No one likes to see their favorite shirt or sweater pilling, making it look shabby and worn-out. Pilling is a textile bobble that forms against the fibers of the clothes. It appears on shirts, but it's more commonly found on sweaters, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Unfortunately, some garments are prone to pilling and it's not always easy to determine which clothes will end up like this. Pilling occurs due to friction, wear and over-washing, and if you're not up to disposing your shirt or sweater - if it's your lucky sweatshirt from college - there are some clever tricks you can do to remove or prevent these unsightly bumps. Follow the tips below:
Prevent Pilling While Doing Laundry
Your shirt or sweater should be turned inside out when doing laundry. Make sure that the laundry detergent is properly dissolved, especially for powdered detergents. Use only the gentle cycle of the machine so that it doesn't wear the fabric further. Resist using the dryer to prevent abrasion, but if you must, only do so for a few minutes and remove the garment right away.
Removing Pilling With Scissors
Some pilling can be easily trimmed with scissors, but you have to do so gently. Use a small pair - you want something less sharp and more precise. Sharper scissors are more likely to damage the cloth.
Removing Pilling With Disposable Razors
Carefully lay the sweater on a flat surface and then slowly "shave" the area using a new and sharp razor. Use small and gentle upward strokes and always keep the pressure light. To remove the shaved pillings, use scotch tape. This method has been tried and tested against many types of fabric, according to Life Hacker.
Watch the video for removing pilling with razors below:
Some have tried using a fine-tooth comb or Velcro to remove piling, but these are not recommended for other types of fabric, such as cashmere or wool. You may also purchase de-pilling tools if you find razors or scissors ineffective. What you'll need to look for is a fabric shaver or a fabric comb, which are available at most personal or home care stores.
