How to Remove Lint Balls From Clothing

Fuzz and lint balls can make clothes look worn and older than it is, and sometimes sweaters accumulate so many that it seems impossible to remove them. Pilling, which causes fuzz balls actually is a different problem than lint. Lint consists of fibers that break off during washing or wearing, while pilling involves fibers unraveling and leaving loose ends to ball up on the fabric. This occurs due to friction from normal wear.

Things You'll Need

• masking, cellophane or clear mailing tape
• lint roller
• clothes dryer
• single-edge disposable shaver
• battery-powered fabric shaver
• pumice stone

Instructions

Removing Lint

1. Wrap a piece of masking tape, cellophane tape or clear mailing tape around your hand with the sticky side out. Go over your clothing with the tape and remove the lint, which will stick to the tape.

2. Use a lint roller which can be purchased inexpensively at discount stores and other stores.

3. Toss the clothing in the dryer, as long as the fabric is dryer-safe, because dryers can remove lint.

Removing Lint Fuzz Balls Caused by Pilling

1. Use a single-edge disposable razor to shave the lint balls off the clothing. Hold the shaver at an angle so it gently skims the surface, and be careful not to accidentally cut the fabric.

2. Use a battery-powered fabric shaver which can be purchased at discount stores and other stores. These look like an electric razor. They are not quite as effective as a manual razor, but do work well, and also prevent any fabric-cutting accidents.

3. Roll a pumice stone over the fabric. Be sure not to pull it too hard, because it can create snags and even holes. Pumice stones can be found in stores among foot-care products, as these stones are used to remove callouses. They also are often found in cleaning aisles.

4. Try a variation of the pumice stone, called the Sweater Stone. This is a lightweight pumice in a product designed specifically for removing lint balls from clothing. Rather than snagging material, the edge will crumble if it encounters too much resistance.