Which method is suitable depends on the material and on whether you are dealing with loose hair, lint or pilling. Steam can reduce creases, but only use it if the care label allows it. Work carefully and test tools on delicate fabrics first on an inconspicuous spot. Below you can read which method works best for each case, on which fabric and how to prevent it coming back.
Lint, pilling or hair?
Before you choose, look at what you see. Loose lint and hairs lie on the fabric and are easy to remove. Pilling, small balls that are attached to the fabric, is caused by friction: under your arms, on the side of a sweater, where your bag hangs. The fibres break and curl up, forming such a ball. Pulling the balls off by hand can damage the fibres. So you remove pilling in a different way from loose lint.
The five methods at a glance
| Method | Works for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Sticky roller | Loose lint, hair | Not for pilling; test on delicate knitwear |
| Clothes brush | Wool, dark knit, coats | Brush softly and test first |
| Fabric shaver | Pilling on knitwear | Work gently and check material advice |
| Steam | Creases; only if steam is allowed | Keep your distance and read the label |
| Rubber glove | Pet hair | Test first on an inconspicuous spot |
Sticky roller
A sticky roller is handy for loose hairs and dust on smooth surfaces. Roll over the fabric with short strokes, and peel off the sheet as soon as it is full. Use the roller mainly on smooth fabrics, such as black trousers or a blouse. On black, lint is extra visible. The Daphni in black and the Josephine in black show dust and hair sooner than light colours, so a roller in your bag is handy.
Clothes brush
A soft clothes brush can be suitable for wool and some knitted fabrics. Always brush in one direction, from top to bottom, with short strokes. With delicate materials, check the care advice first. The Trenton in black is made of 100% merino wool, and the Augusta in cream consists of 90.2% wool and 9.8% cashmere. With natural fibres, a soft brush can help remove surface dust. Let merino wool air first after wearing and then judge whether washing is needed.
Fabric shaver for pills
A fabric shaver can remove pills, but wrong use can also damage fine fabric. Lay the garment flat on a table, stretch the fabric lightly and move the device in circles. Do not work too long in one spot and do not put pressure on the machine. Especially with fine knitwear, care is important. With the Eleanor in white (79.9% viscose and 20.1% polyamide) you can remove surface pills this way, provided you work gently. After each piece, check that the fabric stays even. You will find more knitwear in the knitwear for women collection.
Steam
Steam is mainly meant to reduce creases. Whether it is suitable depends on the material. Hold a steamer a few centimetres away and then let the garment dry for a moment. Afterwards brush or roll away the loosened lint. Always check the label: not every material tolerates steam. Want to know how it works for your clothes? Read the care instructions.
Pet hair
Hair from a dog or cat is stubborn. A rubber glove can help collect hairs on some sturdy fabrics. Test this first. Then remove them with your hand or a roller. A good habit is to hang your clothes up after wearing instead of laying them over a chair, where your pet likes to sit. A garment cover helps for coats and trousers that you wear less often.
Colour and lint
Lint and hairs stand out most on black and dark fabrics. That does not mean you have less lint, only that you see it sooner. So keep a roller by your front door or in your bag, and take a quick look before you leave. On light fabrics lint is less visible, but there you sometimes see stains sooner. It is a matter of habit: regular surface care prevents dust and hairs from building up.
Tools you need
You need little: a sticky roller, a soft clothes brush, a fabric shaver and possibly a small steamer. With a few simple tools you can keep a lot of clothing neat in between. Keep the roller and brush in a fixed place, so that you really use them. Replace the sticky sheets of the roller in time, because a full roller spreads lint sooner than it removes it.
The right order
- Start with dust and loose lint: brush or roller.
- Then deal with stubborn hairs with a lightly damp glove.
- Use the fabric shaver last, on a flat surface.
- Use steam only if the label allows it and let the garment dry well afterwards.
Always work from the least invasive to the most targeted method.
Prevention is better
- Wash knitted pieces inside out on a gentle programme, preferably in a wash bag.
- Avoid friction. Do not always carry the same bag on the same shoulder, and do not put on a coat over a delicate sweater without a soft lining.
- Do not wash soft fabrics with rough ones, such as a sweater with jeans or towels.
- Dry flat, not in the dryer. That stresses the fibres and can form lint.
- Remove lint regularly, so that it does not settle.
Which fabric pills fastest?
That differs per fibre and per knitting method. With a blend of natural and synthetic fibres, the pills often stay on longer, because the strong synthetic fibres hold on to the pills. Smooth, tightly woven fabrics generally pill less quickly than loosely knitted or heavily brushed fabrics, but with a lot of friction any fabric can form lint. Do not worry if you see a pill somewhere. Pilling is a normal wear phenomenon that, depending on the fabric, can often be carefully reduced.
Shop the look
Josephine: polo, black
Daphni: trousers, black
Trenton: polo, black
Augusta: polo, cream
Eleanor: cardigan, white
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between lint and pilling?
Lint lies loose on the fabric and you remove it with a roller or brush. Pills are balls that are attached to the fabric and that you remove with a fabric shaver.
Can I pick pilling off by hand?
Better not. Do not pull at the fibres; use only a suitable tool and work carefully.
How do I get dog hair out of clothes?
A sticky roller often works well. With sturdy material you can possibly test a rubber glove on an inconspicuous spot.
