How to prevent lint

REDEPOSITED SOILS

Soil redeposition can also be mistaken for lint. Soil redeposition may look like a grey-white “fuzz” or streak on clothing.

DETERGENT RESIDUE

Some powdered detergents react with the minerals in hard water to form a whitish residue that can also be mistaken for lint. Some powdered detergents may not completely dissolve (especially with cool wash water), which can be mistaken for lint.

1. Sort carefully

Separate “lint givers”, such as chenille, towels, flannel, sweaters, etc., from “lint takers”. Very old and very new items may produce more lint than other items. If loads cannot be sorted properly, expect some lint.

2. Use enough detergent

Use enough detergent to help hold loose lint in the water until it can be flushed away. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to determine how much detergent is enough for your washer and clothes load.

3. Don’t overload the washer

Overloading causes excess abrasion of fabrics, which increases linting and pilling. Clothes also need to be able to move in the wash and rinse water so loose lint can be carried away. Make sure to select a water level that is correct for the load size being washed.

4. Shorten washing time

Shorten the wash time for smaller load sizes and for lightly soiled loads.

5. Use a dryer

The tumbling action of a clothes dryer shakes lint loose and allows it to collect in the lint screen. Avoid overdrying to prevent excess buildup of static electricity on synthetic fabrics. Static electricity on fabrics attracts lint.

6. Don’t overload the dryer

Clothes must tumble freely so loose lint can shake free and be collected in the lint screen.