This study examined the simulated net returns to gin lint cleaning in the Southern High Plains of Texas during the 1993, 1994, and 1995 crop years to determine the optimum number of lint cleanings in the gin plant. Net returns for five stripper harvested cotton varieties with different management practices, including the use of irrigation and a portable bur-extractor, were evaluated in this study. Results indicated that net returns were consistently higher for one lint cleaning in the gin plant for all of the management practices evaluated. It was found that producers could have saved about $4.00 /bale by lint cleaning cotton once.