How to get rid of pilling on clothes, simple ways. How to remove pills on a sweater: tips from a housewife How to remove pills at home

Small, unsightly pills can form on almost any item made from any fabric. They appear due to the fact that individual fibers are knocked out of the base material and tangled together, forming a kind of ball. However, there are some ways to prevent pilling in your clothes. If you've noticed pilling on many of your wardrobe items, it might be wise to consider purchasing items made from materials that are less prone to this problem.

Steps

Preventing pilling while wearing clothes

Don't overstuff things. Extensive wear of items can lead to pilling, especially if you do not take breaks from using them. To prevent this from happening, let any items rest for at least 24 hours after wearing them so they can return to their original shape before you wear them again. This applies to sweaters, shirts, pajamas and other things.

Don't wear backpacks. Backpacks cause pilling because they create extra friction when you move. Clothing that comes into contact with the backpack may become pilled on the back, shoulders, and armpits.

• Instead of a backpack, use a regular bag that you can carry in your hands, a briefcase or a suitcase with wheels.

1. Don't carry bags over your shoulder. Bags with shoulder straps can also cause friction and pilling, especially on the shoulders. If you are concerned about pilling, carry bags by hand and avoid using shoulder straps.

   Reduce friction. Fabrics prone to pilling should not be allowed to rub against themselves, other fabrics or other materials. Certain activities always cause friction and abrasion to the tissues and should be avoided. Including you cannot:

   • place your elbows on the table while working and eating;
   • shuffle your feet on the floor (this leads to abrasion of socks and trouser legs);
   • crawl on your knees in trousers;
   • sit on rough, rough surfaces.

2. Don't rub over stains. Often the first reaction to discovering a stain on clothing is to apply a stain remover and rub the stained area until the dirt disappears. But such actions also cause friction and pilling, so they should be avoided.

   • To remove stains from fabrics that are prone to pilling, place the stained item on an old towel or clean rag. Apply the stain remover of your choice to the stain, and then begin blotting it with a clean towel. The stain will gradually transfer to the towel placed underneath without any friction.

3. Keep delicate fabrics away from Velcro fasteners. Velcro fasteners are very sticky and can catch on clothing fibers and various fabrics. When this happens, the fastener pulls shorter fibers out of the material, which can later become pilled.

   • If your item has Velcro fasteners, make sure they remain fastened at all times, especially when washing.

4. Hang things out to dry. The clothes dryer is another place where clothes fray and rub against each other, so using a dryer can also cause pilling. For this reason, it is better to hang clothes, bedding and other items to dry.

   • In the warm season, to speed up drying, you can hang clothes on a rope stretched outside.
   • During the cold season, you can dry things at home, but open the windows slightly to ensure increased ventilation of the rooms and avoid excess air humidity.

5. If you need to use a dryer, set it to the lowest heat setting. Sometimes there are situations in which you just need to use a dryer to dry things that are prone to pilling. Once in this position, set the dryer to its lowest setting. This will prevent items from shrinking and minimize the negative effects of heat on the fabric fibers.

At some point, pills appear on any clothing, regardless of material and cost. Usually such things are immediately sent to the dacha as ugly and unsuitable for wear. But if you don’t want your favorite sweater or skirt to suffer such a fate, this article is for you.

Machine to remove the pellets

A machine specially designed to remove pellets is the best option to solve this problem. She carefully cuts off the pills without damaging the fabric of the clothing. Such machines can adjust the cutting height of the spools so as not to damage the fabric with relief. Their cost varies from 100 to 400 rubles. They are also easy to use:

1. Turn on the machine
2. Adjust the desired cutting height (if available).
3. Gently move over areas of fabric with pilling, without pressing too hard on the fabric.

This method is the fastest, safest for the fabric and will take the least time.

Razor

This method is very fast, but unsafe for fabric, especially for products made of angora, mohair, cashmere, wool, and also for fabrics with a pattern. Instructions for use are as follows:

1. Take the old razor;
2. Stretch the fabric well;
3. Gently shave off the pellets, aiming the blade from bottom to top.

This method is perfect for removing pellets from tights, hats and socks, since you can shave immediately after putting it on your legs/head.

Scotch

Not the most effective method, it all depends on the type of fabric and the stickiness of the tape, so choose the most sticky one:

1. Apply a strip of tape to the desired area;
2. Press it, stroke it with your hand;
3. Tear off sharply;
4. Repeat the procedure until you achieve the desired result.

