Between the comfort of a women's plush sweater and the frustration of an acrylic scarf that pills, pilling can be a real headache for lovers of cozy clothing.
Fortunately, there are solutions to prevent pilling and preserve the appearance of your fabrics. In this article, we'll discuss the causes of sweaters that pill and give you tips on how to prevent pilling on a new sweater or how to remove pilling from a sweater using a freezer.
We'll also share tips on how to prevent mohair hairs on clothing and properly care for your pilling scarf. So, if you're tired of constantly removing lint from your clothes, read on to discover our tips and tricks for a lint-free wardrobe!
What is pilling?
Pilling is a small ball of fibers that forms on the surface of fabric, usually due to friction and wear. Pilling is often the result of fibers detaching from the fabric and rolling up on themselves, creating these unsightly little balls.
Pilling can affect the appearance and comfort of your clothes, but fortunately, there are many methods for removing it and preventing it from forming. We discuss them all in this article.
Which materials and fabrics are prone to pilling?
Some materials and fabrics are more prone to pilling than others due to their properties and the way their fibers are woven. Here are some examples of materials and fabrics that tend to pill:
- Synthetic fibers: Textiles made from synthetic fibers, such as acrylic, polyester, or nylon, are often more prone to pilling. These materials are made from artificial fibers that can break off and form pills more easily than natural fibers.
- Wool and cashmere: Although wool and cashmere are natural fibers, they can also pill due to the nature of the fibers. Wool and cashmere fibers are relatively short and can therefore break off and roll up to form pills.
- Blended fabrics: Blended fabrics, which combine natural and synthetic fibers, can also be prone to pilling. The friction between the different types of fibers can cause pilling to form.
- Loose-knit fabrics: Loose-knit fabrics, such as some sweaters or scarves, may be more prone to pilling because the fibers have more freedom of movement and can break off more easily.
On the other hand, materials such as high-quality cotton or tightly woven natural fiber fabrics are generally less prone to pilling. By choosing clothing made from these materials and taking care to maintain them properly, you can minimize the risk of pilling on your clothes.
Why does a new sweater pill?
The materials responsible
A new sweater that pills is often caused by the quality of the materials used in the manufacture of the garment and its knit. Synthetic fibers such as acrylic are particularly prone to pilling. For example, an acrylic scarf that pills or an acrylic scarf that sheds is a common problem with this type of material.
Clothing friction
Pilling also forms due to friction between garments, such as a scarf that pills on coats, vests, cardigans, or other textile items or accessories. This friction causes the fibers to deteriorate and pilling to form after a few weeks of use.
How can you easily remove lint from a sweater?
Discover our tips for quickly and easily removing unsightly lint from your sweaters and preserving your beautiful knitwear.
How can you remove pilling from fabric?
There are several methods for removing pilling from fabric, including the following:
- Sponge tip: Use the abrasive side of a damp sponge to gently rub the pills. This method is particularly effective on tightly knit sweaters.
- Simple hairbrush: Run a hairbrush over the sweater to remove the pills. This quick method can also remove pet hair embedded in the fabric.
- Adhesive tape: Wrap a piece of tape around your hand, sticky side out, and gently dab the affected areas to remove the bobbles. If you have an adhesive brush at home, you can also use it to remove bobbles by running the brush over the sweater.
- Pumice stone: Gently rub a pumice stone over the sweater to remove the bobbles. This ideal solution is particularly suitable for chunky knit sweaters.
How can you quickly remove bobbles?
To remove bobbles from your sweaters in the blink of an eye, here are a few techniques:
- Grandmother's tip: Soak your sweater in cold water with liquid detergent for about 30 minutes, then rinse it. Next, iron the sweater before leaving it to air dry. This effective method tightens the stitches and limits the appearance of bobbles.
- Lice comb: Use a lice comb to remove the bobbles. Run it over the sweater using upward and downward strokes. This technique is a good tip for removing small balls of lint without damaging the stitches.
- Low-tech solution: If you don't have any everyday items to hand, you can use your long fingernails to gently pinch the ends of the bobbles and remove them. This ideal option requires a little more patience, but can be useful if you don't have the tools mentioned above.
- Sandpaper: Another quick method for removing bobbles is to use fine-grain sandpaper. Gently rub the sandpaper over the affected areas, taking care not to damage the fabric of the sweater. This technique works particularly well on thick fabrics.
- Regular care: To prevent pilling on your sweaters, be sure to wash them in the washing machine on a gentle cycle and dry them in the open air, away from heat sources. Avoid using a dryer, as this can promote pilling. Also, consider washing your sweaters with terry cloth towels, which will help remove lint during washing.
How to restore a pilled sweater with a lint shaver?
Pilling on a sweater can be a sign of poor quality or poor care. Here is an anti-pilling tip to restore your favorite sweater:
- Razor technique: Use a razor with dull blades to gently remove the pills. Run it over the sweater using up-and-down movements, taking care not to damage the knit. Make sure the removable collection tray is in place to catch the pills.
By following these effective methods and taking care of your wardrobe, you can preserve the beauty of your sweaters and avoid unsightly pilling. Feel free to adapt these tips to the type of knit and fabric of your sweater.
