To reduce the amount of lint lost from your clothes in the dryer, consider the following tips:
Clean the lint filter regularly: Before each load, clean the lint filter or lint trap. This helps trap most of the lint produced during drying, preventing it from circulating back to your clothes.
Sort your laundry: Separate lint-shedding fabrics (like towels, flannel, chenille, and certain synthetic materials) from lint-attracting fabrics (like corduroy or fleece). This prevents excessive lint transfer from one fabric type to another.
Turn garments inside out: Turning your clothes inside out before washing and drying can reduce the amount of lint exposed to the tumbling action of the dryer, helping to keep the exterior surface smoother and reduce lint production.
Avoid overloading the dryer: Overloading the dryer can lead to increased friction and abrasion between clothes, causing more lint to be generated.
Use dryer balls or clean tennis balls: Adding dryer balls or clean tennis balls to the dryer can help agitate the clothes, allowing more air to circulate. This can lead to shorter drying times and potentially reduce lint buildup.
Avoid over-drying: Over-drying clothes can cause more lint to be released from the fabric. Follow the recommended drying times for your specific fabrics and clothing items.
Use lower heat settings: Higher heat settings can weaken fibers, leading to more lint being released from the fabric. Whenever possible, use lower heat settings or choose the "delicate" or "low-heat" option.
Limit fabric softeners and dryer sheets: Fabric softeners and dryer sheets can leave a residue on clothes, which may attract more lint. Consider reducing their use or opting for natural alternatives like wool dryer balls.
Clean the dryer vent and exhaust: Regularly clean the dryer vent and exhaust to ensure proper airflow. A clogged vent can trap lint, leading to reduced efficiency and increased lint on your clothes.
Line dry when possible: If the weather and space allow, consider air-drying your clothes on a clothesline. This eliminates the lint problem altogether and also helps save energy.
By following these tips, you can minimize the amount of lint that is lost from your clothes in the dryer, keeping your garments in better condition and reducing the need for constant lint removal.