Ever noticed mysterious fuzz clinging to your freshly washed clothes? Lint left behind in your washing machine can turn clean laundry into a frustrating mess, making your favorite outfits look less than perfect.
Keeping your machine free of lint isn’t just about looks—it helps your appliance run smoothly and can extend its lifespan. In this article, you’ll discover easy steps and smart tips to banish lint from your washing machine for good. Let’s get started!
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How to Remove Lint in a Washing Machine: Your Complete Guide
Dealing with lint in your washing machine can be incredibly frustrating. Not only does it make your freshly laundered clothes look less-than-perfect, but it’s also a sign your appliance needs some TLC. Fortunately, with regular cleaning and a few clever habits, you can kick lint to the curb for good.
Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about removing lint in a washing machine, including step-by-step instructions, practical advice, and answers to your most common questions.
Why Lint Builds Up in Your Washing Machine
Lint is made up of tiny fibers shed from fabric during washing. While many washing machines are designed to trap and flush away lint, it can still accumulate inside the washer, in hoses, and—most visibly—on your clothes. The build-up is often worse if you wash a lot of items like towels, sweaters, or fleece, or if your washer’s filtration system isn’t cleaned frequently.
Step-by-Step Guide: Removing Lint from Your Washing Machine
Let’s dive right into the best steps to ensure your washing machine stays lint-free.
1. Empty the Lint Trap (If Your Washer Has One)
Many top-loading washing machines have a small lint filter or trap. Here’s how to clean it:
- Locate the lint trap, usually along the rim of the drum, the agitator, or inside the drum itself.
- Carefully pull the trap out.
- Remove the built-up lint either with your fingers or a soft brush.
- Rinse the trap under running water.
- Dry it and replace it securely.
Tip: Not all washers have lint traps, especially newer front-load models. If yours doesn’t, focus on the other steps.
2. Clean the Drum
Over time, lint can stick to the drum’s walls, especially around holes and crevices. To tackle this:
- Wipe down the inside of the drum with a damp microfiber cloth after every few loads.
- For stubborn lint, use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment.
- Avoid using abrasive pads, as they can scratch the drum.
3. Run a Cleaning Cycle
A monthly cleaning cycle helps loosen and flush out hidden lint and detergent buildup.
- Set your machine to the hottest, largest, and longest wash cycle.
- Add two cups of white vinegar or a washing machine cleaning tablet.
- Run the cycle without any laundry inside.
- When complete, wipe away any residue left behind.
4. Check and Clean the Drain Pump Filter
Front-loading machines often have a drain pump filter at the bottom front. This filter can trap not just lint but coins, hair, and debris.
- Unplug your washer and place a shallow pan and towels under the filter area.
- Open the filter compartment (refer to your manual for the exact location).
- Unscrew or open the filter, letting excess water drain out.
- Remove and rinse the filter thoroughly.
- Wipe out the compartment before replacing the filter.
5. Inspect and Clean the Hoses
Clogged hoses can slow drainage and encourage lint buildup.
- Disconnect the hoses (after turning off the water supply).
- Rinse them with water from the tap—or use a flexible cleaning brush.
- Reconnect and secure the hoses before use.
Pro Tips to Reduce Lint Buildup
Minimize lint naturally and keep your washer running efficiently with these habits:
- Sort Your Laundry by Fabric Type: Wash lint-shedding items (like towels and fleece) separately from lint-attracting clothes (such as synthetics, darks, or corduroy).
- Wash Smaller Loads: Overloading reduces washer efficiency and increases lint on clothes.
- Use the Right Detergent: Too much can create suds that trap lint, while too little may not clean well. Use high-efficiency (HE) detergent for HE washers.
- Don’t Skip the Dryer Lint Trap: Clean your dryer’s lint filter after every load to stop lint from re-circulating.
- Check Pockets: Tissues and papers cause lint disasters—always check before loading.
- Air Out Your Washer: After each use, leave the door or lid open to let moisture and lint dry out rather than turn into gunk.
- Add White Vinegar to the Rinse Cycle: Vinegar helps break down lint and leaves clothes softer.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Even with the best efforts, lint can sometimes be stubborn. Here’s how to tackle some common issues:
Lint Remains on Clothes After Washing
- Solution: Use a lint roller or brush to remove excess lint. Re-wash using the cold water setting and add fabric softener, which helps fibers relax and loosen lint.
Persistent Odor or Residue
- Solution: Run additional cleaning cycles using baking soda and vinegar to remove odor, soap scum, and lint residue that even a regular cycle can’t touch.
No Visible Lint Trap
- Solution: Some washers build lint filtration into the drainage system. If yours lacks a trap, be diligent with cleaning the drum and running cleaning cycles monthly.
Washer Drains Slowly
- Solution: A clogged filter, hose, or drain could be to blame. Clean them thoroughly and check for kinks in hoses.
Benefits of a Lint-Free Washing Machine
Regular lint removal offers several advantages:
- Cleaner, fresher clothes free from fuzz and specks.
- A more efficient washing machine that saves energy and water.
- Fewer breakdowns and costly repairs—proper maintenance increases washer lifespan.
- Reduced risk of clogged drains and water overflow.
- Lower risk of allergens and odor from trapped debris and lint.
Essential Tools for Lint Removal
You don’t need fancy gadgets. Here’s what’s helpful:
- Microfiber cloths for wiping down the drum.
- A soft household brush or old toothbrush for crevices and lint traps.
- Mild soap, white vinegar, or washing machine cleaner.
- A small vacuum (with a brush attachment) for thorough cleaning.
- Lint rollers or brushes for clothes.
Best Practices for Ongoing Maintenance
- Immediately Clean Up Spills and Lint: Don’t let wet lint sit; wipe it up instantly.
- Regularly Deep Clean: Do a monthly deep clean of your whole washer—inside and out.
- Stay Organized: Keep cleaning tools nearby for quick cleanups.
- Follow Manufacturer’s Instructions: For specific lint trap and machine cleaning information.
- Educate Family Members: Make sure everyone at home follows these habits for a consistently clean washer.
Summary
Lint in your washing machine doesn’t have to be an ongoing nuisance. By routinely emptying filters, wiping down the drum, inspecting hoses, and running regular cleaning cycles, you ensure your laundry comes out fresh and lint-free. Small habits, like checking pockets and sorting laundry, make a significant difference. Show your washing machine some care, and it’ll reward you with cleaner clothes and fewer maintenance headaches.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What causes lint to build up in my washing machine?
Lint forms when fabric fibers loosen and separate during washing. If these fibers aren’t filtered or flushed out, they collect inside your machine or end up on your clothes. Overloading, infrequent cleaning, or washing high-lint items like towels can make it worse.
How often should I clean the lint trap in my washing machine?
Ideally, check and empty your lint trap once a week or after every few loads. If you notice excessive lint after a single wash, inspect the trap more frequently.
My washer doesn’t have a lint trap. How should I handle lint?
Front-loading washers often filter lint through the drain system. If yours lacks a trap, run monthly cleaning cycles, regularly wipe down the drum, and make sure to clean the drain pump filter if accessible.
Can lint buildup cause problems with my washer?
Yes! Excess lint can clog drains and hoses, reducing cleaning efficiency, leading to odors, or even causing leaks and breakdowns. Regular cleaning prevents these issues.
Is it safe to use vinegar to clean lint from my washer?
Absolutely. White vinegar is a safe and natural cleaning agent. It helps dissolve detergent residue and breaks down lint, keeping your machine fresh and effective.
By following these steps and expert tips, you’ll keep both your clothes and your washing machine in peak condition, making laundry a fresher, easier chore every time.