7 Tricks to Easily Get Rid of Lint in Clothes

Lint can make even the newest clothes look old, worn out, or poorly maintained. Whether it’s tiny fabric pills, fuzz, or lint buildup from the washing machine, removing it becomes a daily struggle for many people. Fortunately, lint is easy to control once you understand why it forms and how to prevent it.

With the right tricks, you can restore your clothes to a clean, fresh, polished appearance. Here are seven highly effective methods to get rid of lint easily — and keep your wardrobe looking flawless.

1. Use a Lint Roller for Quick and Easy Removal

The simplest and fastest solution.

Why It Works:

A lint roller uses adhesive sheets to capture lint, hair, dust, and fuzz from the fabric’s surface without damaging the material.

How to Use It:

Roll it firmly over clothes, focusing on high-lint areas like sleeves, collars, and hems. Replace the sticky sheet when it loses grip.

Key Benefit:

Perfect for a fast fix before heading out, especially on dark clothing.

2. Try a Fabric Shaver for Deep Lint and Pilling

Ideal for removing stubborn lint and pills.

Why It Works:

Fabric shavers gently shave off the top layer of fuzz and pills, making clothes look brand-new. They’re safe for sweaters, wool, cotton, and blankets.

How to Use It:

Move the device in slow circular motions. Avoid pressing too hard to protect delicate fabrics.

Key Benefit:

Restores texture and smoothness, especially on knitwear.

3. Wash Clothes Inside Out to Reduce Lint Buildup

A preventative step with big impact.

Why It Works:

Turning garments inside out reduces friction between fabrics during washing, preventing lint from sticking to the outer side of clothes.

How to Use It:

Before washing, flip shirts, pants, socks, and sweaters inside out. Pair this with a gentle cycle for even better results.

Key Benefit:

Keeps clothes looking cleaner for longer and reduces future lint.

4. Add White Vinegar to the Washing Cycle

A natural softener that lifts lint.

Why It Works:

White vinegar relaxes fabric fibers and reduces static electricity, helping lint detach from clothing during the wash.

How to Use It:

Add half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. Don"t worry — the smell disappears once clothes dry.

Key Benefit:

Softens clothes naturally while removing trapped lint.

5. Use a Dryer Sheet or a Damp Cloth in the Dryer

Great for removing lint and static cling.

Why It Works:

Dryer sheets reduce static, preventing lint from sticking to clothes. A damp cloth helps attract lint while clothes tumble.

How to Use It:

Toss one dryer sheet or a small damp cloth into the dryer along with your clothes. Let clothes tumble on a low setting.

Key Benefit:

Removes lint, reduces static, and leaves clothes feeling soft.

6. Clean the Washing Machine and Dryer Filters Regularly

A hidden cause of lint is dirty appliances.

Why It Works:

When the lint filter or washing machine drum is dirty, loose fibers have nowhere to escape — causing them to reattach to clothes.

How to Use It:

Clean the dryer lint trap before and after every load

Run a monthly empty wash cycle with hot water and vinegar

Check the washing machine drum for trapped fibers

Key Benefit:

Prevents lint buildup at the source, not just on your clothes.

7. Use Tape or Rubber Gloves for Emergency Lint Removal

Perfect for quick fixes when you don’t have tools around.

Why It Works:

Sticky tape grabs lint easily, while rubber gloves create friction that lifts lint when rubbed against fabric.

How to Use It:

Wrap tape around your hand with the sticky side out

Rub gently over lint-heavy areas

For gloves, rub in circular motions to collect lint quickly

Key Benefit:

Fast, effective, and accessible anytime.

Conclusion

Lint might seem like a small annoyance, but managing it well keeps your clothes looking polished and fresh. Whether you use a lint roller, fabric shaver, vinegar rinse, dryer sheets, or simple everyday tricks like tape or rubber gloves, there’s a solution for every situation.

Cleaning your laundry appliances and washing clothes inside out also prevents lint from forming in the first place. With these seven tricks, maintaining a clean, lint-free wardrobe becomes effortless — helping your clothes last longer and look better every day.