How to deal with a lint magnet - YouLookFab Forum

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How to deal with a lint magnet

Jessikams

(website)

Veteran

Hi folks- I have a pair of pants that are super comfortable and flattering, but they are a HORRIBLE lint magnet. They are dark navy heavyweight cotton - the kind of fabric that could be used to make men's khakis. If I brush against anything at all, they pick up any dust, lint, hair, whatever might be on the surface. No amount of lint rolling seems to help; the dark fabric color is always flecked with FLUFF and speckles of stuff.

Is there any remedy for this problem? The pants are not supposed to go in the dryer, but I dry them anyway in the hope that the dryer sheet will prevent static cling which could worsen the lint problem. But maybe there's a spray treatment or something that would make the fabric more "nonstick"? Thanks in advance for any suggestions; I love these pants but the lint drives me bonkers.

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20 replies

Latest reply was from Angie

Joy

Veteran

I have found that those sticky lint rollers are the most effective. We have tried various kinds of dryer balls but tiny ones that go in the washer are more effective but only catch a very small percentage of the pet hair, which is what I am needing relief from. They are also labor intensive,

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

I get rid of them, honestly. *shrug emoji*

rachylou

Veteran

I would love to know the answer to this!!

Jessikams

(website)

Veteran

Joy, I normally swear by the lint roller! So useful. But these pants, I swear: I roll and roll and roll, put the roller down, get into the elevator 5 seconds later and look down, and there is MORE LINT. How is it possible???

rachylou

Veteran

Does anyone think an anti static spray could help?

delurked

Veteran

Hmm. That’s a bummer, especially if they are flattering. Having a cat means I just can’t on lint heavy items. Some I’m ok with just because it’s life. But not even able to lint roll it away? Hope someone can recommend a help for you.

cindysmith

Veteran

I quit buying those fabrics YEARS ago, because I never found any way to remedy the issue. I also gave away all my pants like that, even though some of them were rather spendy. They just weren't worth the headache.
Now that you've brought up flinty pants, I'm wondering if that's why there's so much darned churn in my sweater collection. Too many sweaters these days pill horribly and I do NOT have time/inclination to de-pill sweaters every time I turn around

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Sadly, I don’t think there is a solution to this. I’ve gotten better at identifying the fabrics likely to do this before I commit to them, so I’ve mostly avoided the problem, although a WoolX tee I recently purchased turned out like that. A mouse got into our camper and nibbled on the neck of that tee, so it’s now sleepwear anyway. I’ve had cats and/or dogs for as long as I can remember, so this is definitely an issue I can relate to.

Kate

Veteran

When a lint roller won’t do the trick, try packing tape. It’s a sticky PITA to use, but it works. So does duct tape, with the same PITA usage warning.

Liz

Veteran

Second the packing tape. Press the packing tape on, then rip off. However, also second the PITA.

Sadly, also second (third? Fourth?) those who say their solution has been to get rid of the item. I'm guessing there's a type of woven fabric that collects lint not because of static cling, but because the texture of the fabric is "grabby."

Joy

Veteran

Yes, Liz hit the nail on the head. Textured fabrics like velvet or dark corduroy and some knits are the worst. If you have a furry pet, just get rid of the garment. Slick smooth textures like leather or satin do not hold the fur so much unless there is static cling.. The worst is my wool navy pea coat. A black trench coat and a black rain/utility coat are more lint free.

Jessikams

(website)

Veteran

Yes, slicker fabrics are just easier to deal with aren’t they? Thanks all for the ideas—

Minaminu

Veteran

Have you tried washing them on the reverse and letting them air dry? I think the dryer may be the cause for the extra lindt.

Also, try brushing them instead of using the lindt roller.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Isn’t it strange to try to predict this?!? I have some black pants that feel very soft to touch. I expected them to be a problem this way, but they are fine. And of course other times it goes the opposite way. Good luck with yours!

Stretch-Hose mit satinierter Oberfläche

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Anonymous

I can definitely relate! It seems like most of my knits are lint magnets, but they're warmer in winter so oh well...

Bijou

Veteran

I have an anti-static spray and it helps with not attracting lint. It is a bit of a marginal thing though - nothing helps with white dog fur. I figure it is just part of my signature style to have westie fur on my clothes.

antihype

I have a bunch of synthetic clothes and a lot of it dust/hair magnets. Anti-static spray + sticky roller. Also when I wash my clothes I put a plastic bag in the washer, it collecting all the particles.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I just saw this advertised on the tele:

bounce Pet Hair and Lint Guard Mega Dryer Sheets with 3X Pet Hair Fighters, Fresh Scent, 120 Count

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Jessikams

(website)

Veteran

I’m going to try some of these laundry tricks. And what an intriguing product, Angie, thank you for sharing!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Jessikams, I really hope it works!