Unfortunately, clothes lose their original appearance over time. This is especially true for knitwear. Pellets appear on them, the color fades, and their shape is lost. Not everyone can afford to buy new things frequently, so the natural question is: why do clothes pill, and is it possible to prevent this process?
All advice on maintaining the proper appearance of clothing comes down to its care. Knitted items should be washed in a special washing machine mode. If, instead of a gentle regime, a strong mechanical effect is used, then damage to the tissue, or rather its fibers, is inevitable. Small lumps appear - pellets. For such delicate types of fabrics, experts recommend using special products when rinsing that prevent the material from pilling. Typically, a special liquid detergent is used for woolen and other items.
However, even with careful care, the appearance of a rolling effect is inevitable. This is due to the fact that, for example, the sweater is in contact with the jacket. Also, a person rubs one piece of clothing against another with his hand. As a result of mechanical action, this effect appears.
A few more reasons:
- Synthetic in the fabric. It is worth noting that items made from artificial fabric are least susceptible to pilling. But natural and natural with synthetic admixtures, for the most part - the opposite.
- Illiterate care of things. For example, washing with the wrong means, in water at the wrong temperature, etc.
- Long thread broaches of fabric. They can be seen with the naked eye when purchasing an item.
- Loose fabric (poorly twisted threads).
What are pellets and how are they formed?
Unlike natural wool products, on the surface of which pills form only at the initial stage of wear, synthetic and mixed fibers are prone to persistent pilling, which is practically impossible to remove. Large balls appear on a woolen jacket, scarf or blanket, but they are easy to remove without risking damage to the product.
On synthetic fabrics, which are highly resistant to repeated deformation, removed spools are quickly replaced with new ones. The fabrics most susceptible to pilling are synthetic compositions based on nylon and lavsan fibers.
Long, smooth and very strong fibers, resistant to repeated deformation, despite their positive characteristics, also have a negative property: they are quickly drawn to the surface, where they fluff and roll into very stable balls.
The least prone to pilling are fibers that are unstable to repeated deformation.
The ability to form fiber balls is greatly influenced by the thickness and shape of the cross-section of the fibers. Knowing the weak side of synthetic fabrics, manufacturers combat it by creating profiled fibers, the profiles of which resemble a triangle, square or pentagon in shape.
Thick fibers with an uneven surface provide the material with low pillability. The longer the fiber, the higher the fabric's resistance to pilling.
What not to do?
Not all methods are effective and universal for different fabrics. Not recommended:
- Cutting rolled fibers from very thin material will cause damage.
- Remove pellets with abrasive materials from products subject to deformation.
- Remove damaged areas from hosiery with a toothbrush; it will roll the fibers over the surface and ruin the item.
- Use stationery tape and a sticky roller for fabrics with long pile.
- Plucking the pellets with tweezers or your hands can pull the thread out of the fabric to the surface and aggravate the problem.
Before you begin, you need to determine which cleaning method is suitable for this material.
How to wash in a washing machine without pilling
How to get rid of pilling on clothes and prevent fibers from rolling on the surface of the fabric - to do this, you need to dry washed items indoors or outdoors. Using an automatic dryer is highly not recommended.
If there is a need to use a dryer, select the most delicate mode with a low temperature; drying out clothes is not allowed. Outerwear, as well as items made from expensive or delicate fabrics, must be dry cleaned.
Table of symbols used by manufacturers that indicate the rules for caring for an item:
- Before putting clothes into the machine, they are turned inside out and all zippers are fastened. This measure helps reduce abrasions on the front side.
- Correctly select the washing mode, as well as the temperature and spin method (usually, this information is indicated on a label sewn into the inside of the item).
- The machine drum is not filled to capacity to avoid unnecessary friction.
- Particularly delicate fabrics and items made of wool and acrylic are washed only by hand.
- Sweaters made of wool and angora are hand-twisted, after wrapping them in a sheet, and dried on a flat surface.
- Knitted, flannel or synthetic products should not be mixed with clothing made from other fabrics.
- Abrasive substances are not used for washing; they are replaced with liquid compounds for delicate fabrics. If this is not possible, the abrasive agent is first dissolved in a small amount of water.
- Softening rinses are used for a specific type and color of fabric.
- The delicate mode with the shortest wash cycle duration is set.
Electrified fibers attract microparticles, resulting in increased pillability of the surface. Small balls of foil, which are placed in the machine drum along with the laundry, will help relieve the static tension that occurs when washing synthetic fabrics.
Special machine
Of course, it is convenient to remove rolled up balls on clothes using improvised means, since it requires a minimum of cash costs. But there is always a fairly big risk of ruining your favorite thing. Absolute safety of work is ensured by a special machine - shaver.
