3 Ways To Remove Pilling From Clothing - WikiHow

Home » How To Get Fuzz Off Sweater » 3 Ways To Remove Pilling From Clothing - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow 8 Ways to Remove Pilling from Clothing PDF download Download Article Get rid of pesky clothing pills for good Written by Rani Gorgis | Edited by Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: June 4, 2025 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article
  • Removing Pilling
    • |
  • Preventing Pilling
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Expert Q&A
    • |
  • Warnings
|Show more |Show less X

This article was written by Rani Gorgis and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. 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. There are 15 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,950,459 times.

Pills appear when fibers separate from the surface of your clothing, form into tiny ball shapes, and stick to the fabric instead of falling off.[1] While pilling is an inevitable part of owning clothes, you don’t have to put up with it. We’ll walk you through a variety of different ways to get rid of these lint and fuzz balls on your clothes, including easy remedies using items you likely already have at home. Want to prevent pilling from happening in the first place? We’ve got you covered there, too.This article is based on an interview with our laundry and cleaning specialist, Rani Gorgis, owner of Park Blvd Laundry & Dry Cleaners. Check out the full interview here.

Tips for Removing Lint Balls from Clothes

  • Rub your clothing with something abrasive to remove pills, like sandpaper or a pumice stone.
  • You can also gently shave off the pilling and lint with a disposable razor.
  • Prevent pilling by washing your clothes on a gentle cycle and letting them air-dry.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 2:

Removing Pilling

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Remove pills with a disposable razor. 1 Remove pills with a disposable razor. Lay the garment on a flat surface, pulling the fabric near the affected area taut with one hand. Gently shave upward with the razor in small strokes—start with the lightest contact possible and increase as necessary.[2]
    • Pulling the fabric taut prevents you from cutting through the garment.
    • Once you’ve accumulated a pile of fabric pills, use tape to remove them from the fabric. Wrap a large loop of packing tape around your closed fingers (sticky side out) to lift them up. [3]
    • Always use a sharp, new razor, which will most effectively remove the pills. Avoid using shaving razors that have moisture strips or soap bars on either side, as this will likely cause more pilling when rubbed against the fabric.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Pilling From Clothing 2 Rub over the fabric with sandpaper. Grab a leftover sheet of sandpaper lying around your home—any grit will do. Then, lightly and carefully guide the sandpaper over the pilled surface of the fabric. In no time at all, those pesky pills will be history!
    • You can also use a sandpaper sponge to accomplish the same thing.
    Advertisement
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Pilling From Clothing 3 Go over the fabric with a lint brush or lint roller. Work the lint brush over the surface of the fabric, removing the pills from the material as you go. A lint roller also works well for this—simply guide the roller over the surface to get rid of the pills.[4]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Pilling From Clothing 4 Trim away the pills with nail scissors. Lay the garment out on a flat surface, like an ironing board or your bed. Using a pair of nail scissors, pull the fabric so it’s taut and carefully trim away each pill without snipping the fabric in the process.[5]
    • Make sure to hold the scissors close to the fabric. Work gently and slowly, so you don’t damage the material.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Pilling From Clothing 5 Try a pumice stone. Set out your pilled garment and rub a clean pumice stone over the affected portions of the fabric. The rough material of the stone makes it easy to remove pilling and lint from your clothes.[6]
    • A sweater stone (a stone designed specifically for removing sweater pills) can also work for this.[7]
  6. Step 6 Pick off pills... 6 Pick off pills with Velcro hair rollers. Lay out the garment on a flat surface, setting the roller flat on the pilled area. Gently roll it over the material to lift and remove the pills from the fabric. From there, remove any pills caught in the roller and continue to any other affected areas of fabric.[8]
    • A strip of Velcro can also work well for removing pilling from fabric. Holding the Velcro hook-side down, carefully lift the fuzz balls up and off of your garment.[9]
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Pilling From Clothing 7 Go over the fabric with a sweater comb. Set your garment out on a flat surface and hold the comb over the pilled section of the fabric. Using short and quick strokes, hold the fabric taut and guide the comb in a single direction to gently scrape the pills off.[10]
    • A sweater comb is a small, fine-toothed comb made specifically for removing pilling. It’s different from a hair comb because the teeth are smaller and closer together.
  8. Step 8 Clear away the... 8 Clear away the pills with a fabric shaver. Set the garment out on a flat area and lightly guide the shaver over the fabric’s surface. Use light, gentle motions to get rid of the pilling without hurting the garment in the process.[11]
    9. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 2:

