How do you get lint balls out of the inside of double layer t-shirts?
by Laura
(Houston, TX)
I know it is just a cheap Target shirt, but I love my Merona double-layer white t-shirt. They don't sell this style any more. The little balls of lint have accumulated in between the layers of my shirt, and they make me look like I have little rocks under my shirt or something. It's all bumpy and weird.
I have these little lint balls - or maybe you would call them lint pills - inside the two layers of the shirt. I have one of those little motorized shaver things for getting lint balls off sweaters, but there is no hole between the two layers of this shirt, so I can't get it in there. I don't want to cut a hole in it.
Is there some sort of amazing cleaner that dissolves lint? Is there some secret way to get lint off areas you can't directly touch? Please help!
Shelly's Comments:
Laura, I wish I had better news. I researched this on the Soap & Detergent Association website. I did not find any magic cleaner or other product that dissolves lint balls.
However, here's the information I found:
Some synthetic and permanent press items have a natural tendency to "pill." This happens because fibers break off the surface, ball up and cling to the surface rather than break off like natural fibers. This is due to an abrasion from normal wear and is commonly found on socks, sweaters, collars, cuffs, underarm areas or any other portion subjected to abrasion. Lint may be attracted to the little balls.
Pilling is a wear problem which cannot be prevented completely. It is a natural characteristic of some synthetics and permanet press fabrics. Use a fabric softener in the washer or dryer to lubricate the fibers. When ironing, use a spray starch or fabric finish on collars and cuffs.
Other than taking the garment apart and using one of those devices for shaving off lint balls, I don't think the shirt can be repaired.
If you need more information on laundry, check the information on these pages for future reference:
Thanks for your submission.
Shelly Morton
