How to Eliminate Fuzz-Balls Out of the Dryer
After you spend valuable time and energy doing the laundry, it's always aggravating when you remove your clean clothes from the dryer and discover that they are covered with unsightly fuzz balls. Fuzz balls are actually chopped and crushed fabric strands or threads, occasionally mixed with hair and fur, that attach themselves like Velcro to your clothing. There are some things you can do to remove these fuzz balls after the fact, as well as a few things that will help reduce fuzz ball formation during the washing and drying. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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How to Eliminate Fuzz Balls Out of the Dryer
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Prepare and pre-sort your clothes before washing them. Separate lint-producing items such as towels, blankets or sweaters. Turn dark-colored clothing inside-out before putting it into the wash load. Dark colors tend to show lint and fuzz balls more clearly than lighter colors.
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Follow your washing machine manufacturer's recommendations for load sizes, water temperature, cleaning product usage and lint-trap cleaning. Many times, overloading a washing machine or using an incorrect amount of detergent or liquid fabric softener will encourage the breakdown of clothing fibers, resulting in fuzz balls.
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Keep a pumice stone, lint-roller, box tape or lint-removal brush handy to remove any fuzz balls that remain on your clothes after drying. These tools are inexpensive and effective in removing all but the most stubborn of fuzz balls. You may need to use a fabric shaver or de-piller to remove tightly knotted fuzz balls.
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Tips & Warnings
Clean your washing machine periodically with vinegar. Run the washing machine with nothing in it, and add a small amount of vinegar to the rinse cycle. This will remove accumulated soap scum and fabric softener residue in the washing machine.
Clean your dryer lint and vent traps before you put your clothes into the dryer. This will improve the energy-efficiency of the dryer and reduce the amount of fuzz balls and lint that accumulate on your clothes during the drying. Air-drying is also an effective fuzz ball prevention technique.
Take care when using ordinary razor blades to remove fuzz balls. You can ruin the item if you apply too much pressure and cut all the way through the fabric.
