How to Get Rid of Pilling on Clothes Without Ruining the Fabric
Pills are balls of the garment's own loose fibers. Take them off flat and with a guard, and the fabric looks new without being cut.
By Jamilur Rahman Updated November 5, 2026 · 6 min read
- Time
- 10 min per garment
- Cost
- Under $20
- Difficulty
- Easy
In this guide
Quick answer
Pills are small balls of a garment's own loose fibers, made by rubbing at the sleeves, thighs, underarms and sides. The safe way to remove them is to lay the garment flat on a firm surface, pull the fabric taut and use a fabric shaver with a guard in light passes. It takes a few minutes per garment. It removes the pills, not the cause, so expect to repeat it.
Free fix vs. permanent fix
Lint roller, then a fresh razor
- Lay the garment flat and pull the fabric taut
- Lift loose lint with a roller first
- Glide a new disposable razor with very light strokes
- Stop at any snag
How long it lasts: Until the next few washes. It is slow, and a wrong angle snags the knit.
A rechargeable fabric shaver
A shaver's guarded blade clips the pills without cutting the knit. A rechargeable one has the power to do a stack of sweaters, and the same tool works on blankets and couches.
What to get: Rechargeable fabric shaver
How long it lasts: Years of use. Keep it handy and spend a few minutes on each pilled garment.
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What you'll need
-
Ironing board or hard table
A firm, flat surface to lay the garment on
You have it -
Lint roller
To lift lint and the clipped fuzz
You have it -
Disposable razor
A free first try on tight, flat fabric
You have it - Our pick Illustration
Rechargeable fabric shaver
Choose one with a guard and a lint cup
- Illustration
Sweater comb
A gentle manual tool for wool and knits
Why it happens
Rubbing in daily wear
Thighs, underarms, sleeves and bag straps rub the fabric. Fibers on the surface work loose and tangle into balls.
Short, soft fibers
Fabrics spun from short fibers, such as fleece, acrylic and some wool and cotton knits, shed fibers easily.
Synthetic blends that hold the pills
In polyester and nylon blends, strong fibers anchor the pills so they stay on the fabric. In pure cotton they often wear away.
Rough washing
Overloaded machines, hot water and long spins, or washing with jeans, zippers and towels, rub the fabric more than it needs.
Lint that looks like pills
Some lint balls come from towels or fleece and just sit on top. They lift off with a roller, and they are not the fabric itself.
Try this first (free)
Do these in order, starting with the simplest.
-
Lay the garment flat on a firm surface
Tool used: Ironing board or hard tableSpread it on an ironing board or a table, right side out. Pull the fabric taut with one hand so the knit lies flat and does not bunch.
-
Lift lint before you shave
Tool used: Lint rollerRoll a lint roller over the area. Lint rolls off. Pills stay, and they are what you shave next.
-
Free method: a fresh razor, very lightly
Tool used: Disposable razorGlide a new disposable razor over the pills in short, light strokes, without pressing. Work on dry, flat fabric, and stop at any snag. It suits tight, flat weaves and can nick looser knits.
-
Better method: use a fabric shaver
Tool used: Rechargeable fabric shaverTest it on a hidden spot such as an inside hem. Then hold the guard flat on the fabric and move in light, steady passes. Keep it moving, avoid seams and ribbing, and empty the lint cup as it fills.
IllustrationCheck price on AmazonTool for this step
Rechargeable fabric shaver · Choose one with a guard and a lint cup
-
Wash gently to slow the next round
Wash the garment inside out on a gentle cycle in cold water, and do not overload the machine. Air-dry flat or dry on low heat. Less rubbing means fewer new pills.
When free fixes aren't enough
A razor works on one or two garments, but it is slow, and one wrong angle snags the knit or cuts a thread. If you have a closet of pilled sweaters, leggings and tees, or the pills come back every few washes, a guarded shaver is faster and safer. Neither fixes a garment that is thinning or wearing through, because pilling can be the first sign of wear. Hold the fabric up to a bright light. If you can see through it or threads are breaking, shaving will not save it.
Buy the fix
Still stuck after the free fixes? These are the products we would look at.
| Pick | Product | Fixes | Who it's for | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best pick | Rechargeable fabric shaver | pills on sweaters, leggings, pants, tees and blankets | Anyone with several pilled garments, or knits and fleece that pill again and again. | Check price |
| Budget pick | Manual sweater comb | light pilling on wool and heavier knits | Someone with one or two sweaters who wants a no-power tool. | Check price |
Rechargeable fabric shaver
Fixes: pills on sweaters, leggings, pants, tees and blankets
Look for: A guard over the blade so it does not cut the fabric; A large head, so a whole sweater does not take long; A removable lint cup; USB or plug-in charging, so you are not buying batteries.
- Who it's for
- Anyone with several pilled garments, or knits and fleece that pill again and again.
- Honest downside
- The fabric is lace, mesh, a loose or open knit, or very delicate. Those can snag, so pick pills off by hand instead.
Manual sweater comb
Fixes: light pilling on wool and heavier knits
Look for: Fine, even teeth, with no sharp edges; A comfortable grip; A size you can use in small areas.
- Who it's for
- Someone with one or two sweaters who wants a no-power tool.
- Honest downside
- You have many garments, or fine fabrics such as thin jersey and leggings. A shaver is quicker and gentler.
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How we picked: How we picked: this page is based on garment care guides, fabric shaver instructions from product makers, and the problems and fixes people report in reviews. We do not test products by hand.
Pills or lint balls? Different fix
Pills are balls of the garment's own fibers, still attached. Lint balls are fluff from other fabrics that settled on top. A lint roller lifts lint but not pills. A shaver or comb clips pills, and lint comes off with the clippings.
Which fabrics can take a shaver
- Wool and wool blends: yes, with a light pass, or use a comb.
- Cotton knits and tees: yes.
- Fleece and sweatpants: yes, and expect a few passes.
- Leggings and stretch blends: lightly, and test first.
- Lace, mesh and loose or open knits: skip the shaver. Lift pills off by hand only if they come away freely, without tugging.
What to skip
Scissors and pulling at the pills
Pulling tugs the yarn and widens the snag. Scissors cut the knit and leave holes. Skip both. Sticky tape is no help either, since it only lifts lint.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get rid of pilling on leggings?
How do I fix sweaters that pill, or sweater fuzz?
Why do my clothes keep pilling?
Does shaving a sweater shorten its life?
Related problems
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