The small cloth balls or pills that form on clothes are commonly known as fabric pilling. Pilling occurs when the fabric fibers rub against each other during wear or through friction with other surfaces. This rubbing causes the fibers to break or loosen, forming small balls or clusters. Pilling is more likely to happen with certain types of fabrics, such as wool, synthetic blends, and knitted materials.
To get rid of fabric pills, you can try the following methods:
Manual removal: Gently pull or pick off the pills from the fabric using your fingers or a fabric shaver. Be careful not to snag or damage the fabric in the process.
Fabric shaver or lint roller: Use a fabric shaver, also known as a lint remover or fabric defuzzer, to shave off the pills. These devices have a rotating blade or small holes that catch the pills and cut them off. Alternatively, you can use a lint roller to roll over the fabric and pick up the pills.
Sweater stone or pumice stone: For delicate fabrics, you can use a sweater stone or pumice stone specifically designed for removing pills. Gently rub the stone over the fabric, and it will help dislodge the pills.
To prevent fabric pilling and reduce the likelihood of pills reoccurring, consider the following tips:
Wash clothing inside out: Turning your clothes inside out before washing can reduce the friction between the fabric and other garments, helping to minimize pilling.
Sort clothes by fabric type: Separate garments made from different fabric types when washing. Rougher fabrics, such as denim or items with zippers, can rub against more delicate fabrics, causing pilling. By separating them, you can minimize friction.
Use gentle washing methods: Opt for a gentle or delicate cycle on your washing machine, and use a mild detergent. Aggressive washing can cause more friction and increase the likelihood of pilling.
Avoid overloading the washing machine: Overstuffing the washing machine can lead to excessive friction between clothes, which may contribute to pilling. Ensure there is enough space for the garments to move freely during the wash.
Air dry delicate fabrics: Instead of using a clothes dryer, air dry delicate fabrics by laying them flat on a clean towel or hanging them up. Heat and tumbling in the dryer can cause more friction and increase the risk of pilling.
Store clothes properly: Fold or hang garments neatly to avoid unnecessary friction and rubbing in storage.
While these measures can help reduce pilling, it's important to note that some pilling may still occur over time, especially with certain fabrics. Regular maintenance and occasional removal of pills can help keep your clothes looking their best.