Scissors

A very slow and labor-intensive method, and you can damage the fabric. Prepare the fabric for processing: stretch it, you can comb it. Carefully cut off the pellets one at a time, as far from the base as possible.

Toothbrush

Using a toothbrush, you can carefully remove pellets from fabrics that require delicate handling, but this will take a lot of time:

1. Take a soft toothbrush;
2. “Comb” the item by directing the brush along the fibers;
3. Afterwards, soak the item in a bowl of water and vinegar 1:1 to give the item fluffiness;
4. Dry on a dry towel, away from the sun, heaters and other heat sources.

Adhesive tape roller

Great for cleaning any fabric. Roll the roller over the pilled area until it is clean. Change the tape if necessary. Such a device costs no more than 100 rubles and has many uses besides this.

Comb

A fine-toothed comb will come in handy here. Comb the product thoroughly - most of the pellets will remain on the comb.

Sandpaper

A fairly quick method, but it can damage clothes. Do not use on delicate fabrics. Rub the area with the pellets with sandpaper until you achieve the desired result.

The appearance of pilling on clothing indicates its age, long-term (constant) wear, and degree of wear. Even in high-quality items, abundantly strewn with small rolled balls, your appearance immediately becomes untidy. How to correct this situation, remove pills from clothes and give your clothes a “second youth”, we will talk in detail in this article.

Pellets are not yet a reason to get rid of your favorite things

Unfortunately, despite their obvious advantages, fabrics made from natural fibers (wool, cotton, linen) become looser over time or with improper care, and the threads begin to fluff up. With constant friction, the loose fluffs fall on the surface into untidy felt balls. Synthetics are much less prone to pilling, so clothes made from them are easier to throw away than to take down.

Causes and prevention

Main reasons pile rolling is considered:

• fabric composition - natural fibers, even with an admixture of synthetics, give the threads a fleecy appearance and are subject to the felting effect;
• quality and density of the material - long stretches of threads, loose texture are typical for knitwear and knitted items, especially with the addition of long-wool yarn (mohair, angora);
• improper care of things - washing with inappropriate products, at too high temperatures, intensive modes with spinning at maximum speed;
• constant friction of the fabric - pellets appear most quickly in the armpits, on the cuffs and inner sides of the sleeves, pockets, collar, shoulders (if you have the habit of wearing a bag on a shoulder strap).

Knitted woolen items made from yarn with long fluffy pile show the greatest tendency to pilling.

Based on the above reasons, we can draw conclusions about measures prevention:

• when washing, spinning, drying and ironing items, follow the care recommendations indicated on the labels;
• for each type of fabric, use products intended for them - washing gels, conditioners, water softeners;
• Items prone to pilling should be washed by hand or on a delicate cycle at a temperature not exceeding 30 ℃ with or without spinning at minimum speed;
• When washing by hand, do not soak, rub or pull the clothes, and do not wring them after rinsing. First, let the water drain directly into the basin or bathtub. Then lay the item on a terry towel and roll it into a tight roll to squeeze out the remaining water;
• It is preferable to dry woolen and knitted clothes at room temperature, unfolded and neatly straightened;
• Constantly monitor the state of things. Try to remove pills from clothes at the first symptoms of their appearance.

If you prefer to dry woolen items quickly and use a radiator to do this, be sure to cover it with an old towel or folded white sheet

Proper care will significantly reduce the rate and intensity of wear of things. But if the first signs have already appeared, then it’s time to move on to the main questions: how to remove pills from clothes, how to do it quickly and reliably?

Basic ways to remove pills from clothes at home

Some people prefer to tear off the rolled balls by hand; they say: “it calms the nerves” (like polyethylene with bubbles). But the task is long and boring. In addition, by pulling the lint out of the threads, you thin the fabric and contribute to the rapid formation of new lumps. To quickly remove pills from clothes, there are special devices and home remedies.

Shaver

A shaver is a specially designed machine designed for caring for clothes. It is portable and convenient, runs on batteries or mains.

A miracle machine for cutting pellets - a shaver. The name comes from the English verb shave - to shave

On thick woolen and other natural fabrics, including knitted fabrics, all problem areas are treated with light circular movements using a machine. For items with long pile or textured texture, some shaver models have a function for adjusting the height of the knife. You can buy a miracle machine for cutting pellets without leaving your home - in any of the many online electronics stores.

