As an affiliate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. We get commissions for purchases made through links on this website from Amazon and other third parties.
A good homemade lint remover can be a damp rubber glove, packing tape, or a clean microfiber cloth. Compare the best lint removers for blankets when a reusable tool is more practical. Match the method to pet hair, tissue bits, blanket fuzz, or loose fibers.
For most clothes and bedding, start with the gentlest method. A slightly damp rubber glove works well on pet hair and loose lint. Tape is better for small areas. A damp microfiber cloth is useful for larger items such as comforters, sofas, and fabric headboards.
The Best Homemade Lint Remover for Most Fabrics
A damp rubber glove is one of the easiest homemade lint removers.
You will need:
- A clean rubber dishwashing glove
- A small bowl of water
- A towel
Put on the glove and lightly dampen the palm and fingers. The glove should feel slightly wet, not dripping. Rub your hand over the fabric in one direction. The lint and hair should gather into small clumps that you can pick up.
Rinse the glove when it becomes covered. Dry the fabric with a towel if it feels damp.
This method works well on:
- Cotton sheets
- Comforter covers
- Upholstered chairs
- Pet blankets
- Car seats
- Fabric sofas
- Many coats and jackets
Use light pressure on delicate fabrics. Do not scrub hard, especially on loosely woven blankets or fabric with raised threads.
Quick Homemade Lint Remover Options
Different tools work better for different jobs.
| Homemade tool | Best for | Main caution |
|---|---|---|
| Damp rubber glove | Pet hair and loose lint | Too much water may leave marks |
| Packing tape | Small areas and stubborn lint | Strong tape may pull delicate fibers |
| Damp microfiber cloth | Large fabric surfaces | Rub gently to avoid pilling |
| Clean dish sponge | Heavy fabric and upholstery | Use only the soft side |
| Squeegee | Rugs and sturdy upholstery | May snag loose loops |
| Dryer sheet | Light static and fine lint | Check the fabric care instructions |
| Clean lint-free cloth | Dust and surface fuzz | May not remove embedded hair |
Always test a homemade method on a hidden area first. Fabric finishes, dyes, and weaves can react differently.
How to Make a Tape Lint Remover
Tape is useful when you need a quick lint remover for clothing.
What You Need
- Packing tape or wide clear tape
- Your hand or a cardboard tube
Wrap the tape around your hand with the sticky side facing out. Keep your fingers together and press the tape lightly against the fabric. Lift it straight up instead of dragging it across the surface.
You can also wrap tape around an empty paper towel tube. This creates a simple rolling lint remover. The tube may not spin like a store-bought lint roller, but it gives you a wider surface for bedding and larger clothes.
Replace the tape when it loses its stickiness.
When Tape Works Best
Tape is good for:
- Dark shirts with visible lint
- Pants
- Small pet hair patches
- Fabric bags
- Pillow covers
- Lamp shades
- Car upholstery
Avoid very sticky tape on silk, loose knits, velvet, embroidery, or fabric with decorative threads. Strong adhesive may pull at the surface or leave residue.
Painter’s tape is gentler, but it may not pick up thick pet hair as well.
How to Use a Damp Microfiber Cloth
A microfiber cloth can grab fine lint without adhesive. Microfiber has very small fibers that hold dust, hair, and loose fuzz.
Lightly dampen a clean cloth and wring it out well. Fold it into a flat pad. Wipe the fabric in one direction using smooth strokes.
Do not rub back and forth quickly. That can spread the lint around or make some fabrics look fuzzy.
A microfiber cloth is useful for:
- Comforters
- Duvet covers
- Upholstered bed frames
- Sofas
- Large cushions
- Fabric storage boxes
- Curtains
Rinse the cloth often. Pet hair can build up quickly and stop the cloth from working.
Wash the microfiber cloth separately from lint-heavy towels when possible. Fabric softener can coat microfiber and make it less effective. Check the cloth’s care label before washing or drying it.
Can You Use a Kitchen Sponge as a Lint Remover?
A clean, dry kitchen sponge can work on sturdy fabrics. Use the soft foam side, not the rough scrubbing side.
Move the sponge in one direction. The related guide, How to Get Fuzzies Off of a Comforter?, covers the fabric and cleanup variables behind the related pet or odor problem. Hair and lint should collect near the edge. Pick off the clumps and continue.
This method may help with:
- Pet blankets
- Sturdy comforters
- Fabric car seats
- Canvas bags
- Upholstered furniture
Do not use a used kitchen sponge. Food residue, grease, cleaning products, and odors can transfer to the fabric.
Avoid the rough side unless the manufacturer says the fabric can handle it. A rough scrubber can cause pilling, pulled threads, or worn patches.
