Why Do Towels Shed Lint and Pill? How to Prevent It

Low-quality yarn, loose weaving, improper washing and drying, excess detergent, and fabric softener use increase fiber breakage; reduce the problem with proper care and the right product choice.

Lint shedding happens when loose fibers on the towel surface detach and spread during use or washing. Pilling refers to small fiber clusters forming on the surface as the loops and fibers wear down over time. Both issues become more noticeable on dark clothing, black bathroom floors, or smooth surfaces. This is not only a visual problem, because it can also reduce comfort, absorbency, and the overall lifespan of the towel.

New Towels Shedding Lint During the First Washes

New towels often contain loose fibers left from weaving, cutting, and finishing processes. During the first few washes, these fibers can release and appear as heavy lint shedding. In many cases, this is temporary and decreases after a few wash cycles. However, if shedding remains intense for a long time, it may indicate a weaker towel structure or lower production quality.

Low-Quality Yarn and Fiber Structure

Yarn quality plays a major role in how much a towel sheds. Towels made with shorter fibers or lower-strength yarns tend to break down faster. As a result, surface fibers detach more easily and shedding increases over time. Even if the towel looks acceptable at first, repeated use and washing can quickly expose this weakness.

Loose Weave and Low Fabric Density

Weaving density directly affects durability. When the weave is loose, the towel loops move more freely and become more vulnerable to friction. This makes fibers easier to pull out and break. Towels with low fabric density often show faster wear, especially under frequent washing and daily use, which leads to higher lint shedding and surface damage.

Incorrect Washing Program Selection

Washing towels on overly aggressive cycles increases mechanical stress on the fabric. Long wash times, strong agitation, and high spin speeds weaken the loops and fibers. Over time, this accelerates fiber breakage and increases lint release. The wrong program choice is one of the most common reasons towels start shedding earlier than expected.

Washing at Excessively High Temperatures

High heat speeds up fiber wear. Repeated washing at high temperatures can weaken the towel’s structure, causing fibers to stiffen and break more easily. This leads to more visible lint shedding and increases the likelihood of pilling on the surface.

Using Too Much Detergent and Poor Rinsing

Excess detergent can leave residue on towel fibers. This buildup can make the fabric feel stiff and cause fibers to become more fragile over time. Poor rinsing creates the same effect by leaving detergent and minerals trapped in the towel. As the fabric becomes harsher and more brittle, fiber shedding increases.

Fabric Softener Use

Fabric softeners may make towels feel softer in the short term, but they can also coat fibers with a thin layer that reduces absorbency. When absorbency drops, towels are often used with more friction during drying, which increases fiber stress. Some softeners may also weaken the fiber structure, accelerating lint shedding and pilling.

High Heat in the Tumble Dryer

Tumble drying can help towels feel fluffier, but high heat can damage fibers and increase breakage. Overdrying or using excessive temperatures makes lint buildup more noticeable in the dryer filter and increases shedding during daily use. Heat stress is a common factor behind towels that keep producing lint even after multiple washes.

Washing Towels Together with Rough or Hard Fabrics

Washing towels with jeans, garments with zippers, rough fabrics, or items with metal details increases abrasion. These materials rub against the towel loops and pull fibers out more aggressively. Mixed laundry loads are one of the most common causes of heavy shedding and surface wear.

Incorrect Use and Excessive Friction During Drying

Using towels too aggressively, especially by rubbing harshly against the skin, increases friction and speeds up fiber loss. Over time, the loops weaken and break, leading to more lint release. This is often more noticeable in frequently used hand towels and face towels, where daily friction is higher.

How to Prevent Lint Shedding and Pilling in Towels

Preventing lint shedding starts with managing the first washes correctly and avoiding habits that damage the fiber structure. Washing at suitable temperatures, using controlled detergent amounts, limiting fabric softener use, and avoiding excessive dryer heat can significantly reduce shedding. Separating towels from rough fabrics and reducing mechanical stress during washing also helps preserve the towel surface longer.

If Shedding Continues, Towel Quality Should Be Reconsidered

If lint shedding continues even with proper care, the issue is often related to yarn quality or weave structure. In such cases, the towel may continue losing fibers throughout its life cycle. Long-term shedding usually comes with reduced absorbency and faster surface deformation. For this reason, towel selection should be based not only on first-touch softness but also on structural durability.

Lint shedding and pilling in towels are caused by a combination of production factors and usage conditions. With correct washing and drying practices, the problem can be reduced significantly. If shedding remains persistent, the towel’s material quality and construction should be evaluated, because the root cause may be structural rather than maintenance-related.