Hey everyone, I'm diving into some DIY projects and I keep seeing the term 'lint free rag' pop up in tutorials and guides. At first, I thought it was just a basic cleaning cloth, but the more I look into it, the more confused I get! I've tried buying what was labeled as a 'lint free rag' from Home Depot, and it ended up being full of lint!
Can someone explain what exactly constitutes a 'lint free rag'? I'm also curious about the different types out there, like cotton, microfiber, or any other kind. And, where can I buy a good one that actually lives up to its name?
3 Answers
I’ve always wondered the same! Do people actually reuse these rags or throw them away after use? Personally, I’ve got a ton of old t-shirts and towels, but maintaining them after applying finishes can be tricky.
Typically, a lint free rag is made from cotton or microfiber that has been washed several times to minimize lint. You might also want to check out old t-shirts or white jersey cloths that are specifically marketed as lint free. Just be aware that not all products actually follow through on that promise, especially based on the material you're working with, like when using woods with more open grains.
Yeah, cutting up old t-shirts works great! I've also found that blue shop towels are super useful for various tasks.
Don’t stress about it too much! A lint free rag is essentially any cloth that is unlikely to leave lint behind. Microfiber cloths are a solid option for just about any project, and you can easily buy them in bulk online. Also, avoid using fabric softener when washing them, as it could lead to lint buildup.
So true! I use microfiber for pretty much everything too, especially for cleaning dust in my workshop.
I tend to toss them after they dry, but I usually buy a pack of white t-shirts every now and then that eventually become rags. Adding them to my rag stash keeps things fresh!