For items with long pile or textured texture, some shaver models have a function for adjusting the height of the knife

Razor

You can shave a thing from pellets using a regular machine. In this case, you need to act very carefully and carefully, as there is a risk of damaging the fabric.

You need to take a machine that is not new, thoroughly washed and dry.

Problem areas on clothing must be straightened out, pulled tightly and the loom must be moved along the surface of the fabric from bottom to top in the direction of the grain threads, without pressing too hard. This method helps to quickly remove pills from small clothes (hats, gloves, socks, etc.) or with small amounts of matted fibers. The machine is not suitable for processing items made of bouclé and other embossed fabrics, loose knit items and long-pile wool - cashmere, mohair, angora.

Scissors

Another way to remove pills from clothes at home is with regular scissors.

Scissors are best used to remove initial minor signs of wear.

You will have to cut off each pellet with scissors. This occupation is long and painstaking, requiring concentration and accuracy. On items with long pile, it is recommended to additionally use a thick comb. They need to comb the pile a little and lift the matted lumps from the surface of the fabric. It is better to cut the combed pellets with scissors directly on top of the comb teeth, so as not to pick off excess.

Large single pellets combed out with a comb do not need to be cut or shaved; it is enough to tear them off with your fingers without tugging too hard.

Sticky roller or tape

In addition to shaving and haircuts, a kind of hair removal methods are used to remove pellets.

Rollers are a simple device consisting of a handle and a rotating drum with a sticky surface, suitable for almost any type of fabric

Adhesive tape rollers help you effectively and quickly remove pills from clothes when they first begin to appear. Small soft lumps of matted lint stick well to the sticky surface and when rolled by the roller they easily come off the fabric. When cleaning heavily worn clothing, the adhesive pad will need to be changed frequently.

With tape or adhesive tape, the principle of action is the same. We simply apply pieces of adhesive tape to the problem areas, press down a little and with a sharp movement tear them off the surface of the fabric along with the pellets. Adhesive tape is quite convenient and practical to use on smooth, dense materials. To speed up the process, you can easily make your own sticky roller by wrapping double-sided tape around a kitchen pestle or plastic bottle.

Toothbrush

The thick and soft bristles of a toothbrush will help remove pellets from clothes made from long-haired fabrics that are not recommended to be shaved or cut.

A toothbrush is used to “comb” the pile or to clean small problem areas on smooth and textured fabrics

Combing out the pellets with a toothbrush is carried out along the fibers or in the direction of the pile. After this treatment, it is recommended to soak items with long pile for a short time in a weak vinegar solution (1 teaspoon per 1 liter of warm water) to give them extra fluffiness and lightness, and then wash them with a special gel for wool.

What else can you use to remove pills from clothes at home if none of the devices suggested above are at hand?

Dry bread, sandpaper and a hard sponge

Hard porous surfaces combine the actions of a brush and a razor during friction against fabric.

You need to take a thick piece of bread so that it does not crumble in your hands and dry it

If you want to quickly remove pills from clothes made from thick, smooth, lint-free fabrics, use fine-grained sandpaper, white bread crumbs, or the harsh scrubbing side of a new dish sponge. They should be used to rub areas with rolled up fibers carefully, without applying too much pressure or stretching the fabric too much.

For those who don’t have time to deal with questions about how to remove pills from clothes or how to properly remove pills from clothes at home, it’s easier to take things to the dry cleaner and entrust them to the care of specialists. Modern technologies make it possible to effectively restore good quality clothing, hide signs of wear, and also carry out preventive treatment to prevent further formation of pilling.

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If your favorite things show the first signs of gestation in the form of untidy pellets, you can get rid of them using a special machine - a shaver. It quickly and effectively shaves off clumps of fabric fibers and returns things to their proper appearance.

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The easiest way to remove scale and carbon deposits from the soleplate of the iron is with table salt. Pour a thick layer of salt onto the paper, heat the iron to maximum and run the iron over the salt bed several times, applying light pressure.

The dishwasher cleans more than just plates and cups. You can load it with plastic toys, glass lamp shades and even dirty vegetables, such as potatoes, but only without using detergents.

The habit of using an automatic washing machine “sparingly” can lead to the appearance of an unpleasant odor in it. Washing at temperatures below 60℃ and short rinses allow fungi and bacteria from dirty clothes to remain on internal surfaces and actively multiply.

