Ever pulled freshly washed clothes from your machine, only to find them covered in frustrating specks of lint? You’re not alone. Lint buildup in washing machines is a common annoyance that can leave clothes looking less than clean and even affect your washer’s performance.
Wondering how to tackle this issue effectively? This article will guide you with simple steps, practical tips, and easy-to-follow solutions to banish lint from your washing machine for good.
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How To Get Rid of Lint From Your Washing Machine
Lint can be a persistent and frustrating problem when doing laundry. Not only can it leave your clothes looking worn and messy, but a lint-filled washing machine can reduce washing efficiency and even cause maintenance issues over time. The good news is that getting rid of lint from your washing machine is straightforward with the right steps and habits. Let’s break down exactly how you can banish lint and keep your laundry routine frustration-free.
Why Lint Builds Up in Your Washing Machine
Lint is made up of tiny fibers shed from fabrics during washing and drying. Cotton, wool, and synthetic blends are especially prone to shedding. When these fibers aren’t properly captured or expelled, they linger in your machine, clinging to other clothes in future wash cycles. Over time, this buildup can impact how well your washer performs and even shorten its lifespan.
Key reasons why lint accumulates:
- Frequent washing of lint-producing fabrics like towels, fleece, or sweaters.
- Overloading the washer, which prevents proper water circulation and rinsing.
- Insufficient cleaning of the machine’s lint trap or filter (if your washer has one).
- Using the wrong water temperature or harsh detergents, which can loosen more fibers.
Understanding the problem helps you tackle it effectively.
Step-By-Step Guide: Removing Lint From Your Washing Machine
Follow these practical steps to get your washing machine—and your laundry—clean and lint-free.
1. Empty and Inspect the Drum
- Start with an empty machine. Remove any clothes, especially after a load with heavy lint producers (like towels).
- Visually inspect the drum and agitator for visible lint, hair, or residue.
2. Clean the Lint Trap or Filter
Most machines have a lint filter or trap. If you’re not sure where yours is, consult your washer’s manual or look around the agitator, drum edge, or near the door.
- Remove the filter/trap (if accessible).
- Rinse under warm water. Use your fingers or a soft brush to clear away debris.
- For stubborn grime, soak in warm, soapy water and scrub as needed.
- Replace the filter securely.
Tip: Not all modern front-load washers have lint filters. If yours doesn’t, move on to the next steps.
3. Clean the Detergent Dispenser
Detergent buildup can attract lint and create sticky messes.
- Remove dispensers if possible and rinse under hot water.
- Use a soft brush to clear any clinging residue.
- Dry thoroughly before reinserting.
4. Run a Cleaning Cycle
A deep-clean cycle helps wash away hidden lint and prevent future buildup.
- Set your washer to the hottest, longest cycle and largest load size.
- Add 2 cups of white vinegar to the drum (avoid bleach if using vinegar).
- Start the empty cycle. The vinegar will break down residue and loosen lint.
- For extra cleaning, sprinkle baking soda (about half a cup) into the drum before the cycle.
After the cycle finishes:
- Wipe down the drum, seals, and doors with a clean microfiber cloth to remove any remaining lint.
- Check crevices, like the rubber gasket on front-load washers, for trapped lint or hair.
5. Check and Clean the Drain Pump Filter
Some washers have a drain pump filter that collects lint before water is drained.
- Look for a small panel near the bottom front of your machine.
- Place towels under the panel to soak up any water.
- Twist open the cover and pull out the filter.
- Remove debris and rinse under hot water.
- Replace and close the panel securely.
Note: Consult your washer’s manual if you’re unsure how to access this part.
6. Vacuum Around and Behind the Washer
Dust, lint, and hair can accumulate around your washer.
- Use a vacuum with a nozzle attachment to clean under and behind the machine.
- Wipe surfaces with a damp cloth.
7. Repeat Monthly or as Needed
Establishing a monthly cleaning routine will keep lint at bay and your machine working efficiently.
Preventing Lint Build-Up: Best Practices
Prevention is just as important as removal, so here are some habits to reduce lint in both your washer and your clothes.
