So Much Lint, So Little Time. Top Lint Removal Tools Explained

Lint: That fuzzy annoyance that mixes with pet hair and other debris to produce an unsightly layer that covers the clothing and furniture you are most interested in wearing or using.

Doesn’t it seem like every time you pull out a suit jacket, shirt or dress to wear last minute, it is completely covered with lint, pet hair or both? How about when company is set to come over? You can almost guarantee that the guest bed, couch and every other favorite feline napping spot is sure to be coated too.

Fluffy fuzzy things are a problem that we all have to deal with at some point, and if you’re a pet owner, the sorry situation is only compounded thanks to Fido’s never ending pile of shedding fur. None of us have time to deal with these unexpected messes, and because they’re so common, it seems like there are millions of tools and techniques recommended to clean them. It’s pretty difficult to be fully prepared, and prevent every one of these last minute disasters, so speed is important when deciding exactly how you will approach the task.

No one wants to walk out the door with lint all over their clothes, and few people would feel good about their guests sitting on a couch covered in pet hair, so the best lint removal tools and cleaning techniques to tackle these kinds of jobs will be both highly effective, and fast at the same time. This way, you can ensure a clean surface without being late for work, or letting the in-laws catch you still cleaning when they walk in.

You could pull out your heavy vacuum to suck up all the debris, but lint and pet hair messes are usually in a single location that’s pretty small. Vacuums are great for large areas of flooring, or other elevated areas when attachments are used, but other lint removal tools will always be faster, easier-to-use and more effective when cleaning lint and hair on shirts, blankets, furniture and other common areas where you find it.

OK. So What Tool Works Best To Remove Lint?

Glad you asked. We actually have several tools that are outstanding for cleaning upholstery, clothing, and furniture, and every one recommended below will offer high efficiency at a fast speed. Check out the short list that follows to discover some of the best tools available for removing lint and hair at the last minute.

They all work really well, and offer good speed compared to other options, but some people may prefer one over the other for certain reasons. As with anything, each tool will have strengths and weaknesses in comparison to the others, so keep reading to decide which method will work best for you, and your lifestyle.

Deluxe Rubber Lint Brush

The newest addition to our powerful line of rubber brushes, this dual sided version is pretty unique. It has fine bristles on one side like the regular model, but it also has a wavy surface on the back that’s great for microscopic annoyances, or working with textured fabrics like velvet, suede and corduroy.

The solid construction ensures a durable lint removal tool that will never break, lose shape, or become ineffective, and it’s made from natural rubber, so it builds a charge when you use short strokes on any surface. This static cling pulls in light debris like a magnet so you can easily wipe your sleeve clean, or eliminate fur from a couch cushion in seconds.

This tool is safe for use on any surface, so you can use it to clean almost anything. It’s perfect for lint on clothing and furniture, but it also works well for vehicle surfaces and other areas too. The lint and fur won’t stick to the tool, but the rubber bristles will lift and collect it quickly. Learn more.

Natural Rubber Lint Brush

The original rubber lint removal tool, this handy brush fits right in the palm of your hand. A few quick swipes will allow the natural rubber to build a charge thanks to the carbon content, and from that point on, it will act like a magnet for all of the fuzzy stuff you’re trying to eliminate.

Quickly build a pile of lint without it flying away, and then dispose of it to go about your day. The whole brush is totally washable, and virtually indestructible, and it offers long-lasting performance. With each pass, the fine rubber bristles will form a wall to lift and remove every spec of debris in their path. Within seconds, you garment or furniture will be clean and ready for the day.

This lint remover is made from 100% natural rubber, so it’s also safe for any surface or material, and it will work quickly to clean clothing, upholstery and other stuff where lint and pet hair settle. The brush will not hold onto the debris like a sticky roller would, but it will brush any surface clean, and allow you to collect and remove the lint that is covering it. Learn more.