The device is a little similar to an electric razor in terms of operation and appearance. There are blades inside it that cut off the knots. They are covered with a grill, so the fabric does not fall on them.
There are many varieties, some of which operate on batteries, others on batteries. They can be equipped with additional elements, for example, a container for collecting balls. How to get rid of pills from knitwear? You just need to move the device, describing circles, over the surface of the fabric.
The machine is suitable not only for knitwear. It is used on dresses and other wardrobe items made of angora, mohair and other woolen materials. But this is only possible if the device is equipped with a function for adjusting the height of the blades. If it is, then the decorative elements and the thing itself will not deteriorate.
Removing pellets
Despite the availability and large selection of products, removing small lint clumps from the surface of clothing can be an overwhelming task for a person with a weak nervous system. On the other hand, the procedure will be a fun and relaxing activity for women interested in embroidery, painting or decoration.
The picture shows how easy it is to get rid of pills on clothes using a comb.
How to get rid of pilling on clothes (basic rules):
- All manipulations must be performed with extreme care and caution, especially when working with nail scissors, a blade or a razor. One wrong move can ruin the item forever.
- When cleaning the surface, maintain consistency and gradualness so that there are no untreated areas left.
- For convenience, the item is laid out on an ironing board or other accessible smooth surface.
- In order to properly process the surface of the product and not miss anything, good lighting that is comfortable for the eyes is installed at the place of work.
Razor
It is not recommended to use a blade or razor on very fine, loose, grainy or cashmere fabrics. This method is only suitable for cleaning non-embossed wool products. Even a dull or safety razor can easily damage the fibers.
The fabric is laid out on a flat surface, for example, an ironing board, stretched and fixed. The product is carefully shaved, moving in one direction, then the direction of movement of the razor is changed by 90°.
Scissors
An ineffective way to remove fibers that have rolled up on the surface of the fabric. It is not recommended to cut pellets from thin fabrics; it is very likely that after the procedure, microscopic damage will remain on the fibers, invisible to the eye, which will subsequently turn into holes.
Scotch tape
Matted lint can be easily and safely restored to its proper form using a wide strip of adhesive tape. Wide adhesive tape is good for dealing with small loose lumps. A strip of tape of a convenient length is applied to the fabric and passed over it with your hand. With a sharp movement the strip is torn off.
Toothbrush
If there are few balls and they are small enough, they can be easily removed by combing the fabric with a toothbrush. Instead of a brush, it is permissible to use a new sponge for washing dishes: if the sponge is two-part, a coarser texture is used to comb out the pellets. The fabric should be combed along the grain.
Fine-grit sandpaper
The method is only suitable for lint-free fabric. For convenience during manipulations, sandpaper is glued to a small wooden block. The fabric stretched on a flat surface is straightened and fixed, smoothing out the folds. The sandpaper is moved smoothly in one direction, combing the fabric.
Rusks
A piece of hard (not loose) bread 1-2 cm thick is cut off and sent to dry in the oven. A hard cracker is smoothly passed over the surface of the fabric, moving in one direction.
Machine for removing pellets
A sewing machine is one of the best ways to solve the problem: thanks to the adjustment of the cutting height of the fibers, the machine can be used to process a wide variety of fabric surfaces.
When choosing a device for removing rolled fibers, pay attention to the following characteristics:
- Appearance of the device: cheap machines are homemade, the blades and working surface with holes resemble thin foil, the plastic body is not made of high quality.
- Ease of use: the device should fit easily in the hand without weighing it down.
- Capacity of the container for collecting lint: preference is given to a small container, the volume of which will be enough to clean 1-2 things.
High-quality electrical appliances are powered from the mains and/or batteries. The cutter must be equipped with a cutting height regulator. Significant disadvantages of low-quality devices are rapid overheating during operation and short service life of knives.
How to get rid of pills on clothes using a machine:
- The device is plugged in or working batteries are inserted into it and the switch is moved to the operating position.
- Use smooth circular movements to treat problem areas of the tissue.
- After processing is completed, the machine is turned off and the fiber collection tank is cleaned.
- At the final stage, the fabric is combed with a brush.
Roller with adhesive tape
For convenience, you can purchase a reusable sticky roller at any hardware store. The roller is not suitable for removing large pellets from wool and knitwear, as well as small frequent lumps formed on synthetic surfaces.
A roller with adhesive tape is the best choice when the question is not only how to get rid of small pellets in visible places of clothing, but also an easy way to clean the product from small specks and dust.
Comb
The method is suitable for knitted items, but it is not effective for completely removing pills from other fabrics. The pile is carefully combed with a comb with densely spaced teeth, moving in one direction. To cut off fluffy lumps, use nail scissors.
How to remove with a removal machine?
A specially designed machine will help you quickly and effectively get rid of traces of rolling on your favorite things.
