Bobbles on clothes, also known as fabric pilling (or lint balls) can make our favourite pieces unsightly. But before you consign your bobbly top to the back of your wardrobe, take a look at our tips on how to remove bobbles from clothes. We’ll take you through the what, why and how for getting rid of pilling on clothes, including our very own clever clothes bobble remover, the Vanish Oxi Action Powder. We’ll also share hacks to prevent it happening in the first place.

What is pilling 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.

What is pilling on clothes?

Why do my clothes bobble?

The reason you see pilling in these areas is because it’s caused by surface abrasion. Bobbles on sweaters and fabric jackets 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.

How to remove pilling from clothes

One of the best ways to remove pilling from cotton is with our Vanish Oxi Action Powder, 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.

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Vanish Oxi Action Powder

Vanish Oxi Action Powder

Instructions

  1. Load your wash with up to 5-6 garments.
  2. Add one scoop of Vanish Oxi Action with your regular detergent.
  3. Run a long eco-cycle (more than 2.5 hours), do not exceed 40°C.
  4. Watch a miracle unfold!

How to prevent pilling on clothes

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.

How to prevent pilling on clothes

General advice

  • 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.
  • Before use check if colours may bleed by testing a hidden area of the fabric.
  • For best results it may be necessary to repeat parts of the process.