How To Get Rid Of Lint On Your Clothes

If you need a lint roller every time you take your clothes out of the dryer, then it may be time to take action on lint before it ruins your clothes. Clothes will usually have some lint leftover after a wash. However, a dryer should help to reduce the lint left on your garments. So, if your clothes are still covered in dust and fibres after they have come out of the dryer, what can you do to solve the problem for next time?

Top Tips For Removing Lint From Your Tumble Dryer

1. Clean your dryer’s filter

Tumble dryers have a lint trap installed to help get rid of excess lint and remove particles from your clothes. A lint trap (also known as the filter) needs to removed and cleaned after every load. If you are drying particularly fluffy items such as towels, then you may even need to clean the filter mid-dry. You can find the lint trap inside the door or on the top of the tumble dryer. The manual will show you if you are unsure.

Once you have located the filter, pop it out from the slot and slide your fingers over the mesh to remove the lint. You can then use the soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to clear all of the dust and lint away. You can also vacuum inside the slot of where the lint trap sits to remove any residue.

After vacuuming, replace the trap for your next load, you should hear it click into place. If you notice lint inside the dryer door, then a soft rag or duster can mop up any leftover lint. A dryer sheet also works well at picking up lint.

Top Tip: Deep clean the filters every month by placing the filter in warm soapy water. Ensure the trap is thoroughly dry before putting back in the dryer.

2. Check your clothes

Tissues left in pockets are a common culprit for lint residue. Reduce the build-up of lint by checking your clothes thoroughly before washing. Make sure to check for tissues, receipts and wrappers. After washing, take items out of the washer one by one and shake each one. This helps to loosen the lint and add air to each item which can help to reduce the wrinkles after drying.

It can be worthwhile separating lint-prone items and drying them separately. For example, if you are washing clothes with towels, dry the towels separately.

When you are ready to dry your items, add a dryer sheet into the drum. This helps to reduce lint and always remove static build up. When you’re ready, turn your dryer on using the settings the manufacturer recommends.

After drying, don’t forget to clean the dryer’s filter (as detailed above) for the next load.

3. Deep clean the dryer

Lint can often build up within the dryer in areas that are not easy to reach. You can conduct a deep clean of the dryer by unplugging the appliance (make sure also to switch off the gas for the machine if applicable) and then follow your manufacturers instructions for a deep clean.

Cleaning the lint vent and vacuuming inside the dryer is possible. However, you need to be confident in dismantling and reassembling the dryer safely. The lint vent is very delicate, and you are likely to come across many wires around the heating element which will need caution.

If you have any doubts, then it may be best to call in the experts to help.  Repair Aid is available to help solve a range of tumble dryer issues, so if your dryer gets too hot, not hot enough or needs a deep clean, then contact the team on 020 7183 6944 for free advice.