Pilling, those annoying little balls of fiber that form on clothes, can make even new garments look old and worn out. Here’s a simple guide on how to prevent and treat pilling on your kids' clothes.
Preventing Pilling
Choose the Right Fabrics
Natural fibers like cotton, linen, and wool are less likely to pill compared to synthetic fibers such as polyester and acrylic. Blended fabrics that combine natural and synthetic fibers are also prone to pilling.
Wash Clothes Inside Out
Turning clothes inside out before washing reduces friction on the outer surface, which helps prevent pilling.
Use Gentle Cycles
Wash clothes on a gentle cycle with cold water. This reduces agitation and minimizes the chances of fibers breaking and forming pills.
Avoid Overloading the Washing Machine
Overloading the machine increases friction between clothes. Give your clothes enough space to move freely during the wash.
Use Liquid Detergent
Liquid detergents dissolve more easily in water and are less abrasive on fabrics than powder detergents.
Air Dry When Possible
Dryers can be rough on clothes. Air drying reduces friction and the likelihood of pilling.
Treating Pilling
Use a Fabric Shaver
Fabric shavers are designed to remove pills from clothing easily. Simply glide the shaver over the pilled areas to make your clothes look new again.
Try a Pumice Stone or Sweater Comb
These tools can gently remove pills. Gently rub the stone or comb over the pilled areas to lift the pills away.
Use a Razor
A disposable razor can also do the trick. Lay the fabric on a flat surface and gently run the razor over the pilled areas. Be careful not to press too hard to avoid damaging the fabric.
Remove Pills by Hand
For delicate fabrics, it’s best to remove pills by hand. Gently pull or cut away the pills with a small pair of scissors.
Wash Clothes with Similar Fabrics
Washing similar fabrics together can prevent pilling caused by friction with rougher materials. Separate heavy and lightweight fabrics for best results.
Conclusion
Preventing and treating pilling on kids' clothes doesn’t have to be a hassle. By choosing the right fabrics, washing with care, and using the right tools to remove pills, you can keep your kids' clothes looking fresh and new. Happy laundry day!
