pad feels similar to the soft side of Velcro. Simply rub the lint brush in a single direction across the fabric. Start from the top of the garment, and work your way downward. If there is any lint leftover when you reach the bottom hem, you can pull it off using a lint roller or a piece of tape.
  2. Step 2 Wipe lint off with a dryer sheet. 2 Wipe lint off with a dryer sheet. The dryer sheet will also get rid of static, which attracts lint in the first place.
  3. Step 3 Rub away lint and pet hairs with a rubber glove. 3 Rub away lint and pet hairs with a rubber glove. Put on a rubber glove, like the one you would use to wash dishes. Run your hand downward across the fabric towards the hem. The lint and pet hairs will stick to the glove. As you continue to rub the fabric down, the lint and pet hairs will gather in one place. You can wipe them off using the glove, or you can pick them off with a piece of tape or a lint roller.[2] EXPERT TIP

    Dishwashing gloves are great for removing lint from fabric, and they work on upholstery, as well!

    Susan Stocker

    Susan Stocker

    Professional Cleaner Susan Stocker runs and owns Susan’s Green Cleaning, the #1 Green Cleaning Company in Seattle. She is well known in the region for outstanding customer service protocols — winning the 2017 Better Business Torch Award for Ethics & Integrity —and her energetic support of green cleaning practices. Susan Stocker Susan StockerProfessional Cleaner
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Lint from Clothes 4 Use an old nylon or pantyhose. Stick your hand into a nylon sock or a pair of pantyhose, like you are putting on a glove. Make sure that your fingers are touching the toe part. Run your hand lightly across the fabric. The lint will stick to the nylon and pantyhose.
  5. Step 5 Wash the clothes... 5 Wash the clothes again, but without detergent. If you take your clothes out of the washer and see that there is lint on them, put them back in and wash them again. Do not use detergent for this second wash. After the cycle is done, take the clothes out, and shake them out to loosen any leftover lint. Dry the clothes in the dryer as you normally would.[3]
  6. Advertisement
Method 3 Method 3 of 3:

