How to Remove Pilling From Clothing

When your coats, sweaters or blankets begin to pill--that is, they're showing those unsightly little fuzzies common to knitted, woven or napped fabrics--this is the safest method for removal.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sweater/fabric Comb

1. Buy a small comb, designed for this purpose, at a fabric store. The comb is much smaller than any hair comb you could find, and it has stiff, tiny teeth about 1/8 inch (3 mm) long.

2. Lay the clothing or blanket on a flat surface.

3. Hold the fabric taut with one hand. With the comb in the other hand, use a brisk but gentle stroke to remove the fuzz.

4. Repeat as often as necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• Experienced "de-pillers" advise against using a razor because of the possibility of accidentally cutting the fabric. The same risk applies to the use of scissors.

on 7/4/2006 I have used a standard Bic razor hundreds of times on everything from very costly cashmere items, to inexpensive acrylics. I have never had an accident where the clothing has been cut. I stretch the object, and pull it tight and just very lightly run the razor over the surface. Works every time.

on 7/3/2006 Use a pumice stone to remove pilling on blankets, sweaters or sweat suit bottoms.

on 9/21/2007 I've used a safety razor to remove small pills from a shirt. Be careful, don't scrape too hard. Just skim the shaver over the fabric. I've never had a problem with this method.

on 9/21/2007 The easiest way I have found to remove pilling from clothing is to use a little electric fuzz clipper. It takes the fuzz right off with usually 1 pass over the area.