Clothing made from natural and synthetic fibers can sometimes start to pill after a few washes or from being worn. These tiny pills can make clothes look worn, even if they’re relatively new. Luckily, there are some simple tips to prevent pilling and restore your clothes when they start to pill. Here’s a guide to keeping your clothes from pilling, and how to use a lint remover to bring your favorite pieces back to life.
Choosing the right materials
Not all fabrics are created equal when it comes to pilling. Natural fibers, like cotton, wool, and cashmere, are often more prone to pilling, as are some synthetic fibers like polyester and acrylic. Here are some tips to minimize the risk of pilling:
Choose quality fibers:
Dense, tightly woven fabrics are less likely to pill than looser or lower-quality fibers. When purchasing clothing, choose high-quality materials, as they will hold up better to wear and tear.
Opt for fiber blends:
Blends of natural and synthetic fibers, such as cotton-polyester or wool-nylon, are often more resistant to pilling than fabrics made of 100% of a single fiber.
Wash clothes carefully
Washing is often the cause of lint on clothes. Here are some tips to minimize this effect when washing:
Turn your clothes inside out:
Before washing your clothes, turn them inside out. This reduces direct friction between the fibers and the surface of the washing machine drum, thus reducing the appearance of pilling.
Use a gentle cycle:
Choose gentle or delicate wash programs with a low temperature. Spinning too hard or washing at high temperatures can weaken the fibers and cause pilling.
Add fabric softener:
Using fabric softener during washing can help reduce friction between fibers, minimizing the risk of lint. Additionally, it softens fabrics and makes them more comfortable to wear.
Avoid overloading:
Do not overload your washing machine. When clothes are too compressed, friction between them increases, promoting the appearance of lint.
Also check out: Laundry Care Basics: A Beginner’s Guide
Drying: be careful with machines
Machine drying can also cause lint, especially if the temperature is too high or the drum is too full. Here are some drying tips:
Prefer air drying:
Air drying your clothes is gentler on the fibers than tumble drying. Hang your clothes on a hanger or lay them flat to avoid pulling on the fibers.
Use a low temperature in the dryer:
If you must use the dryer, choose a low temperature cycle and reduce the drying time to minimise damage to the fibres.
Using a lint remover to maintain your clothes
If, despite all your precautions, your clothes start to pill, the lint remover is the perfect tool to give them a new look. This device, also called a pill shaver, is designed to effectively remove the small balls of fibers that form on the surface of clothing. Here's how to use it correctly:
Run the lint shaver over the affected areas:
Gently remove lint by passing the appliance over areas where lint has formed, such as sleeves, sides and areas of friction. Use gentle movements and avoid applying too much pressure to avoid damaging the fabric.
Use the lint shaver regularly:
To prevent pilling from building up, use your lint remover regularly, especially on wool, cashmere or cotton garments, which are more susceptible to pilling.
Don’t forget sweaters and other textiles:
The lint remover can also be used on sweaters, wool blankets, scarves or other textiles that tend to pill over time. It is essential to integrate it into your care routine to preserve the quality and appearance of your clothes and textiles.
How to store your clothes properly
How you store your clothes can also play a role in lint. Here are some tips for storing them properly:
Avoid friction:
When storing your clothes, be careful not to pile them up or fold them too tightly. Rubbing between clothes can cause pilling, even when the clothes are not being worn.
Use protective covers:
For wool, cashmere or silk garments, use protective covers when storing them out of season. This will protect them from friction, dust, and prolong their life.
