How to Remove Pile (Fuzz) from a Sweater

Linda M.  McCloud
It never fails. You have a sweater you love. You either store it away for the winter and it comes out of storage with fuzz on it or you wear it a lot a fuzz develops.

This fuzz is actually pile. Pile is formed from dirt, lint and dust that gathers on the garment. It can also develop if the sweater has fibers that are made in a loosely gathered way.

These piles can especially form on our softest of sweaters (usually our favorites) such as the ones made from: cashmere, acrylic and other soft fabrics.

But there is good news. You can easily remove the pile yourself. Just carefully follow these steps:

First go and find a single blade razor. Yes, disposable ones are fine and may be a lot safer to use than a just a plain razor blade. You should also look for some tape. Simple transparent tape will work fine. You might also want to look for a lint brush.

Now find a hard and flat surface to lay the sweater. Remember it should also be clean and dry. Your kitchen table or counter may be the perfect spot.

Slowly begin moving the razor or razor blade along the sweater where the pile (fuzz) is. (Be careful, not to cut yourself) You will do this in a shaving type motion, just as you would if you were shaving your legs or face. Just glide the blade over the fabric gently. Do not apply too much pressure.

As you work, you may want to stop off and on to shake the sweater. This will remove the pile (fuzz) that you just removed and make it easier to see how much of it is still actually on the sweater.

If you find that you are having a problem with the lint sticking and refusing to be shaken off easily, try using a lint brush on it or some tape (simple transparent tape). Gently, keep removing the pile (fuzz) with slow simple movements.

Now, your sweater is ready to be worn again. But do remember to put away that razor blade or razor, especially if there are small children near.

Also, remember when it comes time to store your sweater away for the winter to pick a cool and dry place. This is another way you can make sure that this sweater and all your other sweaters will last longer.

Published by Linda M. McCloud

Freelance writer living in Ohio, who is striving to learn more each day, especially about topics that relates to health, wellness, diet, weight loss & exercise. Enjoys taking what I learn and sharing it with...   View profile

31 Comments

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  • Kristi Patrice Carter 5/1/2008

    Much better than throwing it away. Excellent tips. Thanks.

  • Melissa Anne Arant 4/26/2008

    Excellent information!! I know how to "fix" some of my clothing now.

  • Natasha Witt 4/25/2008

    I love this article. Very helpful!

  • Cynthia Marcano 4/13/2008

    Good Stuff. Maybe I can wear my fave sweater again. Tips should help with a fuzzy skirt that I love.

  • A.M. Morgan 4/12/2008

    Wonderful tips. I was wondering if there was a way to remove that annoying fuzz.

  • Eclectic Muse 3/25/2008

    Wonderful tips! I should have read this before I spent the money on my sweater shaver. I think I'm a pushover. I fall for all the gimmicks.

  • Sylvia Cochran 3/20/2008

    I wish I had known this before I tossed out my favorite sweater!

  • Michelle M. Guilbeau-Sheppard 3/6/2008

    I have this problem often and even on certain winter coats too, so thanks for the great advice and article, I will definitely try it!

  • Samantha Beck 3/2/2008

    I've been experiencing this with a few of sweaters. This is great advice!

  • Ariana R. Cherry 2/27/2008

    Great information. I always wondered how you got that fuzz off. Seems to always be a problem I have with my sweaters....Thanks for sharing.

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