1. Introduction
Woollen sweaters are a wardrobe staple and both comfortable and stylish. Woolen garments, warm, durable and breathable, were once a staple of winter fashion. They can be worn from winter coats to smart casual clothes and, since they help keep your body cool, they’re extremely useful. Yet for all these attributes, woollen sweaters aren’t without fault. When they get older, they become susceptible to pilling and stiffness, leading to significant losses in both appearance and ease.
Wool is an untreated fibre and requires certain maintenance to retain its natural appearance. Wool is a durable fabric, but when worn and not properly cared for, it tends to get scuffed and produce little globs of fuzz, called pilling. For wool collectors, keeping sweaters soft and unpilled is essential to preserving their wear life. In this article, we will give you useful advice and tips on how to take care of your wool sweaters, keep them soft and avoid that dreaded pilling that happens when they are scratched, washed and used frequently.
2. Understanding Wool Fabric
In order to care for wool sweaters properly, you need to first know how the wool fibers are structured and how they work, as well as what causes common problems such as pilling and stiffness. Wool is a natural, protein-rich fibre derived from the fleece of sheep. It’s made of keratin, the same protein that makes up human hair and nails. Wool fibres are a slippery material that collects the air, making wool a great insulator.
Wool fibres have a special structure that gives it warmth, elasticity and durability. But that same structure also renders it susceptible to stiffness and pilling. Wool fibres have a scale-like surface and when wool fibres rub together they can create friction and cause small knots or pills of fibre. This is particularly bad with wool sweaters, which are in a constant state of motion and contact with other fabrics. The natural lanolin in wool, on the other hand, will cling to dirt and oils, also increasing the fuzziness and degrading softness.
Wool Fiber Structure
Wool fibres consist of microscopic scales that overlap one another, just like roof tiles. This specialised scale pattern allows wool to gather air and warm the body, keeping it warm even when wet and cold. Scales on wool fibres can scratch and stick to other fibres, particularly if the sweater is worn again and again. Wool rubs against rough or even other wool fibres; friction breaks the fibres and glues them together to make pills.
Wool, being a natural fibre, is also hygroscopic, meaning it retains moisture. This retention of moisture not only makes wool breathable, it can also influence how wool feels when it is filled with water. Dry wool is more easily prone to friction and pilling, and so wool garments should be handled carefully when being dried in order to preserve their soft feel.
Also Read : Storing Wool Clothing to Prevent Moths
What Causes Pilling?
Pilling occurs when wool’s short fibres tangle up, forming tiny balls of fuzz on the garment’s surface. Woollen jumpers make pills for a variety of reasons:
- Friction: When wool fibres rub against each other or against other materials, they can become entangled and form pills. For instance, when a woollen jumper hits a chair back, a strap on a bag, or anything else, its fibres break apart and form pills.
- Pilling: Over time, natural shrinkage of wool fibres, particularly if used regularly, can lead to pilling. Usually it’s in those moving parts of the body – sleeves, elbows or underarms – where pilling begins.
- Loose Spun Wool: Loose spun yarn is more susceptible to pilling because the fibres are not firmly fused together. These rolled-up fibers tend to be less likely to slip during use, resulting in pilling.
- Unsatisfactory Wool: The condition of the wool used in sweaters has a significant impact on its pilling abilities. Poor quality wool may be made from shorter fibres that are more prone to unravelling and forming pills. The finer wools, such as merino wool, are more dense and less pillable.
Why Softness Matters
The sheer luxury of wool is part of why the textile is prized in fashion. Wool fibers have a comfortable, luxurious feel when worn and contribute to the warmth and flexibility of wool sweaters. Keeping wool soft is essential to keeping the garment comfortable. When wool has roughened or pilled, it becomes tacky and unpleasant to wear. Also, pilling not only damages the feel of the sweater, it diminishes the sweater’s appearance. Knitted wool sweaters that are pillow-free have a smooth and uniform surface that adds to the aesthetic appeal and comfort.
It is important to maintain wool sweaters and care for them properly if you want them to last longer and remain soft. The good news is that wool sweaters, using the right techniques, can remain supple for decades without pilling or replacing them repeatedly.
3. How To Avoid Pilling Wool Sweaters?
Now that we know why pilling happens and how you can stay as soft as possible, let’s look at some practical ways to avoid pilling and keep your woollen sweaters beautiful.
