Why am I Getting So Much Leftover Lint on My Shirts?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the issue of leftover lint on shirts after laundry, exploring potential causes and solutions. Participants share their experiences with laundry practices, including the washing and drying of sweaters and shirts, and the use of fabric softeners and dryer sheets.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that they consistently find lint on their shirts despite cleaning the lint trap and suggests that sweaters may be shedding lint onto other garments.
  • Another participant questions whether sweaters are washed with shirts, indicating that mixing them could contribute to lint transfer.
  • Some participants mention the practice of emptying the lint filter multiple times during the drying cycle to reduce lint accumulation.
  • There is a suggestion that static electricity might be a root cause of lint transfer, with recommendations to use fabric softeners or dryer sheets to mitigate this issue.
  • One participant describes their method of washing sweaters cold and hanging them to dry, claiming it prevents lint and other issues.
  • Another participant humorously contrasts modern laundry practices with a more traditional method of washing clothes in a river.
  • Some participants discuss their struggles with ironing shirts, particularly the sleeves, and share tips on ironing techniques and tools.
  • There is mention of lint balls designed to collect lint, though uncertainty remains about their effectiveness.
  • One participant emphasizes that washing sweaters properly can eliminate the need for ironing and lint issues altogether.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a variety of opinions on laundry practices, with no clear consensus on the best methods to prevent lint transfer. Some agree on the effectiveness of fabric softeners, while others advocate for different washing techniques. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the most effective solutions.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference various laundry practices and products, but there is no agreement on their effectiveness or applicability to all situations. The discussion includes personal anecdotes and differing approaches to laundry, highlighting the subjective nature of the topic.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in laundry techniques, fabric care, and those experiencing similar issues with lint on clothing may find this discussion relevant.

Cyrus
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Every time I do the laudy I get a ton of leftover lint on my shirts, even after cleaning out the lint trap in the dryer each between each load. Is there something you can throw in there that collects more lint?

I think my sweaters are sheading a lot of lint onto my undershirts and dress shirts.
 
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You don't do your sweaters in with your shirts do you?
 


No, because my shirts are whites.
 


I try to empty the lint filter about 10 or 15 minutes into the dryer cycle, then again 10 minutes later if there's a lot of lint. I do this just to speed the drying time, though.

New clothes will lint a lot more than old clothes and I have no idea how to stop that from happening.

Maybe your root problem is static electicity. Do you use fabric softener or dryer sheets? I use both in winter, to combat static, and I don't have much trouble with lint transferring to other clothes in the load.
 


Well that's good news. But you actually run your sweaters through the dryer? I wash my sweaters cold, inside-out, with Woolite on gentle cycle and then hang them near the furnace to dry.

It helps to prevent shrinking, color-loss, and excessive 'shedding'. Maybe try that?
 


Wow! My wife takes our clothes down to the river and pounds them with rocks. What's all this tech-stuff about?
 


turbo-1 said:
Wow! My wife takes our clothes down to the river and pounds them with rocks. What's all this tech-stuff about?

You red neck. :)
 


Plus, I am ironing 5 dress shirts...my god this takes forever. I suck at this too. I am ok until the sleeves.
 


turbo-1 said:
Wow! My wife takes our clothes down to the river and pounds them with rocks. What's all this tech-stuff about?

Guess that would help with your fragrance sensitivity.
 
  • #10


Cyrus said:
You red neck. :)
Moose season and deer season are over so she doesn't have to help gut those, and as long as the rivers aren't frozen yet, she might as well do laundry.
 
  • #11


They do have those lint balls to gather more lint, so you don't get them attached to your current clothes. Not sure how well they work though, but I saw them the other day at work, and they looked as if they would be pretty good.
 
  • #12


lisab said:
Maybe your root problem is static electicity. Do you use fabric softener or dryer sheets?

As far as I know Dryer Sheets are the way to take care of this. Though I would be suprised if you don't already use them Cyrus since you are so conscientious about clothing.
 
  • #13


TheStatutoryApe said:
As far as I know Dryer Sheets are the way to take care of this. Though I would be suprised if you don't already use them Cyrus since you are so conscientious about clothing.

It was never a problem until I got two sweaters that seem to shed like crazy. And now that its winter time, its really a headache.
 
  • #14


Cyrus said:
Plus, I am ironing 5 dress shirts...my god this takes forever. I suck at this too. I am ok until the sleeves.

The sleeves are the only part I can do. I can't do that spot right between the shoulder blades that has the funny little fold. I don't have an ironing board though. Towel on table or floor.
 
  • #15


tribdog said:
The sleeves are the only part I can do. I can't do that spot right between the shoulder blades that has the funny little fold. I don't have an ironing board though. Towel on table or floor.

Yeah, you really need an ironing table for that. I use the pointy part and just keep shifting the shirt around. You can get the entire back portion without any creases that way.

I probably spent well over an hour doing just 5 damn shirts. I think I'm just slow at it.
 
  • #16


Cyrus said:
Yeah, you really need an ironing table for that. I use the pointy part and just keep shifting the shirt around. You can get the entire back portion without any creases that way.

I probably spent well over an hour doing just 5 damn shirts. I think I'm just slow at it.


You need an ironing press, they come with instructions of how to do shirts, pants and things like sheets, i bought my mom one and she loves it.
 
  • #17


Cyrus said:
Yeah, you really need an ironing table for that. I use the pointy part and just keep shifting the shirt around. You can get the entire back portion without any creases that way.

I probably spent well over an hour doing just 5 damn shirts. I think I'm just slow at it.
Just have them done at the cleaners, it doesn't cost much for shirts.
 
  • #18


I don't know what this "iron" stuff is you speak of; I am telling you wash your sweaters cold in Woolite and hang them dry and there is no need for "iron" (or phosphorus or Nickel or any other elements) and there is no lint either.
 
  • #19


Saladsamurai said:
I don't know what this "iron" stuff is you speak of; I am telling you wash your sweaters cold in Woolite and hang them dry and there is no need for "iron" (or phosphorus or Nickel or any other elements) and there is no lint either.
He's not ironing his sweaters, just his shirts.
 
  • #20


Evo said:
He's not ironing his sweaters, just his shirts.

Ah. That makes sense now.
 
  • #21


you don't iron sweaters?
 

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