Ditching Early: Six Effective Ways to Remove Pilling from Clothes
'24.02.2021'
Source: Lifehacker
The appearance of pellets should not be a reason to say goodbye to your favorite thing forever. Lifehacker.
Why do pellets appear on clothes?
When you wear clothes, wash them, or throw the strap of a backpack over your shoulder, small lumps of tangled fibers appear on the things from friction. The longer the pile and the lower the density of the fabric, the more pellets there will be. The most problematic in this regard are wool (especially large knits), flannel and almost any fabric of poor quality. It is impossible to avoid the appearance of pellets, but it is quite possible to remove them. Clothes after such cleaning will look much neater.
We have selected the simplest and most effective home methods. But if you do not want to take care of clothes yourself, then you can turn to professionals. A good dry cleaner will not only wash the thing, but also remove the spools.
How to remove pellets from clothes with a special brush
This is one of the tools used in dry cleaning, but the lint brush is easy to get yourself through Internet... It cleans quickly and safely. Just spread the sweater on a flat surface and brush over it with a brush, tilting it slightly. Move in the same direction all the time to avoid stretching the fabric.
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How to remove pellets from clothes with a special pumice stone
Use only a pumice stone to remove the pellets from your clothes: ordinary cosmetic stone can damage the item. Spread the sweater on a flat surface and lightly, without pressure, run the tool along the grain. Continue to move in one direction across the fabric, periodically using your fingers to remove any lumps of lint that have adhered to the pumice stone.
How to remove pellets from clothes with a special machine
The lint remover reminds electric shaver and works roughly the same way. “Shave” the fabric carefully so as not to cut through it. Stretch the area to be cleaned slightly and secure the material. Turn on the clipper and move it slowly, gradually removing the pellets. After finishing work, shake out the cut pile from the container of the device.
How to remove lint from clothes with a razor
This method will require the utmost care, because any awkward movement may leave a cut on the clothing. It is best to use a used razor instead of a new one so that it is not too sharp. Stretch lightly and secure the material on a flat, well-lit surface. Move the blade very close to the fabric without touching it. Thus, you will cut off the spools sticking out above the surface, but do not damage the thing itself.
How to remove pellets from clothes with a stationery knife
A sharp clerical blade can be used to clean an item just like a razor blade. Move along the fibers of the stretched fabric very close to the surface, as if shaving it. Pick up the cut pellets by hand and discard as you clean them.
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How to remove pellets from clothes with scotch tape
Use this method for relatively smooth fabrics that don't hold the pills very tightly. For wool with a long pile, such as angora, it will not work. Unwind 10-15 centimeters scotch tape, cut and stick to fabric. Smooth it out thoroughly, and then pull sharply to remove the tape along with the pellets.
How to take care of clothes so that the pellets do not appear longer
Since friction is to blame for the appearance of pellets, it should be avoided whenever possible. Here's what to do.
- Observe the regime indicated on the clothes washing... Before putting things in the machine, turn them inside out so that they rub less against each other and on the drum.
- Wash woolen items in a special net.
- Use fabric softener. It softens the fibers and straightens them.
- Do not get carried away with drying in a typewriter: excessive friction is created there too.
- Be careful with your bags. Any straps and backpacks will damage your clothing in the shoulder area. If you do not like to carry a bag in your hand, choose wide soft straps.
- Keep your hands in the pockets of your woolen coat less often, otherwise the surface around the pockets and around the cuffs will collapse.
- Don't rub the thing unnecessarily. Do not wash away stains, but rather use a stain remover.
- Pay attention to your choice of clothing. Quality fabrics are less prone to pilling.
- Be careful with Velcro, as they leave clues on knitted garments and damage fibers, which can then become loose.