The device is equipped with:
- a fan for sucking pellets into the grill;
- stainless steel blades for removing them from the surface of the fabric;
- container in which cut particles are collected.
Mode of application:
- Insert batteries.
- Enable using button.
- Work the surface of the product in a circular motion.
For knitwear with pile, you need a device with the ability to adjust the height of the blade. A review of pellet removal machines is presented in this article.
Preventing the appearance of pellets
Before buying clothes, be sure to read the instructions for use and care of the item. On this matter, you can get additional advice from the seller or on the website of the product manufacturer.
It is important to follow the wearing rules: some delicate sweaters, dresses and cardigans are not recommended to be worn under outerwear. Care instructions include cleaning, washing and drying the product. If the label says “hand wash” or “dry clean”, these recommendations should not be ignored.
If the fabric contains a lot of artificial fiber, and the fibers themselves form a loose structure, it will not be possible to completely get rid of pilling. Even if preference is given to an expensive product with high-quality fabric, but with weakly twisted fibers, in the near future such fabric will be covered with small balls.
It is not recommended to buy clothes made of polyester: you should pay attention to the inside tag - if polyester makes up more than 5-10% of the main fiber composition, such fabric will not have a presentable appearance for long. The same rule applies to products made from lavsan, polyamide and nylon.
We remove pellets using traditional methods
Next - only the simplest and most harmless methods that do not require any money. By testing you can choose the most suitable one
The key is to approach things with caution.
Razor
The razor method comes in handy most of all when you need to remove uneven surfaces from bed linen and other similar types of fabrics with a smooth surface. Some smooth types of knitwear are also convenient to process using the machine (hats, gloves, mittens, tights, socks). Using a razor to remove pellets from pants or coats is also quite easy. The main thing is not to overdo it with pressure, so as not to permanently ruin the thing.
To remove pellets, you just need to move the shaving machine over the fabric, removing small lumps. The razor should be guided in the direction of the grain to reduce the risk of damage to the threads. After the procedure, simply shake off the item. It is more convenient to remove pills on tights, socks or gloves by putting the item on yourself.
Scissors
Before picking up the scissors, lightly go over the fabric with a massage comb - then it will be easier to remove excess elements. The spools need to be cut off one at a time. You need to hold the scissors in such a way as to remove matted fibers only with the tips. The remaining small fibers can be removed with a razor.
It is tape that is best used when you need to remove defects from a sweater. It will remove lumps that easily come off the surface, without damaging the main fabric. The main condition is that the tape must be wide and highly adhesive, and the pellets must be fresh.
Cut a piece of tape approximately 20 cm long. Glue it to the fabric, smooth it with your hands and wait about 10 seconds. With a quick and sharp movement, tear off the tape, holding the fabric close to the tearing point. So gradually it is necessary to process the whole thing. A new piece of adhesive tape is required each time.
Toothbrush
It is very important when using a toothbrush: to find a balance between strong pressure and light gliding. Although this method is the safest
Pills on thin and delicate, even fluffy things can be removed without fear with this hygienic device
Although this method is the safest. Rolls on thin and delicate, even fluffy items can be removed without fear with this hygienic device.
So, to remove pellets from a sweater, take a medium-hard brush. Even an old one will do. Make a vinegar solution by combining equal amounts of acid and water. Dip a brush in it. Gradually, section by section, treat the problem area with short movements along the grain. Be patient - the process will take you a lot of time. Afterwards, rinse the item in this solution. This will bring back her fluffiness.
A sponge with a hard abrasive part is suitable for processing. There is no need to get it wet, just rub it on the desired area using upward movements along the fibers. Gradually the balls will detach.
Comb
A comb can also combat pellets on things. You need to find one in which the distance between the teeth is minimal. You can simply run along the fibers (in both directions). Most often, most of the lumps remain on the comb. Or you can use it as an auxiliary tool to make it more convenient to remove lumps with nail scissors.
The method can be tried on any type of fabric. You only need to be careful with large knitting. There is a risk of accidentally catching the threads with the teeth.
Roller for clothes
The clothes cleaning roller removes not only excess lint, wool and dust. This handy tool can also remove pellets. The only downside is that the tape, as a rule, is not designed for large and old lumps. But fresh, leaky ones can easily be removed.
In this case, it is more convenient to put the clothes on someone - this will make it easier to treat the surface. As soon as the roller has collected so much lint and pellets that it stops sticking, change the tape.
Sandpaper
Sandpaper is good at removing lumps from clothes made of wool, linen and cotton. It is better not to experiment with it on delicate fabrics.
Crackers
Cleaning clothes from pills with breadcrumbs is an old, rarely used method. However, it is effective. It is also suitable for delicate textiles. Try it yourself!
