Feasibility trials conducted showed that the addition of lubricant helped preserve fibre length during lint cleaning. In laboratory trials three different lubricants (A, B and C) preserved fibre length in a fibre breakage assay based on a ‘Shirley’ Analyser. Measured fibre-to-metal co-efficient of friction values for each lubricant were significantly different with Lubricant B having the lowest fibre-to-metal friction values. It was on this basis and the extent to which fibre length was preserved in laboratory trials that Lubricant B was initially chosen for industrial trials in a gin. However, results from the industrial trials did not fit the laboratory model and Lubricant B produced a decrease in staple length and an increase in short fibre content when added in a commercial gin. A subsequent trial using Lubricant A, a lubricant that had a higher fibre-to-metal co-efficient of friction, resulted in improved staple length and reduced short fibre content on treated cotton. The reason for the difference between the two lubricants is thought to be due to a reaction, facilitated by the heat of the gin, between the emulsifiers present in Lubricant B with the protective cotton wax layer that surrounds each fibre. That Lubricant A was more successful raises questions about the complexity of the interactions between variables in the industrial situation and generates plenty of scope for further research. Lubricants were also added to cotton at the mill. Treated and untreated fibre from the gin trials was converted to fine count medium twist yarn. The effects of lubricant on fibre breakage during mill cleaning and carding, and on spinning performance and yarn quality were observed. The effect of lubricant in the mill on the particular cotton used in this trial was minimal although the addition of Lubricant A helped preserve fibre length during cleaning. The better length characteristics were generally reflected as better yarn properties, although yarn tenacity in treated samples was reduced.