Nothing sabotages an outfit faster than lint. You leave the house feeling polished, only to glance down at your sweater in the mirror and realize it looks like you wrestled with a shag carpet. Lint is sneaky like that—unassuming fuzz that sabotages good clothes.
What is lint, really? It’s just loose fibers that break off during wear and wash. Pair that with static cling and textured fabrics, and you’ve got a recipe for fuzz attaching itself where it doesn’t belong. Cotton towels, fleece hoodies, even that cozy chenille blanket—all of them shed. And once lint lands on synthetics, knits, or corduroy, it holds on for dear life.
The fix isn’t complicated. You just need the right tools and a little strategy. Here’s how to clear the fuzz and keep it from staging a comeback.
1. Wool Dryer Balls
Wool dryer balls aren’t just about cutting drying time—they’re sneaky good at removing lint, too. Yes, they’ll help reduce fuzz when you toss them into a load, but here’s the real hack: Grab a clean dryer ball and rub it directly across your clothes. It pulls lint off fast, no sticky sheets required.
2. Dryer Sheets
Dryer sheets coat fibers with a thin layer of conditioners that reduce static and make it harder for lint to cling. Keep a box nearby—one sheet rubbed directly on your clothes works as an on-the-go fix when you spot fuzz at the last second.
3. Fabric Spray
Fabric spray gets the glory for eliminating odors. But it also softens fibers and makes lint easier to brush off. Our Fabric Refresher Spray goes one step further: It tames cling and layers in premium fragrances like Australian Sandalwood or Italian Bergamot. So instead of smelling like “clean-ish laundry,” your clothes come out smelling like they belong in a boutique.
No matter what your care tag says, these must-haves keep your clothes looking and smelling their best—minus the guesswork.
4. Masking Tape
Lint rollers are great—until you realize you don’t have one. In a pinch, wrap masking tape around your hand (sticky side out) and press it against the fabric. It’s not glamorous, but it gets the job done when you’re already late.
5. No-Heat Dryer Setting
Static electricity is lint’s best friend. A 10-minute tumble on the no-heat setting is enough to loosen fuzz and trap it in the lint filter. Think of it as hitting “undo” without committing to a full wash.
6. Scouring Pad
Yes, the same thing you use on pots and pans. A slightly damp scouring pad works as a lint eraser. Just soften it first—this is about lifting fuzz, not sanding your clothes down to threads.
7. Damp Rubber Gloves
Put on a pair, wet them lightly, and run your hands over the fabric. The friction pulls lint off instantly. It’s simple, it’s fast, and it works especially well on larger surfaces like coats or pants.
8. Fabric Steamer
A steamer relaxes fabric fibers, which helps loosen lint and makes it easier to brush away. It also smooths out wrinkles at the same time, which is never a bad bonus.
How to Prevent Lint Buildup On Clothes
Getting rid of lint is one thing. Keeping it from clinging in the first place saves you the headache. Here’s how to stay ahead.
1. Clean Your Lint Trap
Clean your lint trap after every load, no excuses. A clogged lint trap can’t catch fuzz, which means it ends up right back on your clothes.
2. Sort Your Laundry Properly
Some fabrics shed, others attract. Wash them together, and you’re basically asking for a lint storm.
Shedders: cotton clothes, terry towels, chenille.
Attractors: synthetics, knits, corduroy.
Mix them, and you’ll be lint-rolling for days.
3. Wash Garments Inside Out
Turning clothes inside out keeps the outside surface smooth and less likely to collect lint. It also cuts down on pilling, which is lint’s close cousin.
4. Use Fabric Softener
Adding fabric softener in the washing machine stops static, which keeps lint from clinging. Just keep it balanced—you want your clothes soft, not coated.
5. Don’t Overload Your Washer
When clothes are jammed together, fibers rub harder, break down faster, and shed more. Give your laundry room to breathe.
Lint Can’t Hang with Laundry Sauce
Lint happens. But with the right tricks, you can get it out fast and keep your wardrobe clear. And when it comes to prevention, Laundry Sauce has everything lint hates: fabric softener to stave off fuzz, dryer sheets that tame static, and fabric spray that leaves clothes smelling like a five-star hotel.
Lint doesn’t just make clothes look worn; it makes them forgettable. And your wardrobe deserves better than that.