To be absolutely sure of the result, it is better to make the crackers yourself. Take bread (preferably loose). Cut it into pieces so that it is convenient to hold in your hand when processing. Place them on a baking sheet and place them in the oven over low heat to dry. At each stage of preparation, ensure that the bread is kept away from oil and other fat.
Fabrics that are prone to pilling
- Wool and knitwear with the addition of synthetic fibers: balls appear on such products very quickly. After several washes and short wear, the appearance of the product leaves much to be desired. Woolen fabrics pill only at the initial stage of wear. Expensive varieties of wool, which are used for sewing men's suits, are generally not prone to pilling.
- Fabrics with very fine artificial textures (curtains, underwear) are susceptible to the formation of hard balls.
- Cotton is a dense woven material made from natural fibers that is not subject to pilling, but its cheaper analogue “polycotton”, which has recently been used for sewing bed linen, very quickly pills and loses its appearance.
- Polycotton is a cheap fabric that is a mixture of cotton and polyester. You can recognize it by the “Cotton 100%” marking.
The fabric should contain a minimum amount of artificial fibers. Of the synthesized materials, compounds with the addition of acrylic are the least likely to roll off. Loose knitwear is very susceptible to pilling. It is better to give preference to knitwear that is as dense as possible.
It is not recommended to rub or twist knitted clothing during hand washing - this will prevent the surface from pilling.
A simple principle will help restore the appearance of a product: do not wait until a large number of pellets make the item unsuitable for wear. As soon as lint balls appear on the surface (usually along seams and in areas of greatest friction), you should immediately use one of the above methods to remove them.
Despite the abundance of products and recommendations on how to get rid of pills that have appeared on the surface of clothing, it is much easier to choose high-quality fabric for sewing. Careful wearing and gentle washing of the product, as well as compliance with the rules for using the fabric indicated by the manufacturer on the label will help prevent fabric pilling.
Author: Svetlana Darenko
Last resort - dry cleaning
The most effective and efficient way to quickly and efficiently remove small balls. Of course, it is irrational to hand over everyday pants or a jacket, since dry cleaning services require significant financial costs. But it is best to entrust an expensive coat or blouse to specialists.
At the dry cleaners, they will not only remove knots from the item, but also wash and iron it at the client’s request. Here, clothes can be treated with special solutions that prevent the appearance of glomeruli. The procedure ensures the durability of the product.
Do not forget that it is best to use the services of a trusted organization with a good reputation.
Lifehack 6 - haircut
If large pills form on clothing, you can simply cut them off with sharp scissors. This is a rather long and labor-intensive process, how to remove pills from a sweater? since you will need to cut off the lumps one by one, one by one. There is also a possibility of damaging wool trousers, a dress or a jacket.
Advice! To make it easier for you to remove pellets, first comb your sweater with a fine-tooth comb. The comb will remove the smallest lumps and it will be easier for you to remove all the remaining pellets.
Lifehack 4 - old men's razor
This method is ancient, almost everyone knows about it. Suitable for caring for smooth items, especially socks, knitted tights, hats. Where the knitted fabric is smooth, without patterns. In this case, it is best to use an old razor that is already slightly dull. A new one can easily cut the product.
How to remove pills from clothes at home using a razor:
- Stretch and secure the wool fabric so that you can handle it comfortably. Moreover, you should not stretch it too much - this can cause the clothes to stretch and lose their shape.
- Lean the razor against the surface of the fabric, without pressing it, but as if from above, cut off the pellets from the clothing. Run the razor from bottom to top across the clothing to catch as many pellets as possible.
- In this way, clean all the places on the sweater where pills have formed.
How to remove pills from clothes with a razor:
Important! This is a rather aggressive way to remove pellets from clothes; there is a high probability of cutting the fabric. Not suitable for caring for angora, cashmere, and mohair.
Lifehack 9 - bread crumbs
A very unusual thing can help you in removing pellets from woolen items - bread crumbs. You can use this method to remove pills from clothes if you have nothing else at hand. You will need a thick piece of cracker; thin pieces will crumble quickly. The easiest way is to dry it yourself in the oven or naturally. Moreover, you need to dry the cleaning rusk on a non-greasy surface, otherwise your clothes will acquire a greasy sheen. And choose loose bread for drying so that it removes unnecessary lint from the fabric.
After drying the bread, simply use it to clean the pellets from your clothes. They will cling to it and be removed from the clothes.
Life hack 7 - use a new sponge to wash dishes
A very interesting and effective way to remove pellets. Take a new dish sponge and scrub the jersey with the rough side. This will help you remove any new pills from your clothes.
Important! This method of removing pellets is suitable for the most delicate fabrics. Therefore, if you are afraid of ruining the fabric, use it.
