To stop your track pants from pilling, focus on gentle washing practices and minimizing friction.
Pilling, those annoying little balls of fabric, occurs due to abrasion during washing and wearing. Here's a breakdown of how to minimize them:
Washing Techniques
- Wash Inside Out: Turn your track pants inside out before washing. This protects the outer surface of the fabric from direct friction with other clothes in the washing machine.
- Use a Gentle Cycle: Opt for a delicate or gentle cycle on your washing machine. This reduces the agitation that contributes to pilling.
- Use a Mild Detergent: Harsh detergents can weaken fibers, making them more prone to pilling. Choose a mild detergent specifically designed for delicate fabrics.
- Avoid Overloading the Washing Machine: Overloading can increase friction between garments. Give your track pants enough room to move freely during the wash cycle.
- Wash with Similar Fabrics: Washing track pants with rougher fabrics (like denim or towels) can accelerate pilling. Group them with other soft items.
Drying Methods
- Air Dry Whenever Possible: The high heat and tumbling action of a dryer can cause significant friction, leading to pilling. Hang your track pants to air dry whenever possible.
- If Using a Dryer, Use Low Heat: If you must use a dryer, select the lowest heat setting and avoid over-drying.
Other Preventative Measures
- Avoid Excessive Friction: Be mindful of activities that cause a lot of friction on your track pants, such as sitting on rough surfaces or wearing them under tight clothing.
- Consider a Fabric Shaver: If pilling does occur, a fabric shaver can be used to carefully remove the pills without damaging the fabric. Use it gently and sparingly.
- Choose Higher Quality Fabrics: While not a solution for existing track pants, investing in track pants made from higher-quality, tightly woven fabrics can reduce the likelihood of pilling in the future.
