How to Get Lint Off of a Wet Sweatshirt and Save It from Damage

Have you ever taken a sweatshirt out of the washing machine, only to find it covered in lint? Not only is it unsightly, but lint can also damage the fabric and shorten the lifespan of your favorite sweater. However, fear not because there are ways to get lint off of a wet sweatshirt that won't damage the fabric or leave any residue.

So, let's take a look at some of the ways to remove lint from a wet sweatshirt safely.

1. Use a Lint Roller

The first and most common method is to use a lint roller. Lint rollers are designed to remove lint, dust, and hair from clothing easily. To use them on a wet sweatshirt, gently roll the sticky surface of the lint roller over your garment, focusing on areas where lint has accumulated.

It's best to use light pressure to avoid stretching or damaging the fabric. Additionally, you can use a lint roller for a quick touch-up before heading out, but it's not a permanent solution.

2. Use a Dryer Sheet

Feeling like a lint roller is too expensive, or simply don't have one on hand? Don't worry. You can use a dryer sheet instead. Wet the sweatshirt with water, ring it out, then rub the dryer sheet over it for a few minutes. The static that the dryer sheet creates will help collect lint and hair from the fabric.

This hack is budget-friendly, easy to find and quick to use. However, it's not very effective in removing stubborn lint, so you might want to try another method.

3. Try a Lint Brush

A lint brush may not be as popular as a lint roller, but it's equally useful. You can use a lint brush to get lint off of a wet sweatshirt by gently brushing the fabric in the direction of the grain.

Make sure to avoid pressing too hard, as this can cause pilling or damage on the sweatshirt's surface. And, like any method you use, it's always best to start in a small area and test it.

4. Use Your Vacuum

Most dryers have a lint filter to prevent it from accumulating inside the machine. Why not vacuum your wet sweatshirt using a specialized lint filter for the same purpose?

Gently hold the damp sweater front down against a smooth surface like an ironing board or table, turn the vacuum onto its lowest setting, and pass the upholstery attachment over your garment. The vacuum's gentle suction power picks up the lint without pulling or snagging the fabric.

5. Handpick the Lint

Handpicking lint from a sweatshirt is a laborious process, but it's the safest way to remove stubborn lint. All you need is a good light source, a steady hand, and a pair of tweezers.

Carefully pick and remove the lint by using the tweezers, but do not rub or pull the garment. This method takes more time, but when done correctly, your sweatshirt will look as good as new.

Final thoughts

Removing lint from a wet sweatshirt is not only necessary for the garment to look clean and fresh but also for its longevity. Choosing the right method and taking the time necessary to do it right, can help you preserve your favorite sweatshirt-- So next time you're faced with this issue, try one of these methods and see which one works best for you.