Have you stopped wearing a favorite hoodie or shirt, not because you didn’t like it anymore, but because it had pills on it? Those tiny, tangled balls of fabric—also called pills—give your most-loved clothes a bad, old look, no matter how well you took care of them (or so you thought!).
If you wonder why this happens and, more importantly, how you can remove those unsightly pills from your clothes, we’re glad you came across this article. Let’s get started!
How and Why Does Clothes Pilling Happen?
Clothes pilling is the formation of small balls of fibers, known as pills, on the surface of a garment, and it’s a lot more common than we’d like. To get to the bottom of why this happens and what triggers it, let’s break down both how pilling occurs and why certain fabrics are more prone to it.
How Clothes Pilling Happens
Due to Friction and Rubbing
The constant rubbing of fabric against skin, other clothing, or surfaces causes fibers to loosen and tangle together. This is why pilling often shows up on high-contact areas like underarms, sleeves, or the sides of pants.
Due to Washing and Agitation
The movement and agitation in a washing machine cause fabric fibers to rub against each other, which results in threads loosening and forming pills. High-speed washing cycles or overloading your washing machine only make this worse.
Due to Drying Process
Tossing clothes into a dryer adds another layer of friction. The tumbling action, combined with heat, encourages fibers to fray and pills to form.
Why Some Clothes Easily Pill
Because of Fabric Composition
Synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon, and blends of these materials are more prone to pilling because they are stronger and more tightly bound, so pills don’t break off easily and remain on the fabric. Natural fibers like cotton, wool, and cashmere also pill but are easier to de-pill.
Because of Fabric Weave
Loosely woven fabrics allow more movement of fibers, making them more likely to tangle and form pills. On the other hand, tightly woven fabrics keep fibers locked in place and are less likely to pill.
Because of Shorter Fiber Lengths
Fabrics made from shorter fibers are more prone to pilling because the fibers can easily work their way to the surface. High quality fabrics often use longer fibers, which are more secure and less likely to pill.
Because of Worn Fabric
The older and more worn a piece of clothing, the more likely it is to pill. Friction from regular use weakens the fibers, causing them to break and tangle over time.
How to Prevent Clothes from Pilling in the First Place
Before we get to the part where you’re picking pills off your favorite clothes, let’s talk about how to stop them from forming in the first place. Preventing pilling is a lot easier than dealing with it after it already happens. A few smart changes to how you launder your clothes can go a long way to keep that smooth, fresh look you love.
Here are some best-kept practices to keep your clothes looking fresh and pill-free for longer:
When Washing Clothes
- Wash clothes in cold water.
- Turn your clothes inside out before washing them.
- Choose a gentle or delicate cycle on your washing machine.
- Avoid overloading the machine for your clothes to circulate properly.
- Keep heavier, coarser fabrics separate from lighter, more delicate materials.
When Drying Clothes
- For more delicate items, consider using a mesh dryer bag to minimize friction during the drying process.
- Air drying your clothes is much gentler than tossing them in a dryer. If you must use a dryer, set it to a low or no-heat setting and remove clothes while they’re still slightly damp.
- Avoid high heat since it can weaken fibers and lead to pilling. If you use a dryer, opt for a low-heat or air-only setting to keep fabrics intact.
How to Remove Pilling on Clothes
While prevention is ideal, tackling pilling once it’s already there isn’t too difficult if you know the right tricks. With a few handy tools and a bit of patience, you can make your clothes look almost as good as new. Here are some of the tried-and-true methods to remove pilling:
Quick and Effective Ways to Remove Pilling
- Use a Fabric Shaver: A fabric shaver is one of the best tools to safely and efficiently remove pilling. Simply glide it over the surface of your clothes to shave off the pills without damaging the fabric. Look for one with adjustable settings so you can control how much fabric it removes.
- Try a Lint Roller or Tape: For a quick fix on lightly pilled areas, use a lint roller or even some sticky tape to pick off the pills. This method works best for small spots and doesn’t require any special tools.
- Use a Sweater Comb: A sweater comb is a great tool for tackling pills on wool or cashmere garments. Gently run the comb over the fabric to lift and remove the pills without tugging too hard or damaging the weave.
Budget Friendly Home Solutions
- Gently Pull by Hand: If the pills are large and easy to grab, carefully plucking them by hand can be effective. Just make sure to pull gently to avoid stretching or tearing the fabric.
- Use a Razor: In a pinch, a disposable razor can do the trick to remove pilling. Lay the garment flat and hold it taut while lightly running the razor over the pilled area. Be cautious not to press too hard to avoid cutting the fabric.
- DIY With a Pumice Stone: Believe it or not, a pumice stone can help remove pilling on thicker fabrics like sweaters or fleece. Gently rub the stone over the fabric’s surface, then use a lint roller to pick up the loose pills.
After-care Tips to Prevent Future Pilling
Wash and Dry with Care: After removing pills, handle your clothes more gently to prevent them from coming back. Use gentle washing cycles, cold water, and avoid high-heat drying.
Store Clothes Properly: Store delicate and pilling-prone garments folded instead of hanging to reduce friction. This helps maintain the integrity of the fabric and keeps pills from forming.
Keep a Fabric Shaver Handy: Having a fabric shaver in your laundry toolkit is a gamechanger. Quick touch-ups now and then keep your clothes looking polished without much hassle.
For All Your Clothing Care Needs, Get Professional Help at Tres Bon Dry Cleaners!
If some of your clothes have pills from improper washing, let Tres Bon Dry Cleaners take care of them and restore their fresh, smooth look. With us, it’s always a personal experience tailored just for you. Our most in-demand cleaning services include Wash and Fold Laundry, Organic Dry Cleaning, and Household Item Cleaning, among others.
And for the ultimate convenience, try our FREE Home Pickup and Delivery Service! While we love seeing our clients in the store, hundreds enjoy the freedom of never having to make a trip to the dry cleaners again. We come to you—no need to be home, and our Mobile App keeps you connected and in control every step of the way.