How to Remove Lint and Bobbles from Sweaters (Easy Ways That Work)

Every winter it happens. You take out your favourite sweater, shawl or hoodie, and it is covered in tiny fuzz balls. It looks old even though it isn't. The good news: those bobbles (also called lint or pills) come off easily, and the sweater underneath is usually perfectly fine.

Here is why it happens, the best ways to fix it at home, and how to stop it coming back.

Why do sweaters get bobbles?

Bobbles form when loose fibres on the surface of the fabric rub against each other and twist into small balls. You see them most in places that rub the most: under the arms, on the sides, on the cuffs and where a bag strap sits.

Fabrics that bobble the most:

• Acrylic and polyester blends, which most affordable sweaters and shawls are made of
• Wool and cashmere, which are soft but have short fibres
• Fleece and hoodies, especially after many washes

Bobbling is not a sign of a fake or low-quality product. Even expensive wool does it. It just needs a little care.

4 ways to remove lint from clothes

1. Electric lint remover (fastest and safest)

An electric lint remover has small rotating blades behind a protective mesh. You glide it over the fabric and it shaves off the bobbles into a small container. A whole sweater takes about 5 minutes.

How to use it:

1. Lay the sweater flat on a bed or table.
2. Hold the fabric slightly tight with one hand.
3. Move the lint remover in small, light circles. Don't press hard.
4. Empty the lint container when it fills up.

It also works on blankets, shawls, sofa covers, cushions and school uniforms. We use the SOKANY SK-877 lint remover, which is light and easy to handle.

2. Sweater comb or fabric brush

A small comb with fine teeth that you brush across the fabric. It works well on thick wool but is slower than an electric remover.

3. Sticky lint roller or packing tape

Good for loose fluff, hair and dust on top of fabric. It won't remove bobbles that are attached to the fabric, but it's handy for a quick clean before going out.

4. A razor (careful!)

Some people use a disposable razor. It can work on thick fabric, but it's very easy to cut a hole in the sweater. We don't recommend it for thin knits or shawls.

How to stop bobbles from coming back

• Wash inside out. The outside rubs less against other clothes.
• Use a gentle cycle and cold water, or hand wash woollens.
• Don't overload the machine. More space means less rubbing.
• Dry flat in the shade instead of hanging. Hanging stretches knits.
• Fold, don't hang, when storing sweaters.
• Rotate your sweaters so you aren't wearing the same one every day.
• Remove bobbles early. A quick 2-minute de-fuzz every few weeks keeps clothes looking new.

Frequently asked questions

Will a lint remover damage my sweater?

Not if you use it gently. The blades sit behind a mesh guard, so they only cut the loose bobbles on the surface. Don't press hard, and avoid buttons, zips and embroidery.

Can I use it on a pashmina or shawl?

Yes, but go slowly and lightly on thin, delicate shawls. Test it on a corner first.

How often should I de-fuzz my clothes?

Whenever you notice bobbles, usually every few weeks in winter for clothes you wear often.

The bottom line

A bobbly sweater isn't a ruined sweater. Five minutes with a lint remover and a few washing habits will keep your winter clothes looking new for years.

Shop the SOKANY Electric Lint Remover or browse more useful things in Kitchen & Home. Cash on delivery all over Pakistan.