Learning how to remove pilling from clothing can help your favorite sweaters, leggings, shirts, and other garments look smoother and newer. Those tiny balls of fiber often appear on areas that experience frequent rubbing, such as under the arms, along sleeves, around the thighs, and near side seams. Although pilling is common, you can usually improve a garment’s appearance with the right tools and a little care.
The best method depends on the fabric, the size of the pills, and how delicate the garment is. From using a fabric shaver to trying a sweater comb, these practical techniques can help you remove pills while protecting your clothes from unnecessary damage.
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Items to Buy
- Fabric Shaver
- Sweater Comb
- Fabric Depilling Stone
- Soft Clothes Brush
- Mesh Laundry Bags
- Gentle Laundry Detergent
What Causes Pilling on Clothing?
Pilling happens when loose fibers on a fabric’s surface become tangled together through friction, forming small balls that remain attached to the material. These balls are called pills. They may make clothing look worn, even when the garment is clean and still perfectly wearable.
Several factors can contribute to pilling:
- Friction: Rubbing from bags, seat belts, furniture, or the movement of your arms and legs can loosen fibers.
- Frequent washing: Repeated agitation can cause fibers to work loose and tangle on the fabric’s surface.
- Fabric construction: Knitted materials may pill more visibly than tightly woven fabrics because their structure can allow fibers to move more freely.
- Fiber type: Some synthetic fibers are strong enough to hold pills on the surface, while certain natural fibers can also pill depending on their length, construction, and finish.
- Poor laundry habits: Washing garments with rough fabrics, using unsuitable cycles, or overloading the machine can increase friction.
- Everyday wear: Areas that repeatedly rub against each other often develop pills first.
Pilling does not automatically mean a garment is poor quality. Even well-made clothing can pill, especially when it is worn frequently or made from fibers and fabric constructions that are prone to surface fuzz.
How to Remove Pilling from Clothing: 7 Effective Methods
1. Use an Electric Fabric Shaver
An electric fabric shaver is one of the easiest tools for removing pills from many everyday garments. It uses a guarded cutting head to trim raised fibers from the fabric’s surface and collect them in a small compartment.
Start by checking the garment’s care label and the shaver’s instructions. Place the clothing on a flat, stable surface and smooth out any wrinkles. Switch on the device and move it gently over the pilled area without pressing down hard. Empty the collection compartment when necessary so the shaver continues working effectively.
A fabric shaver can be useful for suitable sweaters, sweatshirts, leggings, coats, and some upholstery fabrics. However, it is not appropriate for every material. Avoid using it on loose knits, delicate lace, sequins, loose threads, or fabrics with decorative loops unless the manufacturer specifically indicates that it is safe.
Tip: Test the shaver on a hidden area first. Keep the fabric flat and move slowly to reduce the risk of cutting the material.
2. Try a Sweater Comb
A sweater comb is a manual tool designed to lift or remove pills from suitable knitwear. It can be a good option for people who want more control than an electric shaver provides.
Lay the sweater on a flat surface and hold the fabric gently in place. Follow the comb’s instructions, using short, light strokes over the pilled area. Do not press too firmly or repeatedly scrape the same spot, as excessive friction can damage the knit.
Sweater combs can work well on certain wool and other knitted garments, but the right tool depends on the yarn and construction. Fine knits and loosely woven sweaters may snag easily, so test an inconspicuous section before continuing.
After removing the pills, gently brush away any remaining loose fibers. Store the comb somewhere clean and dry so it is ready for the next time your knitwear needs attention.
3. Use a Fabric Depilling Stone
A fabric depilling stone is designed to catch or lift surface pills as it moves across certain fabrics. It may be helpful for sturdy sweaters and selected textiles, depending on the product’s instructions.
Place the garment flat and smooth the fabric. Lightly move the stone across the affected area, checking frequently to see how the material responds. Use minimal pressure and avoid vigorous rubbing.