Preventing Lint from Getting on Your Clothes

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Know what causes lint, and wash those items separately. 1 Know what causes lint, and wash those items separately. Some items, such as chenille, towels, and flannel are more likely to shed lint in the washer than others.[4] Once you know what the culprit is, wash it separately the next time you do laundry. This will keep lint from transferring to the rest of your clothes in the wash.[5]
  2. Step 2 Know what items attract lint, and wash them separately. 2 Know what items attract lint, and wash them separately. Some fabrics, such as corduroy and velvet, tend to attract lint more than other fabrics. It might be a good idea to wash them separately, or at least apart from fabrics you know shed a lot of lint.[6]
    • If you cannot wash the items separately, try to turn the items that attract lint inside out before you toss them into the wash.[7]
  3. Step 3 Add ¼ cup (60 milliliters) of white vinegar to the washing machine. 3 Add ¼ cup (60 milliliters) of white vinegar to the washing machine. The vinegar will help remove lint from clothing. It will also help keep the lint from sticking as much.
    • Vinegar will also help deodorize laundry.
  4. Step 4 Check and empty pockets before washing the garment. 4 Check and empty pockets before washing the garment. Items, such as tissues, will deteriorate in the washer and dryer, and cause even more lint. Be sure to check the pockets and take out any scraps of tissue, fabric, or paper.[8]
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Lint from Clothes 5 Try to de-lint items before washing them. If something has a lot of lint on it, try to remove the lint using a lint roller before you toss it into the wash. If you don't remove the lint, it will just transfer to everything else.[9]
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Lint from Clothes 6 Wipe down the inside of your washing machine after washing a lint-shedding item. Whenever you wash something you know sheds a lot of lint, wipe down the drum of your washer with a towel. If you don't do this, any residual lint may get onto the rest of your clothes during the next wash.[10]
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Lint from Clothes 7 Shake items after washing, before you put them into the dryer. Take each garment, and give it a good shake before you toss it into the dryer. This will help knock off any lint that may have gotten onto the fabric in the washer.[11]
  8. Step 8 Remember to use dryer sheets in the dryer. 8 Remember to use dryer sheets in the dryer. You will only need half a sheet for a small load, and a full-sized sheet for a regular load. The dryer sheet will help reduce static, which is what causes lint to stick to clothing in the first place.[12]
  9. Step 9 Clean the lint trap in your dryer after each cycle. 9 Clean the lint trap in your dryer after each cycle. When you open your dryer, there should be a tray inside the door, or just inside the machine. If you can take out the try, do so, and tap the lint off into a trashcan. If you can't take the tray out, scoop the lint off with your fingers. If you don't do this, that lint may get onto your clothes the next time you dry them.[13]
  10. Step 10 Try to air-dry instead. 10 Try to air-dry instead. Dryers catch a lot of lint, and if they are not clean, they can transfer the lint to your clothes. Air-drying clothing reduces lint. The wind may also help knock off any specks of lint. You can dry your clothes on a clothing line, or on a clothing rack.[14]
    • The sunlight and fresh air will also help kill any odor-causing bacteria, leaving your clothes smelling nice and fresh.
  11. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question How do I get rid of wet tissue parts on a jumper with items from home? Community Answer Community Answer Use a bristle brush, which will remove most of the tissue. Do this while it is dry. Shake the jumper, then put it into the washing machine. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 9 Helpful 28
  • Question Where can I purchase a lint remover brush? Community Answer Community Answer You can purchase brushes at almost every dollar store or convenience store. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 23 Helpful 44
  • Question Will an electric pilling remover get the pills off my clothes? Community Answer Community Answer It works on about 80%-90% of the pill balls. It is particularly effective on synthetic materials like polyester sweaters and cheap T-shirts, as well as on sweatshirts. Do not use on bumpy surfaces such as terry cloth or Irish cable knit sweaters, as it could damage the material. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 14 Helpful 30
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

  • If you have tried all the suggested methods but still find lint left on your clothing, it is best to take them to your dry cleaner for professional service. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1
  • It is always a good idea to test abrasive tools, such as pumice stones, razors, and scouring pads, in an inconspicuous area first. If you see that the tool is damaging the fabric, you will need to use a gentler method, such as tape. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1
  • Another method would be to use a mesh bag, and put in it dark coloured clothes, and other clothes that catch lint; zip the bag and then toss it in along with the rest of the clothes. The mesh bag will physically keep the lint away. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

How toRemove Lint from Black Pants Get Rid of Lint when Washing ClothesHow to Get Lint off of Your Clothes in the Washing Machine Remove Pilling From Clothing8 Ways to Remove Pilling from Clothing Remove Pet HairHow to Get Pet Hair Off of Any Surface How toMake Your Own Lint Roller How to Clean Velcro & Make It Stick Again Get Pet Hair Out of LaundryHow to Get Dog, Cat, and Pet Hair Out of Your Laundry Keep Lint off Clothes in the DryerHow toKeep Lint off Clothes in the Dryer Remove Glitter from Your ClothesHow toRemove Glitter from Your Clothes Get Dog Hair Out of BlanketsHow toGet Dog Hair Out of Blankets Clean Up Cat HairHow toClean Up Cat Hair Make Velcro Stick AgainHow to Get Velcro to Stick Again: Cleaning Tips Remove Hair from a Carpet Without Vacuuming11+ Easy Ways to Remove Hair from a Carpet Without Vacuuming Clean Lint from a DryerHow toClean Lint from a Dryer Advertisement

