Can I use a razor blade to remove pilling from clothes?

You can in a pinch, but it is not our first choice. Razors are easy to misuse and can snag, thin, or cut holes in the fabric.

Does pilling mean my clothes are low quality?

No. Pilling is common on many fabrics, especially knits, and it is usually a normal result of wear and friction.

Will a lint roller remove pills?

A lint roller can help pick up loose fuzz after depilling, but it usually will not remove the pills themselves very well.

Can I prevent pilling completely?

Not completely, but gentle washing and occasional depilling can help. Some fabric softeners are claimed to reduce pilling, but they will not stop it forever.

Is an electric sweater shaver safe?

Yes, if used carefully, but it is best on sturdier fabrics. Use extra caution on delicate or thin garments because it can remove too much material.

How to Remove Pilling from Clothes

By Zach Pozniak, VP of Operations at Jeeves of Belgravia New York and fourth-generation dry cleaner · @jeeves_ny

Quick answer: Use a depilling comb or pumice comb and work gently with the grain of the fabric. Avoid pressing hard or using a razor blade aggressively, since that can thin the fabric or cause holes.

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

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

Got a stubborn sweater fuzz issue?

Try asking

Can I remove pilling from a cashmere sweater without damaging it?

Ask Jeeves AI

Or ask about any laundry or garment care question

Watch Jeeves NY demonstrate these techniques:

About the author

Zach Pozniak is VP of Operations and co-owner of Jeeves of Belgravia New York, the Madison Avenue dry cleaner serving New York since 1979, and the fourth generation of his family in the trade. Zach posts garment care techniques as @jeeves_ny on TikTok to over 620,000 followers, and his book The Laundry Book, co-written with his father Jerry Pozniak, was featured on Good Morning America in October 2024. Jeeves NY's clients include the Metropolitan Opera, the Met Museum, and FIT, and the business has been profiled by The Wall Street Journal and New York Magazine.