Wash Clothes Inside-Out
- Turn lint-prone garments (like fleece, towels, and sweaters) inside out before washing.
- This keeps lint from shedding onto other items and reduces pilling.
Separate Laundry Loads
- Wash lint-producing fabrics separately from lint-attracting ones.
- Example: Keep towels and bathrobes away from dark shirts or pants.
Avoid Overloading the Washer
- Too many clothes crowding the drum prevent effective rinsing.
- Leave enough space for clothes to tumble and circulate.
Use High-Quality Detergent, But Not Too Much
- Excess detergent can trap lint.
- Use the correct amount as recommended on the label.
Opt For the Right Water Temperature
- Cold water helps minimize fiber shedding, especially for clothes that tend to pill or fray.
- Reserve hot water for especially dirty loads or bedding.
Consider Liquid Fabric Softener
- Fabric softeners may help reduce static cling, which can attract lint to clothes.
Remove Clothes Promptly
- Take laundry out as soon as it’s finished. This prevents lint from resettling on damp fabric.
Use Lint-Catching Devices
Add a washing machine lint catcher or mesh bag for small or delicate items. These help trap loose fibers before they circulate to other clothes.
Additional Tips for Stubborn Lint Problems
If you’re still struggling with lint despite regular cleaning, try these expert ideas:
- Install a mesh drain trap on your washer’s hose to catch fibers before they enter plumbing.
- Try using “lint-removing balls” designed for washers.
- Regularly check and replace hoses or filters as needed.
- For persistent issues, consider a professional maintenance check. Sometimes, deep-seated lint may require technical attention.
Benefits of Keeping Your Washer Lint-Free
A lint-free washer means:
- Cleaner clothes: Less lint means your favorite dark shirts look their best.
- More efficient washing: Your machine doesn’t have to work as hard, saving energy and water.
- Lower risk of breakdowns: Clogged filters or hoses don’t cause strain or risk leaks.
- Prolonged appliance life: A well-maintained machine lasts longer and runs quietly.
- Healthier home: Fewer allergens, dust, and pet hair recirculating in laundry.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Not Finding the Filter
- Some new washers lack accessible lint filters. Rely on regular cleaning cycles and good washing habits if this applies to you.
Lint on Clothes After Washing
- Try adding an extra rinse cycle to flush away residue.
- Double-check that items are sorted and not overloaded.
Pets or Heavy Lint Creators in the Home
- Pre-brush clothes and bedding before washing, and consider dedicated “pet laundry” loads.
Summary
Keeping your washing machine free of lint requires a combination of regular cleaning and smart laundry habits. By routinely cleaning the drum, checking and washing your machine’s filter (if present), running cleaning cycles, and using best practices for separating laundry and loading the machine, you’ll enjoy fresher clothes and a more efficient appliance. Lint can be managed—and even prevented—with the right approach, so you spend less time fussing over laundry and more time enjoying crisp, clean clothes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How often should I clean my washing machine to prevent lint buildup?
Aim to deep-clean your washing machine, including the lint trap or filter, once per month. More frequent cleaning may be needed if you wash heavy lint producers like towels or blankets regularly.
What should I do if my washer doesn’t have a lint filter?
Many modern machines no longer include a lint filter. In this case, rely on monthly cleaning cycles using hot water and vinegar, regular drum wipes, and separating laundry loads to manage lint.
Why do I still find lint on my clothes after washing?
This could mean your washer is overloaded, the lint filter is clogged, or items weren’t properly separated. Try reducing load sizes, performing an extra rinse cycle, and cleaning your filter or running a cleaning cycle.
Can fabric softener help reduce lint?
Yes, fabric softener may help reduce static, making lint less likely to cling to clothes. Use it as recommended, but don’t overdo it—too much can leave residue and attract more lint.
Are lint-removal tools worth using in the washing machine?
Absolutely! Tools like mesh lint catcher balls or small mesh bags can help trap lint before it reaches other clothes or the machine’s drain system. They’re inexpensive and easy to use for a cleaner laundry experience.
By following these steps and advice, you’ll keep both your washer and your clothes looking their absolute best. Happy laundering!