Best Lint Brushes and Rollers

In theory, this is where you’d want to use one of those sticky-backed lint rollers that operate very much like a fat spool of masking tape, with precut segments. Remove its reusable cover, roll over the surface of whatever you’re trying to de-lint, remove that spent sheet, then continue. However, there are other, reusable designs as well, which would seem to reduce waste—or the problem of running out of sheets.

We tested four of the disposable breed, and four, somewhat more expensive reusable models, to find out whether the latter could outperform the O.G. tape models. We evaluated all of these options for overall effectiveness, as well as the number of passes required to achieve a minimally linty surface. 

And we didn’t make the task easy, since we allowed our four cats to lounge on our couch (their preferred place to cuddle), on a fleece throw, against some pillows with velvet cases, and for good measure, we laid out some of our clothing, too, from dress shirts to corduroy trousers. Additionally, we tested these lint removers for handiness during travel. 

Spoiler alert: The cats are the winners. They never relented in their hair production. At least a few of these devices, however, actually put up a very good fur fight, and are definitely up to the job of creating a minimally fuzzy household.