Why lint appears on clothes in the wash

Short answer: Lint is fibre from other items in the same machine. Towels and terry shed the most. Wash them separately and the rest stays lint free.

Towels are the main source

Terry sheds large amounts of fibre in every wash. It settles on everything else. See bamboo t-shirts for women.

Dark clothes show it most

Light fibres on dark fabric are clearly visible. The same amount does not show on light fabric. See bamboo clothing for women.

Turn the garment inside out

The lint then settles on the inside rather than the outside. See bamboo underwear for women.

Sorting solves most of it

Wash terry separately and smooth fabrics separately. That is the simplest solution. See bamboo socks for women.

Frequently asked questions

Where does lint on clothes come from?

From other items in the same machine. Towels and terry shed by far the most.

Why is lint most visible on dark clothes?

Because the shed fibres are usually light. The same amount is barely visible on light fabric.

How do you avoid lint?

Wash towels separately and turn garments inside out.