Few things are more soul-destroying than finding your favourite jumper covered in bobbles. Those tiny balls of knotted fabric can ruin the entire look of a garment - especially frustrating if you're trying to be environmentally conscious and keep your clothes for longer.
What Causes Bobbles on Clothes?
Those little bobbles, also known as pilling or linting, are damaged fibres that are pulled or torn from your clothes and then get caught back up in the fibres of your garments while tumbling through the washing machine or dryer. Washing machines work through abrasion, where your clothes rub against each other, essentially scrubbing each other clean. It’s not unlike the old washboards of laundries past. As your clothes are spun around, fibres are naturally pulled out. It’s a frustrating but unavoidable side effect of machine washing. While it's almost impossible to prevent bobbling entirely, you can take steps to stop the bobbles from forming on the surface of your fabrics.
Which Fabrics Are the Worst for Bobbling?
Man-made fibres are the worst culprits because they are usually plastic-based. Things like polyester build up a negative electrical charge when rubbed against each other, attracting loose debris in the washing machine. Once attached to your clothes, these fibres become entwined with the fabric, leading to those frustrating, hard-to-remove bobbles.
How Can You Stop Clothes from Bobbling in the Wash?
Although it’s nearly impossible to stop bobbling completely, a few steps can make a real difference:
- Wash Fabric Types Separately: Natural fibres like wool and cotton are less prone to developing electrical charges, making them less likely to bobble. Washing them separately from synthetic fibres can reduce the number of loose fibres in the machine.
- Use a Gentle Detergent (Liquid, Not Powder): Liquid detergent is less abrasive than powdered detergent, which can cause more fibres to be torn from your clothing. Opt for a natural, gentle detergent to help your clothes last longer without fading or bobbling.
- Air Dry Your Clothes (Avoid the Tumble Dryer): Tumble dryers can cause severe damage to your clothes, not just shrinking them but also pulling out fibres that lead to bobbling. Air drying your clothes takes longer, but your garments will thank you.
- Wash Your Clothes by Hand: Hand washing may not be the most time-efficient method, but it can almost completely prevent bobbling and pilling.
- Wash Your Clothes Inside Out: Turning your clothes inside out won’t stop bobbling completely, but it will help minimise the visual impact by keeping the bobbles on the inside.
How Can You Get Rid of Bobbles and Pilling from Your Clothes?
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, those annoying little bobbles will appear. Don’t worry, though - bobbles and pilling are relatively easy to remove if you know what you’re doing.
- Use a Fabric Shaver: The easiest and fastest method is to use a fabric shaver or cashmere comb. These devices cut the bobbles off at their root, leaving the fabric looking smooth and lint-free.
- Use a Razor Blade: This common technique involves gently running a razor along the surface of your fabric to remove the bobbles. It’s slower than using a fabric shaver, but it works - just be careful not to damage your clothing or yourself.
- Use a Brush or Lint Roller: Brushing and lint rolling can help remove pet hair and other debris from your clothes, though they might not be the most efficient solution for bobbling. A good clothes brush is a worthwhile investment to keep your garments looking their best, but it might not be the best tool for tackling stubborn bobbles.
Talk soon,
B x