Black pants are a closet staple for both guys and gals because of their inherent versatility in most styles. The only problem is that lots of wear and tear shows up on that black fabric. After washing and drying your black pants, lint and pilling -- tiny balls that form on the surface of fabrics -- make their appearance. Follow best practices before, during and after you wash the pants to prevent pilling and lint buildup before it gets the jump on you.
Best Laundry Prep Techniques
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Make sure to empty pockets before putting your black pants in the washing machine. Items like tissues can break up during the cycle and leave difficult-to-remove white lint all over your pants. Always sort loads of laundry thoroughly to ensure you are washing items in the same color family with similar care requirements. Black pants should be washed with other black, brown or very dark clothing to help prevent light-colored lint.
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Check the lint trap in your dryer to ensure it is clean and empty. Then take a look inside the dryer to make sure there is no residual lint from previous loads. Use a damp cloth to give the drum a quick wipe, helping your lint removal efforts.
Proper Washing and Drying
Depending on the fabric type, your black pants will likely take a warm or cool water wash cycle. Even if you have a dark towel or wash cloth that requires the same care, avoid throwing it in the same load as your pants. This terry-cloth fabric is the most prone to leaving lint.
When you're ready to transfer pants into the dryer, pull them out of the washing machine and shake them off to loosen and remove lint. Lint removal may be easier if you step outside to shake. Make sure you add your dryer sheet before starting the dryer to help prevent any lint from sticking to your pants.
Homemade Lint Removers
If traces or clumps of lint still manage to make their way onto your black pants, there are ways to safely remove them. A sticky lint roller is always helpful, but if you don't have one on hand, try tape. In lieu of a lint roller, use scotch tape or wide packing tape. A lint brush is another method of removing lint that is safe on any type of fabric. Brush gently and go over the same spot several times if necessary. Brushing too hard can damage the fabric or cause pilling.
Removing Troublesome Pilling
Pilling or tiny balls that build up on fabrics due to wear and tear, can be removed by using common household items. If you have a new double-sided sponge in the kitchen, lightly brushing the textured side over your pants will remove pilling. Just make sure the sponge is brand new.
You can also gently scrape away pilling with a new disposable razor. Avoid closures and seams so you don't cut the fabric. A pumice stone will also remove pilling. Brush the stone across the pants in the same direction each time to prevent fabric damage.