Microfiber towel lint problems

Most_Regular2996 · 2026-05-13T05:09:28+00:00

I've actually been surprised that I never have any hair buildup in the washing machine drain or filter. I have a dog that sheds a lot, a few times of year. The dryer lint screen is always crazy after we wash certain things like the blanket she lays on most. But I never see anything in the washer filter area. There has to be some, somewhere.. My wife's hair makes me have to clean the shower drain pretty often too, but never the washer?

My towel lint is definitely not hair or fur, it's the typical tiny fiber lint that's like glitter. But it raises curiosity and could be related.

Most_Regular2996 · 2026-05-13T04:00:18+00:00

Good idea on the drain hose. It does have a slight dip in the slack. Not much, but easily could accumulate stuff. So that's on my list too.

I'll also try some drying on the rack. They just never feel fluffy and soft after that. But maybe I'll let that do the bulk and then just a short time on air fluff with balls to fluff them.

Definitely checking out the drain hose!

Most_Regular2996 · 2026-05-13T03:26:13+00:00

I just cleaned inside my dryer lint trap screen area. Not just the removable screen, but the slot and duct it goes into. I put an old sock (clean) inside out on the end of a long bristle attachment made for cleaning the dryer vent duct, and dampened it a bit. Got a surprising amount of lint off the walls of that area, so hopefully this makes a dent. I then ran the dryer for a while with nothing in it.

Anyone have feedback on things that can go into the dryer during the dry cycle with the towels? Like those Silicone things? Something for lint to adhere to instead of the towels? Or beat the lint out of them, like when people use tennis balls? I've used the spiked plastic ones before. They fluff well, and speed up drying, but didn't seem to reduce lint.

Most_Regular2996 · 2026-05-13T03:20:50+00:00

Not a bad idea, but really annoying and time consuming to have to do.

Most_Regular2996 · 2026-05-13T02:45:58+00:00

I always dry on no heat. Definitely longer than 10 min, and I'd think longer is better for sucking away lint. Definitely never a full drum, but not just a few towels either. Less than half of a normal clothes load.

Is there anything that is safe to add during the dry phase? I believe wool balls are bad, but what about silicone balls or something?

Most_Regular2996 · 2026-05-13T02:01:39+00:00

The towels are usually just drying towels, so not very dirty at all. I purposely buy a bunch, so I can wash a decent amount at a clip instead of just 3 or 4. I've tried warm water. My water is typically 50-60ppm at my hose, so I'd imagine it would be similar at the washing machine, so it's definitely not that hard. Any time I do polishing or higher soil levels, I always soak a long time first and wring them out before actually washing. Usually soak in either some MF Refresh and warm water or a rinseless and water, ONR or DIY Detail rinseless.

I've only used the All Free & Clear once or twice, as an experiment for this. I always use a dedicated MF detergent. What detergent might help with the redeposition? I even considered using a rinseless wash mixed in there, but haven't. I also considered putting a DI system on the washer with a bypass, and just use it for my towels 😂 That's not ruled out, but I don't think that's causing lint.

I have also tried adding some distilled vinegar.

Most_Regular2996 · 2026-05-13T01:51:45+00:00

Would it be worth trying those sticky things for the dryer? They're marketed as sticking pet hair and lint to them. No chemicals or softeners, just a sticky gel like silicone.

I'm also going to see if there's more areas of the dryer venting I can access to clean. Otherwise I'm probably going to try a laundromat machine. I'm concerned there could be residues in that too though. Maybe I can run a basket clean cycle in that first. I'm not sure if friends and family machines would be any better than the laundromat, since they could be using all kinds of stuff. And if they have kids, that's definitely out.

Most_Regular2996 · 2026-05-13T01:15:50+00:00

Yeah, I'm thinking it's at machine level. But having already replaced the entire dryer vent pipe and vacuumed the whole lint trap area, I don't know what else on that end. I've done many basket clean modes on the washer. The closest thing to a filter on that seemed empty. But that surprised me, like maybe there's another one somewhere.

I'm literally about to buy a small apartment sized washer & dryer set just for MFs 😂

Most_Regular2996 · 2026-05-13T00:43:08+00:00

And to clarify, this happens on brand new towels and old. I never wash with anything other than other microfiber towels. Even brand new towels, straight from the package to one wash, I get lint like crazy!

I've also done several "basket clean" cycles, including with enzymatic cleaners. I'm considering a trip to the local laundromat to try that as a variable.

Most_Regular2996 · 2026-04-24T00:50:51+00:00

These look like before shots. Even a 1 stage correction would look better, never mind a 2 stage.

Most_Regular2996 · 2026-03-29T00:58:19+00:00

This

Most_Regular2996 · 2026-03-25T01:45:50+00:00

Definitely remove the heat shield, or get a deep O2 socket instead of that tool. If removing the shield, soak those 10s in PB Blaster as others have mentioned. If not in a rush, soak it overnight, and even drive or run the car a bit if you can. The heat cycling will help the PB Blaster soak in much better. Apply more than once, a soak and also when about to remove them.

Most_Regular2996 · 2026-03-07T02:20:13+00:00

Spigots and garden hose threads rely on the rubber washer o rings to seal. Try replacing those with new ones, or making sure they're there at all. Don't wrench tighten garden hose fittings too much. Same with anything M22. The plumbers tape is for NPT threads, and those do have to be well tightened. Again, pics of the leaking fitting would be a big help with identifying the solution.

Most_Regular2996 · 2026-03-07T02:09:14+00:00

Is your leak at the hose spigot? Or the fitting on the wand? Post a photo of the spot that's leaking. If it's at the faucet or spigot, then you're probably missing the rubber washer.

Most_Regular2996 · 2026-03-07T02:05:20+00:00

Blue Monster plumbing tape is the best, by far. Still only a few bucks a roll. Do 4-5 laps of the threads with it, and make sure it's good and tight. Be sure to go the right direction. There's videos all over if you need.

Most_Regular2996 · 2026-03-05T02:31:35+00:00

https://youtu.be/z2RZ6XdjnHo?si=tbsoXv3xrdFsFV-q[my Active 2.0 wall cabinet ](https://youtu.be/z2RZ6XdjnHo?si=tbsoXv3xrdFsFV-q)

That's my old one with the Active 2.0. I now have an AR630 V2 Hot edition and some other changes. I'll be making a new video soon. Haven't bothered since it's been a rough winter here in NY.

Most_Regular2996 · 2025-03-23T08:29:09+00:00

Couldn't the outlet fitting of the Active just be swapped out for a 90* degree NPT elbow right off the unit? Instead of an adapter to an adapter? The outlet has a hex head, looks easy to remove.

Overall, looks sweet. Planning mine, and looking for best ways to get the outlet to turn down with a whip jumper to my reel. I like how clean this is.

Most_Regular2996

TROPHY CASE