It’s unlikely that anyone likes pills on their clothes, but getting rid of them is not easy. Without a machine, by hand, cleaning is difficult and time consuming. How to remove pills from clothes using improvised means? Easily! And we will talk about this in the article.
Scissors
A time-consuming but working method that will help remove pills from a sweater or hat. It is better to use nail scissors - they are more maneuverable.
Gradually, one by one, we cut off the protruding pieces until we have cleared all the fabric. To make your work a little easier, thoroughly comb your clothes with a fine-toothed comb. This way you can remove at least small pieces.
Prevention measures
What to do to prevent the problem from occurring:
- You need to wash your favorite items according to the label that is attached to the clothes. Do not exceed the temperature range or use automatic spinning if this is contraindicated.
- Fabrics that require careful handling should only be washed by hand using special products for this type of material.
- Use conditioner designed for rinsing.
- Do not use bleaches on synthetic fabrics.
To prevent pilling, it is recommended to avoid excessive rubbing of clothing against the bag.
Carrying a bag always on one shoulder can cause pilling
Dish sponge with abrasive layer
A more comfortable method is to remove pills from clothes with the abrasive part of the sponge. It consists of a bunch of small, hard fibers that get tangled with protruding pieces and tear them off. It sounds rough, but the method is suitable even for delicate fabrics.
By the way, if there are too many pellets, and the fabric is rough and picky, use a metal sponge.
It copes much better with tough fabrics. Before combing, clothes can be wetted with a spray bottle.
How to fix the problem
You can remove pills from clothes in different ways, one of them is to use a special machine designed for this purpose. You can also use available tools that will help fix the problem quickly and effectively. The easiest way is to remove pills from a specific area of clothing.
In some cases, the fibers will fray so much that it will be quite difficult to return the fabric to its original state.
Special machine
A special device for cutting pellets will help solve the problem in the shortest possible time. You can purchase the machine in a specialized store. It's very easy to use. You need to place your favorite item on a flat surface and run the machine over the fabric with the pellets. The main thing is not to press too hard. The result will not take long to arrive.
A machine for cutting pellets is an effective way to get rid of the problem
The advantage of the special device is that it does not harm the fabric, without tearing out matted fibers, but gently cutting them off.
Handy methods
To get rid of the problem, you can use improvised means that are present in almost every home. If one method turns out to be ineffective, then you should try another. In some cases, the procedure for removing pellets will have to be repeated several times. It all depends on the scale of the problem and the type of fabric.
Shaver
This method requires caution, as the fibers of the fabric can be easily damaged. The razor is best used when it comes to socks, hats and insulated tights. You should not use this method on items made of mohair, angora, things with patterns and natural wool.
What should be done:
- Place the item on the table and stretch it slightly if possible.
- Take a machine, preferably one that has already been used, so as not to harm your clothes, and start shaving off the pellets.
- At the end of the procedure, everything that was shaved off must be shaken off the item and the result assessed.
Removing pellets with a razor should be done with caution
When removing pellets, you should never press the razor, otherwise the fibers will not be restored later.
Using tape
Scotch tape will help with pills that easily come off the surface of the fabric. This method is suitable for any type of clothing. Regular stationery tape will not help, so you should stock up on thick and adhesive tape in advance.
What to do:
- Place the clothes on the table and stick tape in the problem area.
- Smooth the strip with your hands and wait a couple of seconds for better adhesion.
- Then, with a sharp movement of your hand, tear off the strip.
- Evaluate the result. If necessary, repeat the procedure several times.
The author of these lines tried to remove the pellets using wide tape. This method did not live up to expectations. Of course, we managed to pull out some of the fluff, but most of it remained on the clothes. I recommend choosing only very adhesive tape. In the process of searching for the right product, I discovered an adhesive plaster (regular, in a coil). It sticks much better than tape and does its job much more efficiently. However, I do not recommend using it on dark things. White sticky spots will remain, which will then have to be scraped off.
The tape to remove pellets should be wide and sticky
Fixing the problem with scissors
This method is not always effective, especially if there are too many pellets. It is recommended to work with scissors extremely carefully. One wrong move can lead to damage to the product. Scissors need to be sharp, with blunt ends, preferably small in size.