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A pleasant feeling of comfort in your favorite clothes brings special pleasure. I don’t want to lose this feeling of confidence in myself and my appearance due to the appearance of annoying pellets. They can ruin the appearance of any clothing: sweaters, skirts, dresses, tights, gloves and even underwear. I no longer want to wear such clothes, but I also have no desire to mercilessly give them up. How to prevent the appearance, and most importantly, how to remove pills from clothes at home? First of all, to avoid the appearance of pilling on clothes, you should understand the reasons for their occurrence.

• Type and type of fabric. Based on the type of fabric, they are divided into those made from natural or chemical fibers. Based on the varieties known to everyone: knitwear, fleece, silk, flannel, chintz, satin, polyester and others. It is obvious that both natural and chemical fibers can be subject to deformation and pilling to a greater or lesser extent. In fabrics made from chemical materials, pilling is determined by the properties and quality of the fiber, so on some fabrics the appearance of pilling is inevitable. The same can be said about natural fabrics: depending on the pile and quality of the fiber, pilling may appear during wear over time. The only way to control this process is to follow the recommendations for caring for the item.
• Factors of external influence. In places where fabric touches and causes friction - in folds on the body, from belts, bag straps or other outerwear. If the fabric structure consists of villi - small or large, it is prone to micro damage, then pellets will certainly appear on it.
• Violation of product care recommendations. If you do not follow the washing and ironing procedures, which are often indicated on the label on the inside of the clothing, the likelihood of pilling increases significantly.
• Selection of universal detergents. Adhering to the delicate or hand wash mode of the washing machine functions undoubtedly plays an important role in preserving the appearance of clothes. But in addition to this, it is still necessary to take into account the properties of the washing powder and the degree of its effect on the fabric. If the fabric is prone to pilling, preference should be given to washing powders for delicate or hand washing.

How to remove pills from clothes at home

Knowing the causes of pilling on fabric, if they have not yet appeared on clothing, you can take measures to prevent their occurrence in the future. But, if pills still appear on your favorite thing, and the question arises: how to remove pills from clothes at home using improvised means, then you can use several in effective ways:

1. Mechanical methods:

1. Hardware method.

Removing pellets using a machine

The most acceptable and affordable option in our time. Involves the use of a machine to remove pellets - a minicooler. It takes little time and effort, but it can be used to clean large items or items. The price range for such devices in stores is varied, so making a suitable choice will not be difficult.

After things have been returned to their original appearance, and the question of how to remove pills from clothes at home has already been resolved, care should be taken to prevent their reappearance in the future. It is necessary to take appropriate measures based on the reasons causing the appearance of pilling on clothes.

Main! To avoid fabric pilling and deformation, it is recommended to follow all care instructions for the item indicated on the label on the reverse side of the garment. When washing, use specialized detergents - powders, fabric softeners - for delicate and/or hand washing.

The appearance of clothing determines not only its quality, but also its care. Taking good care of your things will not allow the fabric to deform or roll, and will give you the opportunity to wear them with pleasure, without asking questions: how to preserve their appearance and how to remove pills from clothes at home? Compliance simple rules caring for clothes and timely maintaining their good condition will allow you to use your favorite things for a long time.

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Surely every housewife was bothered by the question: “ How to remove pills from clothes?" Of course, the easiest thing would be to take the item to the dry cleaner, where it will certainly be brought into proper shape, but sometimes it is completely inappropriate to spend money on something that you can do yourself. Yes, removing pills from clothes is not easy, but if you know what to use, then this activity is quite capable of returning your things to their original appearance. The method of disposal depends directly on the thing itself and the material from which it is made. For example, it is not possible to remove pellets from a coat using any of the methods presented here.

In order to answer the question: “How to remove pills from clothes at home?” - it is necessary to clarify for what reasons they appear. And this is why this happens:

• natural fabrics are most often subject to the formation of pilling, as they have a fleecy structure;
• the wrong temperature and detergents for washing things can also increase the chances that pills will soon appear on clothes;
• washing mode unsuitable for specific clothes;
• constant impact on the fabric, friction.

Thus, knowing the reasons why pills appear, you have the opportunity to prevent their occurrence, so that later you don’t have to wonder: “How to remove pills from clothes?” But if they do appear, then let's look at ways in which you can remove them using improvised means.

Thus, after reading our article, you will learn how to remove pills from clothes yourself at home. And if this doesn’t work out for you, you can always take your clothes to the dry cleaner.