Hand wash inside out with cold water and a neutral detergent. This reduces surface friction and prevents hot water from opening the wool fiber scales, which can cause felting and pilling.
Machine wash with a laundry bag. Use the "wool mode" or a gentle cycle to reduce the pulling and friction of the drum on the sweater.
Rinse with white vinegar or fabric softener. This neutralizes residual alkalinity, making the fibers softer and reducing static electricity and friction.
Do not wring dry or expose to direct sunlight. Absorb excess water with a towel and lay flat to air dry in the shade to prevent fiber stretching and deformation, reducing the risk of pilling due to a loose structure.
Homemade anti-static spray: Mix water and a small amount of fabric softener in a spray bottle and spray on areas prone to pilling to reduce static electricity and friction.
Dab with a damp towel before wearing: This can temporarily flatten loose lint and reduce initial pilling.
Regular pilling maintenance: Use an electric pill remover or a scouring pad to gently treat the area, preventing lint from growing larger and increasing friction.