Because depilling stones vary in texture, they are not suitable for every garment. They can snag fine yarns or roughen delicate fabrics if used incorrectly. Do not assume that a stone intended for one type of textile is safe for all clothing.
Always test the product on a concealed area first. If the fabric starts to catch, stretch, or develop additional fuzz, stop and choose a gentler method.
4. Carefully Trim Larger Pills with Small Scissors
If only a few large pills are visible, small scissors may be enough to remove them. This method gives you control over individual pills, but it requires patience and a steady hand.
Spread the garment flat on a table with good lighting. Lift each pill slightly away from the fabric without pulling on the surrounding fibers. Use small, sharp scissors to snip the pill near its base while keeping the blades away from the garment itself.
Never cut blindly or try to remove pills while wearing the clothing. A sudden movement could lead to a cut in the fabric or an injury. Avoid this technique on very fine knits, loosely woven garments, or materials where the pills are tightly connected to the yarn.
For a garment with many pills, a suitable fabric shaver or sweater comb is usually more efficient than trimming each one separately.
5. Use a Gentle Clothes Brush After Depilling
A soft clothes brush will not usually remove firmly attached pills on its own, but it can help clear loose fibers after you have used a depilling tool. It is also useful for maintaining suitable coats, jackets, and other garments between deeper cleaning sessions.
Lay the clothing flat or hang it securely. Brush gently in the direction recommended for the fabric, using light strokes. Avoid scrubbing, which can create more friction and potentially contribute to additional pilling.
Choose a brush designed for garments rather than a stiff cleaning brush. For delicate wool, cashmere, or fine knitwear, follow the care label and the garment manufacturer’s advice before brushing.
Regular, gentle care can help remove surface debris and keep clothing looking tidy without unnecessary handling.
6. Use a Lint Roller for Loose Fibers
A lint roller is useful for collecting loose fibers left behind after removing pills. It can also pick up dust, pet hair, and surface lint that makes clothing look less neat.
Roll the adhesive sheet lightly over the garment, replacing it when it becomes full. Avoid pressing hard or repeatedly rolling the same area, particularly on delicate materials.
A lint roller does not normally remove pills that are firmly attached to the fabric. Use it as a finishing step after depilling rather than as a substitute for a fabric shaver or sweater comb.
For garments with a delicate surface or loose threads, test the roller first to make sure the adhesive does not pull at the material.
7. Consider Professional Garment Care
For expensive sweaters, cashmere garments, tailored coats, or delicate fabrics, professional garment care may be the safest choice. This is especially true when the pills are extensive or the material is easily damaged.
A professional cleaner or garment-care specialist can assess the fabric and recommend a suitable approach. Cleaning does not automatically remove pilling, so explain that your main concern is the fabric’s surface appearance.
Avoid trying several aggressive methods on a valuable garment before seeking advice. A small test in an inconspicuous area is important even when you are using a product marketed specifically for depilling.
How to Remove Pilling from Different Fabrics
Different materials respond differently to depilling tools. Before you start, identify the fabric if possible and check its care label.
Sweaters and Knitwear
Sweaters can develop pills around the underarms, sides, cuffs, and areas where a coat or bag rubs against them. A sweater comb or a fabric shaver designed for knitwear may work, depending on the yarn and knit structure.
Spread the sweater flat instead of holding it in the air. Work in small sections and avoid stretching the fabric. If the knit is loose or contains decorative yarns, test the tool carefully or seek professional advice.
After removing pills, fold the sweater rather than hanging it if the garment is prone to stretching. Store it clean and completely dry.
Wool and Cashmere
Wool and cashmere garments can develop pills through ordinary wear, especially during the early stages of use. Their delicate fibers require a gentle approach.
Use a tool specifically recommended for the garment’s type of knit. Move slowly, avoid pulling pills off with your fingers, and never scrape the fabric aggressively. For fine cashmere or a valuable wool coat, professional advice may be worthwhile.
