How to Remove Fabric Pills from Clothing

Seven quick and easy ways to restore the appearance of worn clothes.

Why Do Fabric Pills Appear on Clothing?

Fabric pills form due to friction when wearing, washing, or rubbing against items like backpack straps. These tiny tangled fiber balls are more common on fabrics with longer fibers and lower density. Wool (especially chunky knits), flannel, and low-quality materials are particularly prone to pilling. While preventing pills entirely is impossible, you can effectively remove them to keep your clothes looking neat and fresh.

Here are some simple and effective home remedies to remove fabric pills. If you prefer professional care, dry cleaners not only wash your clothes but also expertly remove pills.

Removing Fabric Pills with a Special Brush

Professional dry cleaners often use specialized brushes designed for de-pilling, which you can easily purchase online. These brushes clean quickly and safely. Lay your sweater flat on a surface and gently brush it in one direction with slight pressure, avoiding stretching the fabric.

Using a Special Pumice Stone to Remove Pills

Only use pumice stones specifically made for fabric care; regular cosmetic pumice stones may damage your clothes. Place your garment on a flat surface and gently glide the pumice stone along the fibers without pressing hard. Always move in one direction and clean off accumulated lint from the pumice stone with your fingers.

Removing Pills with a Fabric Shaver

Fabric shavers resemble electric razors and work similarly. Use caution to avoid cutting the fabric. Slightly stretch the area to be cleaned and hold it taut. Turn on the shaver and move it slowly across the fabric, removing pills gradually. After use, empty the device’s lint container.

Removing Pills with a Razor

This method requires great care to prevent cutting the fabric. Use a used razor blade that’s not too sharp. Stretch the fabric on a flat, well-lit surface and move the blade very close to the surface without touching it. This trims the pills protruding from the fabric without damaging the garment.

Using a Utility Knife to Remove Pills

An ultra-sharp utility knife can be used similarly to a razor. Carefully glide the blade along the stretched fabric fibers, shaving off pills close to the surface. Collect and dispose of the trimmed pills as you go.

Removing Pills with a Comb

Use a plastic comb with fine, blunt teeth. Gently comb along the slightly stretched fabric to lift and remove matted fibers.

Removing Pills with Tape

This method works best on smooth fabrics where pills are loosely attached. It is not suitable for long-pile wool fabrics like angora. Tear off 4–6 inches of tape, press it firmly onto the fabric, smooth it out, then pull it off sharply to lift away the pills.

How to Care for Clothes to Prevent Pills from Returning

Since friction causes pilling, minimizing it is key. Follow these tips to keep your clothes pill-free longer:

• Follow the washing instructions on garment labels. Turn clothes inside out before washing to reduce surface friction.
• Wash woolen items in a mesh laundry bag.
• Use fabric softeners to smooth fibers.
• Avoid excessive machine drying to reduce friction.
• Choose bags with wide, soft straps to prevent shoulder wear.
• Limit hand placement in wool coats to avoid wear around pockets and cuffs.
• Use stain removers instead of harsh scrubbing.
• Invest in high-quality fabrics less prone to pilling.
• Be cautious with Velcro fasteners, which can snag and damage knitwear.

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