HOW TO REMOVE LINT FROM A HOODIE

When's the last time you wore that cozy hoodie straight out of the dryer, only to notice those pesky lint pieces sticking to the fabric? If you're like most people, lint on your clothes is a common annoyance.

This is especially true for plus-size hoodies, where the larger surface area leads to more places for lint to cling. While lint on your favorite plus-size women's hoodie may seem like an inevitable part of wearing it,

This article will provide tips for battling lint on plus-size women's hoodies. You'll learn the best methods for preventing, pulling, and managing lint so you can wear your hoodie fuzz-free. You can tame that lint beast with a few simple lint-fighting techniques and keep your hoodie looking its best.

Why Lint Sticks to Hoodies

 

Lint tends to build up on hoodies, especially women plus size hoodies, for a few critical reasons related to fabric composition and care.

 

  • Cotton and fleece fabrics commonly used in hoodies have short fibers that come loose during wear and washing. These loose fibers then cling to the surface of the hoodie, creating lint. Fleece, in particular, is prone to pilling, which occurs when fibers ball up on the fabric surface.

 

  • Washing and drying methods also contribute to lint. The agitation of a washing machine can loosen fibers that go on to form lint. Excessive heat from dryers further loosens fibers. Drying fleece on high heat should be avoided.

 

  • Static electricity attracts lint to hoodies as well. Fleece fabric in hoodies tends to build up static charge through friction during wear and washing. The static cling effect causes passing lint and fibers to stick to the surface.

 

By understanding what causes lint on hoodies, we can better prevent and remove it. Proper washing, drying, and fabric care make a difference.

 

Preventing Lint Buildup

 

You can take some simple steps when washing and drying your hoodie to prevent lint from building up in the first place.

 

Washing Methods      

 

  • Wash hoodies inside out. It prevents the fabric from rubbing against other materials in the wash, which reduces lint transfer.  

 

  • Use a gentle cycle with cold water. Aggressive washing can cause pilling and lint shedding. A delicate cycle is gentler on fabrics.

 

  • Skip the dryer sheets. Dryer sheets may leave residue on clothing that attracts lint.

 

 

Drying Methods

 

Shake out hoodies before drying. This helps remove any lint that might be loose in the fabric before heat sets it in.

 

Air dry hoodies when possible. The heat and friction of the dryer may cause lint buildup.

 

Use lower heat settings if the machine is drying. High heat can damage fabrics and increase pilling.

 

Proper Storage

 

Fold hoodies carefully along seams to avoid wrinkles. Wrinkled fabric is more prone to pilling.

 

Store cleaned hoodies in a closed dresser or cabinet. Open air can allow lint and dust to settle on clothes.

Separate hoodies from any lint-shedding fabrics. Store them alone or with similar material.

 

Use washing methods like washing inside-out, gentle cycles, and air drying when possible to limit lint. Proper folding and closed storage keep lint from settling on clothes. You can prevent lint and pilling with some care when laundering and storing.

 

Lint Removal Methods

 

There are several methods for removing lint from hoodies:

 

Lint Brush

 

A lint brush, a lint remover, or a fabric shaver makes removing lint balls and fuzz on hoodies easy. It has a safety blade guarded by a mesh screen that shaves off only the lint and pills. To use a lint brush:

 

  • Hold the garment taut.
  • In small circular motions, gently glide the lint brush over the fabric. Avoid pressing too hard.
  • Focus on pill-prone high-friction areas like the sleeves and belly.
  • Check the mesh guard periodically and empty the lint.

 

Using short strokes, work section-by-section until you have covered the entire surface. A lint brush is safe for all types of fabric.

 

Lint Roller

 

Lint rollers quickly remove surface lint and hair through an adhesive strip. To lint roll a hoodie:

 

  • Lay the garment flat or stretch it taut.
  • Roll the sticky roller gently over the fabric, applying light pressure.
  • Roll in different directions to catch all the lint.
  • Peel off the used sheets frequently and replace them.
  • Focus on high-contact areas and the parts covered when worn.

 

Lint rollers work well on looped fabrics like fleece hoodies. Check that the adhesive does not pull or damage delicate fabrics.

 

For Pilling Fabric

 

Fabric pills are those fuzzy balls that form on the surface of fabrics like sweaters and hoodies. They occur when loose fibers tangle together and hang from the fabric surface. Pilling happens more often with synthetic and blended fabrics.

 

There are a few ways to remove pilling and refresh your hoodies:

 

Fabric Shavers

 

A fabric shaver is an electric device that gently "shaves" off pilling. It uses a cover with small blades or a sandpaper-like surface to remove the pills without damaging the fabric. Turn on the shaver and gently move it across areas with pilling. Replace the shaver cover when it gets filled with pills. Fabric shavers work well on all types of fabrics.

 

Sweater Stone

 

A sweater stone is a handheld tool made from natural pumice stone. It has a rough, abrasive surface ideal for removing pills. Gently rub the stone vertically over the pilled fabric to shave off the pills. It helps break down pills on wool, cotton, synthetic and delicate fabrics without harming them. Rinse to remove any leftover pills and lint.

 

For Static Cling

 

Static cling is when clothing sticks to itself or your body because of static electricity. It is a common issue with hoodies since the fabric can rub together and create little electrical charges, causing clothes to "cling." 

 

There are a few easy solutions for static cling on your hoodies:

 

Use Dryer Sheets

 

Toss a dryer sheet in the dryer when drying your hoodie. The anti-static properties in dryer sheets will help reduce static cling. You can also rub a dryer sheet over your hoodie before wearing it. The sheet will help neutralize any static charge.

 

Use Spray Starch or Fabric Softener

 

When ironing or steaming your hoodie, use a light mist of spray starch or liquid fabric softener. It will provide a protective coating that keeps the fabric from creating friction and static cling. Just spray it evenly over the hoodie and smooth it out with iron.

 

 

Use Plastic Wrap or Balloons 

 

This trick may sound silly, but rubbing a balloon or plastic wrap over your body can eliminate static cling! The static charge transfers from your clothes to the balloon or plastic. You can also crumple up the plastic and store it in your pocket or purse to rub over clothing as needed throughout the day. The static disappears as it moves to the plastic.

 

You can say goodbye to irritating static cling on your hoodies by using dryer sheets, spray starch, or plastic. It will keep them comfy and lint-free for many years to come.

 

Conclusion

 

In summary, there are a few critical methods for removing lint from hoodies to keep them looking their best. Regular washing, drying on low heat, and prompt removal of pilling are all effective. Removing lint from hoodies is essential so the fabric stays smooth and doesn't degrade over time.

 

One fashion expert notes, "Taking proper care of your clothes, including removing lint, can double or triple their lifespan." Keeping hoodies lint-free with regular care allows you to enjoy them for many seasons.