How to Remove Pills or Fuzz Balls From Sweaters

Friction can cause fibers to fray, creating "pills" on your sweater.

"Pills" or "fuzz" on your sweaters can make them look old and worn, even when they're new. Friction between the sweater and other objects, such as your arm, bags or coats, causes some fibers to break and roll into the little balls. Pilling is almost inevitable, but you can lessen it with careful laundering -- and a razor.

Things You'll Need

• New disposable shaver
• Lint-remover roller

Instructions

1. Wash your sweaters inside out to keep the friction and subsequent pilling on the inside, out of sight. Wash them on a shorter cycle, if possible.

2. Lay out your sweater flat on a table with the sleeves extended. Make sure you smooth out any wrinkles so it is perfectly flat.

3. Carefully shave off the pills and extra fuzz with the disposable shaver. Do this methodically over the whole front of the sweater. Spend more time on the areas with the most pills and fuzz, such as the part where the arms and chest rub together. Conitinue "shaving" around the entire sweater.

4. If the shaver accumulates fuzz, carefully remove it from the shaver as you go along.

5. Roll the lint roller over the sweater and remove any loose fuzz.

References

• Champion Cleaners: Fuzz Balls on Your Sweaters?
• Lands' End Business Outfitters: Sweaters