To remove clumps of lint from clothes, you can try household items, such as an emery sponge, razor, or Velcro strip. You can use a store-bought tool, such as a sweater comb, electric sweater shaver, or sweater stone. To prevent the formation of clumps of lint in the future, wash the clothes in reverse on a gentle cycle, then hang or lay them flat to dry.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Cleaning Clumps of Fiber with Home Appliances
Step 1. Use an emery sponge
If you scrub clothes with this sponge, the lumps of lint will disappear!
Step 2. Cut with scissors
Depending on the number and size of the clumps of fiber, you may be able to cut them with scissors. Spread the clothes on a flat surface. Pull out any clumps of fiber and cut with the other hand. You can also put your hand inside the garment to pull to tighten the fabric, then gently cut it.
- Hold the scissors close to the clothes. Do it gently and slowly so that the fabric is not damaged.
- Small nail clippers are safer to use. These scissors are more blunt, more precise, and have less risk of damaging the fabric.
Step 3. Use a razor
Take a disposable knife and lay the garment on a flat surface. Pull the garment against the clumps of fibers tightly with one hand. That way, the clothes won't tear. Shave upwards slowly in short strokes. Start with as little contact as possible between the knife and the cloth, and move closer if necessary.
- Once the clumps of lint have accumulated, use masking tape to remove them from the fabric. Wrap a large piece of packing tape around the finger adjacent to the sticky part on the outside. Press it against the fabric to remove any clumps of lint. Replace the tape once the lint has covered the surface. If you don't have packing tape, a small piece of paper tape will work as well.
- Make sure you use a new, sharp razor. A razor is the most effective tool for removing clumps of lint. Do not use razors that have moisture strips or bars of soap on both sides. This will result in more lumps forming when rubbed into the fabric.
Step 4. Use Velcro hair rollers
The hair rollers are very soft. This makes it ideal for use on delicate fabrics such as wool and cashmere. Lay the garment on a flat surface and pull it tight. Place the roller on the lumpy area. Gently roll in an upward-outward direction until the area is free of lumps. Clumps of lint will get caught in the hair rollers. Pick it up and move it to another area if the garment has lumps of lint in several places.
Step 5. Use Velcro strips
If you have one, Velcro strips can also be used to remove clumps of lint. Use Velcro, which you can find on your shoes or purse. Position the Velcro with the hooks facing down, towards the area of the garment where the fibers are clumping. Gently pull up and repeat this step until all lumps are clean.
This method can damage the soft fabric. So, don't use it on cashmere or wool
Method 2 of 3: Buying a Clump Removal Tool
Step 1. Buy a sweater comb
A sweater comb is a small, fine-toothed comb specially made for removing clumps of lint. This comb differs from a hair comb in that the teeth are smaller and closer together. Pull the garment tight and gently scrape off the clumped area. Be careful not to damage the fabric.
Step 2. Use an electric sweater shaver
The electric clump shaver is more expensive than other tools, but it is the fastest and most effective tool for removing lint clumps. Insert the battery and spread the clothes on a flat surface. Roll the tool over the surface of the garment in small circular motions. Start with as little contact as possible between the shaver and the cloth, and move closer if necessary. Continue until all of the cloth clumps are clean. These clumps will collect in the shaving case, which you can then empty once it's full.
Step 3. Try a sweater rock
Sweater stones are specially made for removing lint clumps in sweaters. To use it, lay the garment on a flat surface and pull it flat. Gently rub the stone over the lumpy area. Drag it across the fabric and remove any clumps of lint that have accumulated using masking tape or a finger pinch.
Method 3 of 3: Preventing Clumping of Fabric Cloths
Step 1. Buy clothes that are less likely to clump together
Fabrics made from fiber blends are more prone to clumping. Fiber blends are made from a combination of natural and synthetic fibers that have a high probability of rubbing together and forming lumps. This is especially true for fabrics made of three or more types of fibers.
Step 2. Find a tight knit sweater
Check the fabric before buying. Tightly knitted fabrics are less likely to form clumps of fiber, whereas looser knits are more susceptible.
Step 3. Turn the clothes over
Turn the clothes over before washing. This will prevent lumps when the fabric rubs against each other or against other clothes in the washing machine. You can also store clothes upside down by turning them over before hanging or folding.
Step 4. Wash gently
Use a gentle cycle when washing in the machine. The gentle cycle will be shorter and smoother resulting in less abrasion to the clothes.
Consider washing clothes by hand, as sweaters are more likely to clump together. This is the gentlest way to wash clothes. Look for special handwashing detergents and wash clothes in the sink or bucket
Step 5. Avoid electric dryers
If possible, hang clothes and hang them to dry, instead of using a tumble dryer. This will reduce abrasion to the fabric and prevent clumping of the fibers.
Step 6. Use liquid detergent
Powdered detergent will rub against the cloth as it dissolves. This is more at risk of causing clumping when washed. Liquid detergent is the gentlest choice for delicate fabrics.
Step 7. Brush with lint roller regularly
Regularly brush the soft sweater with a lint roller or lint brush to prevent clumping. Regular use of the lint roller will prevent the buildup of lint clumps on the fabric.
