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How to Remove Pilling From a Sweater?

Published in Clothing Care 3 mins read

To remove pilling from a sweater, carefully use a sharp tool like scissors or a razor to gently cut away the pills, or opt for gentler methods such as a sweater comb or pumice stone.

Pilling, those annoying little balls of fuzz that appear on your favorite sweaters, can make them look old and worn. Thankfully, there are several methods to safely and effectively remove them.

Methods for Removing Sweater Pills

Here's a breakdown of different techniques you can use to de-pill your sweater:

  • Scissors or Razor:

    • How it Works: This method involves using a sharp object to carefully cut away the pills.
    • How to Do It:
      1. Lay the sweater flat on a stable surface.
      2. Use small, sharp scissors (embroidery scissors work well) or a safety razor (the kind without a lubricating strip).
      3. Gently lift each pill away from the fabric and carefully snip it off as close to the surface as possible without cutting the sweater itself.
      4. Work in small sections, and be patient!
    • Pros: Effective for removing larger pills.
    • Cons: Requires caution to avoid damaging the sweater fabric.

  • Sweater Comb:

    • How it Works: A sweater comb has fine teeth that gently snag and remove pills.
    • How to Do It:
      1. Lay the sweater flat.
      2. Gently run the comb across the fabric in one direction.
      3. Remove the collected pills from the comb.
      4. Repeat as needed.
    • Pros: Safer than using scissors or a razor.
    • Cons: May not be as effective on larger or tightly formed pills.

  • Pumice Stone:

    • How it Works: The slightly abrasive surface of a pumice stone helps to gently remove pills.
    • How to Do It:
      1. Lay the sweater flat.
      2. Lightly rub the pumice stone over the pilled areas in a circular motion.
      3. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this can damage the fabric.
      4. Remove any loose fibers or pills.
    • Pros: Can be effective for removing pills without damaging the fabric (when used gently).
    • Cons: May not work well on delicate fabrics. Test on an inconspicuous area first.

  • Electric Fabric Shaver (De-Fuzzer):

    • How it Works: This battery-operated device has rotating blades that shave off pills.
    • How to Do It:
      1. Lay the sweater flat.
      2. Turn on the fabric shaver and gently glide it over the pilled areas.
      3. Empty the lint trap regularly.
    • Pros: Quick and efficient for removing pills from large areas.
    • Cons: Can potentially damage delicate fabrics if used improperly.

Tips for Preventing Pilling

  • Wash sweaters inside out: This reduces friction during washing.
  • Use a gentle cycle and cold water: High heat and agitation can contribute to pilling.
  • Use a laundry bag: This provides extra protection during washing.
  • Air dry sweaters: Avoid putting sweaters in the dryer, as the heat can cause pilling.
  • Choose high-quality sweaters: Sweaters made from higher-quality materials are less likely to pill.

By using these methods and taking preventative measures, you can keep your sweaters looking their best and extend their lifespan.

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