How to Remove Lint in Washing Machine

Why Is Lint Even in My Washing Machine?

Ah yes, that pesky fuzzball that clings stubbornly to your favorite black shirt or your cozy towel. Lint isn’t just a fashion faux pas—it’s a key indicator your washing machine is due for some TLC. Basically, lint consists of tiny fabric fibers and other debris generated by clothes rubbing against each other during wash cycles. While the dryer usually has its own lint trap, washing machines aren’t totally off the hook; many accumulate lint too, especially if the machine’s lint filter is clogged or missing altogether.

Lint buildup can clog drainage pipes, cause unpleasant odors, and even reduce washing effectiveness. So, before you resign yourself to living in a world of lint, let’s get into how to kick it to the curb.

Prevention Is Better Than Cure: How to Reduce Lint in Wash

First off, if your clothes look like a fuzzy hedgehog after washing, a few smart moves during laundry prep can save you tons of hassle later:

  • Shake Out Clothes and Linens Before Washing: Whether it’s blankets, towels, or lint magnets like fleece, give them a good shake outdoors to dislodge loose fibers. This simple step can dramatically reduce lint accumulation during the cycle (source).
  • Use Mesh Laundry Bags for Delicates: These nifty bags reduce friction and keep smaller items from shedding all over the drum.
  • Choose Gentle Cycles and Cold Water: Aggressive washing agitates fibers and encourages lint. Gentle cycles minimize fiber stress, and cold water helps preserve fabric integrity.
  • Avoid Overloading Your Washer: Your machine isn’t a magic portal where more is merrier. Overstuffing increases rubbing, leading to more lint.
  • Use Mild Detergent, Not Too Much: Harsh or excess detergent can leave residue that traps lint. Mild detergents made for delicate fabrics are your friends here (source).

Detecting and Cleaning Your Washing Machine’s Lint Filter

Alright, the pièce de résistance: the washing machine lint filter. Contrary to popular belief, not all washers have an easily accessible lint trap. But for those that do, cleaning it regularly is vital.

Where to Find the Lint Filter?

Depending on your machine’s style, lint filters hide in different spots:

  • Top-loading washers: Typically located near the top rim of the drum, inside the agitator column, or at the end of the drain hose.
  • Front-loading washers: Often behind an access panel on the lower front side or attached to the drainage pipe.

Unsure? Your manual is the best first stop, or peek through online manuals or videos for your exact model. For cleaning instructions on specific brands, check out our guide on How to Remove Lint from Top Loading Washing Machine.

Step-by-Step: Cleaning the Filter

  1. Unplug Your Washer: Safety first, always disconnect before poking around in your machine (source).
  2. Remove the Filter: This may involve unscrewing a panel or simply pulling out a lint screen.
  3. Rinse and Scrub: Rinse the filter under running water, removing visible lint and debris. For stubborn gunk, use a soft toothbrush with a 50/50 water and white vinegar mix — perfect for breaking down residue (source).
  4. Soak if Necessary: If your filter smells funky or has buildup, soak it in hot water mixed with mild detergent for 5–10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly (source).
  5. Reinstall: Pop it back in securely — don’t skip this step or your machine won’t filter properly.
  6. Run an Empty Rinse Cycle: This flushes out any lingering lint inside the machine.

High-Efficiency (HE) Washers: Lint’s Sneaky Cousin

If you have an HE washer, you might be scratching your head wondering where the lint trap is. Many HE machines forgo a traditional lint filter, so you’ll want to run the machine’s cleaning cycle monthly and follow pro tips for keeping fibers from going rogue. Regular maintenance here is your best bet to banish lint build-up and preserve washer health (source).

When Lint Sticks to Clothes Anyway…

Even after you’ve done your best to clean filters and prep laundry, lint may still make a daring comeback on clothes. Here’s how to send it packing:

  • Check the Filter Again: Maybe it wasn’t thoroughly cleaned or reinstalled.
  • Run an Additional Rinse Cycle: Sometimes all your clothes need is an encore rinse to flush lint away (source).
  • Use Lint Removal Tools On Dry Clothes: After drying, a lint roller, sticky tape, or a clothes brush can work wonders to pick up lingering fuzz (source).
  • Avoid Over-Drying: Overzealous heat increases static, which is like a neon sign for lint. Low heat or air dry modes reduce cling.

Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Washer Lint-Free

  • Regular Filter Cleaning: Establish a monthly routine to clean your lint filter or run cleaning cycles to stay ahead.
  • Watch Out for Drainage Issues: Slow draining or lingering smells can mean trapped lint or clogged hoses needing attention.
  • Consider Lint Catchers: Specialty in-wash lint catchers exist, but do your homework—they work better on some machines than others (source).

Bonus: Top Tools to Help You Fight Lint

For the ultimate lint battle, consider these handy tools:

  • Washer Lint Traps and Filters: Designed to fit inside your machine and catch lint before it redeposits. Available here for India and Globally including USA.
  • Lint Rollers: Sticky, quick, and effective for last-minute fuzz removal.
  • Mesh Laundry Bags: Help prevent lint formation especially for delicate or lint-prone clothing.

Some Handy Internal Guides You Might Like

If you want deeper dives into related topics, consider checking out these detailed guides from our archive:

Keep in mind, consistent upkeep and smart laundry habits are your secret weapons. Your washer will thank you with fresher, cleaner clothes and fewer lint disasters.