How to Remove Pilling from Clothes

By Jeeves of Belgravia New York - Expert Garment Care

How to remove pilling from clothes

Pilling is the little fuzz ball buildup that forms on the surface of clothing, especially knits, sweaters, fleece, and sherpa. It is mostly a visual issue, and the good news is that you can remove it safely with the right tool and a light touch.

The key is simple: remove the pills, not the fabric underneath. Work slowly, go with the grain, and stop as soon as the surface looks smooth.

The best tools for the job

• Depilling comb or pumice comb — our top choice for most garments.
• Lint brush or lint roller — great for collecting the loose pills after you remove them.
• Electric sweater shaver — effective, but use extra care on delicate items.
• Disposable razor — works in a pinch, but it is the least efficient and easiest to misuse.

How to do it safely

1. Lay the garment flat. Smooth the fabric so you can see the pills clearly.
2. Choose the right tool. A depilling comb is the safest and most reliable option for most clothes.
3. Go lightly with the grain. Use short, gentle strokes in the direction of the knit or fabric surface.
4. Do not press hard. The harder you comb, the more fabric you remove, which can lead to thinning or holes.
5. Collect the fuzz. Brush away the removed pills with your hand, a lint brush, or a lint roller.
6. Check your progress. Stop once the surface looks even. Overworking the area can damage the garment.

What to avoid

Do not use a razor blade aggressively on clothing. It can catch the fabric, create snags, and cut holes. Avoid heavy pressure with any tool, especially on delicate or thin items, because depilling always removes a small amount of material.

Best method by fabric

Knit sweaters

Use a depilling comb and work slowly with the knit. This is the most common and most effective use case.

Fleece and sherpa

A depilling comb can break up the little clumps and restore softness. Go easy, since these fabrics can shed quickly if overworked.

Delicate garments

Use the gentlest tool you have and test a small hidden area first. If the fabric is very thin or expensive, professional help may be the safer choice.

Can pilling be prevented?

Some fabric softeners are claimed to help reduce pilling, but the most practical approach is still proper care and gentle depilling when pills appear. Once they form, they are normal and easy to manage.

If you want the cleanest result, a depilling comb is the best place to start. It is inexpensive, easy to use, and far safer than trying to shave pills off with a blade.