How to Get Lint Off Clothes in a Washer

Lint is primarily composed of cotton fibers that come off of our clothes. When we wear an article of clothing, we create friction by rubbing the fabric against our bodies, our clothing and other objects. This friction breaks fibers loose. These fibers collect in the washer or dryer and create lint, which can then stick back on our clothes. In order to remove lint from our clothes, an agent is needed to loosen the bonds between the clumps of lint and our clothes. A common household item that can do this is vinegar.

Things You'll Need

• White vinegar

Instructions

1. Place garments that have lint on them into your washing machine. Begin the laundry cycle as you normally would, but stop the process when the rinse cycle begins.

2. Open the washer door and pour in a half cup of white vinegar.

3. Close the door and resume the laundry cycle. Dry as your normally would and inspect garments for lint. The vinegar should have separated the lint from the fabric. Several washes may be needed to completely remove lint. Any lint that sticks after a few treatments with the vinegar should be removed by hand.

References

• Gomestic: Nine Ways to Use Vinegar in the Laundry Room
• LaundryToday: What Causes Lint?
• VinegarBook:Vinegar Reduces Lint Whilst Washing