Follow the care label when washing these garments. Some can be hand-washed with an appropriate detergent, while others require professional cleaning. Incorrect washing or rough handling can cause shrinkage, distortion, or additional surface damage.
Polyester and Synthetic Clothing
Polyester fleece, synthetic sweaters, leggings, and blended fabrics may develop pills where the material rubs against itself or other surfaces. A suitable fabric shaver can work well on many sturdy synthetic garments.
Test the device on a hidden area and use light pressure. Avoid high heat unless the care label specifically permits it, as some synthetic fabrics can be damaged by excessive temperatures.
Wash synthetic garments with similar items, turn them inside out when appropriate, and avoid mixing them with rough materials that can increase abrasion.
Cotton T-Shirts and Sweatshirts
Cotton garments can pill, particularly when they are knitted, blended with synthetic fibers, or exposed to frequent friction. Pills may appear beneath the arms, around the sides, and where a backpack or seat belt rubs.
For sturdy T-shirts and sweatshirts, a suitable fabric shaver is often a practical option. Keep the garment flat and avoid thin, worn areas where the fabric could be cut.
To reduce future pilling, wash items inside out when appropriate, use a suitable cycle, and avoid washing them alongside rough towels or items with zippers and abrasive fasteners.
Leggings and Activewear
Stretch fabrics need extra care because aggressive depilling can damage their surface or affect their appearance. A small number of pills may be removable with a tool designed for the fabric, but the garment’s condition matters.
Check the care label, test a hidden area, and keep the fabric smooth without stretching it excessively. Avoid razors and rough abrasive tools, which can cut fibers or create snags.
If the fabric has become thin, shiny, or damaged as well as pilled, removing the pills may not restore its original appearance. In that case, gentle care is more important than aggressive surface treatment.
Coats and Jackets
Pilling can develop on coat sleeves, underarm areas, side seams, and places where bags rub against the fabric. A suitable fabric shaver or garment comb may work on some materials, while a soft clothes brush is better for routine surface care.
Check whether the coat is wool, fleece, a synthetic blend, or another material before choosing a tool. If the care label says dry-clean-only or the fabric has a special finish, avoid soaking it or using an untested household method.
For tailored coats, expensive outerwear, and delicate fabrics, a professional garment-care specialist can help you avoid accidental damage.
How to Prevent Pilling on Clothing
Removing pills can improve a garment’s appearance, but changing a few laundry and wearing habits may help reduce new ones.
Wash Clothes Inside Out
Turning garments inside out can reduce friction on the visible surface during washing. This is particularly useful for knitwear, T-shirts, leggings, and clothing with prints or decorative details.
Follow the care label and choose a suitable washing cycle. Turning clothing inside out will not eliminate pilling completely, but it can help protect the outside surface.
Separate Clothes by Fabric Type
Avoid washing rough towels, heavy denim, and garments with abrasive fasteners alongside delicate knitwear. These items can increase friction and transfer loose fibers.
Use separate loads for delicate pieces and everyday clothing when practical. Mesh laundry bags may provide an additional layer of protection for suitable smaller garments, but they do not replace proper sorting.
Choose a Gentle Wash Cycle
Use the cycle recommended on the care label. A gentler cycle can reduce unnecessary agitation for garments that are prone to pilling.
Avoid overloading the washing machine, as crowded clothing can rub against itself and may not rinse effectively. Use the recommended amount of detergent rather than assuming extra detergent will protect the fabric.
Avoid Excessive Heat
High temperatures can damage certain fibers, shrink some garments, or affect fabric finishes. Check the care label before using a dryer, and air-dry items when that is the recommended option.
When tumble drying is permitted, follow the garment and appliance instructions. Remove clothing when the cycle finishes instead of leaving it to tumble unnecessarily.
Reduce Friction During Everyday Wear
Pilling often develops where clothing repeatedly rubs against another surface. Backpack straps, handbags, seat belts, desk edges, and the fabric of other garments can contribute.
