How To · Fashion · Garment Care
Remove Pilling From Sweaters and Actually Keep Them
Pilling happens to the best of us—and the best sweaters. Here's how to restore them to their original finish, plus how to stop it from happening again.
5 min read · IrisPilling—those annoying little fuzzballs that form on knit fabric—isn't a sign of poor quality. It's a natural consequence of fiber friction, especially on sweaters made from wool, cashmere, cotton blends, or synthetics. The good news: it's entirely reversible, and you likely have the tools to fix it right now.
Whether your favorite sweater has been through the wash one too many times or developed pills from regular wear, we'll walk you through five methods to restore it, ranked from gentlest to most aggressive. We'll also cover prevention so you're not doing this every season.
Pilling isn't a flaw—it's friction. And friction is fixable.
What you'll need.
- 01Fabric comb or sweater stone
- 02Clean razor blade or disposable razor
- 03Electric sweater shaver
- 04Gentle wool or delicate-fabric detergent
- 05Flat drying surface
Step one · 1 minute
Lay the sweater flat and inspect the damage
Spread your sweater on a clean, flat surface in good light. Identify which areas are pilled—usually the underarms, sleeves, torso, and anywhere the fabric rubs against itself or your skin. Check the fiber content on the care tag; delicate fibers like cashmere or merino wool require gentler handling than acrylic or cotton blends. This step determines which removal method you'll use.
Take a photo before you start so you can track your progress.
Step two · 2 minutes
Use a fabric comb for light pilling
A fabric comb (also called a sweater stone or lint comb) is the gentlest option and works well on light to moderate pilling. Hold the sweater taut with one hand and gently comb in one direction across the pilled area, using light pressure. Work in small sections, moving the comb in the same direction repeatedly. This method won't damage delicate fibers and is ideal for cashmere, merino, or fine wool blends.
Comb in one direction only—don't saw back and forth, which can snag fibers.
Step three · 2 minutes
Try a razor blade for stubborn pills
For heavier pilling, a clean, sharp razor blade (or a disposable razor) works surprisingly well. Hold the sweater flat and taut. Gently scrape the blade across the pilled area at a shallow angle—think 15 to 20 degrees—moving in one direction. Use light, controlled strokes; you're skimming the surface, not cutting into the fabric. This method is faster than a comb but requires a steadier hand.
Test on an inconspicuous area first. Stop immediately if you feel resistance or hear fibers catching.
Step four · 2 minutes
Use a sweater shaver for heavy-duty pilling
Electric sweater shavers are designed specifically for this job and work quickly on moderate to heavy pilling. Turn the sweater inside out if possible, stretch the fabric gently, and run the shaver over the pilled areas in smooth, overlapping strokes. Most shavers have a guard to prevent cutting too deeply. This method is fast and effective but can be aggressive on delicate knits.
Start on the lowest setting if your shaver has adjustable heights. Battery-powered shavers are quieter and easier to control than plug-in versions.
Step five · 2 minutes
Prevent future pilling with smart storage and care
Prevention is easier than removal. Wash sweaters inside out in cold water on a gentle cycle, and air-dry flat rather than tumbling. Fold and store sweaters in a drawer instead of hanging them, which reduces friction. Avoid wearing the same sweater two days in a row—let fibers rest and recover. Use a sweater bag when traveling to minimize friction from other garments.
Pilling is more likely in the first few washes. If a sweater pills immediately, it may have loose fibers that will eventually stabilize.
Step six · Ongoing
Do a quick refresh every few months
Even well-cared-for sweaters will eventually pill slightly. Rather than waiting for heavy pilling, do a quick comb-through every few months as part of seasonal care. This keeps your sweaters looking fresh and prevents the buildup that requires more aggressive removal methods. It takes five minutes and extends the visible life of your knits significantly.
Keep a fabric comb in your closet so you're more likely to do this regularly.
How to know it worked
A successfully de-pilled sweater should feel smooth to the touch and look uniform in color and texture. The fabric should appear as it did when new, without visible fuzz or balls. If you can run your hand across the sweater without catching on pills, you're done.
Questions at the mirror.
Will removing pills damage my sweater?
Not if you use the right method for your fabric. A fabric comb is safe for all knits. Razors and shavers require a lighter touch but work well on sturdy fabrics. Start gentle and escalate only if needed.
Why do some sweaters pill more than others?
Pilling depends on fiber type, yarn construction, and how much friction the sweater experiences. Looser weaves and shorter fibers pill more easily. Sweaters worn frequently in high-friction areas (underarms, torso) will pill faster.
Can I prevent pilling entirely?
No, but you can minimize it. Wash gently, dry flat, store folded, and avoid wearing the same sweater consecutively. Higher-quality knits with tightly twisted yarns pill less than cheap alternatives.
Is pilling a sign the sweater is low quality?
Not necessarily. Even luxury cashmere and merino wool can pill, especially in the first few wears. Pilling is about fiber friction, not quality. That said, well-constructed sweaters with tightly twisted yarns do pill less visibly.