How to remove lint and hair from dark clothes and sweaters without sticky tape

Dark clothes are the ones that show lint the most. A black shirt, a navy sweater or a freshly ironed grey coat can look covered in hairs and specks before you leave the house. And the usual fix, sticky tape or sheet rollers, runs out fast and ends up costing more than it seems. In this guide we explain where lint comes from and how to remove it in a practical way.

Where lint comes from

• Pet hair. It clings to fibres through static electricity and stands out on dark colours.
• Loose fibres from the washing machine. In the wash, garments shed lint that sticks to others, especially if they are washed with towels or fleece.
• Friction. Sweaters and knitted fabrics shed fibres where they rub: elbows, sides, under the arm.
• Static. Synthetic fabrics attract hair and dust more easily.

What you need

• A washable lint roller with an adhesive surface you rinse with water.
• A flat surface: a table, a bed or the ironing board.
• A little time: two minutes per garment is enough.

If you have a delicate garment (fine wool, silk, very loose weaves), test a hidden area first and use light pressure.

Step by step

1. Lay the garment out. Put it stretched on a flat surface so it does not wrinkle or sink under the roller.
2. Roll in one direction. Use long passes with light pressure, always towards the same side. Going back and forth moves the lint instead of lifting it.
3. Focus on the key areas. Elbows, sides, the front of the sweater and the back of trousers.
4. Turn the garment over. Go over the other side and the sleeves.
5. Rinse when it fills up. When the roller stops picking up hair, rinse it with water (water only) and let it dry before continuing.
6. Check in the light. Look at the garment in natural light; that is where you see the hairs you missed.

Coats, scarves and car seats

The same method works for coats, scarves, sofas and fabric car seats. On thick garments, work in sections and use the side of the roller for folds and seams. Do the final pass before you leave and not after you sit down: the hair stays on the seat and goes back onto your clothes.

How to stop it filling up again

• Wash dark garments inside out and separately from towels.
• Shake out your clothes before putting them away.
• Store coats in covers or in a closed wardrobe, away from where the pet sleeps.
• Run the roller over before you go out: it takes less time than changing clothes.

Where Flowroll™ helps

Flowroll™ is a lint roller with an adhesive silicone surface. You rinse it with water and it sticks again, with no disposable sheets or refills. It measures 10.1 × 6.5 cm, has a 10 cm working width and is made of ABS and silicone; it is small enough to carry in a bag or in the car. It is used on sofas, beds, rugs and clothes, and comes in green or white. Wash it with water only.

Frequently asked questions

Does it damage fabrics? With light pressure it should not. On delicate garments, test a hidden area first.

How often should I rinse it? When you notice it no longer picks up hair. Water is enough.

Does it work on dog and cat hair? Yes, it is one of the situations where it is used most.

See sizes and packs at Flowroll™ Washable and Reusable Lint Roller or explore the full catalogue.