There comes a point in every adult’s life - well, an adult who does their own laundry at least - where one thought will inevitably arise, and it is this. What is lint?
The strange, ethereal substance that collects on knitwear especially doesn’t seem to be of this world, and yet it is a build-up of tiny pieces of yarn, fibre and thread that get dislodged in the washing process. It’s a cleaner version of dust, itself made up of far more unsavoury microfibres like hair, dead skin cells and pet dander.
The good news is that lint itself is not harmful (although bacteria can piggyback onto it), but it does ruin the look of cashmere, wool, linen and mohair - expensive items that most owners would like to showcase in all their glory. It can also collect around the home on soft furnishings like piled rugs and cushions and household items like towels.
The best way to deal with lint is to get rid of it once it’s spotted. But trying to pick up those tiny fibres by hand alone isn’t effective, especially when you’re rushing out of the door on busy mornings. Enter the lint roller, a simple but clever solution that traps wayward lint and makes it far easier to dispose of.
A sticky surface is wrapped around a roller which can be run over clothing and soft furnishings, with most able to reach tricky, awkward spots. Once a layer loses its stickiness, rip it off to find a fresh one ready to go underneath.
Fabric shavers are also effective in returning clothing, especially knitwear, back to new if it has become the victim of bobbling. Regular shaving can reduce the collection of lint, but may not get rid of it entirely, which is why you should still keep a lint roller in your clothes maintenance kit.
Ready to shop? Find the best lint rollers below
Homeasy Fabric Shaver Lint Remover 2 in 1
Best for: value for money
In a soft green shade, Homeeasy’s rechargeable shaver features a powerful three-blade construction and a manual lint brush on the back to keep you looking pristine post-debobble. At this price, it’s a no-brainer.
Buy now £13.96, Amazon
Cosicosy Rechargeable Lint Remover Debobbler
Best for: substantial pilling
Larger in size, Cosicosy’s green-hue de-bobbler is perfect for larger garments that have experienced substantial pilling - and the iron-like handle upgrades the entire experience.
Buy now £19.99, Amazon
Gleener Fuzz Remover 2 in 1 Clothes De-Piller and Lint Brush
Best for: delicates
If using an electric style is too much for you, Lakeland’s fuzz-removing brush offers a more gentle approach. It may take you longer, but it’s certainly a more eco-friendly option. And, with a lint brush included, it’s basically buy one get one free!
Buy now £19.99, Lakeland
Minky Velvet Lint & Hair Removing Clothes Brush
Surrounded by pet hair? Mount the fightback with Minky’s velvet-lined brush which picks up the finest hairs and other sartorial detritus. As well as cleaning up your wardrobe, the swivel-headed design can be used across the home too, ridding sofas, curtains, towels and more of dust and crumbs. Made without sticky panels, it’s also easy to pack for travel and won’t stick to the contents of your bag.
Buy now £5.50, Amazon
Beldray LA072597EU Handheld Lint Roller
This washable and reusable lint roller uses a squeegee to remove unsightly fluff, fuzz and hair off surfaces, be it clothing, upholstery or off car seats. It comes as a handheld version or an extendable style to clean harder-to-reach spots.
Buy now £6.00, Amazon
John Lewis Lint Roller
Clear your home of dust, pet hair and lint for good with John Lewis’s traditional lint roller. It uses sticky panels to pick up fibres, and once full can be thrown in the bin. The handle is reusable.
Buy now £2.40, John Lewis
Dunelm Bamboo Lint Roller
With a handle made from natural bamboo wood, this is a much nicer option to hold and keep in your cleaning supply cupboard. The sticky-backed roll is perfect for collecting loose dust and hair, making your surfaces and clothes feel and look fresh once again.
Buy now £1.50, Dunelm
NIFTIE Reusable Travel Lint Roller
Love your pet but can’t stand the shedding any longer? We hear you - and so does this Niftie lint roller. The reusable design is lightweight and compact, meaning it can be chucked into a bag when you’re away from home. As well as saying sayonara to pet hair, the device is perfect for cleaning outfits of lint.
It works using static electricity - no chemicals or sticky panels - which is collected in the central chamber and can be emptied once full. Also available in white.
Buy now £14.99, Amazon
