How to Remove Pilling From Clothing

Co-authored by Rani Gorgis

Last Updated: August 30, 2022 References Approved

To get rid of pilling on your clothing, you can try household items, like a sandpaper sponge, a shaving razor, or a strip of Velcro. You can also use store-bought tools, such as a sweater comb, an electric sweater shaver, or a sweater stone. To prevent future pilling, wash garments inside out on a gentle cycle, then hang them or lay them flat to dry.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Removing Pills With Household Tools

1
Use a sandpaper sponge. If you scrub your clothing with this sponge, your pilling will be gone!
2
Trim with scissors. Depending on the number and size of the pills, you may be able to trim them away with a pair of scissors. Lay the garment on a flat surface. Pull up individual pills trim away with your other hand. You may also put your hand inside the garment in order to pull it taut, and then gently trim away the pills.
- Make sure to hold the scissors close to the fabric. Be gentle and slow, so you do not damage the fabric.
- Small nail scissors are safer to use. They are duller and more precise, and are less likely to damage the fabric. ^{[1]
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3
Use a shaving razor. Take a disposable razor and lay the garment on a flat surface. Pull the fabric near the affected area taut with one hand. This will prevent you from cutting through the garment. Gently shave upward with the razor in small strokes. ^{[2]
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Research source} Start with the lightest contact possible and increase as necessary.
- Once you have accumulated a pile of pillings, use tape to remove from the fabric. Wrap a large loop of packing tape around your closed fingers, sticky side out. ^{[3]
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  Research source} Press against the fabric to pick up the accumulated pillings. Replace tape when it becomes full of pills. If you do not have packing tape, small strips of masking tape will also work.
- Make sure to use a sharp, new razor. This will most effectively remove the pills. Avoid using shaving razors that have moisture strips or soap bars on either side. This will likely cause more pilling when rubbed against the fabric.
4
Use Velcro hair rollers. Hair rollers are very gentle, making them ideal for use on delicate fabrics like wool and cashmere. Lay the garment on a flat surface and pull it taut. Lay the roller flat on the affected area. Gently roll upwards and out until the area is pill-free. The pilling will get caught in the hair roller. Pick it up and move it to another area if the garment is pilled in several areas.
5
Use a strip of Velcro. ^{[4]
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Research source} If you have a piece of Velcro you can also use this to remove pillings. Consider using Velcro found on a shoe or wallet. Apply the Velcro hook-side down to the affected area of the garment. Gently pull up and repeat until the pilling is gone.
- This method can damage very delicate fabrics, so do not use on cashmere or wool.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Shopping for Pilling-Removal Tools

1
Buy a sweater comb. A sweater comb is a small, fine toothed comb made specifically for removing pilling. It is different from a hair comb because the teeth are smaller and closer together. Pull the fabric taut and scrape the affected area gently. Be careful not to damage the fabric.
2
Use an electric sweater shaver. An electric pill remover is more expensive than other tools, but the fastest, most effective method. Insert batteries and lay the garment on a flat surface. Apply to the garment in small, circular motions. Start with the lightest contact possible and increase as needed. Continue until the pills disappear. They will accumulate in the shaver's barrel, which you can empty as it fills up.
3
Try a sweater stone. A sweater stone is made especially for removing sweater pills. To use, lay the garment on a flat surface and pull flat. Gently rub the stone against the affected area. Drag it across the fabric and pull off the extra pills as they accumulate, using tape or your fingers.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Preventing Pilling Before it Occurs

1
Shop for fabrics that are less likely to pill. Fabrics made of fiber blends are more susceptible to pilling. Fiber blends combine natural and synthetic fibers, and they are more likely to rub together and form pills. This is especially true for fabrics with three or more different types of fibers. ^{[5]
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2
Look for tightly knit sweaters. Check the fabric before you buy. Tightly knit fabrics are less likely to pill, whereas looser weaves or more susceptible to pilling ^{[6]
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3
Turn your garment inside out. Turn the garment inside out before washing.^{[7]
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Expert Source

Rani Gorgis
Laundry & Cleaning Specialist
Expert Interview. 12 April 2021.} This will prevent noticeable pilling as the fabric rubs against itself and other garments in the wash. You can also try storing the garment inside out by turning it inside out before hanging or folding it. ^{[8]
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4
Wash gently. Use a delicate cycle when washing in the washing machine.^{[9]
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Expert Source

Rani Gorgis
Laundry & Cleaning Specialist
Expert Interview. 12 April 2021.} Delicate cycles are shorter and gentler, causing less abrasion in the garments.
- Consider hand washing garments like sweaters that are more likely to pill. This is the gentlest way of washing. Look for detergent made especially for handwashing and wash in a sink or bathtub. ^{[10]
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5
Avoid the electric dryer. When possible, hang garment to dry rather than using the drying machine. This will cause less abrasion to the fabric and prevent pilling. ^{[11]
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- If you do use the dryer, be sure to use a low heat cycle.^{[12]
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  Expert Source
  
  Rani Gorgis
  Laundry & Cleaning Specialist
  Expert Interview. 12 April 2021.}
6
Use liquid detergent. Powder detergent rubs against the fabric as it dissolves. This makes it more likely to cause pilling during the washing cycle. Liquid detergents are the most gentle solution for delicate fabrics. ^{[13]
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- Always use a gentle detergent for your wash cycles.^{[14]
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  Expert Source
  
  Rani Gorgis
  Laundry & Cleaning Specialist
  Expert Interview. 12 April 2021.}
7
Brush with a lint roller regularly. Be sure to regularly brush delicate sweaters with a lint roller or lint brush to prevent pilling. Consistently using a lint roller will prevent pills from accumulating on the fabric. ^{[15]
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Expert Q&A

Question

How can you prevent pilling?

Rani Gorgis
Laundry & Cleaning Specialist
Rani Gorgis is a Laundry and Cleaning Specialist and the Owner of Park Blvd Laundry & Dry Cleaners in San Diego, California. With several years of experience in the laundry and cleaning industry, Rani specializes in dry cleaning, wash-n-fold, shirt laundry, and servicing smoke-damaged clothes. He holds a BS in Accounting and a CPA certification.

Rani Gorgis

Laundry & Cleaning Specialist

Expert Answer

Always wash your clothes on a gentle cycle with a gentle detergent. Then, always set the dryer to a low temperature and toss in a dryer sheet if you choose to tumble-dry your garments afterward. Make sure not to overload the washer or dryer, as this can contribute to pilling as well.
Question

How do I keep my hoodie from pilling?

Community Answer

I bought a sweater shaver - runs on AC/DC - that has a container attached for the pills and lint that it removes. Now my older hoodies and sweaters look like new, and it cost less than $5.00.
Question

How do I remove pilling off my sofa?

Community Answer

As long as the couch is fabric, try one of the methods below.