There’s something magical about sweater weather — cozy afternoons, warm drinks, and the soft feel of your favorite knitwear. But nothing ruins that fuzzy feeling like discovering unpleasant little bumps on your clothes: pills! Those tiny, pesky balls of fabric that seem to appear out of nowhere. Thankfully, with a few simple tips, you can keep your sweaters pill-free, soft, and cozy all season. Here’s everything you need to know to prevent pilling on sweaters, along with the best way to remove pills from knitwear if they’ve already struck.
Related: How to Wash Sweaters
What Causes Pilling on Sweaters?
Pilling happens when fibers in the fabric rub against each other or other surfaces, causing them to tangle up and form small, raised fuzz balls. This is especially common with soft, delicate knits like wool, cashmere, and certain synthetic blends. Everyday wear, washing, and even carrying bags across your shoulder can create enough friction to cause pilling.
Tips to Prevent Pilling on Sweaters
The best way to enjoy pill-free comfy clothes is by taking some simple preventative measures. Here’s how to keep sweaters from pilling and extend their lifespan:
1. Turn Sweaters Inside Out When Washing
Washing your sweaters inside out helps reduce the friction that causes pilling. Use a gentle cycle with a mild detergent and avoid overcrowding the washing machine so clothes don’t rub against each other excessively. Always make sure to check your clothing’s care label to identify the proper cleaning method for each garment. Some articles may look their best only when hand washed in cold water or when professionally cleaned.
2. Limit Friction
Any amount of rubbing between fabrics can eventually create pills. Avoid wearing your sweater under heavy coats, backpacks, or crossbody bags that create friction and build up fuzz balls.
3. Air Dry Rather Than Tumble Dry
Tumble drying can rough up sweater fibers, leading to pilling. Instead, lay sweaters flat to dry, keeping them away from direct sunlight to avoid fading. This step is one of the easiest ways to preserve your knits!
4. Get Your Sweaters Professionally Cleaned
Regular professional cleaning can remove dirt and oils that damage your sweaters, plus, traditional dry cleaning methods avoid the rough tumbling of washing machines and harsh chemical detergents that can cause pills to form.
Related: More Laundry Tricks & Hacks You Need To Know
How to Remove Pills from Sweaters
If your sweater already has pills, don’t worry — there are a few super easy ways to de-pill a sweater and restore its normal appearance:
1. Use a Fabric Shaver
Fabric shavers are tools designed to safely remove pilling from clothing without damaging the fabric. Gently run the shaver over your sweater and watch those fuzz balls disappear!
2. Try a Sweater Comb
For finer fabrics like cashmere, a sweater comb is a more gentle alternative to a fabric shaver. Lightly comb the surface to remove pilling without tugging on delicate fibers.
3. Use a Razor for Small Pills
In a pinch, a clean, sharp razor can work to remove pilling from fabric. Stretch the sweater over a flat surface, and gently shave in small strokes. But be careful! Pressing too hard or relying on this method too much is a surefire way to damage the fabric on your cold weather garments.
4. Remove Pills by Hand
For a particularly delicate sweater, you can remove pilling by hand. It may be time-consuming, but as long as you don’t tug too hard, this can be one of the most gentle methods for removing pills from sensitive fabrics.
5. Use Tape for Loose Fuzz
After de-pilling, you can use a lint roller or a piece of packaging tape to pick up any loose fuzz or fibers, giving your sweater a smooth finish.
Storing Sweaters to Prevent Pilling
How you store your sweaters matters just as much as how you clean and wear them. When spring arrives, fold your fall and winter clothing neatly and store them flat in a drawer or ventilated container. Hanging sweaters can cause them to stretch out, which makes pilling more likely. Using breathable storage bags or bins can also protect your clothes from dust and moths without adding unnecessary friction that could damage the fibers.
Read More: Folding Tricks to Save Space
Professional Cleaning: A Smart Move for Long-Lasting Knitwear
While home care can help maintain your sweaters, sometimes expert cleaning is the best option for keeping them in top condition, especially when it comes to delicate knits. At Dependable Cleaners, our knowledgeable team uses eco-friendly cleaning methods and a 7-point quality inspection process to give your garments the care they deserve. With same-day cleaning, free pickup & delivery, and 24-hour self-serve kiosks, we make it easy to keep your clothes at their very best! Let us handle the cleaning, so you can enjoy cozy sweater weather without a worry.
Call Dependable Cleaners today at 303-777-2673, or visit one of our convenient Denver area locations.