Choosing High-Quality Wool
The best way to keep pilling to a minimum is by choosing woolen clothing made from premium fibers. Good quality wool, whether it’s merino, alpaca or cashmere, is longer and smoother, so it’s less pillable. Wool sweaters should be sourced from long wool fibers because they won’t clump up pills.
Remember also the structure and twist of the yarn in the sweater. Loosely spun yarns are stronger and less prone to pilling than tightly spun yarns.
Washing Wool Sweaters Properly
Using the right detergents for wool sweaters will keep them from pilling. Wool is soft, so washing it badly can result in the pilling of a fabric through friction.
- Hand-washing vs. Machine-washing: While machine washing can be convenient, hand washing wool sweaters is typically less abrasive and less likely to pill. If you’re washing with a machine, never wash it on the delicate or wool cycle that has slow agitation and cold water to minimise friction. A front-loading washing machine is also a good choice as it is gentler on delicate items than a top loader.
- Use Wool-Based Detergents: Never wash woolen clothing without using a detergent made specifically for wool. These detergents are designed to clean without removing the oils of the wool, thus preserving its softness and resisting wear and tear. Avoid common laundry detergents, which can contain corrosive chemicals that harm wool.
- Hot Water : Warm water shrinks wool fibers, making them stiffer and more prone to pilling. Avoid this problem by washing wool sweaters in cold or warm water.
Drying Methods
The way you dry your wool sweaters matters as much as you wash them. Don’t wring or twist the sweater to remove water, as this will warp the fibers and result in pilling. Rather, wring out the water and turn the sweater upside down while it’s still damp.
- Air-Dry Flat: The easiest way to air dry a wool sweater is flat on a dry towel or drying rack. This maintains the shape of the sweater and prevents the yarn from stretching out and warping. Don’t dry a wool sweater because it can stretch.
- Distress Wool: Do not dry wool in a tumble dryer, because it shrinks and pilled when the wool is heated. And don’t dry wool sweaters in direct sunlight as this causes the fibres to break down and fade.
Avoiding Excessive Friction
Pimples are likely to develop in the parts of wool sweaters that come into contact with more frequent friction. Watch for sleeves, elbows, and underarms that may be prone to contact with other surfaces. To minimize friction:
- Rotate Sweaters: If you’re a frequent wearer of wool sweaters, rotate them to avoid damage in particular areas.
- Be Careful with Bags and Accessories: Do not wear straps or accessories on your bags which may rub on the fabric and cause pilling.
3.How to Maintain Wool Sweaters Intact and Pill-free?
Wool jumpers are an essential addition to any wardrobe for warmth, durability and natural softness. Wool jumpers, whether for a cold winter day or just for layering purposes, are still a wardrobe staple both functionally and stylistically. But as useful as wool sweaters are, they don’t come without problems. Pilling, stiffness, and fabric damage all ruin the appearance and quality of your wool garments.
These tutorials will offer you the easy to use techniques to stop pilling, stay soft and make your wool sweaters last for years and never get tattered in any way. From purchasing the right wool, to washing, drying and storing the right way, we’ll learn how to look after your wool garments to keep them in tip top shape.
How to Avoid Pilling on Wool Sweaters?
But wool’s unfailing beauty, heat and suppleness do not come without their problems. Some of the most typical problems with woollen sweaters are pilling – small ball-like pockets of twisted fibres on the outer surface of the garment, giving it a raggedy look. This is often caused by friction, wear, and wear and tear. But the good news is that pilling can be reduced, or completely avoided, if you take care of it properly. This is how you can keep your woollen sweaters healthy and pills-free.
Choosing High-Quality Wool
A key aspect in not pilling wool sweaters is to buy the right wool in the first place. Wool’s quality directly affects its suppleness, durability and pilling resistance.
- High-Quality Wool and Softness: Wool fibers are different in quality, and high-quality wool like Merino, Alpaca, or Cashmere feels softer, smoother, and less pilly. It’s because finer, better wool fibres are long and smoother, and they lay flat and don’t get caught in pill-making knots. Less expensive wool tends to have shorter fibres, which make it susceptible to pilling because those short fibres are susceptible to becoming floppy and pulled together by friction.
- Longer Fibres: The fibers of wool are typically trimmed from sheep and spun into yarn. The more fibrous the fiber, the less likely it is to rupture or become brittle if brushed against other fibers. The longer the wool fibres are, the tighter the yarn is to ensure pills don’t get formed. Wool sweaters can be cleaned by hand or by machine, with both methods having benefits and drawbacks.
