How to Prevent Lint on Clothes After Washing: 2025 Tips

Lint on clothing even after it’s been washed is one of the most common complaints homeowners have when it comes to laundry. What’s the point of washing your clothes if they’ve got unsightly lint all over them when you pull them out of the washing machine?

Fear not: We’ve asked the experts at Sears to offer some helpful solutions on what could cause lint to get on your clothes during the wash cycle — and how to help avoid that annoyance in the first place.

Watch our video to learn some hacks for preventing lint on clothes.

How to Avoid Lint on Clothes from Your Washing Machine

Battling lint on freshly washed clothes can feel like an endless struggle. Just when you think you've cleaned your laundry, you're greeted by that familiar, frustrating sight of lint clinging stubbornly to your garments. It's a common laundry woe that spares no one, from the meticulous sorter to the rushed, everything-in-one-load type. But why does this happen, and what can you do to prevent it?

Lint, those pesky fibers that detach from the surface of textiles, doesn't just mar the appearance of your clothing; it can also affect fabric integrity over time. The good news is, preventing lint isn't about working harder; it's about working smarter. Understanding the dynamics of your washing machine, the nature of the fabrics you're washing, and a few key laundry practices can make all the difference.

From the science of sorting your laundry to optimizing your washing machine's settings, we'll uncover the strategies that can help you say goodbye to lint for good. With a little know-how and some routine adjustments, achieving clean, lint-free clothes in every laundry cycle is within reach.

1. Sort Laundry Meticulously

• Separate clothes that tend to give off lint (such as towels, flannels, and chenille sweaters) from those that are prone to attracting lint (like corduroy, synthetic fabrics, and dark-colored clothes). This precaution minimizes the transfer of lint between items during the wash cycle, keeping both categories cleaner.

2. Avoid Overloading the Washer

• Filling the washing machine too full can restrict movement within the drum, preventing clothes from being cleaned and rinsed properly. A tightly packed washer can trap lint on fabric surfaces instead of flushing it out. Ensure there's enough space for clothes to tumble freely, allowing water and detergent to circulate effectively and carry lint away.

3. Pre-Wash Pocket Check

• Before loading your washing machine, make a habit of checking the pockets of garments for tissues, receipts, or paper scraps. These items can disintegrate during the wash, spreading lint across the load. Removing them beforehand helps keep your laundry lint-free.

4. Maintain Optimal Water Temperature and Detergent Use

• Use warm water (above 60ºF) for your wash cycle to ensure the detergent dissolves completely. Cold water can leave detergent residue on clothes, which attracts and holds lint. Adjust the detergent amount according to the load size and soil level, following the manufacturer's recommendations. Too little detergent can result in insufficient cleaning, while too much can leave a residue that attracts lint.

TIP! Water that’s too cold may not dissolve the detergent fully, hindering its ability to remove lint from fabrics effectively.

5. Select a Slower Spin Cycle

• While a high-speed spin cycle can extract more water and reduce drying time, it can also cause fabrics to break down and release more lint. Opt for a slower spin cycle, especially for lint-prone items and delicate fabrics. This gentler approach reduces the mechanical stress on fibers, minimizing the generation of lint.

TIP! High-speed cycles can be harsh on clothes, breaking down fibers and causing them to shed more lint. A slower speed preserves fabric integrity and reduces lint production.

Keep Your Washer Properly Maintained

Achieving lint-free laundry is not just about following the right washing practices; it's also about ensuring your washing machine is in optimal condition. Regular, professional maintenance of your washing machine can significantly reduce lint issues, ensuring your clothes come out clean and fresh with every wash. Don’t let lint compromise the quality and appearance of your garments. Schedule a routine maintenance check for your washing machine with a trusted professional at Sears. By keeping your appliance well-maintained, you not only extend its lifespan but also enhance its performance, making lint a problem of the past.

Lint problems often arise when fibers separate from clothing and cling to the washer drum or other fabrics. To minimize lint, sort laundry by fabric type and color, keep loads small enough to allow proper agitation, and occasionally wipe the drum with a damp cloth to remove residue. Regularly inspecting and cleaning your machine’s lint trap or filter (if present) is also crucial. If you continue finding excessive lint on freshly washed clothes, it might indicate a deeper mechanical or drainage issue. Contacting a repairman for washing machines can help identify the underlying problem and keep your laundry looking fresh.