The TV Character Who Says I Forgot to Clean the Lint. The phrase “I forgot to clean the lint” became a humorous and memorable line from the character Ray Barone on the popular sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond. In a classic episode, Ray sheepishly admits to forgetting to clean the lint trap in the dryer, leading to a comical exchange with his wife Debra. The moment is often cited by fans for its relatable humor and Ray’s signature clueless charm.