Preventing Pilling

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Turn your garment inside out before sticking it in the washer. 1 Turn your garment inside out before sticking it in the washer.[12] When you turn your garments inside out, there’s a better likelihood that pills will develop on the “wrong” side of your garments. The pills will still be there, but only you’ll know about them.[13]
  2. Step 2 Machine-wash your clothes... 2 Machine-wash your clothes gently or hand-wash them. Use a delicate cycle when washing in the washing machine.[14] Delicate cycles are shorter and gentler, causing less abrasion in the garments.
    • It also helps to stick your garments in a wash net, especially if they’re on the delicate side (like a bra).[15]
    • Make sure the washer isn’t overfilled when you go to start your load, as an overstuffed washing machine can contribute to pilling.[16]
  3. Step 3 Air-dry your clothes rather than tumble-drying them. 3 Air-dry your clothes rather than tumble-drying them. Whenever possible, hang your garments up to dry rather than using the dryer—this causes less abrasion to the fabric and prevents pilling. [17] If you do tumble-dry your clothes, always use a low heat cycle.[18]
  4. Step 4 Use liquid detergent instead of powder. 4 Use liquid detergent instead of powder. Powder detergent rubs against the fabric as it dissolves, which makes it more likely to cause pilling during the washing cycle—because of this, liquid detergents are the most gentle solution for delicate fabrics. [19] Use the recommended amount of detergent that’s listed on the package, following your washer’s guidelines to pour it into the machine.
    • Always use a gentle detergent for your wash cycles.[20]
  5. 5 Add fabric softener to your loads. Follow the instructions on the container and pour the recommended amount into your washer (or the built-in tray/drawer that’s meant for fabric softener). Fabric softener helps lubricate your garments and can prevent the abrasion that leads to pilling.[21]
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Pilling From Clothing 6 Brush your clothes regularly with a lint roller. Take some time to consistently brush delicate sweaters with a lint roller or lint brush. Consistently using a lint roller will prevent pills from accumulating on the fabric.
    • Make a lint roller at home if you don’t have one on hand.
  7. Step 7 Opt for garments made with natural materials, like linen or silk. 7 Opt for garments made with natural materials, like linen or silk. As a general rule of thumb, synthetic materials pill more often than other materials—in other words, fabrics like polyester, nylon, acrylic, and spandex are more likely to develop pills than clothes made with natural fibers like hemp, cashmere, and silk.[22] Knitted garments are also common pilling offenders, along with materials like fleece, jersey, and wool.[23]
    • The tighter the fabric weave, the less likely it is to pill. That’s why garments like jeans almost never pill, while a knitted clothing item often develops tons of pills.[24]
  8. Step 8 Stash your sweaters in the freezer. 8 Stash your sweaters in the freezer. Believe it or not, people have found that storing their sweaters in the freezer rather than the closet helps keep their garments from shedding fibers and stops them from pilling. If you have enough room in your freezer, try sticking your sweaters in there and see if you notice a difference.[25]
    9. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question How can you prevent pilling? Rani Gorgis 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 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. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 10
  • Question How do I keep my hoodie from pilling? Community Answer 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. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 9 Helpful 69
  • Question How do I remove pilling off my sofa? Community Answer Community Answer As long as the couch is fabric, try one of the methods below. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 27 Helpful 53
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