Sequencing:
- Place the item on the table, stretch it and comb it with a massager or comb.
- Carefully cut off any matted fabric fibers.
- Carry out the procedure until the surface is completely free of pellets. Small fibers can be shaved with a machine or blade.
Removing pellets using scissors should be done slowly and carefully.
This procedure is contraindicated for fabrics that require careful handling, which have thin fibers and can be easily damaged.
Toothbrush
This method of getting rid of the problem is the simplest and safest. Can be used on any type of fabric, even the most delicate. The procedure for combing out the pellets will take quite a long time. To begin with, you should stock up on medium-hard bristles.
What should be done:
- Place the item on the table and pull lightly.
- Start combing out the balls starting from the top.
- At the end of the procedure, it is recommended to rinse clothes in water and vinegar (1:1).
An old toothbrush is the best option for combing out pellets.
During the procedure, you should not press too hard on the brush so as not to provoke the appearance of new pellets.
Using adhesive tape roller
Adhesive tape is the most effective method that can be used on any clothing. This simple invention is inexpensive, but allows you to quickly and effortlessly remove matted lint from fabric.
Sequencing:
- Put on clothes or place them on a flat surface.
- Take the roller and run it over problem areas.
- If the tape is all in pellets, then it should be changed and the procedure continued.
- Manipulate until there are no pellets left on the clothes.
Removing pellets using a roller with adhesive tape is the easiest way to get rid of the problem
Using a comb
This method can be used on any type of thing. You will need a comb with fine and frequent teeth. Basic recommendations:
- The item must be placed on a table or any other hard surface.
- Then run a comb over it from bottom to top and vice versa.
- After each use, lint will remain on the comb. They need to be removed.
- Repeat the action until there are no balls left.
The author of these lines also uses a comb to remove pellets. From personal experience I know that it is better not to use this method if you have balls that fit tightly to your clothes. This can only make the situation worse. The thing will not look aesthetically pleasing.
Combing pellets out of clothes is a labor-intensive process.
Sandpaper to the rescue
This method is not applicable to delicate fabrics, otherwise you can simply ruin the item and it will lose its former appearance. The sandpaper needs to be worked carefully. Otherwise, the clothing will become unwearable. It is advisable to use this method on cotton, linen and wool products.
Sequencing:
- Place the product on a flat surface.
- Stretch slightly.
- Rub sandpaper over the problem area.
- Remove the remains with a comb.
Sandpaper can damage fabric if used incorrectly.
Sandpaper is an aggressive way to get rid of the problem. Under no circumstances should you rub the fabric with force, press or manipulate across the fibers, otherwise the item will become unusable.
Application of crackers
An ineffective method, but it does not damage even delicate fabric. Suitable for pellets that easily come off the material. Sequencing:
- Cut off several pieces of bread and dry in the oven until you get crackers.
- Rub the problem area with croutons until all the matted lint comes off.
- Rinse the item thoroughly to remove any remaining crumbs.
Rusks will not help if the pellets occupy a large surface area of the clothing
Sponge to help remove pellets
You will need a regular sponge, which consists of two surfaces: soft and hard. They are usually used for washing baths, dishes and other household needs. Using a sponge, you need to actively rub the problem area until all the rolled up fibers are detached. For the procedure, only a hard surface should be used. There is no need to wet the sponge. The movement must be made from bottom to top. This method can be used on different types of products.
A dishwashing sponge will help remove pellets from delicate fabrics.
It must be borne in mind that this method is applicable for a small scale problem. You should not use a sponge if the pellets occupy up to 70% of the material.
Professional help
If none of the methods turned out to be effective or you simply don’t want to waste precious time getting rid of the problem, then it is recommended to contact a dry cleaner. There, all pellets will be removed quickly and safely for the product and the items will be restored to their original appearance. Of course, such a service is paid, but it is the most effective compared to improvised means.
Scotch
How to remove pills from a sweater if they have just begun to form? Regular household tape will help here. It sticks well to six and pulls out the resulting pieces.
How to do it? Just:
- Cut a small strip of tape and apply it to the fabric.
- Iron thoroughly and leave for 5 minutes. The adhesive side of the tape gains strength over time, so you need to wait.
