Depilling a blanket involves removing those small, fuzzy balls of tangled fibers, known as pills, that often form on the surface of fabrics due to friction. You can effectively restore your blanket's smooth appearance using various methods, including the unique and budget-friendly pumice stone technique.
Understanding Fabric Pilling
Pilling occurs when short or broken fibers on the fabric's surface become tangled together in tiny knots or balls. This is a common issue, especially with synthetic fibers like polyester and acrylic, and natural fibers like wool and cotton, particularly if they have a loose weave.
Effective Methods to Depill Your Blanket
There are several reliable ways to remove pills from your blanket, each with its own advantages.
1. The Pumice Stone Method
For a less common but very affordable and effective method of how to remove pilling, a pumice stone is an excellent choice.
- How to Use: Softly glide the pumice stone over the pilled surface of your blanket. Apply gentle pressure, working in one direction.
- Repeat: Continue repeating this motion until the fabric begins to feel smooth. The rough surface of the pumice stone will gently abrade the pills away without damaging the underlying fibers if used correctly.
- Clean Up: Once the pills are dislodged, pick them up with a lint roller or a piece of sticky tape to leave your blanket looking fresh.
2. Electric Fabric Shaver
An electric fabric shaver (also known as a lint remover or defuzzer) is arguably the most popular and efficient tool for depilling.
- Mechanism: These devices use rotating blades behind a protective metal mesh to safely shave off pills from the fabric surface.
- Usage: Lay your blanket flat and taut. Gently glide the shaver over the pilled areas. Empty the collection compartment periodically.
- Benefits: Quick, effective, and minimizes the risk of damage if used carefully.
3. Disposable Razor
A clean, sharp disposable razor can be surprisingly effective for depilling, similar to how you might shave facial hair.
- Technique: Stretch a small section of the blanket taut. Hold the razor at a shallow angle (almost parallel to the fabric) and gently "shave" the pills off in short, light strokes.
- Caution: This method requires a very light hand to avoid cutting the fabric itself. It's best for smaller areas or stubborn pills.
4. Lint Roller or Tape
While not directly removing pills, a lint roller or strong adhesive tape is crucial for collecting the dislodged pills after using other methods.
- Application: Roll it over the depilled area to pick up any loose fuzz, lint, and the tiny balls that have been removed.
5. Fine-Tooth Comb or Sweater Comb
For delicate knits or loosely woven blankets, a fine-tooth comb or a specialized sweater comb can be used.
- Method: Gently comb through the pilled areas, allowing the teeth to catch and pull away the pills. Work slowly and carefully to avoid snagging the fabric.
6. Scissors
For large, distinct pills, small, sharp scissors can be used, though this is the most tedious method.
- Process: Carefully snip off each pill individually, being extremely cautious not to cut the blanket fibers themselves. This is best for a few isolated pills rather than widespread pilling.
Comparison of Depilling Methods
| Method | Effectiveness | Speed | Risk of Damage | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pumice Stone | High | Medium | Low | All fabric types, very affordable | Requires a lint roller for cleanup. |
| Electric Fabric Shaver | Very High | High | Low | Most fabric types, large areas | Battery-operated, quick, efficient. |
| Disposable Razor | High | Medium | Moderate | Smaller areas, stubborn pills | Use with extreme caution and light pressure. |
| Fine-Tooth Comb | Medium | Slow | Low | Delicate knits, wool, cashmere | Time-consuming, may not remove all pills. |
| Scissors | High | Very Slow | High | Few, large, isolated pills | Very tedious, high risk of cutting fabric if not careful. |
Preventing Future Pilling
Prevention is key to keeping your blankets smooth and pill-free.
- Wash Inside Out: Turn blankets inside out before washing to reduce surface friction.
- Gentle Cycle: Use a gentle wash cycle with cold water to minimize agitation.
- Less Detergent: Use the recommended amount of detergent, as excess can leave residue that promotes pilling.
- Air Dry or Low Heat: High heat in a dryer can contribute to pilling. Air drying or tumble drying on a low-heat setting is preferable.
- Separate Laundry: Wash blankets separately or with similar fabrics to prevent friction with rougher items like jeans or towels.
- Fabric Softener: Occasionally using a fabric softener can help smooth down fibers and reduce friction.
By regularly depilling and taking preventive measures, you can significantly extend the life and maintain the pristine appearance of your favorite blankets.
