How to Get Rid of Lint on Clothes Fast (and Prevent It in the First Place)

Few things are as annoying as putting on a freshly washed outfit only to find it covered in lint. Those tiny fibers cling stubbornly to fabric, making even clean clothes look unkept. Lint is especially common on darker fabrics, sweaters, and items that have been washed with towels. It’s unsightly and frustrating, but it’s easy to tackle once you know the tricks.

With the right tools, you can keep lint under control both during laundry and after. The simple steps below will help you say goodbye to lint and fuzz on your favorite clothes.

How to Get Rid of Lint on Clothes

Lint Roller: The quickest fix for lint-covered clothes is—surprise—a lint roller. "A lint roller is the gold standard, but I always remind people that a little creativity goes a long way," shares cleaning professional Stephanie Phillips, owner of Phillips Commercial and Residential Cleaning Service.

Something Sticky or Clingy: If you don’t have a lint roller handy, use alternatives like a strip of packing tape, a slightly damp washcloth, or even a rubber glove (which is also the best-kept secret for pet hair on furniture). Simply roll or rub it over the fabric to pick up fuzz, hair, and dust.

Dryer + Dryer Sheet: For clothes that seem to hold onto lint no matter what, try running them through the dryer on a low or air-only setting for 10 minutes with a dryer sheet. The tumbling action loosens clinging fibers, while the dryer sheet will help cut down on the static electricity that causes lint to stick.

If a garment is delicate or expensive, spot-test your lint-removal method on a small hidden area first—or consider taking it to a professional cleaner for lint and pill removal. “I always go slowly and gently because aggressive lint removal can do more harm than good,” says Phillips.

Lint, Pilling, and Fabric Shavers

Sometimes what appears to be stubborn lint is actually pilling. It occurs when loose fibers from the fabric tangle together due to friction, creating the characteristic tiny balls on the surface of the fabric. (Knits are notorious for pilling!)

To combat pilling, a fabric shaver is a great tool. “Fabric shavers are a game-changer for knits and sweaters,” Phillips says. “They take off fuzz without damaging the fabric, which instantly makes clothes look fresher.”

However, you should always be cautious when using fabric shavers, razors, or scissors to remove lint and pilling. Applying too much pressure can damage the fabric.

How to Prevent Lint

Most lint problems start in the laundry. “Prevention is half the battle,” Phillips explains. “Sorting your laundry and keeping the dryer filter clean are two of the simplest but most effective ways to stop lint before it starts.”

For best results, wash lint-producing items (like towels, fleece, and flannel fabrics) separately from lint-attracting fabrics (such as knits and dark clothing), and turn clothes inside out. Adding a fabric softener or dryer sheet can also reduce static, which helps keep fibers from sticking.

And remember: You always want to clean your dryer's lint trap before every cycle to ensure it's doing its job.