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.
Fabric Shaver
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.
Razor or scissors
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.
Sweater stone
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.
Toothbrush
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.
Velcro
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.
Fine sandpaper
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.
