What Does It Mean When Clothes Pill?
Pilling is a very common problem encountered when washing clothes. It is the appearance of tiny bobbles or balls of fluff on the surface of certain fabrics. It is a sign that your garments are beginning to break down or wear out over time.
What Causes Pilling?
Pilling is caused by abrasion and friction on the fabric during normal wear, when the loose fibers in the fabric rub against themselves and each other. Certain fabrics are more prone to pilling than others because they have loose fibers which can easily come loose. These include fabrics like wool, cotton, polyester, and acrylic.
Avoiding Pilling
Here are some tips on how to avoid pilling:
- Wash items in cold water with gentle detergent and a special garment bag.
- Wash items separately, rather than mixing them with other items with coarser fibers.
- Do not overload washing machine to allow items to move around freely.
- Turn clothes inside out or use a garment bag for delicate fabrics.
- Wash items separately, rather than tossing them in the dryer with other items.
Removing Pilling
Fortunately, there are a few easy ways to remove pilling from clothing.
- Gently pick off pills with a lint roller or fabric shaver.
- Put the item in a lingerie bag and run it through a warm-water cycle in the washing machine, then tumble dry on low heat.
- Lay the item flat on an ironing board and use the steam setting on an iron to cut the pills.
Pilling is an unavoidable issue with certain fabrics, but it can be minimized with the right care and attention. With the tips mentioned above, you can help prolong the life of your clothes and keep them looking good for longer.