Key Takeaways
pilling on wool coats can be removed in several ways: by hand, with a wool comb, a stone pumice or a special wool electric shaver. It is advisable to adopt a regular frequency of brushing to prevent their appearance.
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Introduction
Wool coats are elegant and warm clothes for winter. However, over time, they tend to develop unsightly pilling. Fortunately, there are several techniques for removing these pills to restore your coat's soft, silky appearance.
In this article, we will look at why pills appear on wool coats, the best methods to remove them depending on their location and size, as well as tips for preventing their formation.
Why do pills appear on wool coats?
Wool has properties that make it ideal for making warm clothing, but which also encourage the appearance of pilling over time.
Nature of wool and its characteristics
Wool is made up of intertwined fibers. These fibers can detach from the fabric and form unpleasant pilling on the surface of the clothing.
In addition, wool is a natural textile sensitive to friction. Wearing and washing it frequently accelerates the wear of the fabric and the detachment of the fibers.
Coat-specific friction
Coats are subject to a lot of friction on the arms, the handbag or on the back and the zippers. These areas are therefore more likely to develop pilling.
Wool coats are one of the clothes worn most frequently in winter. They are therefore exposed to more wear and tear than other pieces of the wardrobe.
Poor maintenance of wool coats
Too frequent washing, improper drying or insufficient brushing weakens wool fabric and promotes the premature appearance of unsightly pilling.
Also read: How to remove lint from black clothing?
Specific techniques for removing pilling from a wool coat
There are several manual techniques and tools suitable for tackling pilling depending on their location on the coat.
Manual methods
1. By hand
For small, isolated pills, it is often sufficient to remove them delicately by hand. This simple and gentle method preserves the fibers of the fabric.
2. Tweezers
A tweezer allows you to catch stubborn pills to remove them one by one without damaging the fabric. This precision tool is ideal for delicate areas.
3. Delicate brushing
Light brushing with a soft clothes brush helps remove pilling without aggressively scrubbing the wool. Choose a brush with natural horsehair or boar hair.
Tools suitable for wool coats
1. Specific razors for wool
Electric lint removers for woolens allow you to quickly remove pilling on large surfaces. They cut the fibers protruding from the fabric without damaging it.
2. Wool combs
Wool combs, also called lint removers, feature tight-set metal teeth designed to gently remove pills from coats and sweaters. This tip also applies to cashmere and angora to recover a pilling sweater.
3. Electric anti-pilling machines
There are specific electrical devices made up of blades and brushes to get rid of pilling on all types of woolens. They represent an investment but are very effective.
Homemade tips
1. Pumice stone
Gently rubbing the affected areas with a pumice stone helps remove pilling without damaging the fibers. Its slightly abrasive texture is perfect for refreshing woolens.
2. Abrasive sponge
Dishwashing scrubbing sponges are effective in removing pilling from wool coats. Gently rub the affected areas, checking the condition of the fabric.
Velcro or adhesive strip
Gently pass a piece of Velcro or adhesive tape over the pilled areas to remove unwanted lint. However, be careful not to rub too much so as not to damage the fibers.
Also read: Fluffy coat: what to do?
How to prevent pilling on a wool coat?
Adopting the right maintenance actions helps delay the appearance of unsightly pilling on wool coats.
Washing and drying tips
Wash by hand or machine at low temperature, inside out and with a special wool detergent. Dry flat, away from a heat source.
Recommended products
Use a mild wool shampoo or lint conditioner to strengthen the fibers when washing. Noble wools such as alpaca wool or cashmere require even more delicate products.
Also read: Why is my cashmere sweater pilling? Brushing your wool coat regularly with a suitable brush helps eliminate emerging pills and delays their formation. Weekly brushing is ideal. Also read: How to avoid pilling on a new sweater? Our grandmothers used to use various everyday objects to get rid of stubborn pills. Here are some of their best tips: These tips often allow you to obtain good results for a minimal cost, on your coat but also your other clothes and accessories: sweater, scarf, necklace. They are worth trying! Also read: Do polyester coats pill? With good maintenance and delicate gestures, it is possible to get rid of the unsightly pilling that naturally appears on wool coats. Don’t hesitate to try different manual techniques, tools or grandmother’s tips to find the solution that’s perfectly suited to your coat. Your patience will be rewarded with an impeccable result! Pilling is caused by the natural detachment of wool textile fibers following rubbing. The composition of wool makes it sensitive to this phenomenon. Frequent wearing and poor maintenance accelerate the appearance of unsightly pilling. It is recommended to wash by hand or in the machine at a temperature below 30°C, inside out, with a special wool detergent. Rinse in cold water and squeeze out gently. Avoid the tumble dryer and favor drying flat in the open air. Finish with a light brushing with a soft brush suitable for woolens. Yes, high-quality virgin wools such as cashmere or alpaca wool resist better over time and pill generally less quickly than standard woolens. Their higher price is an investment against the premature appearance of unsightly pilling. No, it is impossible to prevent them entirely because pilling is inherent to the nature of wool fibers. However, good maintenance and simple actions such as regular brushing can significantly delay their appearance. Several techniques: by hand, gentle brushing, tweezers, pumice stone, special wool electric razor, Velcro or adhesive strip. Always rub gently so as not to damage the fabric. Patient gestures but which give good results. The simplest trick is to gently run a piece of tape or Velcro over the pilled areas. The sticky or hooked side will catch unwanted pilling quickly and easily. Then scrub gently with a clothes brush to finish the job. Using a lice comb with a metal tip, passing it delicately in the direction of the mesh, allows you to effectively remove lint. Another solution: roll a small ball with adhesive tape and apply it to the pilled areas to loosen the excess fibers. The easiest way is to use a special electric wool shaver which allows you to quickly remove pilling on large surfaces such as the back or the sleeves of a jacket. Otherwise, rub the affected areas occasionally with a pumice stone. For a delicate scarf, it is best to avoid abrasive tools such as pumice which could damage it. The best solution is to carefully wrap a piece of tape around your fingers and lightly tap the pilled areas to loosen the unwanted lint. Repeat until optimal result is achieved. Yes, dry cleaning is an effective method for removing lint from clothing, especially wool coats. Dry cleaning professionals have tools and specific techniques that allow you to remove lint without damaging the fabric. However, it is always recommended to check with your local dry cleaner to ensure they offer this service. Getting rid of pilling can be a challenge, but with the right methods, it's easy. Here are some tips for removing pilling: It is also essential to follow the care instructions for your coat to avoid the appearance of new pilling. Mis à jour le 23 janvier 2024Brushing frequency and method
Grandma's tips and advice
In summary: how to remove pilling from a wool coat?
FAQ
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