How can you prevent pilling on a new sweater?
Choose high-quality materials
To prevent your sweater from shedding or pilling, it is important to choose high-quality materials. Opt for natural fibers such as cotton, wool, or cashmere, which are less likely to pill than synthetic fibers, or a blend of these trendy natural fabrics.
Wash your sweater properly
Washing can also play a role in pilling. To prevent pilling on a new sweater, follow the washing instructions on the label and wash the sweater inside out to reduce friction. Use a mild detergent and avoid using too much.
Tips for preventing pilling
To prevent pilling, you can also use tricks such as placing the pilling garment in the freezer for a few hours before washing it. This technique firms up the fibers and reduces friction during washing.
How to prevent lint on clothing
How to remove lint from a coat?
To remove pilling from a coat, you can follow the general tips mentioned above, such as using an adhesive brush, a razor, or a pumice stone. It is also important to consider the type of material the coat is made of, as some techniques may be more effective than others depending on the material.
How to remove pills from a wool coat?
To remove pills from a wool coat, here are some specific tips:
- Use a pill comb or a fine-toothed comb to gently brush the surface of the coat. This will remove the pills without damaging the wool fibers.
- If you prefer to use a razor, choose a model with dull blades to avoid damaging the wool fibers. Gently run the razor over the surface of the coat to remove the pilling.
- For more stubborn pilling, you can use a special wool brush or a piece of fine-grit sandpaper. Gently rub the surface of the coat with the brush or sandpaper to remove the pills.
Tips for mohair clothing
Mohair is a natural fiber that comes from Angora goats. To prevent pills and mohair hairs on clothing, follow these tips:
- Hand wash mohair clothing with a mild detergent and cold water.
- Avoid rubbing or twisting mohair garments, as this can cause pilling and hair loss.
- Dry mohair garments flat and away from direct sunlight to preserve the quality of the fibers.
Caring for your acrylic scarf
To avoid problems with an acrylic scarf that pills or sheds, follow these care tips:
- Wash the scarf by hand or in the washing machine on a gentle cycle with a detergent suitable for delicate fabrics.
- Dry the scarf flat and avoid hanging it up to prevent the fibers from becoming distorted.
- Use a lint shaver or special brush to remove lint and hairs that form on the acrylic scarf.
- A neck warmer is generally easier to care for than a scarf.
Creating fuzz on a sweater on purpose: our effective techniques
If you want to intentionally create fuzz on a sweater for aesthetic purposes, here are some effective techniques:
- Use a stiff-bristled toothbrush to gently rub the sweater in the direction of the fibers.
- Use a pumice stone to gently rub the surface of the sweater, creating pilling.
- Gently rub the sweater with fine-grit sandpaper to create pilling in a controlled manner.
This will not be the case for our collection of plaid sweaters, of course, but some people are fans of this method.
Women's fleece sweaters: how to choose the right style?
When choosing a women's fleece sweater, consider the following criteria to ensure you choose a quality style that won't pill:
- Choose natural fibers such as cotton, wool, or cashmere, which are less likely to pill than synthetic fibers.
- Check the density of the fabric: a denser, tighter fabric will generally be more resistant to pilling.
- Examine the sweater's finishes, such as seams and hems, to ensure they are sturdy and well made.
- Pay attention to the care instructions to find out how to machine wash and properly care for the sweater to prevent pilling.
Fuzzy clothing: the freezer trick
Remove pills from sweaters with the freezer
The freezer can be a valuable ally in the fight against fuzzy clothing. Here are a few tips for using the freezer for this purpose:
- Before washing a pilling garment in the washing machine, place it in a plastic bag and put it in the freezer for a few hours. This will help to firm up the fibers and reduce friction during washing.
- For mohair or cashmere garments, put them in the freezer overnight to reduce hair loss and pilling.
- If you have a sweater with existing pills, put it in the freezer for a few hours before using a lint shaver or special brush to carefully remove the pills more easily.
By following these tips and tricks, you can reduce pilling and lint problems on your sweaters and other garments. Consistent and proper care and the choice of quality materials are essential to preserving the appearance and durability of your clothes. With patience and rigorous care according to our program and method, you'll leave nothing to chance.
Questions about your sweaters, scarves, and textile fibers? Send us an email for advice
If you have any questions about caring for your wool sweater, managing your wardrobe, or using a lint comb to remove pilling, don't hesitate to contact us. Our team of experts is available to provide you with personalized advice on caring for and preserving the knitwear in your wardrobe.
Whether you want to know how to prevent the ends of your scarves from fraying, whether you can put your wool sweater in the dryer, or how to use a video to learn how to remove lint balls, we are here to help.
We can also guide you on the best way to keep your clothes soft, whether it's protecting them from cold or heat, or giving you tips on how to avoid pilling. If you're curious about our community's opinion on clothing care, check out the votes on our blog posts and comments left by other readers.
Feel free to email us if you have specific questions, such as how to use your freezer to prevent lint, if you're looking for advice on the best ways to care for your favorite clothes, or if you're simply wondering why you need a plaid sweater. Our team will be happy to answer your questions and help you preserve the beauty and longevity of your wardrobe.
Updated on October 12, 2025
