The most effective way to remove pilling from leggings is by using a fabric shaver.
Understanding Pilling
Pilling occurs when fabric fibers break and tangle on the surface, forming small balls. This is common with leggings due to friction and wear. While it may seem like the garment is damaged, pilling is simply a superficial issue that's easy to fix.
Methods for Removing Pills
Here's a comparison of methods for removing pilling and why a fabric shaver is recommended:
| Method | Effectiveness | Gentleness | Speed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fabric Shaver | High | High | Fast | Draws in the fabric and cuts off the pills. Some fabric shavers, like the Pilo 1, have fast-rotating blades (around 10,000 rpm) for quicker removal. |
| Razor | Medium | Low | Medium | Can be effective but can also easily damage the fabric if you are not very careful. |
| Fabric Comb | Medium | Medium | Slow | Can work for light pilling but is not as effective for heavy pilling. Also, can take much longer than using a fabric shaver. |
| Scissors | Low | Low | Very Slow | Not recommended, as it is a tedious process and you risk damaging the fabric. |
| Sticky Tape or Lint Roller | Low | High | Slow | Only suitable for light pilling and loose fibers. Not designed to remove deeper pills and not very effective on its own. |
Why a Fabric Shaver is Recommended
- Efficiency: As mentioned in the reference, fabric shavers like the Pilo 1 have powerful motors that rotate the blades very quickly (around 10,000 times per minute), drawing in and cutting off the pills effectively. This is much faster compared to other methods.
- Gentleness: Fabric shavers are designed to gently remove pills without damaging the garment. Unlike using a razor or scissors, the shaver has a protective guard to prevent damaging the fabric.
- Convenience: Fabric shavers are generally easy to use and are portable, making them a convenient way to remove pilling.
How to Use a Fabric Shaver on Leggings
- Lay your leggings on a flat surface.
- Gently run the fabric shaver over the pilled areas. Use light, even strokes.
- Empty the lint collector of the fabric shaver as needed.
- Repeat until the pilling is removed.
Preventing Pilling in the Future
- Wash leggings inside out: Reduces friction with other garments.
- Use a gentle cycle: Excessive agitation during washing can cause pilling.
- Air dry or tumble dry on low: High heat can contribute to pilling.
- Avoid rough surfaces: Minimize contact with abrasive surfaces that could cause friction.