- Hand-Washing: Washing wool sweaters by hand is the most natural way to clean them, and can be the best way to maintain their softness and prevent pilling. If washing by hand, place the sweater in a bowl of cold water and use a little wool detergent. Scramble the water in circular motions until the sweater is thoroughly submerged without stirring. Rinse thoroughly with cool water. Let the water dry gently – do not wring or twist as this will deform and break the wool fibers.
- Machine-Wash: When you machine wash your wool sweaters, use the “wool” or “delicate” setting. This rotation eliminates agitation, and cool water reduces friction. Remember to store the sweater in a mesh garment bag so it doesn’t rub against other clothes in the washing machine, which may cause pilling. Use a mild wool detergent, not ordinary detergent, which may not be suitable for wool.
Drying Methods
How your woolen sock is dried affects how soft and resistant it is to pilling. By drying wool improperly, wool fibers may become stiff, swollen or lose their natural elasticity.
Air-Dry Flat
- Don’t Use a Tumble Dryer: Don’t put wool sweaters in a tumble dryer because it heats up and makes the fibers shrink, leading to pilling. Wool fibres are delicate and easily damaged by high heat, which in turn will destroy them. Wool clothes should be air-dried whenever possible.
- Dress Up When Wet: After you’ve washed, scour the sweater by pressing it between two towels. Don’t wring or twist it too much because it will distort the shape. Place the sweater flat on a dry towel or drying rack and allow it to air dry. Mold the sweater as it dries, pulling it back into its original form so that it won’t sag or unravel while drying.
- Do Not Expose the Sweater To Direct Sunlight: When drying, do not put the sweater in direct sunlight for too long. Over time, sunlight fades colours and deteriorates the fabric, rendering the sweater vulnerable to wear.
The Importance of Drying Flat
When drying wool sweaters, make sure you flatten them. Hanging wool sweaters stretch the fabric, especially at the shoulders or the hem, and can break up their form. You want to lay the sweater flat so it will not only stay in place, but the fibres can dry more evenly. Dry-flat wool garments are less likely to be stretched or mutilated, and will not shrink in any way.
Avoiding Excessive Friction
Friction is the most common cause of pilling, and can happen on wool sweaters’ high wear spots such as the underarms, elbows, and sleeves. To reduce friction and pilling, think about the following suggestions:
- Keep From Crushing: Don’t wear your wool sweater on a rough surface – don’t sit on abrasive chairs, or in a bag whose straps touch the cloth, or do anything with lots of movement and friction.
- Switch Up Your Sweaters: If you have multiple wool sweaters, switch them up to avoid excessive wear on any one item. Wearing the same sweater all the time will make it wear out faster.
- Layering : If you are wearing a wool sweater underneath something, such as a jacket, ensure the layers don’t rub against each other. Choose layers that don’t leave you constantly scraping the wool.
4. How to Care for Wool Sweaters?
If you want to make sure that your wool sweaters will last for many years and stay soft and comfortable, consider these simple care instructions.
Proper Storage
Putting wool sweaters in their proper place will ensure that they don’t stretch, fuzze or otherwise deteriorate when not in use. Woolen clothing should be stored in a way that will keep them soft and not sag.
- Keep Flat, Don’t Hang: As we already noted, woollen sweaters should be kept flat so they don’t sag or pucker. Wool sweaters that are hung upside down tend to stretch in shoulders and sleeves and lose their original fit.
- Breathable Garment Bags: If you’re storing woollen sweaters for a long time, use breathable garment bags or cotton storage bags. These bags keep the sweater free from dust, moisture and pests, while still allowing the wool to breathe.
- Plastic Bags: Plastic bags are not recommended for storage wool as they retain moisture and can cause the fibres to weaken over time. If you store wool shawls, always keep them in a ventilated fabric bag or box.
Regular Sweater Care
Wool sweaters should be well-maintained in order to prevent pilling. These are the steps to keep your sweaters in good condition:
- Brushing: Clean your wool sweaters with a soft brush to remove dirt, lint, and any pillage that has accumulated. This keeps debris from collecting and tearing the fabric.
- De-pilling: If your sweaters already have pills on them, remove the pills using a fabric shaver or sweater comb. Make sure to take these tools slowly so as not to harm the fabric.