Ultimate Upholstery Cleaning Brush

Made from a synthetic rubber instead of the natural stuff, this brush won’t build as strong of a static charge, but the bristles that stick out at the front, make it way easier to clean in cracks and crevices. Because the bristles on this brush are significantly fatter than the two above, it’s better suited for the cleaning lint and hair on the seats in your car, the couch cushions in your living room, and other similar surfaces. It’ll be less effective on clothing when compared to the lint removal brushes previously listed that have finer bristles.

Easily clean larger areas like stairs, pet beds and comforters, and quickly eliminate lint and other debris from tight places like between cushions. This powerful brush has a long handle that may be more comfortable for some users, and it’s totally washable, just like the other versions above.

Thanks to the TPR construction, this tool will not break, bend, lose shape, drop bristles, or become less effective with repeated use. Take advantage of the flexible bristles that are safe for use almost anywhere, and easily clean into cracks and other tight areas by using the extra bristles at the tip. Learn more.

Travel Size Washable Lint Roller

Many people prefer rollers over brushes when cleaning clothing and upholstery of unwanted debris, but few realize that you can get one that does not require refills, replacements, or throwing away dirty scraps of sticky paper. This powerful sticky roller works just as well as any other, but it’s totally washable and reusable for years of regular cleaning.

Simply roll over any surface to collect fuzz and fur, then rinse under warm water to release it down the drain. It never requires a refill, and it retains like-new stickiness for a very long time. Because it comes complete with a folding protective case, this is the perfect tool to take with you on the go, for removing lint at any moment.

With a sticky roller you’ll actually lift up and collect the lint and fur, so it’s a one-step process, but you are also limited by the capacity of the roller. With this sticky roller you can just rinse it off and keep cleaning, but with other options, you’ll have to refill it, or tear off a layer to reveal a fresh sticky surface. Learn more.

Regular Washable Lint Roller

This standard size roller is incredibly sticky, and it’s the perfect size for lint and hair removal all over your home. Use it on clothing before you leave the house, use it on drapery that the cat rubs against, or use it right on chairs and sofas to eliminate fuzzies in a matter of seconds.

It comes complete with a slide on cover to protect the roller when not in use, and just like the mini version mentioned above, it’s totally washable and reusable. Just roll back and forth while applying light pressure, and it will pick up and hold any light debris it encounters. A quick rinse will clean it off, and once dry it will be as good as new, and ready to clean again.

This lint removal tool is designed to replace commonly used traditional sticky rollers, so it’s a similar size and shape. You can use it on any surface or material to clean and remove lint and pet hair, and it will be guaranteed to be safe and effective. When compared for speed and effectiveness, this tool is tough to beat. Simply roll over any surface and it will eliminate any light debris coating it. Learn more.

Don’t settle for fuzzy clothes, or couches covered in fur, but don’t waste a bunch of time or money trying to get stuff clean either. The five lint removal tools listed above have been thoroughly tested, and they are proven to perform well, last a long time, and offer incredible value for the money.

When you have one or more at your disposal, you’ll never worry about last minute guests, or early morning meetings again because you’ll know that it’ll only take a few seconds to make any material or surface presentable by eliminating every spec of fluffy grime.

Other Lint Removal Options

If you don’t have time to wait for new stuff to arrive, you may have things around your home that can help you out right now. For all you cheapskates out there that won’t fork over a few dollars, and for all you desperate folks that are searching for a last minute solution, check out the list that follows for some home remedy style fixes that will help you clean lint covered clothing and furniture.

1. Use Sticky Tape

The fat, sticky box stuff works the best, but any will do. Just wrap it around your hand with the sticky side up, and then pat or rub the area you want to clean. Continue until all the lint is gone, while making sure to use fresh areas of tape whenever possible. Once the tape is fully coated, you’ll have to replace it with new tape to keep cleaning.

2. Make Your Own MacGyver-Style Roller

Take a rolling pin and roll tape around it with the sticky side up. Continue until the full roll is covered with tape and sticky to the touch, and you’ll have made your very own homemade lint roller. Now just roll it back and forth to clean your clothes. Once again, as soon as the tape is coated, it’ll be time for a new layer. To keep cleaning, peel the old tape off, and reapply a new layer.

