How to avoid lint from towels on dark clothes

Short answer: Lint on dark clothes almost always comes from towels and new terry cloth in the same machine. Wash towels separately and most of the problem disappears from the very next wash.

Terry cloth sheds fibres

Terry cloth is woven with small loops that make a towel soft and absorbent. The loops release short fibres, especially in the first many washes, and these float around in the water. When they meet dark clothing, they stick at once and show clearly because the colours contrast so much.

Wash towels separately

This is the only solution that works every time. Put towels, dishcloths and bathrobes in one load and dark clothes in another. Towels can usually take a higher temperature than the rest, so this also fits well with normal sorting. See bamboo towels.

New terry cloth

New towels shed the most, because loose fibres from production are still sitting in the loops. Wash them on their own the first few times, ideally with an extra rinse. After that, the amount of lint usually drops noticeably. Read also how to wash bamboo towels.

Turn dark clothes inside out

Turn dark clothes inside out before they go in the machine. Lint then collects on the inside rather than the outside, where it shows. It also protects the surface from wear and helps the colour last longer. It takes a few seconds and is a good habit anyway.

Clean the filter

A full lint filter or a blocked pump filter means lint stays in the water and settles on the clothes again. Check the manual, find the filter and clean it regularly. Many people only discover how much has built up the first time they open it.

Do not overfill the machine

An overfilled drum means less water per item, so the lint is not rinsed out properly. Leave a hand's width of space at the top of the drum. The clothes also come out cleaner, because the detergent reaches every layer, and they crease less afterwards.

Dryer and drying rack

In the tumble dryer, lint collects in the filter, but some also settles on clothes if towels and dark items are dried together. Dry them separately, or hang the dark clothes on a rack. Clean the dryer filter after every cycle.

Where it shows most

Lint shows most on black T-shirts and dark sweat items, because the contrast is greatest. If you turn them inside out in the machine, the lint collects on the inside where it does not matter. See bamboo T-shirts for men.

When the damage is done

If it has already happened, a lint roller handles most of it in a couple of minutes. A damp hand over the fabric also works, as does a strip of wide tape. Avoid hard brushing, since it can raise the fibres in the fabric itself.

Lint and pilling are not the same

Lint is loose fibres from other clothes lying on top of the fabric. Pilling is small balls of the fabric's own fibres formed by friction. Each needs its own solution. Read more about pilling on clothes.

Frequently asked questions

Why do my dark clothes get lint in the wash?

Almost always because towels or other terry cloth were washed with them. The loops release fibres into the water, and these settle clearly on dark clothing.

How many times should new towels be washed alone?

The first few washes are usually enough. After that the amount of loose fibres drops, but it is still a good idea to keep washing towels separately.

How do I remove lint that is already stuck?

A lint roller handles most of it. A damp hand or a strip of wide tape over the fabric also works if you do not have a roller to hand.

See our range of bamboo towels.