References

  1. https://www.cleaninginstitute.org/cleaning-tips/clothes/laundering-problems-solutions
  2. https://utopia.org/guide/how-to-remove-lint-from-clothes-eco-friendly-methods/
  3. https://michigansaves.org/news/maximizing-your-clothes-dryers-efficiency-essential-tips/
  4. https://www.cleaninginstitute.org/cleaning-tips/clothes/laundering-problems-solutions#10
  5. https://www.npr.org/2026/01/01/1197225554/how-to-save-time-while-doing-laundry
  6. https://www.consumerreports.org/washing-machines/how-to-do-laundry-without-ruining-your-clothes/
  7. https://www.udel.edu/content/dam/udelImages/canr/pdfs/extension/4H/judging-competitions/Clothing-Care-Information.pdf
  8. https://utopia.org/guide/how-to-remove-lint-from-clothes-eco-friendly-methods/
  9. https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/laundry
More References (5)
  1. https://www.nps.gov/articles/laundry.htm
  2. https://www.consumerreports.org/appliances/laundry/energy-saving-laundry-tips-a9261296729/
  3. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/dryer-sheet-ingredient-safety
  4. https://commongroundchildcare.org/blog-1/2020/11/11/safe-at-home-clean-your-dryer
  5. https://greenamerica.org/green-living/ditch-your-dryer

About This Article

Susan Stocker Co-authored by: Susan Stocker Professional Cleaner This article was co-authored by Susan Stocker. Susan Stocker runs and owns Susan’s Green Cleaning, the #1 Green Cleaning Company in Seattle. She is well known in the region for outstanding customer service protocols — winning the 2017 Better Business Torch Award for Ethics & Integrity —and her energetic support of green cleaning practices. This article has been viewed 2,070,263 times. How helpful is this? Co-authors: 26 Updated: July 24, 2025 Views: 2,070,263 Categories: Featured Articles | Cleaning Clothes Article SummaryX

One way to remove lint from clothes is by using a sticky material to pull the lint off. You can purchase a lint roller in most supermarkets, which contain a tube of adhesive papers that you can roll over the clothes to pick up lint. If you don’t have a lint roller, you can make your own by wrapping a piece of wide packaging tape around your hand and patting it on the clothes to pick up lint. If you have sections of pilling or clothing such as velvet or wool that attract lint, consider getting an electric lint shaver to remove the stubborn lint quickly and easily. To learn more about to prevent lint from getting on your clothing, keep reading the article! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Spanish German Portuguese Dutch French Russian Chinese Indonesian Czech Arabic Vietnamese Korean Thai Hindi Japanese Turkish Italian
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 2,070,263 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Anonymous

    Anonymous

    Oct 25, 2017

    "I had a black jacket on and I was carrying a white cat so the fur was really noticeable. I didn't have a lint..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Susan Stocker Co-authored by: Susan Stocker Professional Cleaner Click a star to vote Co-authors: 26 Updated: July 24, 2025 Views: 2,070,263 Anonymous

Anonymous

Oct 25, 2017

"I had a black jacket on and I was carrying a white cat so the fur was really noticeable. I didn't have a lint..." more June Albright

June Albright

Sep 26, 2020

"My clothes have been dryed over and over but I cannot get the lint to come off. I even tried vinegar wipe and about..." more Anonymous

Anonymous

Feb 25, 2017

"How different fabric shed more than others was helpful. So was washing out the washer afterwards. I only wish I..." more Cami Manilla

Cami Manilla

Dec 29, 2017

"I thought my fleece was ruined until I tried the micro cloth. It worked like a charm and removed all of the lint..." more Anonymous

Anonymous

Nov 14, 2016

"The rubber glove was easy to come by, and was very effective at removing the massive quantity of lint from my black..." more Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

 Choose Bed Sheets QuizHow to Choose Bed Sheets QuizTake QuizDo I Smell Bad QuizDo I Smell Bad QuizTake QuizWhat Skin Type Do I Have QuizWhat Skin Type Do I Have QuizTake QuizWhat Should I Wear Today QuizWhat Should I Wear Today QuizTake QuizHow Disgusting Am I QuizHow Disgusting Am I QuizTake QuizWhat’s The Perfect Hair Care Routine For MeWhat’s The Perfect Hair Care Routine For MeTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Remove Lint from Black PantsHow toRemove Lint from Black PantsGet Rid of Lint when Washing ClothesHow to Get Lint off of Your Clothes in the Washing MachineRemove Pilling From Clothing8 Ways to Remove Pilling from ClothingRemove Pet HairHow to Get Pet Hair Off of Any Surface

