by Denise Neville

Created on: August 10, 2009

We all have encountered pilling on our clothing. Pilling are those little balls that we find on our most precious items. It is annoying but worse than that it is time consuming when it gets to a point where the pilling has to be removed. It can happen on sweaters, bed sheets and just about everything you wear. Most of the clothing on today's market is designed for wash and wear but that doesn't mean that they can't pill. When we understand why this happens there are ways to stop this once you know how to prevent pilling when doing laundry.

The main reason for pilling in clothing is abrasion and this can happen due to wear and tear or in your washer when different fabrics are placed in together. Pilling forms from damaged fibers that separates from the rest of the fibers and causes small balls to gather on your clothing which can be easily recognized. When these fabrics are placed in the washer together, natural fibers can stick to the manmade fibers and you end up with pilling. Pilling can be prevented with just a little precaution.

Inside out

Sometimes preventing pilling on clothing is as simple as turning the garment inside out. When you sort your laundry take each item and turn it inside out while you sort. This will stop the abrasion on the outside of your clothing and it will certainly cut down on pilling.

Quality

When you buy your clothing try and buy the best quality that you can. Good quality clothing has less chance of pilling due to the fibers being stronger and less likely to separate. An example of this can be seen quite clearly in sheets. If you buy sheets that are on the lower end of the scale in price you should see pilling in the first or second wash. If you buy good quality sheets you won't see any pilling until the sheet is just about ready to see the garbage. Quality does make a difference.

Fabric softener

Fabric softener can help cut down on pilling. This happens by the softener adding lubrication to the clothing which let the pills separate from it. When your clothing is placed in the dryer some pilling will separate from the items and go out through the vent. Fabric softener will also prevent your items from pilling during the drying process.

Hand washing

Hand washing your delicate clothing is one way to prevent pilling. Fill your sink with lukewarm water and add a gentle detergent. It is better to squeeze the water from this delicate material instead of wringing it.

Washing nets

Washing nets are ideal to prevent pilling on your clothing. Just place the items in a netted bag and add it to the wash. The bag will also help any abrasion that your clothes may come in contact with during the wash cycle besides separating them from the other clothing.

Collars and cuffs

If you find that the most pilling is taking place on the collars and cuffs of your clothing try spraying them with a spray starch and iron them. This can also help pilling.

Sometimes regardless of what you do you will find pilling on some items and the only alternative is to remove it. You have several options to do this. You can sit down and pick the pills off by hand, use a brush or sticky tape to remove them or try brushing them off with a wet nail brush. You can also purchase shavers at a retail store that are designed for removing pills. Even if they can be removed it is better if know how to prevent pilling when doing laundry.

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