Use of Fabric Softener Alternatives
Use natural products instead of commercial fabric softeners, which can leave a residue and compromise the breathability of wool:
- Vinegar: Using a drop of white vinegar on the rinse cycle will naturally soften wool, but will not harm the fibres. The vinegar also dissolves soap in the cloth and cleans wool.
- Baby Shampoo: To keep your wool sweaters clean, you can use baby shampoo. Baby shampoo should not harm the skin or clothing, so you can use it for cleaning wool clothes.
Maintaining the Shape
Wash and dry your wool sweaters and refashion them to make them fit. Let the fabric return to its original form when it is still wet to avoid sagging or warping. If you preserve the original form, your wool sweaters are able to remain comfortable and flattering for many years.
5. How to Get Pilling Out of Wool Sweaters?
When a wool sweater gets pilled, it can make the garment look ugly and ragged. Fortunately, you can take pills out in several quick and easy ways to bring back the silkiness of your woolen sweater. The most commonly used pilling techniques to clean wool sweaters are listed below and the step-by-step procedure for each.
Using a Sweater Comb
A sweater comb is one of the best-known, and most effective, de-pilling tools for wool clothing. It scrapes pills from the surface of the fabric without destroying the fibers. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the sweater comb:
1. Put the Sweater on a Flat Surface. Put your wool sweater on a flat, smooth surface, like a table or bed. Make sure the sweater is thoroughly dry and doesn’t get moist which could damage the wool fibers during the de-pilling process.
Step 2: Grab the Sweater Comb A sweater comb will typically be flat, broad and covered in tiny teeth or with a grooved surface that draws the pills in. Hold the comb in your hand with its teeth facing downwards, and rest it slightly against the sweater.
Step 3: Comb the Sweater With very small, gentle strokes, run the sweater comb over the surface of the wool in one direction. You do not want to whack too hard, or the wool fibers might snap off. Instead, concentrate on just lightly ruffling the fabric to loosen the pills.
Step 4: Throw Out the Pills Once you have scoured a piece, you’ll see little clumps of fibre emerge. Grab these pills and spit them out. Be sure to wipe off the comb periodically in order to keep the pills from spilling back onto the sweater.
Step 5: Wash a Second Time If necessary, do this across the whole sweater and be sure to rinse any spots where you have significant pilling. Once you’ve de-pillaged, keep the sweater dry.
The sweater comb is one of the gentlest ways to remove pills from wool sweaters, and it’s really great for the job if you use it properly.
Fabric Shavers
Another tool to remove pilling from wool sweaters is a fabric shaver. Fabric shavers are electric devices used to efficiently and quickly shred pills without destroying fragile fabric. How to use a fabric shaver:
Step 1: Dry the Sweater Place the sweater on a flat, clean surface and let it dry. The sweater might be a little wrinkly, so press that out to eliminate pilling.
Step 2. Install the Fabric Shaver Switch on the fabric shaver and modify the settings to fit your fabric thickness. Most fabric shavers have options for varying fabrics, so pick one that works for wool. If not, begin with the lightest setting and test it on a discreet part of the sweater.
Step 3: Scrub the Shaver Gently across the Surface – Hold the fabric razor over the sweater and rub it gently across the pilled areas. Be sure to turn the shaver one way and do not push too hard (this can damage the wool). Let the rotating shaver blades remove the pills without stretching the fabric.
Step 4: Collect the Pills When you remove the pills, they will end up in a tiny slot in the razor. Check and clean the compartment regularly so that the pills don’t build up and impede the shaver’s efficiency.
Step 5: Remove and Wash the Sweater After the whole sweater has been de-pilled, inspect it for pill remains and scrub them clean using the fabric shaver if necessary. Then wash the fabric shaver’s blades and pocket to get it ready for the next time.
Fabric shavers are a very quick and effective method to scrape off pilling from wool sweaters in large spaces. They are equally suitable for heavier woollen fabrics.
DIY Methods for De-pilling Wool
There are some DIY methods to dislodge pills from wool sweaters if you don’t have a sweater comb or fabric razor at hand. Such treatments are easy to get and can be surprisingly successful, but might need a little extra attention.
- Shave With a Razor: If you want to gently shave the pills from your wool sweater, use a disposable razor. But make sure you are using the razor sparingly so you don’t cut the cloth.
- Flatten the sweater on a flat surface and iron the wrinkles out.