  • Always tread lightly when manually removing pills from your garments—you don’t want to tear the fabric by mistake![26] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Remove Pilling from WoolHow toRemove Pilling from Wool Remove Lint from ClothesThe Best and Easiest Ways to Get Lint Off of Your Clothes How toRemove Lint from Black Pants Get Rid of Lint when Washing ClothesHow to Get Lint off of Your Clothes in the Washing Machine Get Pet Hair Out of LaundryHow to Get Dog, Cat, and Pet Hair Out of Your Laundry Wash an Acrylic SweaterHow toWash an Acrylic Sweater Remove Pet HairHow to Get Pet Hair Off of Any Surface Wash FleeceHow toWash Fleece Stop an Angora Sweater from SheddingHow toStop an Angora Sweater from Shedding Wash Flannel SheetsHow toWash Flannel Sheets Wash a Plush BlanketHow to Clean and Dry Your Soft Plush or Fleece Blanket Remove Facial Tissues from Washed ClothesHow to Remove Tissues from Washed Clothes Get Rid of Static ClingHow to Remove and Prevent Static Cling Clean Up Cat HairHow toClean Up Cat Hair Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://www.cleaninginstitute.org/cleaning-tips/clothes/laundering-problems-solutions#11
  2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skLAaVLXqu0&t=0m45s
  3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skLAaVLXqu0&t=1m17s
  4. ↑ https://www.cleaninginstitute.org/cleaning-tips/clothes/laundering-problems-solutions#11
  5. ↑ http://www.collegefashion.net/college-life/laundry-tips-and-tricks-every-girl-should-know/
  6. ↑ https://www.herzindagi.com/society-culture/how-to-remove-lint-from-black-clothes-at-home-article-292565
  7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=294S-JPNf_w&t=1m22s
  8. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/clothing-care/remove-bobbles-clothes-including-cheesy-christmas-jumpers.html
  9. ↑ https://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/40-creative-uses-for-versatile-velcro/
More References (17)
  1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEUnCQ5AWHc&t=0m5s
  2. ↑ https://www.herzindagi.com/society-culture/how-to-remove-lint-from-black-clothes-at-home-article-292565
  3. ↑ Rani Gorgis. Laundry & Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview
  4. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/clothing-care/remove-bobbles-clothes-including-cheesy-christmas-jumpers.html
  5. ↑ Rani Gorgis. Laundry & Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview
  6. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/clothing-care/remove-bobbles-clothes-including-cheesy-christmas-jumpers.html
  7. ↑ Rani Gorgis. Laundry & Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview
  8. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/clothing-care/remove-bobbles-clothes-including-cheesy-christmas-jumpers.html
  9. ↑ Rani Gorgis. Laundry & Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview
  10. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZhO6uT97oU&t=0m58s
  11. ↑ Rani Gorgis. Laundry & Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview
  12. ↑ https://www.cleaninginstitute.org/cleaning-tips/clothes/laundering-problems-solutions#11
  13. ↑ https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/prevent-clothes-pilling/
  14. ↑ https://sewguide.com/prevent-remove-pilling/#so_which_fabric_pills_more
  15. ↑ https://sewguide.com/prevent-remove-pilling/#so_which_fabric_pills_more
  16. ↑ https://sewguide.com/prevent-remove-pilling/#washing_tips_to_prevent_pilling
  17. ↑ https://sewguide.com/prevent-remove-pilling/#washing_tips_to_prevent_pilling

About This Article

Rani Gorgis Written by: Rani Gorgis Laundry & Cleaning Specialist This article was written by Rani Gorgis and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. 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. This article has been viewed 1,950,459 times. 13 votes - 98% Co-authors: 41 Updated: June 4, 2025 Views: 1,950,459 Categories: Featured Articles | Cleaning Clothes Article SummaryX

To remove pilling from clothes made from tough materials like cotton, lay the fabric flat and pull it taut, then use a new disposable razor to shave upwards in short strokes. Once you have a stack of pillings, pick it up with the sticky side of a loop of tape. You can also try snipping pillings off with a pair of small nail scissors. For more sensitive fabrics like wool and cashmere, roll a Velcro hair roller over the area. To learn more about how to prevent pilling from even happening on your clothes, keep reading the article! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Spanish Portuguese Italian Russian German Dutch Arabic Korean French Vietnamese Thai Hindi Chinese Indonesian Japanese
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,950,459 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Anonymous

    Anonymous

    Sep 1, 2016

    "This was really helpful - there was a huge amount of information on getting rid of pilling. I didn't expect..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Rani Gorgis Written by: Rani Gorgis Laundry & Cleaning Specialist Co-authors: 41 Updated: June 4, 2025 Views: 1,950,459 98% of readers found this article helpful. 13 votes - 98% Click a star to add your vote Anonymous

Anonymous

Sep 1, 2016

"This was really helpful - there was a huge amount of information on getting rid of pilling. I didn't expect..." more Christa P. Gibson

Christa P. Gibson

Sep 5, 2016

"If this can save even one $90.00 sweater, or even a pair of fleece lined tights, (which due to my complete..." more Gloria Wolfe

Gloria Wolfe

Aug 8, 2017

"Daughter found a vintage men's dress shirt at a thrift shop in Kauai and it had numerous pills. I used the..." more Rated this article: Anonymous

Anonymous

Oct 30, 2016

"This article was immensely helpful in getting rid of pilling, especially the step that suggested Velcro. I never..." more Anonymous

Anonymous

Jul 10, 2016

"I had no idea what tools or methods to use before reading this article. The detail is great, and the prevention..." more Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

Choose Bed Sheets QuizHow to Choose Bed Sheets QuizTake QuizWhat Skin Type Do I Have QuizWhat Skin Type Do I Have QuizTake QuizWhat Should I Wear Today QuizWhat Should I Wear Today QuizTake QuizWhat’s The Perfect Hair Care Routine For MeWhat’s The Perfect Hair Care Routine For MeTake QuizDo I Have Trypophobia (Fear Of Tiny Holes)Do I Have Trypophobia (Fear Of Tiny Holes)Take QuizWhat's My Hair Type QuizWhat's My Hair Type QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Remove Pilling from WoolHow toRemove Pilling from WoolRemove Lint from ClothesThe Best and Easiest Ways to Get Lint Off of Your ClothesRemove Lint from Black PantsHow toRemove Lint from Black PantsGet Rid of Lint when Washing ClothesHow to Get Lint off of Your Clothes in the Washing Machine

