Lint balls are small balls of fibre that are formed on a cloth. They are also referred to as pills, fuzzballs, or bobbles. This defect on the cloth is caused by wear when the broken fibres of the cloth tangle and clump together, forming a small ball known as pill, and this is known as pilling (of the cloth).
There are ways in which the formation of lint balls can be prevented or solved if they have already appeared.
Here are some ways in which you can prevent your clothes from pilling:
1. Purchase Close-Knit Woollens
Loosely woven woollens are vulnerable to pilling; on the contrary, closely-knit tight fabrics don’t pill easily.
2. Wash Gently
Always use the delicate cycle to wash your clothes. Delicate mode has less cycles that are slow and gentle and cause less abrasion in the clothes. You must also remember to sort all the clothes according to their fabric type. All fabrics that are heavy can impact the quality of garments that are lighter. It is also significant to fasten all zippers, hooks, and button-up all the garments, so the clothes don’t rub against rough surfaces. Clothes must be washed inside out to prevent the formation of lint balls. Following these small tips ensure the longevity of your garments.
3. Purchase Fabrics that Don’t Pill Easily
All types of garments that are made of fibre blends tend to pill easily. Fibre blends are basically a combination of synthetic and natural fibres, and they tend to brush against each other and form lint balls. Garments made from three or more types of different fibres easily form lint balls or pills.
4. Check the Laundry Detergent
A gentle detergent keeps your garment clean, fresh and lint-free. You must always use a mild liquid detergent while washing all your garments as in order to dissolve, powder detergent tends to rub against the fabric and causes the garment to pill. You must also check for an important ingredient in your liquid ingredient known as – cellulase. It is an enzyme which helps in loosening the lint balls on the clothes. This is especially effective when the recommended water temperature and wash cycle are used to wash the garments.
Ways to Remove Lint Balls or Pills
There are some easy ways to remove lint balls or pills from your garments and give them back their original shine and enhance their life. Here are some handy tools easily available at home that can help you remove the lint balls:
Use a Pair of Scissors
If the size of the lint balls is quite big and there are too many pills over the garment, then a pair of small scissors can help do the job. You must lay down the garment on a flat surface, so the pills are easily visible. Trim the lint balls away gently and slowly, so you don't damage the fabric.
Use a Shaving Razor
A disposable shaving razor can come in quite handy to remove lint balls. Lay down the garment on a flat surface and then apply gentle strokes of the razor over the affected area on the garment to clear the lint balls. Once there are a lot of lint balls accumulated over the garment, use a packing tape to press against the fabric and pull out the lint balls. You also use the tape over the razor head to clean the lint balls. Remember to use a new razor that is sharp because it will effectively remove the pills. Abstain from using razors with soap or moisture strips on their heads as they will only increase the pilling.
Use a Strip of Velcro
Place a strip of Velcro, hook-side down on the affected area of the garment, and gently pull the Velcro back. Velcro can damage delicate fabrics; wool or cashmere garments are extremely delicate, and Velcro could damage the garment. Use Velcro only on garments that are not made from very delicate fibres.
Lint Ball Remover
Lint ball removers are quite effective in removing lint balls. They are easily available in stores. There are manual lint balls removers, and some stores also offer electric sweater shavers. The latter is a bit expensive but quite effective too. The lint balls accumulate in a barrel attached to the sweater shaver and can be emptied once it fills up.
Professional Removal of Lint Balls
At DhobiLite, all the clothes are washed in premium cleaners at the recommended water temperature and wash cycle. We use an advanced washing method to launder your clothes. Once you send your clothes to us, you don't have to worry about getting lint balls on them. However, if your clothes are already pilling, we will ensure that they are removed effectively from your clothes. Your clothes will look clean, fresh and as good as new!