Blankets are so meant to provide warmth or heat in the night as well as to keep one protected especially during the cold nights, but what if those once soft blankets and attractive covers begin to produce the little fuzz balls that are known as pilling?
Most of the blankets have a common issue: Pilling, It is important to note that no blanket is free from this problem. Before we get into solutions, it is necessary to know what caused it in the first place in order to prevent and treat piling, What causes Piling? Pilling is a process by which small balls of fabric fibers are formed mainly caused by friction between the fabric fibers in use and washing. Clothes manufactured from materials such as wool, cotton, and synthetic mixes with exposed areas are more prone to pill easily.
Why do Blankets pill?
1. Fabric Type and Quality: Blankets made from natural fibers like wool or cotton, or synthetic fibers like polyester are more prone to pilling if the fibers are not tightly woven or twisted.
2. Friction: Continuous rubbing from regular use, washing, or even contact with rough surfaces can cause fibers to break and form pills.
3. Washing and Drying: Furthermore, aggressive washing, high temperatures, and tumbling in the dryer can exacerbate pilling by causing more friction and stress on the fabric.
4. Quality of Fibres: Lower-quality fibers or yarns that are loosely spun or have shorter staple lengths are more likely to shed and pill.
Ways to get rid of Pilling on Blankets
Regular Washing
This must be done at least every two months and has been proven to be one of the most effective ways of minimizing pilling. Wash in a front-loading washing machine, and use a mild detergent to effectively remove lint, and dirt and loosen pilled fibers. Moreover, avoid overloading the machine to prevent excessive rubbing as it can lead to pilling.
Use a Lint Roller or Tape
If you don’t have a fabric shaver, a lint roller or adhesive tape can be an effective alternative for removing pilling on blankets. Roll the lint roller or wrap the adhesive tape around your hand with a sticky side out, then press and lift it over the pilled areas of the blanket to pick up and remove the fuzz balls.
Cut out the lint in the dryer
If your blanket is mild, placing it in the dryer helps remove lint and pills, also it is important not to dry fragile or woolen blankets or heat-sensitive products.
Hand Picking
For stubborn pilling that resists other removal methods, handpicking can be a meticulous but effective way to target individual pills on the blanket. Use your finger to pluck and pull away them one by one, while this method may be time-consuming, it also allows a precise and thorough removal of pilling.
Prevent Future Pilling
- Wash blankets individually from other clothes to prevent pilling that results from other fabrics that may be in the washing machine.
- Furthermore, use gentle washing powder for washing these clothes that shouldn’t be washed with strong chemicals.
- Additionally, make sure duvet covers are on when zipping up blankets.
- Prevent harsh friction and rubbing on the surfaces of blankets every day it can cause the fibers on the feeling to come off easily.
FAQs
1. What causes piling on blankets?
Pilling happens when friction from use, cleaning, or rubbing against other surfaces causes the blanket’s outer fibers to break.
2. How often should I remove pills from my blanket?
You should remove pills from your blanket on a regular basis depending on how often you use and wash the blanket. Also, regular checking for and removing pills helps to keep the blankets’ appearence and comfort.
3. Can I use a lint roller to remove pilling from my blanket?
Yes, a lint roller can help remove the pills, roll it lightly across the blanket to collect the pills from the blanket.
You may like to read more on, How to Remove the Musty Smell in Your Basement!