Garment Care · Keep Knits Longer

Remove Knitwear Pilling in Six Gentle Steps

Check the difference between loose pilling and pulled yarn loops, then choose a gentle cleaning method backed by original photo guides.

4 min read2026-10-22

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OriginalRemove Knitwear Pilling in Six Gentle Steps — Patagonia - How to Remove Pilling from Clothes original guidePatagonia

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01

What you need

Dry knit garment
Clean flat surface with good light
Fabric-appropriate comb or shaver if necessary
Garment care label

02

How to

1. Lay the fully dry knit flat and distinguish small pills from long snagged loops, especially under the arms, on sleeves and where a bag rubs.
2. Lift loose fuzz gently with a soft clothes brush or lint roller. Avoid stretching the stitches.
3. Remove only pills that detach with little effort. Tugging firmly attached balls can pull the yarn out of the knit.
4. For larger areas, test a suitable fabric comb or shaver on a hidden section, then work gently in short passes in one direction.
5. Stop if any yarn catches or the surface begins to thin. Fine cashmere or open knits may need a specialist rather than repeated shaving.
6. Clear away the detached fibers. Follow the care label and, if machine washing is permitted, turn the knit inside out in a correctly sized laundry bag; reduce repeated abrasion.

One more tip

Never yank tightly attached pills or cut snagged loops. Stop if yarn catches or the knit thins; follow the care label.

Sources and media

OriginalRemove Knitwear Pilling in Six Gentle Steps — UNIQLO - Knit Care original guideUNIQLO

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