Few things are more annoying than discovering that one of your favorite clothing items is suddenly covered in fabric pills. Not only are the tiny bits of fuzz unsightly, but they are also notoriously tricky to remove. A lint roller doesn’t always cut it, and because pilling often occurs on delicate fabrics like knitwear, you don’t want to make the issue worse.
Luckily, learning how to remove pilling from clothes is easy once you know the cause—and a few simple tricks. Below, we’ve gathered everything you need to know about how to remove pilling from your clothes for good. Plus, a few ideas for how to prevent it from happening in the first place.
What are fabric pills?
Fabric pills are the linty little nubs that form on the surface of fabric. They’re the result of fibers loosening on the surface of fabric and then twisting together into tiny clumps. Those clumps can collect lint and dust, which often makes them appear darker than the main fabric or even dirty.
Because fabric pills are a magnet for other lint and dust, they can also have a “snowball” effect that eventually contributes to more pilling; the added weight of the ever-growing pills stresses the fabric and pulls more fibers loose. For this reason, it’s best to carefully remove fabric pills as soon as you see them.
What causes fabric pilling on clothes?
Fabric pills are caused by friction—just think about how much our clothing goes through! Rubbing, machine washing, dryer heat; pretty much anything that causes abrasion can contribute to fabric pilling. You may notice that areas like the underarms, sleeves, or even the place where your purse strap rubs against your jacket become pill-y first. That’s because these areas tend to experience the most abrasion and friction when worn.
Another culprit that contributes to pilling? Not following the care instructions on a clothing item’s label. Putting an item through the spin cycle of a washing machine or tumbling it in a hot dryer instead of hand-washing, air drying, or dry cleaning as advised can cause fabric fibers to prematurely break off and pill.
Does pilling mean bad quality?
Some low quality fabrics—like inexpensive cotton, polyester, and rayon—are more prone to pilling, but pilling does not necessarily indicate that your clothing is made from cheap fibers. “Even high quality cashmere can pill,” assures designer Sue Stemp of the sustainable fashion and knitwear brand St. Roche. As mentioned, fabric pilling is a friction issue first and foremost, and most fabric items will at some point experience a bit of wear and tear.
That said, certain fabrics and fibers are more prone to pilling than others. Soft knits and sweaters made from wool and cashmere tend to pill because they are more loosely held together and therefore more fragile. And blended fabrics, which contain a mix of natural and synthetic fibers (think: cotton-polyester blends) are also more likely to pill because of each fibers’ varying levels of resilience: Fibers that are weaker break off more easily while stronger fibers will prevent the broken bits from shedding off.
Pretty much any fabric can pill—and pilling is not just limited to items of clothing. Your sofa, throw pillows, and curtains could also pill if subjected to too much friction or constructed from center fibers. “We usually associate pilling with knitwear, but it also can appear on woven fabrics, too,” explains Stemp.
How to get rid of pilling on clothes
A lint roller or tape is sometimes strong enough to remove light pilling from clothes made of cotton or wool, but the most effective methods are those that gently sever the pills from the surface of the fabric via gentle abrasion or cutting. “Electric fabric shavers work,” says Stemp. “Or, you can try using a disposable razor very gently.”
With that in mind, we recommend using a lint roller first to remove any loose fuzz and then following up with one of the methods below.
Also known as lint shavers, fuzz removers, or—here’s a fun word: debobblers—these handheld electric devices are specially designed to remove pilling from clothing and other fabric items. To use, just turn on and gently run the device over fabric using gentle, circular movements keeping the fabric flat and taut.
A disposable razor and even your regular household scissors can be used to gently shave or trim off the random fabric pill in a pinch—just use extra caution if going this route! Keep the fabric taut and be mindful not to cut into the actual garment.
Often made from pumice or even recycled glass, sweater stones are handheld blocks with an abrasive, sandpaper-like texture. They work well for delicate knitwear items made from cashmere or soft wool, but—as with all methods—should be used carefully in order to avoid making the problem worse. To use, rub the sweater stone over the pilled area using small, circular movements. Pro tip: Be sure to do a test run on an inconspicuous area before using on your entire garment.
For fuzzy knits and fleece fabrics, a soft toothbrush is often strong enough to do the trick. Make sure the toothbrush is clean and dry, then brush in one direction over the pilly section to gently loosen and sweep away the pills. And remember to gently keep the fabric taut.
The rough (or “hooked”) side of a piece of velcro can also work to remove fabric pills. Just lightly brush the velcro over the pills being careful not to snag the actual fabric. Do a test in a small area first if using on fine fabrics like cashmere or silk.
A fine-grain sandpaper works similarly to sweater stone. Move it in a single direction over the fabric and be sure to test on a small area first.
How to prevent pilling on clothes
Since pilling is the result of abrasion, it’s best to “try to minimize friction,” Stemp says. The first step? Cleaning your clothes less frequently. “In general, less washing extends the life of your clothes,” she explains.
Of course, most items will at some point need to be washed—such is life! Follow the instructions on the label, and use extra care when washing delicate items at home.
You can also try hand washing, however, “if you are using a washing machine, be sure to use a mild detergent, wash on a delicate cycle, and do not overload the machine,” Stemp says, noting that overloading can cause clothes to rub together excessively. Fabric softener or vinegar can help reduce some of the friction, as can turning clothes inside out first.
And be careful with the dryer. Use the air dry or low heat option, or—better yet—lay flat or air dry the garment instead. “Definitely do not tumble dry,” Stemp advises.
