Dark clothes and lint from towels

Short answer: Lint is pale fibre from terry, and it only shows clearly on dark fabric. The solution is sorting, not a different colour.

Where the lint comes from

Towels, dressing gowns and everything in terry shed loose fibres in the wash. Those fibres settle on whatever shares the drum. On dark fabric the contrast is greatest, which is why you see it there.

Sorting solves most of it

Run towels in their own load and keep dark clothes separate. Wash dark items inside out so lint settles on the inside. See bamboo clothing for men.

How to remove what is already there

A lint roller is fastest, and a damp rubber glove works on hair. Empty the dryer filter every time, or the lint gets redistributed. See bamboo towels and bamboo clothing for women.

Frequently asked questions

Does light clothing get lint too

Yes, just as much. You simply do not see it, because the contrast is small.

Does fabric softener help against lint

No. It coats the fibres without solving anything.

Can lint be washed off again

Partly. A rewash alone without terry removes a good share.