3. Use a Scrubby Pad

Not a good idea for delicate garments, but for regular stuff, it’s pretty safe. Grab a new, clean green scrub pad from your kitchen, and wipe it across the lint covered surface to clean it. Getting the pad damp may improve results. With this technique, you will want to use care on certain surfaces, but if you’re careful, you should be able to lift and remove from most clothing.

4. Try a Pumice Stone

Similar to the scrubby pad this rough material can pick up lint when rubbed across clothing and furniture. Make sure to use it with caution because it’s fairly abrasive. Because it’s basically just a rock, you’ll want to be careful on delicate surfaces, and for any spot that seems risky, make sure to try it out on a small area first.

5. Use a Disposable Razor

With caution and light pressure, you can use a regular shaving razor to collect lint and other debris on the surface of your clothing. This method is especially useful for those little balls that are stuck in place, or large stubborn pieces. If you press to hard, you may cause damage, and if you brush too lightly, you won’t clean all of the lint. With practice and a proper technique, this can be an effective technique for lint removal.

6. Wash With Vinegar

If you have certain clothing that is notoriously linty, then adding vinegar to your laundry can help to reduce it, or eliminate it altogether. Simply pour in a small amount of vinegar at the rinse cycle to gain the benefits. When added to your load of laundry, the vinegar will help to reduce static and soften the fabrics. When your load has finished drying, you should see less lint on your clothing in comparison.

How To Prevent Lint Build-Up In The First Place

If you stop lint and pet hair from settling on your clothing and furniture, you’ll never have to remove it. Spend less time cleaning, when you spend more effort to prevent the build-up. Lint and hair on clothing can be a common nuisance, but there are several strategies you can employ to prevent or reduce them:

Wash Similar Fabrics Together: Separate clothing items made of lint-shedding fabrics (e.g., towels, flannels, and certain knits) from lint-attracting fabrics (e.g., corduroy, velvet, and fleece) when doing laundry. Lint is more likely to transfer when mixed.
Use a Lint Filter: Always clean the lint filter in your dryer after each use. A clean filter is more effective at trapping lint and preventing it from sticking to your clothing.
Shake Clothing Before Drying: Before placing clothing in the dryer, give them a good shake or a few vigorous snaps to dislodge any loose lint or hair.
Empty Pockets: Check your pockets for tissues, paper, or any other lint-producing items before washing. These items can break down in the wash and create lint.
Turn Clothing Inside Out: When washing and drying clothing items prone to shedding lint (e.g., towels or certain sweaters), turn them inside out. This can help reduce lint transfer.
Use Fabric Softeners: Fabric softeners or dryer sheets can help reduce static cling, which can attract lint and hair. Add them to your laundry load as directed.
Avoid Overloading the Dryer: Overloading the dryer can cause clothing to rub against each other, creating friction and shedding more lint. Dry clothing in smaller loads to prevent this.
Clean Your Washer: Periodically clean your washing machine, especially the lint filter if it has one. Lint can accumulate in the washer and transfer to your clothing.
Choose Clothing Thoughtfully: Consider the fabrics and clothing items you purchase. Some fabrics, like microfiber or certain synthetics, are less prone to attracting lint and hair.
Store Clothing Properly: Store your clothing in a clean, lint-free environment. Dust and pet hair in your closet can transfer to your clothes.
Maintain Pet Grooming: If you have pets, regularly groom and brush them to reduce shedding. Keep pet bedding and clothing separate from your own to minimize lint transfer.
Dry Clothing Line-Dry: Line-drying your clothing outdoors can reduce static and lint compared to using a dryer. It’s especially helpful for delicate fabrics.

While it’s challenging to eliminate lint and hair entirely, these strategies can help minimize their presence on your clothing and keep your wardrobe looking its best.

Have your own lint removal method or favorite lint cleaning tool not listed above? Use the comments section below to share.