Clothes made from natural and synthetic fibres can sometimes start to lint after a few washes or a lot of wear. This pilling can make clothes look worn, even if they're relatively new. Fortunately, there are simple tricks you can use to prevent linting and restore your clothes when they start to bobble. Here's a guide to preventing your clothes from linting, and how to use a lint remover to bring your favourite pieces back to life.
Choosing the right materials
Not all fabrics are equal when it comes to linting. Natural fibres such as cotton, wool and cashmere are often more prone to pilling, as are certain synthetic fibres such as polyester and acrylic. Here are a few tips to minimise the risk of linting:
Choose quality fibres:
Dense, well-woven fabrics are less likely to fluff than looser or lower-quality fibres. When buying clothes, choose high-quality materials because they are more resistant to wear and tear.
Opt for fibre blends:
Blends of natural and synthetic fibres, such as cotton-polyester or wool-nylon, are often more resistant to linting than fabrics made from 100% single fibres.
Wash clothes with care
Washing is often the cause of lint appearing on clothes. Here are a few tips to minimise this effect during washing:
Turn your clothes inside out:
Before washing your clothes, turn them inside out. This reduces direct friction between the fibres and the surface of the washing machine drum, thus reducing the appearance of bobbles.
Use a gentle cycle:
Choose gentle wash programmes or programmes for delicate clothes, at low temperatures. Spinning too hard or washing at high temperatures can weaken the fibres and cause them to fluff.
Add fabric softener:
Using fabric softener in the wash can help reduce friction between fibres, minimising the risk of lint. It also softens fabrics, making them more comfortable to wear.
Avoid overloading:
Don't overload your washing machine. When clothes are too compressed, friction between them increases, encouraging lint to form.
See also: Laundry care basics: a beginner’s guide
Drying: beware of machines
Machine drying can also cause lint to form, especially if the temperature is too high or the drum is too full. Here are a few drying tips:
Dry your clothes in the open air:
Air-drying your clothes is gentler on the fibres than tumble-drying. Hang your clothes on a hanger or lay them flat to avoid pulling on the fibres.
Use a low tumble dryer temperature:
If you have to use a tumble dryer, choose a low temperature programme and reduce the drying time as much as possible to minimise damage to the fibres.
Using a lint remover to maintain your clothes
If, despite all your precautions, your clothes are starting to lint, a lint remover is the perfect tool for making them look like new again. This device, also known as a fabric shaver, is designed to effectively remove the little balls of fibre that form on the surface of clothes. Here's how to use it properly:
Shave the areas concerned:
Gently remove lint by running the appliance over the areas where it has formed, such as sleeves, sides and rubbing areas. Use gentle movements and avoid using too much pressure to avoid damaging the fabric.
Use the shaver regularly:
To prevent pilling, use your lint remover regularly, especially on woollen, cashmere or cotton clothes, which are more susceptible to linting.
Don’t forget jumpers and other textiles:
A fabric shaver can also be used on jumpers, woollen blankets, scarves and other textiles that tend to form fluff over time. It's essential to make it part of your care routine to preserve the quality and appearance of your clothes and textiles.
Putting your clothes away properly
The way your clothes are stored can also play a role in the appearance of lint. Here are a few tips on how to store them properly:
Avoid rubbing:
When putting your clothes away, take care not to pack or fold them too tightly. Rubbing between clothes can cause pilling, even when they are not being worn.
Use protective covers:
For wool, cashmere or silk clothes, use protective covers when you store them out of season. This will protect them from rubbing and dust, extending their life.
