Do washing machine lint catchers work? (Hair & fur catcher)

Lint catchers work with both washers and dryers. With that said, there are many different types of lint catchers available on the market. Some are specifically made for washing machines, whereas some are made for both washing machines and dryers.

So, it’s important that you know which type of lint catcher you need before you purchase one.

The main purpose of using a lint catcher is to prevent the lint from entering the washer’s water supply, which further helps to keep the pipes and filters unclogged.

Furthermore, lint catchers not only collect the lint that is shed from clothing but also trap pet hair up to a certain extent.

Key Takeaways

Lint catchers help to collect lint in the form of pet hair, frayed fabric, or shedding caused while washing clothes.
The lint and debris are caught in the lint catcher when the washing machine agitates or tumbles the drum at high speeds.
A lint catcher should be cleaned regularly to ensure that it continues to work effectively.
A lint catcher can be used in both washing machines and dryers. However, it is important to check the type and make of the lint catcher to ensure that it is compatible with both the washing machine and the dryer.
Regardless of the washer type, i.e., front-load or top-load, the lint catcher works equally well.

Types of Lint Catchers

Lint catchers vary in size, shape, design, and functionality depending on the use. For example, a lint catcher shown in the image below has a netted mesh design that is specifically designed for a washer and may not be able to go in the dryer.

However, the lint catcher ball shown in the image below is specifically designed to go into both washers as well as dryers.

So, there is a range of lint catchers to pick from, depending on the appliance and your personal preference.

That being said, lint catchers are broadly categorized into two types.

Re-usable Lint Catchers
Disposable Lint Catchers

Reusable lint catcher

These types of lint catchers can be used multiple times after being washed and usually have a mesh or net-like design that can be easily washed.

Disposable Lint Catchers

Disposable lint catchers need to be replaced after each use.

How to use a lint catcher?

Most lint catchers come with instructions on how to use them. However, here are some general tips that you can follow to use them effectively.

Step 1: Place the clothes in the washer as you normally would.

Step 2: Place the lint catcher on top of the clothes. Make sure that the lint catcher is placed in such a way that the lint will be caught in it as the clothes are being washed.

Step 3: Start the washing cycle and let the machine do its job.

Step 4: Once the washer has completed the wash cycle, remove the lint catcher and the clothes.

Step 5: Dry your laundry as per the recommendations on the care label.

Note: Once you are done using the lint catcher, you may need to remove the trapped lint and debris so you can use it the next time (if it’s a reusable lint catcher).

How often should you use a lint catcher?

A lint catcher or a lint catcher ball should be used as and when your clothes attract pet hair or accumulate lint.

For example, if you are washing a load of clothes that have pet hair on them, then it would be a good idea to use a lint catcher designed specifically for washing machines.

Likewise, if you are drying clothes full of lint, it would make a lot of sense to put a lint catcher specifically designed to go into a dryer.

Final Thoughts

Lint catchers do work, and you will be surprised to see how much lint and other debris they collect during washing and drying.

They may vary in size, shape, design, and functionality but share one common goal, i.e., to collect the lint.

Some lint catcher balls are designed to go into both washers and dryers, whereas some may be specific to the appliance type.

So, just do your research and choose the lint catcher that works best for your needs and appliance.

You May Also Like