- We tear it off sharply.
It is important that this method is only suitable for newly formed pills on clothes. They have not yet become very entangled with the fibers and are not held tightly.
Otherwise, you can take plumber's tape. Its adhesion is 3-5 times stronger than that of household products.
Reasons for rolling
Even the highest quality and most expensive item wears out over time. The first sign of wear is the appearance of small balls (nodules) on the surface of the fabric. There are the following causes of pilling on clothes.
- Composition of the material. Things made from natural fabrics, even with the addition of a small amount of synthetics, become shaggy quite quickly. Clothing made from synthetic materials is more sustainable.
- Poor quality fabric. Threads that are poorly twisted and loose are prone to knot formation. The surface of clothing is vulnerable.
- Incorrect care. Based on reviews, any item can quickly deteriorate if it is not washed correctly. Wrong mode, unsuitable detergents - all this affects the durability of clothes. It’s not for nothing that specific washing parameters and products have been invented for each type of fabric.
Pilling can also occur due to the fact that the fabric rubs intensively and regularly against any surface. For example, a sweater often worn with a bag or backpack.
Razor
How to remove pills from pants, tights, stockings, socks? An old disposable razor will help. The method is incredibly old and was used back in the USSR. You need to take exactly the one that has already been used, otherwise you may cut the fabric.
How are pellets removed? In 3 steps:
- First the fabric needs to be stretched. The razor should glide across the surface without hitting the folds. Again, we do it carefully so that the clothes do not stretch.
- We apply the razor, but without pressure. It is advisable not to touch the fabric at all, but to glide through the air.
- We periodically clean the machine.
The method is suitable even for tangled lumps that cannot be removed with tape or a sponge.
Don’t even think about approaching cashmere or angora with a razor. Most likely, the clothes will have to be thrown away.
Features of getting rid of pills from clothes
The variety of shapes and styles of wardrobe items dictates the selection of the most correct cleaning methods. For example, embroidery and decorative fittings are very capricious elements and do not tolerate rough handling.
wool coat
Textured textiles can be easily cleaned at home using sharp scissors. Of course, this option takes a lot of time, but it guarantees increased protection for the fabric. If the fabric is very thick, the coat can be cleaned with pumice or sandpaper.
Sweaters
In any cold weather, knitted sweaters provide great warmth, often stretching out and rolling up strongly when rubbed. The ideal option for bringing things into proper shape is a machine that quickly and efficiently removes pellets. In the absence of this miracle of technology, you can use a hair comb, a dish sponge, or sharp nail scissors. Important! Avoiding the formation of stretch marks means carrying out the procedure extremely carefully.
Knitted sweaters
Polyester is often used to make sweaters, which requires careful care. To remove annoying threads, use a fine-toothed comb, sponge or washcloth. Movements should be carried out smoothly, slowly, without missing a single problem area. During the cleaning process, the brush or comb must be systematically cleared of accumulated lumps.
Hats
The most annoying pellets “live” on hats, where they come into contact with hair, dust particles and dandruff. To get rid of the debris entirely, it is best to use a roller with adhesive tape or tape.
Removal from pants
Pants often rub against your bag or roll down between your legs when walking. Cutting threads from fabric is dangerous because the material will quickly become thinner, and unexpected embarrassment is possible. When using a razor, choose dull rather than sharp blades, otherwise there is a high risk of creating cuts on the fabric.
Pantyhose
Warm tights are more convenient to clean directly on the body, as the fabric stretches better. In this case, the usual shaving is performed, only not the hair on the skin, but the pellets from the material. Effectively use a razor or tape that guarantees quick cleansing.
Noskov
Not surprisingly, socks also often roll down due to frequent friction with shoes. Delicacy is not very important for this wardrobe item, but it is better not to use cleaning devices with harshness. Even a medical adhesive plaster, which has incredible tenacity to the surface, will come in handy.
Toothbrush
Surprisingly, a regular toothbrush does a good job of removing pellets from clothes. And this method has the main advantage: you can match the stiffness to the fabric. A soft brush is great for removing pellets from cashmere fabrics, while a hard brush is great for coarse wool.
