A Wash Well Done: How to Keep Clothes from Pilling in the Wash

If you’ve ever pulled a favorite sweater or pair of sweatpants out of the laundry only to find them covered in tiny fuzz balls, you’re experiencing the annoyance of fabric pilling. These unsightly, frustrating pills can make your clothes look worn out after just a few washes. So what gives?

Luckily, pilling isn’t an inevitable part of washing clothes—there are ways to prevent pilling from occurring in the first place. In this guide, we’ll explain what fabric pilling is, what causes it, and how to remove fluff balls from your clothes.

What Is Fabric Pilling?

First step: let’s cover the science of fabric pilling. Clothing is made up of raw fibers that are turned into yarn. From there, the yarn is woven together to create fabric. Fabric pilling happens when loose fibers on the surface of a fabric tangle together during wear or in the wash, creating small balls, or “pills.” These pills tend to cling to the surface of your clothes, especially in areas prone to friction, like underarms, sleeves, or along the sides or inseams of pants.

Are Certain Fabrics More Prone to Pilling?

Yes: certain fabrics are more prone to pilling. Knitted fabrics like wool and cotton are especially prone to those annoying little fuzz balls. The loose construction that makes these fabrics breathable also allows the fibers to move around more easily. The inverse is true of tightly woven materials—think denim or tightly woven cotton. The tighter the weave, the more durable and resistant to pilling it is.

Organic fabrics are not the only ones prone to pilling. Synthetics, including polyester and nylon, are also susceptible to this issue, especially when blended with natural fibers.

What Causes Fabric Pilling?

Fabric pilling is primarily caused by friction. The more a fabric rubs against itself or other surfaces, the more likely fibers are to loosen and form pills. This friction can come from wearing clothes regularly or from friction during the wash cycle, particularly in older machines that may be more abrasive, like old-school agitator washing machines.

Friction alone isn’t the only cause of pilling in the wash. Hot water, harsh laundry detergents, and high dryer heat can also break down fabric fibers, increasing the likelihood of pilling. If your clothes are experiencing excessive wear and tear in the wash, it might be time to assess both your laundry habits and whether or not it’s time to buy a new washing machine.

How to Keep Clothes From Pilling in the Wash

While fabric pilling can be frustrating, there are several ways to keep pilling at bay and keep your clothes looking newer for longer. Here are some practical tips you can incorporate into your laundry routine:

1. Turn Clothes Inside Out

The exterior of your clothes is the most visible, but it also bears the brunt of the wear during washing. To keep your clothes looking nicer for longer, turn your clothes inside out before tossing them in the washer. Taking the extra moment to flip your clothes inside out will reduce the amount of friction on the outer layer and can prevent pilling on the surface of your clothes.

2. Wash on a Delicate Cycle

Not all wash cycles are created equal! The delicate cycle on modern washers is designed to be gentle on fabrics, using slower spin speeds and cooler water. Newer models, like those available at Rent-A-Center, offer more advanced wash settings that can help prevent fabric pilling by reducing the amount of agitation during the wash.

3. Use Cold Water

Speaking of cooler temperatures… Hot water is great for sanitizing, but it can also weaken fabric fibers. Weak fibers are more prone to pilling. Whenever possible, wash your clothes in cold or cool water. This not only helps reduce pilling but also extends the overall life of your garments by being less abrasive on delicate fibers. (Not to mention, using cold water can also help reduce your electric or gas bill, too, since you’re not using the water heater!)

4. Choose Gentle Laundry Detergents

Harsh detergents with strong chemicals can break down fabric fibers, contributing to pilling. Opt for a detergent that is formulated for delicate fabrics or one without enzymes, which can be too aggressive on certain materials like wool and cotton blends. Gentle detergents work to clean without causing excessive wear to your clothes.

5. Don’t Overload Your Washer

While it may be tempting to toss all your clothes in at once, overcrowding your washing machine increases friction between the fabrics. Clothes need room to move freely in the wash, so make sure you’re not overloading the machine. Washing smaller loads can help reduce the likelihood of fabric rubbing together, which is a leading cause of pilling.

6. Air-Dry When Possible

Heat from the dryer can accelerate the pilling process, especially for knitted and blended fabrics. Whenever possible, hang your clothes to dry or lay them flat. If you do need to use the dryer, select a low-heat or tumble-dry setting to reduce the intensity of the heat on your clothes.

7. Pre-Sort Your Laundry

Washing clothes that are of like fabrics together can help reduce pilling, too. Avoid tossing in a durable pair of stiff denim jeans with a light and breezy chiffon top. Instead, sort your clothes by fabric type and fabric weight before loading. Then, choose the load cycle most suitable for your load.

Are you unsure what cycle works best for your new favorite top? Double-check the care tag for laundry symbols before tossing it in the wash – and when in doubt, opt for a gentle option.

Quick Fixes for Pilling on Clothes

While prevention is key, pilling can still happen despite your best efforts. There are easy ways to remove those fuzz balls without damaging your clothes.

For example, fabric shavers are a popular option, allowing you to gently shave off pills without pulling on the fabric. Lint rollers and even the sticky side of tape can also remove some surface pills. For more delicate fabrics, consider using a soft-bristled brush to lightly loosen pills.

Suspect Your Laundry Set is to Blame? Shop Rent-A-Center

If tips and tricks aren’t working and you feel you’ve got more pilling than normal, it might be time for a laundry set upgrade. In some cases, the type of washing machine and dryer you use can have a significant impact on fabric pilling. While older laundry appliances may be more abrasive, causing excessive friction on your clothing, modern appliances have resolved many of these issues.

Newer models, like those available at Rent-A-Center, offer advanced features like delicate wash cycles, temperature controls, and slow spin speeds designed to be gentler on fabrics. These machines from top brands are built with modern technology to reduce wear and tear on clothes and prevent pilling.

Are you tired of fuzz balls on your favorite clothing? Shop rent-to-own laundry sets at your nearest Rent-A-Center location and find the best fit for you – and stop the abuse to your favorite sweaters, sweatpants, and more once and for all!