You cannot avoid all friction, but you can reduce unnecessary rubbing. For example, adjust a bag strap so it does not repeatedly drag across the same area of a sweater, and avoid wearing a delicate knit under rough outerwear.
Store Knitwear Carefully
Make sure clothes are clean and completely dry before storing them. Fold sweaters and other knits that may stretch when hung, and keep them away from rough surfaces that could snag the yarn.
Avoid overcrowding drawers or shelves. Giving garments enough room can help reduce rubbing and make it easier to keep delicate items in good condition.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Removing Pills
- Pulling pills off by hand: This can pull out additional fibers and damage the fabric.
- Using a razor carelessly: A blade may cut threads, create holes, or snag delicate materials.
- Pressing too hard with a fabric shaver: Excessive pressure can damage the garment instead of simply trimming raised fibers.
- Using rough tools on fine knitwear: An abrasive tool may catch the yarn or create more fuzz.
- Skipping the patch test: Even tools designed for clothing may not be suitable for every fabric.
- Trying to remove every trace of texture: Some fabrics naturally have a soft or fuzzy surface, and aggressive treatment may do more harm than good.
- Ignoring worn or thin areas: A garment that is already damaged may not tolerate depilling safely.
- Expecting washing alone to remove pills: Pills are often attached to the fabric and usually need careful surface removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest way to remove pilling from clothing?
A fabric shaver is often the easiest choice for suitable everyday garments with many pills. A sweater comb may be better for certain knits, while small scissors can remove a few larger pills. Always check the care label and test the tool first.
Can I remove pilling without a fabric shaver?
Yes. Depending on the material, you can use a sweater comb, fabric depilling stone, or small scissors to remove individual pills carefully. A lint roller can collect loose fibers afterward, but it generally will not remove firmly attached pills.
Does pilling mean my clothes are poor quality?
No. Pilling can occur on both inexpensive and well-made garments. It depends on factors such as fiber type, yarn construction, fabric structure, friction, and care. Pilling alone does not prove that a garment is poorly made.
Can washing clothes remove pilling?
Washing usually does not remove pills that are firmly attached to the fabric. In some cases, washing can create more friction and lead to additional pilling. Remove existing pills with a suitable tool, then adjust your laundry routine to reduce future wear.
Is it safe to use a razor to remove pills?
Using a razor can be risky because it may cut the fabric or create snags and holes. A fabric shaver designed for clothing is often easier to control, but it still needs to be suitable for the material. Avoid blades on delicate, thin, or loose-knit fabrics.
How often should I depill my clothes?
Depill clothing when pills become noticeable rather than following a fixed schedule. Frequently worn sweaters and leggings may need occasional attention, while other garments may rarely require it. Regular gentle care can help you avoid having to remove a large number of pills at once.
Can pilling be prevented completely?
No. Pilling is a normal result of fiber movement and friction, and it cannot always be prevented. Sorting laundry, using appropriate wash cycles, reducing friction, and storing knitwear properly can help minimize it.
Should I throw away clothes that have pilling?
Not necessarily. If the garment is otherwise in good condition, removing the pills may improve its appearance and allow you to continue wearing it. If the fabric is thinning, tearing, or losing its shape, depilling will not repair that underlying damage.
Final Words
Learning how to remove pilling from clothing helps you care for sweaters, T-shirts, leggings, coats, and other frequently worn pieces without replacing them unnecessarily. Choose a fabric shaver or sweater comb that suits the material, work gently, and test any tool in a hidden area before treating the whole garment.
To reduce future pilling, wash clothes according to their care labels, separate delicate items from rough fabrics, and limit unnecessary friction. With the right approach, you can keep many of your favorite garments looking smoother for longer.
Helpful Resources
- The Woolmark Company: Wool Care — Guidance on caring for wool garments and maintaining knitwear.
- American Cleaning Institute: Cleaning Tips — Practical information about laundry routines and fabric care.