Key Takeaways
Pilling are small, unsightly lint that form on clothing. To get rid of it, you can use gentle methods such as tweezers, a fine comb or even a pumice stone. There are also stronger techniques such as scissors, razors or special anti-pilling clippers. The best is to prevent their appearance by properly maintaining your sweaters.
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Introduction
Who has never complained after seeing the appearance of these little pillings which come to ruin our favorite sweater or our most beautiful cashmere? These small, unwanted lint form over time on the surface of clothing, especially those made of wool or synthetic materials. In addition to their unsightly appearance, they also tend to cling everywhere and multiply. Fortunately, it is possible to get rid of them using a variety of methods.
In this article, we will see the origins of pilling and their impact on fibres textiles. We will then present to you different tips and solutions to effectively eliminate these pills, from the mildest to the most radical. We will also discuss prevention tips to avoid their appearance, including on new sweaters.
Origin of pilling
Pilling comes from mini hairs and down which become detached from clothing through friction. Under the effect of friction, these small fibers separate from the mesh and clump together to form small fluff.
This occurs more frequently on woolen fabrics whose structure facilitates fiber detachment. Friction with other textiles such as coats, bags or even our hands promotes this phenomenon.
Also read: What is pilling?
Impact on clothing
The appearance of these pilling has a negative impact on the appearance of the clothing. These little fluffs give a worn and neglected look to the sweaters or cashmeres affected.
In addition, pills tend to cling to everything and multiply by spreading from one item of clothing to another. It is therefore important to eliminate them quickly to avoid an invasion throughout the wardrobe.
Also read: is it normal for a sweater to pill ?
Gentle methods to eliminate pilling
Fortunately, there are simple, non-destructive techniques to get rid of these unsightly pills. Here are some gentle tips to eliminate them while taking care of the fabric:
Tweezers
One of the gentlest methods is to use tweezers to gently remove pills one by one. This technique requires patience and attention to detail but allows the integrity of the stitches to be preserved.
Position the tweezers well at the base of the pill and pull sharply to extract it without damaging the garment. Repeat the operation meticulously on each pill. Your sweater will regain its smooth and soft appearance.
The fine comb
Another alternative, the special textile fine comb will eliminate pilling without damaging the fabric. Use a comb with tight, metal teeth.
Gently pass the comb over your clothing from top to bottom to remove any unwanted pilling. This method is gentle while remaining effective in getting rid of these unsightly little lint.
Also read: What pilling material?
Sandpaper
You can also gently use sandpaper to get rid of stubborn pills. Choose very fine sandpaper (150 grit or higher) and lightly rub the fuzzy surface.
Gentle rubbing will help loosen the pills without damaging the fabric. This easy and economical tip will make your garment look smooth.
Pumice stone
Another natural solution: pumice. Lightly dampen your sweater and gently rub the affected area with a pumice stone.
The abrasive action of the powder will help remove pilling and unwanted fibers without damaging the textile. Then rinse with clean water.
The scrubbing sponge
You can also use the abrasive side of a scouring sponge to gently remove pills. Choose a new coarse-grained sponge.
Lightly rub the areas affected by pilling and they will come off without damaging the garment. Then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Also read: fluffy sweater, how to remove pilling?
Strong methods to eliminate pilling
If gentle methods are not enough, it is possible to use stronger techniques to overcome stubborn pilling:
Scissors
Armed with small scissors, you can cleanly cut stubborn pills filament by filament. This radical method allows you to quickly eliminate pilling at the risk of slightly damaging the stitches.
You have to go about it with dexterity and attention to detail so as not to create an unsightly hole. Just cut the little fluff as close to the base as possible.
The razor
Another radical technique: use a razor to trim the pilling. Choose a small razor with a retractable blade designed for delicate textiles.
Gently shave the fluffy surface, taking care not to cut the stitches of the garment. This effective method requires a lot of precautions.
Also read: Fluffy coat: what to do?
The anti-pilling trimmer
Finally, you can invest in a specialized device like the anti-pilling trimmer. This device removes pills using a rotating head equipped with fine blades.
Gently position the clipper on the affected areas, taking care not to damage the fabric. This device offers fast and effective results.
Prevention: how to avoid the appearance of pilling?
Prevention is better than cure. Here are some valuable tips to prevent the formation of these unsightly pills on your most beautiful clothes:
Using the freezer
After each wash, wrap your sweater or cashmere in a bag and place it 2 hours in the freezer. This passage to the cold will contract the fibers and prevent the detachment of fluff.
Proper washing of sweaters
Wash your wool clothes inside out at low temperature (30°C max) with detergent for delicate wools. Avoid washing them too frequently so as not to damage the fibers.
Prefer hand washing or a delicate machine cycle. Avoid packing your laundry and wash wool sweaters separately from other textiles.
Care for clothes to extend their lifespan
A few simple maintenance steps will allow you to keep your clothes in good condition for longer:
- Turn your sweaters and cashmere inside out before storing them to avoid friction
- Fold your clothes carefully instead of packing them to preserve the fibers
- Regularly remove the hair from your wool sweaters with a special steamer
- Air your clothes frequently by placing them on a hanger
By taking care of your textiles in this way, you will delay the appearance of unsightly pilling.
Also read: When and how to wash your sweatshirt?
Conclusion
Pilling is a common inconvenience but fortunately there are solutions to get rid of it. Gentle methods like the tweezers or more radical techniques like the anti-pilling clipper allow you to get rid of these unsightly fluff.
The best is still to adopt preventive actions in the maintenance of your cashmere sweaters and wool clothing in order to postpone the appearance of these pills. With a little anti-pilling tip, your sweaters will regain their original soft and softness appearance.
Also read: Do polyester coats pill?
FAQ
How do I remove pills from my sweater?
Use tweezers or a lice comb to gently remove small pills. The special textile razor is also an ideal option.
How to remove pills from clothes?
Gently pass a adhesive tape to "catch" the pills. Rub with very fine sandpaper or a slightly moistened pumice stone.
How to remove pills quickly?
Brush gently with a clothes brush for cashmere sweaters. You can also use the anti-pilling device with the special delicate wool head.
How to deal with a pilling sweater?
Use tweezers to meticulously remove the pills one by one. You can also brush gently with a fine metal comb.
How to remove lint from a sweater?
To recover a pilling sweater, rub gently with a special textile eraser or fine sandpaper. Tweezers are also very effective in removing lint. Use small scissors with round ends or specialized razors / special for textiles. Then rub gently with a damp pumice stone to restore softness.
How to remove pilling from a wool coat?
To remove pilling on a wool coat, use a clothes brush or fabric shaver, taking care not to damage the fabric . You can also invest in a special electric wool unpilker.
How to remove lint from black clothing?
To remove lint from black clothing, masking tape makes it easy to remove lint from dark clothing. Gently run the tape over the surface to “catch” the pilling.
How to remove pilling from a merino wool sweater?
Try the moistened pumice stone or very fine sandpaper, rubbing lightly. You can also use an anti-pilling trimmer suitable for delicate merino wool.
How to remove pilling from jogging pants?
Use a fabric shaver or round-tipped scissors to trim any pilling on a pair of jogging pants, being careful not to cut the fabric.
How to avoid pilling on sweaters?
Wash inside out at low temperature. Dry flat. Fold instead of packing. Use a steamer. Put in the freezer after each wash.
Mis à jour le 2 novembre 2023