Featured Articles

What Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerWhat Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerLove AnalyzerLove AnalyzerSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasExercise Your BrainHow toExercise Your BrainBe a Fun Person to Hang out WithHow toBe a Fun Person to Hang out WithWhat Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?What Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?

Trending Articles

Make OutHow toMake OutHow Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Rare Is My Birthday QuizWhat Am I Craving QuizWhat Am I Craving QuizIs Your Personality More 6 or 7?Is Your Personality More 6 or 7?What Should My Name Really Be QuizWhat Should My Name Really Be QuizIs a Guy You Don't Know Well Interested in You?Is a Guy You Don't Know Well Interested in You?

Featured Articles

Develop Productive HabitsHow toDevelop Productive HabitsPractice Self CareHow toPractice Self CareWhat Song Matches Your Life Right Now?What Song Matches Your Life Right Now?Your 2026 Vision: What Does Next Year Hold?Your 2026 Vision: What Does Next Year Hold?Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Type A B C D Personality TestType A B C D Personality Test

Featured Articles

250+ Messages to Reassure Your Partner (For Him & Her)250+ Messages to Reassure Your Partner (For Him & Her)What Is My Favorite Color QuizWhat Is My Favorite Color Quiz215+ Funny & Creative Personalized Vanity Plate Ideas215+ Funny & Creative Personalized Vanity Plate Ideas100+ Creative Ways to Say Good Night100+ Creative Ways to Say Good NightWhy Can't I Sleep QuizWhy Can't I Sleep Quiz150+ Love Paragraphs to Make Him Feel Special150+ Love Paragraphs to Make Him Feel Special

Watch Articles

 Deep Clean Your Kitchen Sink (& Keep It Clean)How to Deep Clean Your Kitchen Sink (& Keep It Clean) Curl Your Hair: 8 Easy & Quick WaysHow to Curl Your Hair: 8 Easy & Quick WaysThicken Sauce with FlourHow toThicken Sauce with Flour Brighten Up White Shirts and Other GarmentsHow to Brighten Up White Shirts and Other Garments Cook White Rice without a Rice CookerHow to Cook White Rice without a Rice Cooker Clean Out the Inside of a Glass Bottle (With or Without a Brush)How to Clean Out the Inside of a Glass Bottle (With or Without a Brush)

Trending Articles

Can We Guess If You're a Cat or Dog Person?Can We Guess If You're a Cat or Dog Person?30 of the Hardest Riddles on Earth: The Harvard Riddle & Beyond30 of the Hardest Riddles on Earth: The Harvard Riddle & BeyondWhich of the Big Three Are Your Parents? (Percy Jackson)Which of the Big Three Are Your Parents? (Percy Jackson) Perform Magic: 8 Tricks for BeginnersHow to Perform Magic: 8 Tricks for BeginnersWhat’s My Personality Based on My K-Pop Taste?What’s My Personality Based on My K-Pop Taste?What School Subject Are You?What School Subject Are You?

Quizzes & Games

Am I Smart QuizAm I Smart QuizTake QuizWhat Makeup Should I Wear QuizWhat Makeup Should I Wear QuizTake QuizWhat's My Hair Type QuizWhat's My Hair Type QuizTake QuizOCD TestOCD TestTake QuizWhat's My Clothing Style Quiz (For Men)What's My Clothing Style Quiz (For Men)Take QuizFinish the Phrase QuizFinish the Phrase QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Home and Garden
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Cleaning Clothes
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

Get all the best how-tos!

Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --628

Tag » How To Get Lint Off Pants