And so, let's get started:
- Lay out the clothes on the table or floor. The surface must be hard so that the brush does not “walk” on the surface.
- We comb the area where the lumps accumulate. We do this carefully, without pressure. The brush may catch on the fibers and damage the fabric.
Pellet brush
You can buy an amazing brush for removing pellets from clothes at craft stores. Sometimes also called a fabric razor. This is an inexpensive device that cuts them off cleanly, with almost no damage to clothing.
How comfortable is it? In just 1 minute you can clean an entire men's sweater or pants without leaving any traces. It is also recommended to wet the clothes before peeling to make them tighter and stronger.
Features of cleaning different things
Depending on the type of product, the methods for removing pellets will differ:
- Classic pants . Their stray hairs are especially noticeable, even if they are small. You need to handle the trousers carefully, as even a slight snag can cause the threads to unravel. For care, it is recommended to use a toothbrush.
Jeans. Denim fabric is quite dense, pills rarely form on it, and they accumulate in places of high friction.
To deal with them, you can use a razor or scissors.- Sweatpants are more susceptible to the formation of small pills, of which there can be a lot. To clean them, it is better to use a machine. This device does not leave puffs behind and allows you to carefully remove even multiple stray fibers on the fabric.
Sandpaper
At first glance, the method is barbaric, but in fact it is very convenient. Sandpaper, structurally, is made up of a bunch of fine grains of baked powder. It eats into everything that is above the main plane.
We take sandpaper from 120 grit, no lower. We work with it like this:
- We lay out the clothes on the table or floor. We try to make sure it lies flat.
- Tear off a piece of sandpaper 10x10 centimeters.
- Apply to the area of accumulation and comb without pressure.
Surprisingly, the method is suitable for delicate fabrics and is no worse than a sponge. In terms of performance, it is not much inferior to a cleaning machine.
Bread crumbs
How to remove pills from clothes at home? Let's use the most extravagant method - bread crumbs. It sounds funny, but it's a good abrasive. It is strong enough to cut fibers without damaging the fabric.
The method is suitable if there is nothing else at hand. We will need a piece of cracker. You can cook it in the oven or naturally. A large crust of bread contains a bunch of pores that will catch the pellets and tear them out. We work in the same way as with sandpaper. We carry out circular movements around the area of accumulation.
Causes of pilling on clothes
Why do pills appear on fabric? First of all, the origins of the problem should be sought in the composition of the fabric. Natural fibers tend to be amenable to abrasion and thread twisting. Synthetic materials suffer from this “disease” much less frequently, especially if they are properly prevented with special chemicals. If we talk about proper laundry care, you should pay attention to the drying process. Fabrics that do not tolerate heat treatment well must be dried in a special way. It is forbidden to use an iron to smooth them. Areas of clothing that constantly rub against something are susceptible to frequent pilling. So, on a sweater, the area under the armpits can be considered a “sore” spot, and on trousers – at the painful points.
Dry cleaning
Sometimes nothing helps. Even if you tried all the methods on the list and nothing worked, don’t despair. How to get rid of pills on clothes without stains or damage? Dry cleaning will help.
When to go there:
- Nothing worked for you, although you tried all the ways.
- The fabric is too delicate and you are afraid of damaging it even with gentle methods. Cashmere, mohair and angora wool, for example, can be damaged even by a toothbrush, and they cost a lot. Therefore, it would be much more correct to give the clothes to professionals.
- There are too many pellets and it is difficult to achieve the desired result.
How can you protect your clothes?
To prevent the item from wearing out and pilling appearing on it, you must follow the following recommendations:
- Store items that are prone to pilling inside out.
- It is better to wash such clothes without twisting them and dry them on a clean towel.
- Do not use harsh powder or detergent.
- Follow clothing care instructions (washing temperature, ironing temperature)
- If you don't know how to care for expensive fabrics, take them to the dry cleaner.
- To minimize friction on items that are prone to clumping, it is best not to wear them under outerwear.
- If small pellets appear on the fabric, try to get rid of them as quickly as possible.
- Knitwear does not need to be twisted or soaked.
- Use products labeled “fiber and fabric softener.”
By following these simple tips, you can protect your clothes from pilling and other damage.
