How To · Fashion · Grooming Basics
Remove Pilling From Sweaters and Knits
Pilling happens to the best of us—and the best sweaters. Here's how to safely restore your knits without damaging the fibers underneath.
5 min read · IrisPilling—those annoying fuzzy balls that form on the surface of sweaters and knits—is a sign of wear, not poor quality. In fact, natural fibers like wool and cotton are more prone to pilling than synthetics because the fibers are shorter and more likely to break and ball up with friction. The good news: it's fixable, and you probably have the tools already.
The key is removing pills without snagging or thinning the underlying fabric. We'll walk you through five methods, from gentlest to most aggressive, so you can choose based on your sweater's fiber content and how stubborn the pilling is.
Pilling is a cosmetic issue, not a structural one—treat it gently and your sweater will look fresh for years.
What you'll need.
- 01Fine-tooth comb
- 02Battery-operated fabric shaver
- 03Pumice stone or fine-grit sandpaper (220-grit)
- 04Wool-specific detergent
- 05Soft-bristle garment brush
Step one · 1 minute
Assess the damage
Hold your sweater up to natural light and examine the pilled areas. Look for the density and size of the pills. Light surface pilling (small, sparse pills) can be handled with gentler methods. Heavy pilling (dense clusters of large pills) may require a fabric shaver. Check the fiber content on the care tag—delicate fibers like cashmere or merino need more caution than sturdy wool blends.
Run your hand over the area to gauge how firmly the pills are attached. Loosely attached pills are easier to remove.
Step two · 2 minutes
Try the manual method first
For light pilling, use your fingers or a fine-tooth comb. Gently roll the pills between your thumb and forefinger to loosen them, then pluck away. With a comb, hold the sweater taut and comb in one direction with light pressure—the pills should catch and lift away. This method takes patience but gives you maximum control and works well on delicate knits.
Work in small sections and take breaks to avoid hand fatigue. Never pull aggressively or you'll snag the underlying fibers.
Step three · 2 minutes
Use a fabric shaver for stubborn pills
If manual removal isn't cutting it, a battery-operated fabric shaver is your best friend. These devices have a small rotating blade that safely shaves off pills without damaging the sweater. Hold the shaver flat against the fabric and move it slowly in circular motions. Let the weight of the shaver do the work—don't press down. Most shavers have a collection chamber that fills with pills, so empty it as needed.
Test on an inconspicuous area first, like the inside seam or hem. Start on the lowest setting if your shaver has adjustable speeds.
Step four · 2 minutes
Try a pumice stone or fine sandpaper for delicate fibers
For cashmere, merino, or other luxury knits, a pumice stone or fine-grit sandpaper (220-grit or higher) offers a gentler alternative to electric shavers. Lay the sweater on a flat surface, hold it taut, and rub the pilled area lightly with the pumice stone or sandpaper in one direction. The friction will dislodge the pills without cutting into the fabric. Work slowly and check your progress frequently.
A pumice stone designed for skin works fine—just dedicate one to laundry. Dampen it slightly for better control.
Step five · 2 minutes
Wash and dry to finish
After removing pills, give the sweater a gentle wash in cool water with a wool-specific detergent to remove any remaining loose fibers or dust. Lay it flat to dry on a clean towel, reshaping it gently as it dries. This final step ensures you've removed all the debris and restores the sweater's texture. A light brush with a soft-bristle garment brush can also help restore the nap.
Never machine wash after de-pilling—hand wash only to protect the fibers you just worked to preserve.
How to know it worked
Your sweater should look smooth and uniform across the treated area. The fabric should feel soft and intact—not thin or scraped. If you can still see pills after your first pass, repeat the process, but don't overdo it or you'll risk damaging the knit.
Questions at the mirror.
Will removing pills damage my sweater?
Not if you use the right technique. Pills form on the surface; the underlying fibers are intact. Gentle removal won't harm them. Aggressive scrubbing or pulling can thin the fabric, so always start with the gentlest method.
Why does my new sweater already have pills?
Natural fibers pill more readily than synthetics, especially in the first few wears. This is normal and doesn't indicate poor quality. Friction from wear, washing, or even just rubbing against your body causes short fibers to break and ball up.
Can I prevent pilling in the future?
Mostly, yes. Wash sweaters inside-out in cool water on a gentle cycle, use a mesh laundry bag, and air-dry flat. Avoid pilling-prone fabrics if you wear sweaters frequently in high-friction areas. Quality matters too—tightly woven knits pill less than loosely constructed ones.
Is a fabric shaver worth buying?
If you own multiple knits or sweaters, absolutely. A good shaver costs $15–30 and lasts years. If you have just one or two sweaters, the manual method or pumice stone works fine.