What is pilling on clothes? Pilling is the formation of tiny balls of tangled fibres that appear on the surface of fabric, often after repeated wear or washing. These small fuzz balls make clothes look worn, rough, and older than they actually are.

Pilling isn’t caused by poor quality alone. In this article, we’ll explain why clothes pill and share eight practical ways to prevent pilling through smarter washing, drying, and fabric care habits.

And for garments that need extra attention, a professional laundry service like Tumble Laundry can help keep clothes well cared for.

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1. Understand Which Fabrics Pill More Easily

Not all fabrics are created equal when it comes to pilling. Some materials are simply more prone to it due to their fibre structure.

Fabrics that pill easily include:

• Synthetic fibres like polyester, acrylic, and nylon

• Blended fabrics like cotton-polyester blends

• Loosely woven knits like fleece sweaters and activewear

Natural fibres like cotton, wool, and linen can pill too, but the pills tend to break off more easily. Synthetics, on the other hand, hold onto pills longer, making them more visible.

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2. Turn Clothes Inside Out Before Washing

One of the simplest ways to prevent pilling is also one of the most effective. Turning clothes inside out before washing reduces friction on the outer surface of the fabric.

During a wash cycle, clothes rub against each other and the drum of the machine. When the outer side is exposed, this friction pulls loose fibres to the surface, where they form pills.

By washing garments inside out, most of that friction happens on the inside instead, keeping the visible side smoother and cleaner-looking.

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3. Wash Similar Fabrics Together

Mixing heavy, rough fabrics with softer ones is a fast track to pilling. Towels, denim, and garments with zippers or Velcro can rub against delicate fabrics aggressively.

To reduce damage, sort laundry not just by colour, but also by fabric type and weight:

• Wash knits and soft tops separately

• Keep towels and jeans in their own loads

• Avoid mixing delicate items with structured or textured clothing

Less friction during washing means fewer loose fibres and fewer pills forming over time.

Read also: The Best Way to Sort Laundry (and Why It Matters)

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4. Choose Gentle Wash Cycles

High agitation is one of the biggest causes of pilling. Fast spin speeds and intense wash cycles pull and stretch fabric fibres, especially on knits and blended materials.

Using a gentle or delicate cycle reduces movement inside the machine, helping fabrics rub against each other less. This small change can significantly lower the risk of fibres breaking, tangling, and forming pills over time.

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5. Use Cold Water

Water temperature also plays an important role in fabric wear. Cold water helps keep fibres more stable, making them less likely to weaken or shed during washing.

While hot water can be useful for deep cleaning, frequent hot washes may damage fibres over time. For everyday loads and pilling-prone fabrics, cold water is a safer option that cleans effectively while being gentler on clothes.

Read also: Cold Wash vs. Hot Wash: What’s Best for Your Clothes?

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6. Avoid Overloading the Washing Machine

It’s tempting to squeeze in “just one more shirt,” but overloading the washer creates excessive friction. When clothes are packed too tightly, they rub against each other constantly and don’t rinse properly. This leads to:

• Increased fibre stress

• Detergent residue left behind

• More wear on fabric surfaces

Giving clothes enough space to move freely helps reduce unnecessary abrasion and keeps fabrics smoother wash after wash.

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7. Skip the Dryer (or Use It Carefully)

Dryers are convenient, but they’re one of the biggest contributors to pilling. The tumbling motion combined with heat accelerates fibre breakdown, especially for knits and synthetic blends.

Whenever possible:

• Air dry delicate or pill-prone items

• Lay sweaters flat to prevent stretching

• If using a dryer, choose low heat and remove clothes promptly

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8. Let Professionals Handle High-Risk Fabrics

Some garments are simply harder to maintain at home. Wool sweaters, cashmere, blended knits, and premium fabrics require precise washing and drying methods to prevent surface damage.

This is where professional care makes a difference. At Tumble, clothes are cleaned using professional techniques designed to preserve fabric quality.

When a piece is valuable, delicate, or hard to replace, professional laundry care can significantly extend its lifespan.

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Final Thoughts

Pilling may be common, but it doesn’t have to be inevitable. With better fabric awareness, gentler washing habits, and thoughtful drying, clothes can stay smoother and look newer for much longer.

And when certain pieces need extra attention, a professional laundry service or dry cleaner is always ready to help protect fabrics with expert care.

Book a laundry service at Tumble Laundry today and keep favourite clothes looking polished, comfortable, and pill-free for longer.