Pilling means small balls of tangled fibers form on the surface of the fabric. These balls are different from loose lint and may need a fabric shaver rather than a lint remover.
Using a Squeegee for Pet Hair
A small rubber squeegee can gather pet hair from rugs, car seats, and sturdy upholstery.
Pull the squeegee toward you in short strokes. The rubber edge creates friction and brings hair to the surface. Collect the hair by hand or vacuum it up.
A squeegee is useful when hair is pressed into fabric and a lint roller is not strong enough.
Do not use it on:
- Loose-loop rugs
- Delicate blankets
- Embroidered fabric
- Chunky knits
- Fabric with damaged threads
The rubber edge can catch loose loops. Test a hidden corner before cleaning the whole area.
A Homemade Lint Remover for Bedding
Bedding can collect lint from clothing, towels, tissues, and pets. Large bedding items are harder to clean with tape because the sticky surface fills quickly.
For sheets and duvet covers, try this order:
- Shake the item outdoors or over a clean floor.
- Smooth it flat.
- Wipe it with a slightly damp rubber glove or microfiber cloth.
- Wash it if the care label allows.
- Clean the washer and dryer lint areas before the next load.
For comforters, check the care label before adding water or putting the item in a washer. The related guide, Why Is My Comforter So Linty?, covers the fabric and cleanup variables behind the related pet or odor problem. Some comforters need a large-capacity machine. A comforter that is packed tightly into a small washer may not rinse well.
A vacuum with a clean upholstery attachment can also remove surface lint from thick comforters. Use low suction when possible and watch for loose threads.
How to Remove Tissue Lint After Washing
A forgotten tissue can cover a whole load with white bits. It is annoying, but the clothes are usually not ruined.
Start by shaking each item. Do this outdoors or over a surface that is easy to clean.
Next, place the items in the dryer only if the care labels allow machine drying. Air movement may loosen many of the tissue pieces. Clean the dryer lint screen before and after the cycle.
A good homemade lint remover can be a damp rubber glove, packing tape, or a clean microfiber cloth; Keep cat hair from sticking everywhere with routine grooming, washable covers, lower-static fabrics, frequent vacuuming, and quick lint removal.
For clothing that cannot go in the dryer, let it air-dry and use tape, a damp glove, or a soft clothes brush.
Do not keep rewashing the load without checking the washer. Wet tissue can remain inside the drum, door seal, filter area, or dispenser. Follow the washer manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning these parts.
How to Remove Pet Hair From Blankets
Pet hair often sticks because of static and friction. Thick blankets can trap hair below the surface.
Before washing a pet blanket:
- Shake it outdoors.
- Use a damp rubber glove.
- Run a squeegee over sturdy fabric.
- Vacuum both sides with an upholstery tool.
- Remove as much hair as possible before putting it in the washer.
Large amounts of pet hair can collect inside the washer and dryer. Check the appliance guidance for cleaning filters, traps, door seals, and drums.
Do not overload the washer. A tightly packed blanket cannot move freely, so hair and detergent may not rinse away well.
Drying instructions vary. Check the care label before using heat. Some blankets need low heat or air-drying.
How to Prevent Lint in the Laundry
Removing lint is easier when less of it gets onto the fabric in the first place.
Sort Lint Makers From Lint Collectors
Some fabrics release a lot of fibers. Others attract them.
Common lint makers include:
- Bath towels
- Fleece blankets
- Flannel
- Chenille
- New cotton blankets
- Some socks
- Tissue left in pockets
Common lint collectors include:
- Dark cotton clothing
- Leggings
- Corduroy
- Microfiber sheets
- Synthetic sportswear
- Some knit fabrics
Wash lint makers separately from clothes that show lint easily.
Empty Every Pocket
Check pockets for tissues, receipts, paper, and wrappers. One tissue can turn laundry day into a small indoor snowstorm.
Turn Dark Clothes Inside Out
Turning clothes inside out may reduce the amount of visible lint on the outside. It also limits rubbing on the finished surface.
Do Not Overload the Washer
Clothes need room to move. An overloaded washer may leave lint, soap, and loose fibers trapped between items.
Follow the washer manufacturer’s loading guidance.
Clean the Washer and Dryer
Lint can remain in the washer drum, door seal, filter, or dryer lint screen.
Clean the dryer lint screen after each load. Follow the appliance manual for deeper cleaning. Some washers have filters that need regular care, while others do not have a user-accessible filter.
Check Fabric Before Washing It
A new fuzzy blanket may shed more than an older one. Washing it separately for the first few cycles can keep the loose fibers away from sheets and clothing.
Read the care label before washing, drying, bleaching, ironing, or using heat.
Lint Versus Pilling
Lint and pilling are not the same thing.
