Best way to remove pilling from sweaters: practical methods

Pilling is common, but removable. Use gentle mechanical methods (fabric shaver, sweater comb, scissors for big bobbles) to remove pilling, then treat the garment to smooth and restore fibers so pills are less likely to return. For cotton-rich garments, Restore Cotton (BIORESTORE Cotton) is a one-wash, enzyme-based treatment that removes pilling, revives color, and restores softness  and is designed to be used in the wash as part of your de-pilling routine.

Why sweaters pill (short)

Pills form when loose short fibers and broken yarn ends tangle under friction. High-friction areas (underarms, cuffs, sides) and repeated washing or rough tumble drying speed the process. Lower-quality or loosely spun yarns tend to pill more. Pilling is usually cosmetic; you can remove the pills and restore the look of your sweater.

How do you get pilling off a sweater?

Below are safe, proven methods start gentlest and move to more involved fixes only if needed.

1. Electric fabric shaverLay the sweater flat and glide the shaver lightly across the surface. Short, gentle passes remove pills evenly without cutting the knit.

2. Sweater comb / sweater stoneHold fabric taut and scrape gently. Great for delicate knits and gives a natural finish.

3. Disposable razor (careful DIY)Test on a hidden seam first. Light, one-direction strokes remove pills — avoid thin or very fine cashmere with this method.

4. Pumice stone (for chunky knits)Rub gently in one direction; test first on a hidden area.

5. Tape / lint roller / Velcro trickQuick surface clean for loose fuzz.

6. Small scissors (last resort)Snip individual large pills close to the surface do this under bright light and steady hands.

Combine methods: For best results, run a sweater comb or shaver across the whole garment, then finish with a lint roller to pick up stray fibers.

Remover Pilling from clothes — treat and restore (why this matters)

After removing visible pills mechanically, treating the fibers helps the garment look and feel renewed and reduces how quickly pills reappear. For cotton-rich garments, Restore Cotton is formulated to do exactly that: it removes pilling and lint, revives faded colors and prints, and restores a soft hand-feel often in a single wash. Restoration effects are reported to last around 8–12 months depending on garment quality and use.

How Restore Cotton works (short): it’s an enzyme-based liquid laundry re-treatment (contains 5–20% cellulase) that smooths and renews cotton fibers — cellulase acts on loose fiber ends to reduce fuzz and surface irregularities.

How to use Restore Cotton in your de-pilling routine

Follow these product directions for best results:

1. Select suitable cotton garments. Restore Cotton is recommended for items with at least ~70% cotton content.

2. Use 1 x 40 g sachet per 1.35 kg of garments and add the product directly into the washing machine drum.

3. Wash at 40°C / 104°F for a minimum of 60 minutes.

4. Tumble dry or line dry (if line drying, rinse with a small amount of regular detergent beforehand). After care: wash as normal.

Important cautions & suitability: do not use on garments with holes, very thin/delicate cotton, or towels (enzymes can reduce towel pile and absorbency). Restore Cotton won’t fix sun-bleached, stained, or physically damaged garments.

How to wash sweaters so they don't pill?

Prevention is as important as removal.

• Turn garments inside out before washing.

• Use a mesh laundry bag for delicate knits.

• Choose a gentle cycle or hand wash with cold or lukewarm water.

• Use mild detergent; avoid harsh enzymes or bleach on delicate fabrics.

• Separate abrasive items (jeans, towels) from knits.

• Air dry flat when possible  tumble dry increases abrasion.

• Rotate wear so the same sweater isn’t under constant friction.

Pairing these care steps with occasional restorative treatments (like Restore Cotton for cotton-dominant pieces) reduces frequency of pilling and keeps garments looking newer longer.

Practical step-by-step: make a sweater look like new (30–75 minutes)

1. Inspect and spot-treat any stubborn areas with a sweater comb or shaver (10–20 min).

2. Remove remaining surface fuzz with a lint roller (5 min).

3. Run one restorative wash using Restore Cotton per label (wash time ≈ 60 min; active time depends on machine). This single wash both removes residual pills and softens/realigns fibers.

4. Dry and reshape flat (10–30 min depending on drying method). Result: smoother surface, revived color, and softer hand-feel.

FAQs

Q: Will Restore Cotton change colors or damage prints?A: It’s formulated to be color-safe and damage-safe when used as directed; it’s specifically marketed as revive color & print without bleach.

Q: How often should I use it?A: Only as needed — the brand recommends occasional use; one treatment’s effects can last 8–12 months depending on wear.

Q: Is it safe and sustainable?A: The product page notes compliance with REACH, ZDHC, and bluesign® and that it’s made in the EU — indicating attention to regulatory and sustainability standards.

Final thoughts

Mechanical de-pilling (shaver/comb/scissors) + a restorative wash is the fastest way to make sweaters look brand new again. For cotton-rich garments, Restore Cotton (BIORESTORE Cotton) combines a targeted enzyme action with a wash-in format to remove pilling, revive color, and restore softness — typically in a single treatment when used as directed. Follow the product’s suitability and usage notes to avoid damaging delicate or unsuitable items, and combine the treatment with gentle care habits to stop pilling on clothes long term.