How to Remove Lint from a Blanket Without Ruining It

The fastest way to remove lint from a blanket is to lay it flat and go over it with an electric fabric shaver, then wash it separately from towels so the lint doesn't come right back. A sticky roller handles loose fuzz and hair, but it won't touch pills.

It's very common for a good throw to look tired after a few months, so don't feel bad if yours does. Most of the problem is friction and laundry habits, and both are easy to change.

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Why do blankets get lint and pills?

Pilling happens when short or broken fibers work their way to the surface and tangle into small balls. You'll see it first where the blanket rubs against upholstery or your clothes.

Fiber mix matters. When strong synthetic fibers like polyester are blended with weaker natural ones, the broken natural fibers stay anchored to the fabric, so the pill hangs on instead of falling off. Weave matters too: a chunky knit or loose bouclé has more exposed surface to snag, while a tight weave resists it. If longevity is your goal, I recommend checking the label and favoring long-staple cotton or wool in a closer weave.

What is the best tool for removing pills?

Electric fabric shaver

This is my first pick for most blankets. A rotating blade sits behind a guard and shears pills without cutting the structural threads.

1. Lay the blanket on a flat, hard surface such as a table, not on the bed.
2. Use small, circular motions and let the machine glide without pressing.
3. Empty the lint chamber often so it keeps cutting cleanly.

Sweater stone

A pumice-like stone works on sturdy wool and heavy cotton knits. Skip it on cashmere, silk and loose synthetics, where it's too abrasive.

Lint roller or brush for hair and loose fuzz

Use these for surface dust and pet hair between deeper sessions. A razor is the tool I'd avoid: one slip of the angle and you've cut a thread and started a hole. Always cut or shave pills. Pulling them drags more fiber out of the weave.

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How do you wash a blanket so it doesn't pick up lint?

Agitation and shedding fabrics are the culprits. Towels are heavy lint givers, and fleece, velvet and knit throws are lint receivers, so give blankets their own load. Sort by weight too, since heavy cottons can abrade delicate synthetics.

Fabric softener leaves a coating on fibers, and on fleece and pile fabrics I'd skip it. Clean the dryer's lint trap before the cycle and again partway through if the blanket sheds. Wool dryer balls help knock lint and hair loose so it lands in the trap. Dry on low heat or air fluff, since high heat makes fibers brittle and more likely to break.

How often should I wash my sheets and blankets?

Purdue Extension says bedsheets and pillowcases should be washed at least every two weeks. The same page recommends that blankets, including weighted ones, and comforters be washed monthly. Washing less often means more body oil, dust and hair in the fibers for lint to cling to.

How to wash bedding in washing machine loads

Read the care label first. Wash sheets together, not with towels, and leave the drum loose so water can move through. For a comforter or duvet, use a large-capacity machine so it can move freely, and make sure it dries completely. If the label is unclear, check the manufacturer's guidance before guessing. For the brightness side of bedding care, see how to brighten white sheets.

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How do you keep pet hair off blankets?

If you live with a dog or cat, a good part of your lint is fur. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences notes that pet allergens are easily spread and can remain on carpets and furniture for months, so regular washing of throws is worth it for more than looks.

• Avoid fleece, flannel and high-pile velvet, which grab hair like Velcro.
• Favor tightly woven cotton or wool, which release hair with a shake.
• Run a humidifier in dry winter months. Static holds hair and lint to fabric, and added moisture reduces the cling.

If you want a pet-friendly throw you can toss in the wash weekly, choose a tight weave in a color close to your pet's coat.

How should you store and drape a blanket?

Friction is cumulative. Dragging a throw off the sofa daily, or stuffing it into a rough basket, speeds up pilling. If you like seagrass or wicker baskets, add a fabric liner so the reeds don't snag the weave.

Fold along the grain instead of balling the blanket up, and drape it over the sofa arm rather than sitting on it. If you use a blanket ladder, make sure the rungs are smooth. For styling ideas once the fuzz is gone, see how to decorate your bed with a throw blanket.

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For seasonal storage, clean the blanket first and keep it in a breathable cotton bag, not plastic, which can trap moisture. Before guests arrive, take it outside and shake it out to remove loose dust.

How do you care for a weighted blanket or duvet?

Heavy inner layers are hard to wash, so I recommend a removable cover you can launder often. That covers the lint-collecting surface and leaves the heavy layer alone. Our guide on how to remove lint from a blanket goes through the quick fixes if you need a fast pass.

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Frequently asked questions