How to avoid lint from towels on dark clothes
Short answer: Lint on dark clothes nearly always comes from towels and new terry in the same load. Wash towels on their own and the problem disappears.
Terry sheds fibres
Terry loops release fibres, especially in the first many washes. They settle into dark clothes at once.
Wash towels on their own
That is the only solution that works every time. See bamboo towels.
Turn dark clothes inside out
Turn dark clothes inside out and the lint gathers on the inside instead of the outside.
Clean the filter
A full lint filter in the machine means lint stays in the water and settles back on the clothes.
Lint roller afterwards
If the damage is done, a lint roller deals with most of it. A damp hand over the fabric also works.
New terry
New towels shed the most. Wash them alone for the first couple of times. See how to wash bamboo towels.
See also
Pilling is not the same as lint. See pilling on clothes.
Where it shows most
Lint shows most clearly on black t-shirts and dark sweat pieces, because the contrast is greatest. If you turn them inside out in the machine, the lint gathers on the inside. See bamboo t-shirts for men.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I get lint on black clothes?
Because towels or new terry have been in the same load.
Does fabric softener help against lint?
No, and at the same time it reduces the moisture transport of the fabric.
Are lint and pilling the same?
No. Lint comes from outside, pilling forms from the fibres of the fabric itself.
