Linting – reasons and remedies
Today’s concerns with saving time, money, and energy often result
in washing fewer, but larger, loads that have not been properly sorted. Improper sorting may cause numerous washing problems. One of the more common ones is linting. The following information explains what lint is and how to prevent it.
WHAT IS LINT?
Short fibres and yarns loosened in the laundering process are known as lint. Linting occurs from loose fibres left in garments after manufacture and shedding from fibres wearing off as garments are worn and laundered.
WHAT LINT ISN’T.
PILLING
Pilling is often mistaken for lint. Permanent press fabrics and synthetic fibres have a tendency to pill (form little balls on the surface). Pilling is caused by
abrasion from normal wear and use. The areas that are especially noticeable are on collars, cuffs, sleeves . . . areas that are rubbed during use. Because fibres are strong, these balls will not break off during washing or wearing. They give a nubby look to the fabric and will trap lint. Pilling should be brushed off, cut off, or picked off.
