Lint remover in washing machine

[MindDisco]

Hi

I've found when I've been washing clothes that they are coming out with some bits still on them e.g. duvet covers with down from the duvet on or cardigans with hair on them.

I don't think I'm overloading the machine. I don't have a tumble dryer and all clothes are dried on a heated airer.

Is there anything I can buy to help catch lint or other bits in the washing machine? I looked on Amazon but anything labelled a 'lint catcher' had a really bad review.

Any recommendations?

I hadn't really though about that - when I finish tumble drying a load, there is lint in the trap. I assume that when washing is line dried, those bits and fibres are blown away. But indoors on an airer, they 'd stay put

Do you have the same problem when you dry washing outside. or can you only dry it indoors?

True lint can left on clothing can actually be a sign of not enough detergent being used so that it can suspend the lint in the wash water, so it can then be rinsed away. But you have to be careful as too much detergent can cause even more problems (hard to rinse, sticky clothes due to build up and of course ££ and environmental waste).

Another option is to add a microfibre cloth to the wash, as these by design trap dust/lint but this would mean no fabric softener ever again as one coating of softener on microfibres renders them useless.

Or other option if you don’t already. Start using fabric softener, as this will coat fibres/make fibres smoother, so they don’t trap and hold lint as badly.

Are you doing a full wash? Not a quick one?

Hi,

Cynderella - I have to dry clothes indoors as I live in a flat in London so no garden :(

e1y1 - I did wonder about detergent as I live in a very hard water area. I might try increasing the amount and seeing if it makes a difference. I also didn't know that about microfibre clothes - I always bung them in a wash with fabric conditioner because I put it in every load. Still linty though with fabric conditioner.

Don'tFundHate - always full washes, always keep the load the right size so it's got space to move around. It is an 'eco' washing machine and a small drum, but it's only a few years old so should still work fine. Was my landlady's choice.

Thanks everyone for your replies.

As you are in a hard water area, try adding a scoop of soda crystals to your washing powder as they help soften the water and make the detergent more effective. Cheaper than using more detergent.

coraball.com
I've seen this advertised for microfiber so it might pick up lint too.

Sorry Dermymc

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/ethical_living/3367129-Cora-balls

I wish something like Coraball worked - that would be ideal.

Just done another load and it's still covered in bits of my hair, bits of fluff. Surely people with pets must have this problem too? Anyone with pets have advice on removing the bits?

I'm off to buy soda crystals today to see if they help.