This really helps against lint on a woollen jumper
(And yes: such a lint remover is really a no-go)
Have you ever used one of those lint removers to make your wool sweater lint-free? Ha. Caught you. Then I have bad news for you: this is really super bad for your beautiful sweater. That's the recipe for disaster: in the long run, this damages your fibers. So what should you do against those annoying things? Uhm... Let's figure it out for you, because there is really another solution. Just pay attention.
First of all: why is such a lint remover bad?
I get it: as soon as that wool sweater is full of all those little balls, you want to get them off right away. And then you don't feel like spending hours on it, but yes. Dear people: a wool sweater just takes some work. If you put a lot of love into it, it will last for decades. And that lint remover? That's a recipe for catastrophe. It's like sharpening the bottom of vintage Louboutins with a knife ‘to remove the traces of wearing’. You wouldn't do that, right? You wouldn't voluntarily destroy a masterpiece? Right? Exactly. And that's exactly what you're doing with such a lint remover. These are secretly made for those polyester sweaters that can take a beating, because it's not so crazy, since it's chemically made in a factory. Wool is a natural fabric and it really doesn't go well with such a lint remover.
It seems like a very handy invention, such a lint thief. You can easily hold it in your hand, it takes a few minutes and poof: all the lint is gone. Ideal, right? Yes, it seems so, but this is an illusion. Those little balls come off, but at the same time, you're damaging the flat wool underneath. Such machines are way too rough for a wool sweater. It's literally a small shaving device that cuts all the links that connect the wool fibers. This causes your sweater to last much shorter and break faster.
But what can you do to get rid of those lint balls?
If you really want to use such a lint remover, you should only use it on a few small spots. Absolutely do not do the whole sweater because you think: “It needs a good refresh.” No, no, no. The best thing you can do is throw it straight into the trash.
You'd better buy a lint comb. A what? Yes, seriously. With a lint comb, you're actually going to do the same thing as you would with a lint remover. You lay the sweater flat on a table and hold the part you want to comb tight. Which way do you comb? Wool is made of small ‘arrows’, so you just move along with the side that the ‘arrow’ points. And then you just literally comb. You can put some force behind it, but you shouldn't put all your weight on that comb like a madman. It's not a dirty bathtub that needs to be scrubbed clean, okay?
@alisonhopemurray 16/30: Combing your knits just makes them fluffier! Use a smaller comb for finer knits though please. #knittok #factsyoudidntknow #fall #everydayoutfit #clothinghacks
And no, don't start using a lint roller either. You can also damage the fibers of your sweater with that. If you do use it, you better use it minimally. Lightly and only for large lint balls. Not for those small balls – that's the territory of the wool comb. You might as well try a rubber glove. That works just as well. Or try a rubber shoe brush.
Can you prevent those lint balls?
Certainly. Look, wool is just such a natural fabric. It will pill over time, that's just written in the stars. You just have to learn how to take care of it. By following these rules, you'll get the least lint:
Unplug the dryer
First of all: never – and I repeat – NEVER put your wool sweaters in the dryer. All that friction causes pilling. And yes, your sweater can also shrink in the dryer. So that's a real no-go.
Wash by hand
Now, it's true that modern washing machines have wool programs, and you can really try that, but the safest method is still by hand. Make sure the water is cold enough and use a little bit of detergent. Are you putting the sweater in the washing machine anyway? Risky... But okay. If you're a daredevil, then you should wash the sweater inside out and in a laundry bag. You can also add a splash of natural vinegar to the detergent drawer or directly in the drum next to the wool clothing. That reduces friction and thus also the formation of lint. Voilá.
@julie.lopin.art @Tide Laundry #handmade #knitting #tide #crocheting #sweater
Is your sweater still dripping with all the water? Then you really shouldn't wring it out, you're doing more harm than good. ‘Wring’ it out by laying the sweater on a towel. Roll it up and gently stand on it. This way, the water is carefully wrung out.
Let it dry properly
And no, please, for the love of God, don't dry that sweater on a hanger on the clothesline. Wool sweaters should be laid flat on a surface to dry. And even then, you sometimes run the risk that they might shrink a bit. You can stretch the sweater a bit to ensure it stays the right length. There are even special drying mats you can buy where you can secure the sweater with a clothespin. This way, you always keep the right shape.
@yooon_ie Wool Spa Day 🛁🐑 for Miss Turnlock Sweater #clothingcare #thrifted #thriftflip #vintage #foryou #secondhand #woolsweater #takecareofyourclothes #cleantok #laundrytok
Want a full-on dry cleaning experience? Then you can briefly hand steam the sweater to get all the crumbs out. After that, you can lay the sweater flat to dry completely.
Well, that's enough homework for today. But now you know: get a lint comb as soon as possible. That will save you a lot of trouble.
