How to Get Rid of Bobbles on Clothes

First things first, what does pilling mean? Pilling, or bobbling, is when fibres gather together to create a small ball of fabric. You’ll most likely see this on your clothes in areas that experience high levels of friction, such as the seat, collar, cuffs and underarms.

The reason you see pilling in these areas is because it’s caused by surface abrasion. Bobbles on a jumper are common because knitted fabrics tend to have loose fabrics, but you can also find pilling on your trousers, as sitting on furniture also rubs the surface of the fabric. It’s the result of normal wear and tear breaking down the fibres and twisting them up.

But why do my clothes bobble in the wash? Bobbles are like magnets for other loose threads, and washing can exacerbate the problem because garments rub together in the machine. This friction makes the fibres tangle further.

One of the best ways to remove pilling from cotton is with our Vanish Miracle Revival Serum for Colours, as the formula acts as a fabric bobble remover. It also restores colours and removes stains, reviving old favourites to help your clothes look better for longer.

It’s always preferable to prevent issues in the first place, so it’s worth learning how to stop clothes from pilling with these top tips:

• Choose clothing made from tightly woven, natural fabrics. Sturdy fabrics like linen, silk and denim don’t tend to pill as much as open knitted fabrics or synthetic fibres. Avoid natural/synthetic blends, like poly cotton.
• Use delicate cycles. Less agitation in the machine = less friction.
• Avoid tumble-drying. Air-drying doesn’t rub your clothes together.
• Turn clothes inside out. Do this when you wash them and when you put them away, so their outer surfaces have less contact with other fabrics.
• Fasten zips, hooks, etc. So they don’t catch and loosen fibres.

With these ideas on how to fix pilled clothing and how to prevent it you can enjoy smooth surfaces for longer.

• Please refer to the packaging for specific product usage and advice.
• KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN AND PETS. Store the product only in the original container and always fasten the lid.
• Do not expose product to direct sunlight.
• Vanish Miracle Revival Serum should only be used on 100% cotton fabrics, such as shirts, sweatshirts and jeans.
• Before use check for colour fastness by testing a hidden area of the fabric, rug or carpet.
• For best results it may be necessary to repeat parts of the process.