Ever opened your washing machine to find your clothes covered in pesky lint? You’re not alone. Lint can make your freshly washed laundry look messy and cause your washer to work less efficiently.
Knowing how to banish lint not only keeps your clothes looking great, but also helps your machine last longer.
In this article, we’ll show you easy steps and practical tips to get rid of lint for good, making laundry day a breeze.
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How to Get Rid of Lint in Your Washing Machine: The Complete Guide
If you’ve ever pulled your clean laundry out of the washing machine only to find it covered in pesky fuzz and tiny fibers, you’re not alone. Lint build-up is a common laundry woe that can make your clothes look worn out and can even affect your washing machine’s performance over time. The good news? Getting rid of lint in your washing machine — and keeping it at bay — is totally doable with the right strategies. Let’s break down exactly what causes lint, how to banish it from your washer, and how to prevent future lint disasters.
What Causes Lint in the Washing Machine?
Lint is made up of small fibers that break off from clothes during the washing process. It’s especially common when washing new towels, sweaters, or other fuzzy fabrics for the first time. Some lint escapes down the drain, but much of it can cling to the walls of your washing machine or stay with your clothes. Other factors that can make lint worse include:
- Overloading the washing machine
- Mixing lint-shedding and lint-attracting fabrics (for example, towels and synthetic shirts)
- Using too much detergent
- Skipping regular cleaning of your appliance
Step-by-Step: How to Remove Lint from Your Washing Machine
Here’s how you can effectively get rid of lint build-up and restore your machine’s cleaning power.
1. Clean the Lint Filter (if your machine has one)
Some washing machines, especially older top-loading models, have a built-in lint filter. Over time, this filter collects lint and needs to be cleaned.
- Locate the filter (check the user manual if you’re unsure — it’s often near the agitator or drum rim).
- Remove the filter and gently brush away any lint and debris.
- Wash the filter under running water if necessary, then dry and replace.
2. Run a Maintenance Wash
Cleaning your washing machine with an empty load helps flush out lint and detergent residue.
- Set your machine to the hottest and longest washing cycle.
- Add 2 cups of white vinegar directly into the drum (not the detergent dispenser).
- Start the cycle and let it complete fully.
- For extra cleaning, you can follow with a second cycle using 1/2 cup of baking soda in the drum.
3. Wipe Down the Drum and Gasket
Lint often sticks to the inside surfaces of the machine, especially in front loaders.
- After the maintenance wash, wipe the inside of the drum, the rubber gasket (door seal), and around the door with a damp microfiber cloth.
- Be thorough—lint can gather in small crevices.
4. Check and Clean the Drain Pump Filter
Most front-loading washers have a small access door near the bottom front panel.
- Open the door (place a towel underneath to catch water).
- Unscrew the cap or pull out the drain pump filter.
- Remove visible lint and rinse the filter thoroughly.
- Reinstall and secure it properly.
5. Remove Built-Up Lint from Hoses
Over time, lint can accumulate in the machine’s drain hoses.
- Disconnect the washing machine from power and water.
- Remove the hoses (you may want a bucket handy for excess water).
- Run water through the hoses to clear out lint.
- Reconnect the hoses before restarting the machine.
Best Practices to Prevent Lint Build-Up
Keeping your washing machine lint-free is easier when you follow a few smart laundry habits. Consider these tips for cleaner clothes and a cleaner machine:
Separate Loads the Smart Way
- Wash lint-shedding items (like towels, flannel, and fleece) separately from lint-attracting items (like synthetics and dark clothes).
- Don’t overload the drum, as overcrowding can prevent lint from flushing away.
Use the Right Detergent and Amount
- Too much detergent creates more suds, which can trap lint and redeposit it on clothes.
- Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for detergent—less often means more effective rinsing.
Choose the Correct Wash Cycle
- Use shorter, gentler cycles for delicate, lint-prone fabrics to reduce fiber shedding.
- Opt for extra rinse cycles when needed to remove lingering lint.
Clean the Washer Regularly
- Run an empty maintenance cycle with vinegar and/or baking soda once a month.
- Wipe down the door, drum, and gasket weekly.
- Clean the lint and drain filters every few months or as recommended by your machine’s manual.
Dry Clothes Properly
- Shake clothes out before transferring them to the dryer.
- Use the dryer’s lint trap and clean it after each load.
- Line-drying? Shake clothes outdoors to help release lingering lint.
Extra Tips for Stubborn Lint Problems
Sometimes lint seems to persist no matter what you do. For those stubborn cases:
- Try in-drum lint-catching balls or nets, which grab lint during the wash.
- Add half a cup of distilled white vinegar to the final rinse—this can help loosen fibers clinging to your clothes.
- Remove your laundry promptly after the cycle ends and shake out each piece before drying.
- If machine cleaning hasn’t helped, check with a service technician for hidden internal blockages.
Key Benefits of Keeping Your Washing Machine Lint-Free
Cleaning out lint isn’t just about fresher clothes. It also means:
- Your washing machine will run more efficiently, using less water and energy.
- You’ll help prevent unpleasant odors caused by trapped lint and residue.
- You’ll extend the lifespan of your washing machine and reduce the risk of expensive repairs.
- Clothes come out looking cleaner, brighter, and more inviting.
Common Challenges and How to Tackle Them
Challenge: No Visible Lint Filter
- Many newer machines don’t have an obvious lint filter. Instead, focus on cleaning the drain pump filter and running regular maintenance cycles.
Challenge: Persistent Lint on Clothes
- Ensure proper sorting of laundry and avoid overfilling the drum.
- Consider running an extra rinse cycle after every load for extra lint removal.
Challenge: Musty or Damp Smell
- This can be a sign of lint, mildew, and detergent build-up. Regular cleaning of the drum and gaskets, plus leaving the door open between uses, helps alleviate this problem.
Quick Reference: Monthly Lint Busting Checklist
- Wipe down drum and door seals.
- Clean lint and pump filters (if accessible).
- Run a hot maintenance wash with vinegar or a washing machine cleaner.
- Check and flush hoses if you’ve noticed drainage issues.
- Keep up with smart laundry sorting and proper detergent use.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How often should I clean my washing machine to prevent lint build-up?
Ideally, you should clean your washing machine once a month. Wipe down the door and drum weekly and clean any accessible filters every 1-3 months, depending on your machine’s usage.
Why does lint keep showing up on my clothes even after cleaning the machine?
Lint issues can persist if you mix lint-producing fabrics with lint-attracting clothes, overload the washer, or use too much detergent. Carefully separate laundry, use the correct cycle, and avoid overfilling to reduce visible lint.
Is there a difference in handling lint between front-load and top-load washers?
Yes! Front-loaders often collect lint in the door gasket and pump filter, while top-loaders may have a dedicated lint filter to clean. Both benefit from regular maintenance washes and wiping down tub surfaces.
Can I use commercial washing machine cleaners for lint removal?
Absolutely. Commercial cleaners can help break down detergent residue and lint, though a combination of vinegar and baking soda is also highly effective and natural.
What should I do if my machine doesn’t have a lint filter?
Focus on running regular maintenance cycles, using lint-catching tools in the drum, and cleaning the pump or drain filter, if accessible. Pre-sorting your laundry and not overloading the machine also helps manage lint.
By keeping up with these simple routines and best practices, you can say goodbye to unsightly lint — and hello to fresher, cleaner clothes every time you do laundry!