Can I use a sweater comb on cashmere?

Only if the garment's care instructions and the comb manufacturer allow it. Test gently in a hidden area first; fine or loosely spun cashmere can snag. If the comb catches, stop and ask a professional cleaner.

Why does my sweater pill again after cleaning?

Pills form when loose fibres rub together during wear and washing. Removing existing pills improves appearance but does not stop friction. Reduce rubbing from bags, coats and rough surfaces and follow the care label.

Should I shave a sweater with a razor or scissors?

No. A loose razor or scissors can cut healthy yarns and create holes, especially on textured knits. Use only a fabric-appropriate depilling tool with light pressure, and leave raised loops alone.

What if the comb pulls yarn or leaves a thin patch?

Stop immediately. Do not keep scraping or try to cut the pulled loop. A snag or thinning area may need skilled repair; aggressive repeated combing can permanently weaken the sweater.

Guides/Home/How to Remove Pilling from a Sweater

How to Remove Pilling from a Sweater

Refresh a dry knitted sweater by gently lifting surface pills with a fabric-appropriate manual sweater comb. Learn to check the care label, test a hidden area, work without pulling loops, and prevent new fuzz. Do not comb snagged, damaged or very delicate knits that require specialist care.

Updated Nov 12, 2026

20 min6 stepsBeginnernew

What you need

Tick off what you already have.

Tools

Manual sweater comb suitable for the fabric
Soft clothes brush (optional)

Materials

Clean dry towel

Hands examining a knit sweater's care tag and lightly pilled fabric on a table.

AI illustration

Step 01 / 06

Check the sweater and its care label

Read the garment's fibre and care label before choosing a pilling tool. This method is for sound, dry knitwear that the maker permits you to de-pill by hand. A coarse comb can catch loose, fluffy or open-knit yarns, so use only a comb designed for this fabric. If the fabric is snagged, very thin, loosely knitted, heavily embellished or especially valuable, stop and seek specialist garment care rather than risk damaging it. Pilling is normal friction wear, not dirt.

Guide progress1 / 6

1. Check the sweater and its care label
Instructional illustration generated with AI for Howmigo.
Read the garment's fibre and care label before choosing a pilling tool. This method is for sound, dry knitwear that the maker permits you to de-pill by hand. A coarse comb can catch loose, fluffy or open-knit yarns, so use only a comb designed for this fabric. If the fabric is snagged, very thin, loosely knitted, heavily embellished or especially valuable, stop and seek specialist garment care rather than risk damaging it. Pilling is normal friction wear, not dirt.
2. Lay the sweater flat and support the knit
Instructional illustration generated with AI for Howmigo.
Make sure the sweater is clean and completely dry. Spread a clean dry towel on a firm table, then lay the sweater on top without stretching it. Smooth the area with your palm so the stitches lie flat. Keep buttons, zips, seams and decorative details away from the area you will comb. Never try to remove pills while wearing the sweater: moving fabric is harder to control.
3. Test the comb on a hidden patch
Instructional illustration generated with AI for Howmigo.
Choose a small, inconspicuous spot near an inside hem or underarm. Support the fabric with your free hand and make one or two very light, short strokes in the direction of the knit using the correct side of the comb. Check the fabric immediately in good light. If yarns lift, stitches snag, the surface thins or the comb catches, stop. Only continue if the test leaves the knit intact and removes pills without pulling.
4. Remove pills in small supported sections
Instructional illustration generated with AI for Howmigo.
Hold a small section of fabric flat but not taut. With minimal pressure, glide the comb in short controlled strokes in one direction across the pills, lifting the tool between passes. Work slowly from one small patch to the next. Do not scrub back and forth, dig into the yarn or repeatedly scrape the same spot. Avoid ribbed edges, loose stitches and seams. Stop as soon as a section looks neater; a few remaining pills are better than damaged fibres.
5. Lift away the loose fuzz and inspect
Instructional illustration generated with AI for Howmigo.
Set the comb aside and carefully remove the collected pills from the tool with your fingers, away from the garment. Lightly brush or pick up any loose fuzz from the surface without tugging on the knitted loops. Inspect the worked areas in daylight: the texture should still look even, with no pulled threads or thin patches. If you notice damage, stop rather than trying to fix it by further combing.
6. Fold the sweater and reduce future pilling
Instructional illustration generated with AI for Howmigo.
Let the sweater relax on the towel, then fold it instead of hanging a heavy knit that may stretch. Store it dry and avoid rough accessories rubbing against the same spots. Wash and dry only as its care label directs; a gentle cycle or hand-washing where approved can limit friction. Recheck occasional pills and treat them lightly instead of aggressively stripping the surface. Never cut raised loops with scissors.