What causes fabric pilling?
Pilling is the result of normal wear and tear, everyday friction and fabric rubbing against itself as well as agitation from washing and drying. Fibres on the surface become tangled and over time clump together, forming these little balls known as 'pills'.
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Material type: Synthetic fabrics and garments made from a blend of multiple fibres are more likely to pill, as are those made with a looser weave.
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Dirt and dust: Pilling may appear darker than the original fabric colour due to dirt and dust getting trapped in them.
Fabric type also plays a role in clothes pilling. Shorter fibres like cotton, wool, fleece, polyester and other synthetics are more prone to breakage, which results in pilling. Longer fibres, such as linen and silk, hold together and break less easily. Loose-knit clothes also tend to pill more than tightly woven fabrics since the fibres aren’t held together as strongly.
How to prevent fabric pilling
Though pilling is a natural result of everyday use, there are things you can do.
Check the label
Always check the care label for washing and drying instructions. Following the manufacturer’s instructions is a great start to keeping your clothing in good shape.
Washing and drying
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Hand-wash delicate items: This is the best option, though not always practical for large laundry piles!
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Sort your laundry: Separate delicate items from more abrasive materials like jeans and heavy shirts.
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Divide and conquer! When washing, separate clothing and turn inside out.
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Gently does it: When using your washing machine, set it to a gentle cycle and turn items inside out to minimise surface contact.
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Protect: Place extra-delicate pieces in mesh laundry bags.
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Air dry: Pilling can form from the friction of items tumbling against each other in the dryer, so try drying your items on a washing line instead or laying them out flat on a surface. If you do use your dryer, avoid oversized loads, dry like items together and remove items as soon as they're dry.
Avoid excess friction
Try to avoid or reduce the friction on your clothes. For example, avoid wearing a backpack with your favourite top, or hold your handbag in your hand instead of on your shoulder where it can rub against your side.
How to remove pilling
Electric fabric shaver:
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Designed specifically for removing pills.
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Has different speeds for different fabric types.
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Has a compartment for collecting the shaved pills.
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Gently use the shaver in a circular motion over pilled areas, pressing lightly to avoid fabric damage.
Disposable razor:
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Place the garment on a flat surface and hold the area taut.
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Use the razor gently to avoid cutting or snagging the fabric.
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Use a lint roller to pick up the shaved fuzzballs.
Pumice stone:
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Softly glide the pumice stone over the pilled surface.
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Continue until the fabric is smooth, then pick up the pills with a lint roller.
Important tips:
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Avoid de-pilling too often. Wait until there are enough pills to cover a large area.
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While these tools don’t damage the fabric, excessive use can weaken it over time.