Lint is loose material sitting on the fabric. It may include hair, dust, tissue bits, or fibers from another item. Tape, gloves, brushes, and cloths can remove it.
Pills are small fiber balls attached to the fabric. They form when fibers rub together and tangle.
A homemade lint remover may lift loose fuzz around pills, but it will not fully remove the pills. Pulling them by hand can stretch the fabric.
A fabric shaver or sweater comb may work better. Use these tools carefully and follow their instructions. Do not use them on lace, embroidery, thin fabric, or loose knits unless the product guidance says it is safe.
Homemade Methods to Avoid
Some household tools are too rough for many fabrics.
Razors
A razor may cut pills, but it can also cut the fabric. It is easy to create a hole, especially on thin shirts, sheets, and knitwear.
A fabric shaver is a safer choice because it is made for fabric care. Even then, test it first.
Rough Scrubbing Pads
The rough side of a kitchen sponge can pull threads and create fuzzy patches. It may make the fabric look clean at first while wearing down the surface.
Hairbrushes With Sharp Bristles
Sharp or widely spaced bristles can snag bedding and clothing. Use a clothes brush designed for fabric instead.
Very Strong Adhesive
Duct tape and heavy-duty adhesive tape may leave residue or pull fibers. Use gentler tape and press lightly.
Soaking the Fabric
More water does not make a damp glove work better. Too much moisture may leave water marks, spread dirt, or make the item slow to dry.
Choosing the Right Method for the Fabric
Cotton
Cotton usually handles a damp glove, microfiber cloth, or light tape well. Thin cotton may stretch, so support the fabric while cleaning it.
Fleece
Fleece attracts lint and pet hair. A damp glove can help, but aggressive rubbing may make the surface look rough. Wash fleece away from towels.
Wool
Use a soft clothes brush or a tool made for wool. Strong tape and wet cleaning may affect the surface. Check the garment care label.
Velvet
Velvet has a raised surface called a pile. Brush it in the direction of the pile. Avoid strong tape and rough rubbing.
Knit Fabric
Knits can snag easily. Use light pressure and avoid tools with sharp edges.
Upholstery
A glove, squeegee, or vacuum may work, but upholstery fabrics vary. Check the furniture care label or manufacturer guidance before using water or cleaning products.
Microfiber Upholstery
Microfiber furniture can show water marks if it is cleaned the wrong way. Check the cleaning code and manufacturer instructions before using a damp cloth.
A Simple Reusable Lint Remover Kit
You can keep a small lint-removal kit in a drawer, laundry room, car, or suitcase.
Include:
- A clean rubber glove
- A microfiber cloth
- A small roll of tape
- A soft clothes brush
- A zip bag for used tape and collected lint
A small kit is useful in guest rooms, dorm rooms, RVs, and pet-friendly homes. It also helps when dark clothing picks up lint right before you leave.
Keep the glove and cloth clean. A dirty tool can transfer dust, grease, or dye to the fabric.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest homemade lint remover?
A slightly damp rubber glove is the easiest choice for many fabrics. Rub it over the surface in one direction. The rubber gathers lint and pet hair into clumps.
Can I make a lint roller with tape?
Yes. Wrap packing tape around your hand or a cardboard tube with the sticky side facing out. Press it lightly against the fabric and lift. Avoid strong tape on delicate materials.
Does a damp cloth remove lint?
A damp microfiber cloth can remove fine lint, dust, and some pet hair. Wring it out well before use. The cloth should not soak the fabric.
How do I remove lint from black clothes?
Use tape, a damp rubber glove, or a soft clothes brush. Wash black clothes separately from towels and fuzzy blankets. Turning them inside out may also reduce visible lint.
What removes pet hair from bedding?
A damp rubber glove, rubber squeegee, vacuum upholstery tool, or microfiber cloth can help. Remove as much hair as possible before washing the bedding.
Can I use a dryer sheet as a lint remover?
A clean dryer sheet may pick up light lint and reduce static on some fabrics. Rub gently and check the item’s care instructions. Some sheets leave a coating or scent behind.
Why do my clothes still have lint after washing?
The washer may be overloaded, lint-making fabrics may be mixed with lint collectors, or tissue may have been left in a pocket. Lint may also be trapped in the washer or dryer. Follow the appliance instructions for cleaning filters and other lint collection areas.
Is lint the same as fabric pilling?
No. Lint is loose material on top of the fabric. Pilling is made of small fiber balls attached to the surface. A lint remover picks up loose material, while pills may need a fabric shaver or sweater comb.
What Is the Easiest Fabric to Get Pet Hair Out Of?. Does Dog Hair Stick to Polyester or Cotton More?. What to Do If a Comforter Is Pilling?.
