Lint on towels can be frustrating for people. Whether you just got new towels or have old ones with lots of lint, it’s good to know how to get rid of them. This will help your towels last longer and stay nice.
In this guide, we will talk about what causes lint on towels and provide steps for getting rid of lint from new and old towels.
Causes of Lint on Towels
It can arise from various places, depending on the age and condition of the towels:
- New Towels: When you buy new towels, it’s normal to see extra lint on them. This often happens during manufacturing.
- Old Towels: Over time, towels accumulate lint through regular use and washing. As the fibers in the towel break down over time, they release lint that can stick to the towel and make it look fuzzy.
Removing Lint From New Towels
Follow these steps:
- First, shake the new towels to remove any loose fibers or extra lint.
- Put the towels in the washing machine, and wash them separately. Add 1/2 cup of baking soda or white vinegar, along with the recommended amount of detergent.
- Use hot water when washing new towels. The hot water breaks down any fibers left and cleans the towels thoroughly.
- Once the washing cycle is complete, remove the towels from the machine and give them another thorough shake to remove any remaining lint.
- Finally, dry them on medium heat in the dryer or hang them outside to air dry.
By following these steps, you can effectively remove lint from new towels and ensure they are soft, fluffy, and lint-free.
Removing Lint From Old Towels
Follow these steps:
- First, shake the towels to remove any loose lint on them. Then, use a lint roller to pick up any stubborn lint left on the fabric.
- Wash the towels separately from other laundry items to prevent lint transfer. Use hot water and a mild detergent to ensure thorough cleaning.
- Choose a gentle wash cycle to reduce agitation while washing.
- After washing, dry the towels on low or medium heat to be gentle. Or hang them to air dry outside.
By following these steps, you can effectively remove lint from old towels and extend their lifespan.
Additional Method for Removing Lint
Sometimes, regular washing and drying may not completely remove stubborn lint from towels. In such cases, alternative techniques or products can effectively tackle persistent lint:
- Fabric Shaver: Consider using a fabric shaver to remove lint from the surface of towels. Fabric shavers work by trimming away excess fibers, making towels look clean and lint-free. This technique is very useful for older towels with lint.
Preventing Lint Build-up
Prevention is key to minimizing lint build-up on your towels. Here are some tips to help you keep your towels lint-free:
- Always wash towels separately from other clothes so lint doesn’t transfer.
- Try to air dry your towels instead of using the dryer too much because heat can make them shed lint and harm the fabric.
- Avoid using fabric softeners because they can leave behind a residue that traps lint and makes the towels less absorbent.
- Clean the lint filter in your dryer every time you use it to stop lint from building up.
By adopting these preventive measures, you can effectively minimize lint build-up on your towels and prolong their lifespan.
Conclusion
Removing lint from towels is a manageable task with the right techniques and precautions. By following the steps in this guide and taking preventive measures, you can keep your towels looking lint-free and fresh for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does vinegar remove lint from towels?
Yes, vinegar can help remove lint from towels. When you add it to the washing machine, vinegar can loosen lint and break it down so it rinses off more easily. It’s a natural fabric softener and can also help revive the absorbency of towels.
Does washing towels with clothes cause lint?
Yes, washing towels with clothes can cause lint transfer. Lint from other fabrics, like clothes, can shed and stick onto towels during the washing cycle. To prevent lint transfer, it’s best to wash towels separately from another laundry.
Do cotton towels have lint?
Yes, cotton towels can have lint, especially new towels. This is because the fibers in the towel may not be fully secured during manufacturing, leading to loose lint that sheds easily. But this usually goes away with proper washing and care.