Using a lint remover means laying the garment flat, gliding the shaver head lightly over the fabric without pressure, and emptying the collector when you finish.
That de-pilling routine restores sweaters, cardigans, and knit blankets to a like-new finish in a couple of minutes. The full how to use a lint remover process comes down to three things: preparing the fabric, using the right stroke and pressure, and cleaning the device afterward. This article covers the steps for both battery-powered and AC-adapter models, including the Russell Hobbs RHC2766 and the Emerio LR-131325.1.
Preparing The Garment For Shaving
Always start by laying the garment smoothly on a flat surface. Wrinkles and folds create uneven spots where the blade can snag or cut into the fabric instead of trimming the pills. For thin or delicate garments, fold them into two layers and place them on an ironing board before shaving, since the extra thickness protects the material from the cutting blade.
Before you begin, test the device on a small, unexposed area, such as an inside hem or under the arm. This confirms the fabric is suitable for shaving before you work across the visible surface. Check for loose threads as well; you’ll want to trim those with scissors first, since the shaver can pull them and damage the weave.
Take a moment to confirm the lint collector or glide piece is seated properly. Using a lint remover without the container in place exposes the blade and is unsafe, so verify this before switching the power on.
The Correct Way To Glide The Shaver
Turn the device on and move the shaving head lightly over the fabric, using gentle back-and-forth strokes or soft circular motions depending on your model. The key is to keep pressure minimal; the weight of the unit itself is generally enough. Pressing down hard does not remove more lint—it only risks cutting or thinning the fabric.
For knitted fabrics, follow the direction of the knitting or fabric pattern rather than working against it. This produces a smoother result and reduces the chance of snagging. Keep the shaver moving at a steady pace; pausing in one spot lets the blade dwell and can chew through the fibers.
A few areas require caution. Avoid shaving over accessories, trims, or prominent parts like buttons, zippers, and embroidery, and bypass any protrusions entirely. Keep your fingers clear of the cutting blade during use. Work section by section until the surface is clean, then inspect the garment under good light to catch any pills you missed.
Cleaning And Maintaining A Lint Remover
Empty the lint collector after every use so the device performs well the next time. A clogged receptacle reduces suction and cutting efficiency, and heavy buildup can contribute to overheating.
Check the shaving foil and cutter as part of your routine. The Russell Hobbs RHC2766 uses a lint catcher held in place with magnets, and its instructions direct you to clean the catcher, shaving foil, and cutter after use. Remove any lint wrapped around the blade, brush the foil clean, and wipe the body with a dry cloth. These devices stay dry; never immerse a lint remover in water, and keep it away from moisture while cleaning.
Empty the collector after every session, inspect the foil for damage, and store the device with the blade guard in place if one came with the unit.
Common Mistakes That Ruin Fabric
Most damage from a lint remover comes from a handful of avoidable errors. Pressing down too hard is the most common, and it thins or cuts the fabric rather than cleaning it. Shaving a bunched-up or wrinkled garment is a close second, since the blade catches folds instead of lying flat against the surface. Running the device over accessories, trims, or protruding parts will nick the fabric and can damage the blade. Skipping the test patch on an untried fabric type risks ruining a garment on the first pass, and forgetting to empty the collector or clean the shaving head lets performance drop and invites overheating.
If you want to see which electric models handle heavy pilling best before buying one, our tested roundup of the best electric lint removers covers the top performers. For most people, a basic battery-powered model like the two-AA Emerio is plenty for occasional use, while an AC-adapter unit like the Russell Hobbs suits anyone de-pilling several garments at a time.
FAQs
Can a lint remover damage delicate fabrics?
Yes, if you press too hard or skip the test patch. Thin materials need to be folded into two layers and placed on an ironing board first, and you should always test an inconspicuous area before working on the visible surface. Using only the unit’s own weight keeps the blade from cutting into the weave.
How often should I empty the lint collector?
Empty it after every session. Letting it fill beyond that reduces suction and cutting performance and can contribute to overheating during longer sessions.
Does the direction of my strokes matter?
On knitted fabrics, yes. Follow the direction of the knitting or pattern rather than working against it, which produces a smoother finish and reduces snagging. On woven fabrics, gentle back-and-forth or circular strokes both work fine as long as you keep the pressure light.
References & Sources
- Russell Hobbs. “RHC2766 Fabric Shaver Instruction Manual.” Details the magnetic lint catcher and cleaning steps for the foil and cutter.
- Emerio. “Lint Remover LR-131325.1 Instruction Manual.” Specifies two AA batteries, three cutting heights, and emptying the container at 80% full.