Lint
Small fiber fragments shed by fabric during washing and drying.
Definition
Lint is the accumulation of small fiber fragments shed by fabric during washing and especially drying. The dryer lint screen catches the bulk of lint produced during drying, but a significant amount also accumulates in the lint filter housing, the blower wheel, and the exhaust duct. A clogged exhaust duct restricts airflow, doubles drying time, raises energy use, and is the leading cause of dryer-related house fires. Clean the lint screen before every load and the full duct annually.
Where this term appears
Lint comes up in product spec sheets, service reports, and troubleshooting documentation across most major appliance brands. If you encountered it in a manual or a service description and want context for how it fits into the larger picture, the related articles in the sidebar drill into the practical details. The glossary as a whole is intended as a quick lookup reference; for a deep dive on any specific topic, jump to the related buying guide or troubleshooting article.