Featured Articles

15 Signs Your Ex Misses You (and What to Do About It)15 Signs Your Ex Misses You (and What to Do About It) Observe Hanukkah (From Candle Lighting to Latke Frying)How to Observe Hanukkah (From Candle Lighting to Latke Frying)165+ "You Are Special" Quotes For Friends, Family, Partners & More165+ "You Are Special" Quotes For Friends, Family, Partners & More115+ Brain Teasers For Adults & Kids (With Answers!)115+ Brain Teasers For Adults & Kids (With Answers!)When Will I Get My First Kiss QuizWhen Will I Get My First Kiss Quiz17 Believable Excuses to Miss Class At the Last Minute17 Believable Excuses to Miss Class At the Last Minute

Trending Articles

Let Us Rate You 1-10: Attractiveness Scale QuizLet Us Rate You 1-10: Attractiveness Scale QuizHow Much Do I Mog QuizHow Much Do I Mog QuizAm I Annoying QuizAm I Annoying QuizCollege Grad Intelligence Test: Can You Score An A+?College Grad Intelligence Test: Can You Score An A+?How Nonchalant Am I QuizHow Nonchalant Am I QuizHow Weird Am I QuizHow Weird Am I Quiz

Featured Articles

Speed Up Your Slow-Performing Mobile DataHow to Speed Up Your Slow-Performing Mobile Data Get a Nice BodyHow to Get a Nice BodyIce Cream Personality TestIce Cream Personality TestDress for WinterHow toDress for WinterNicknames for Your Girlfriend: 125+ Funny, Sweet & Clever IdeasNicknames for Your Girlfriend: 125+ Funny, Sweet & Clever Ideas Give Someone a Great GiftHow to Give Someone a Great Gift

Featured Articles

What Would My Life At Camp Half-Blood Be Like QuizWhat Would My Life At Camp Half-Blood Be Like QuizThe Best Hairstyles for Guys with Big ForeheadsThe Best Hairstyles for Guys with Big Foreheads22 Best Ideas for Scary (and Funny) Pranks22 Best Ideas for Scary (and Funny) Pranks Text Yourself: Fake Text Messages, Reminders, and MoreHow to Text Yourself: Fake Text Messages, Reminders, and MoreAccurate Omegaverse Quiz: 100% GuaranteeAccurate Omegaverse Quiz: 100% GuaranteeThe Hardest & Most Difficult Riddles for AdultsThe Hardest & Most Difficult Riddles for Adults

Watch Articles

Marinate Chicken: 4 Recipes and a Step-By-Step GuideHow to Marinate Chicken: 4 Recipes and a Step-By-Step GuideClean Shower TileHow toClean Shower TileDo Oblique CrunchesHow toDo Oblique CrunchesSimple Ways to Riffle Shuffle and Bridge Playing CardsSimple Ways to Riffle Shuffle and Bridge Playing CardsMake Black CoffeeHow toMake Black CoffeePlant a Seed in a PotHow toPlant a Seed in a Pot

Trending Articles

Can We Guess How Tall You Are QuizCan We Guess How Tall You Are QuizHow Would My Fandom See Me If I Were a Fictional Character QuizHow Would My Fandom See Me If I Were a Fictional Character QuizGet Claimed by Your Godly Parent (Percy Jackson Quiz)Get Claimed by Your Godly Parent (Percy Jackson Quiz)Am I a Furry QuizAm I a Furry Quiz170+ Deep, Heartfelt & Passionate Love Messages to Send Your Guy170+ Deep, Heartfelt & Passionate Love Messages to Send Your GuyThe World's Hardest Riddles (for Kids & Adults)The World's Hardest Riddles (for Kids & Adults)

Quizzes & Games

What Are The Best Compression Socks For Me QuizWhat Are The Best Compression Socks For Me QuizTake QuizHair Curl Type QuizHair Curl Type QuizTake QuizDo I Smell Bad QuizDo I Smell Bad QuizTake QuizFinish the Phrase QuizFinish the Phrase QuizTake QuizWhy Can't I Sleep QuizWhy Can't I Sleep QuizTake QuizSkin Picking Disorder TestSkin Picking Disorder TestTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Home and Garden
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Cleaning Clothes
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

Get all the best how-tos!

Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --846

Tag » How To Get Fuzz Off Sweater