- Hold the razor slightly bent at a 45-degree angle so that the edge faces the pilled regions.
- Pass the razor over the fabric in small, light shaves to exfoliate the pills.
- You do not want to press too hard because this might break the wool fibers.
- Upon completion, wipe away any pill residue with your hands or a lint brush.
- Tape: If you’re stuck and just need a fast fix, you can tap off pills from wool jumpers.
- Take a roll of large masking tape, painter’s tape, or even duct tape.
- Put the tape’s sticky side into the pilled areas.
- Pull off the tape and do this until most of the pills are gone.
- This technique works fine for small rooms, but might not work well for giant or bulky stacks of pills.
- Pick up Pills from Wool Sweaters with a Lint Roller: Use a lint roller (especially a strong adhesive sheet) to grab pills from woolen sweaters.
- Run the lint roller over the fabric in a circular motion to remove pills and lint.
- Although less successful than a fabric shaver or sweater comb, it is an effective way to remove light pills and surface dirt.
When to Seek Professional Help
Although you can usually pill wool sweaters yourself, in some cases the pilling is too severe or the garment is just too delicate for a DIY approach. If you’ve attempted the above and don’t get rid of extensive pilling or don’t want to break the wool, get professional help.
- Extreme Pilling: If the pilling is severe and the sweater no longer feels the way it did before, a professional cleaner or repair service can make the sweater work better.
- Mild Wool: Some wool, like cashmere or fine merino, requires special attention to prevent fraying. A professional company will have the means and expertise to treat these delicate fabrics safely.
- Drunken Pills: If you’ve exhausted every DIY remedy and the pills are still there, a professional cleaner will be able to extract them without damaging the fabric.
Your wool sweater may also require professional repair if it has been worn down, holed, thinning or strewn excessively.
6. What to Do with Wool Sweaters Over Time?
When it comes to keeping your wool sweaters looking their best, you’ll want to keep them kept clean and as soft as possible without pilling. Here are a few tips for keeping your wool sweaters up to date.
Regular Maintenance
Keeping your wool sweaters clean can help avoid dirt and oils from accumulating to lead to pilling, stiffness, and tearing down the fabric. Wool sweaters can be cared for in the following ways:
- Brushing: Use a feathered sweater brush or lint brush to remove dust, dirt and lint. Regularly sweeping your sweater can keep it smooth and help prevent pills from building up.
- De-pilling: At the end of every few wears, inspect your sweater for pills. Discard any pills that might have formed with a sweater comb, fabric shaver or razor. Periodic de-pilling prevents pills from becoming permanently embedded.
Wool sweaters also require proper storage in order to be maintained. Fold wool sweaters whenever possible, never hang them because hanging can pull the wool apart. Put woollen garments in breathable storage bags or bins to keep them away from dust and bugs.
Washing Frequency
Too much washing wool sweaters can dry out the fibres and expose them to pilling and stiffening. If you want to keep wool sweaters as soft and comfortable as possible, remember these guidelines:
- Wash Lightly: Wash wool sweaters when you have to. Between washes, you can freshen them by blowing them dry. Place them in a cool, dry place or steam them to eliminate smells.
- Hand-Wash or Wool Cycle: Never use a detergent that is not made for wool, and always wash it with a wool specific detergent by hand or on the gentle wool cycle in your washer. This will preserve the natural feel of the fibers and will minimise wear and tear.
Wash woollen sweaters in cold water to reduce shrinkage and damage.
Dealing with Wear and Tear
Wool sweaters will be prone to fraying due to excessive wear, particularly around the elbows, underarms or cuffs. To prevent further injury, take these measures:
- Repair Small Cracks: Whenever you notice tiny cracks or fraying threads, repair them immediately with a stitch or wool repair kit. Neglecting these spots could cause additional damage, particularly if exposed to friction.
- Patch or Thicken Areas: If a small section of your wool sweater is dripping or sagging, patch it up or reinforce it with a thicker knit. This will also prolong the life of the sweater.
- Professional Re-painting: If you’re faced with more serious, inconvenient damage, consider taking your sweater to a tailor or textile repair company.
Regular care, washing your wool sweaters with care and repairing any harm at once will ensure that you keep your wool wear beautiful and soft for many years to come.
Dhanya Nair is a fabric Lover and a mom. She offers a unique perspective on the intricacies and history of fabric and specializes in bringing the unique narratives of textiles to life.