Fabric Pilling: How To Prevent Upholstery Fabric From Pills 

Ever notice those annoying small balls of fuzz on your favorite couch? That’s fabric pilling, and trust me, we’ve all been there! Those pesky pills are a common problem and can make even the most gorgeous furniture look worn and tired. But don’t worry – we’re here to help you understand why it happens and share some super simple solutions to keep your furniture upholstery fabric looking fabulous.  

Say Goodbye to Fabric Pilling: Easy Ways to Keep Your Furniture Looking Fresh  

What Causes Fabric Pilling Anyway?  

Think of pilling as your upholstery fabric having a bad hair day. When furniture gets a lot of love (aka regular use), loose fibers work their way to the surface and get tangled together, creating those tiny lint balls we call “pills.” The primary cause is constant rubbing, similar to pilling of your favorite sweater, furniture pilling is common occurrence on sofa cushions and armrests.  

Prevention Is Your Best Friend  

Let’s stop the fabric pilling process before those little balls start to appear! Here are our favorite tried-and-true prevention tips:  

1. You can try a lint roller to pick up loose fibers, but the best way is to vacuum your furniture regularly (once a week is perfect) using your upholstery attachment. This will help keep excess fibers from forming into those annoying balls.  

2. Rotate your cushions monthly to ensure even everyday wear.  

3. If you haven’t already, consider Crypton performance fabrics for your next furniture purchase – our special technology resists fabric pilling. 

4. It’s a good idea to keep your pets’ nails trimmed to prevent snags (it truly makes a significant difference) 

Quick Fixes to Remove Furniture Pills From Your Upholstery  

Found some little balls of lint? No problem! It’s a result of normal wear, not a fabric defect. Here’s how to deal with those annoying pills:  

Start with a battery-operated fabric shaver to give your couch a gentle haircut and trim the fabric fibers.

Work in small sections, keeping the shaver flat against the fabric, and move the shaver in a circular motion over the fabric pilling. You will not need to apply much pressure. For delicate upholstery fabric, try a fine-toothed sweater comb or fabric comb.  

Pro tip: Test any removal method on a hidden spot first, just to be safe!  

Make Your Furniture Last  

The secret to pill-free upholstered furniture isn’t just about treating the problem – it’s about preventing the formation of pills. Choose high-quality upholstery fabrics like Crypton performance fabric from the start, and treat the surface of fabrics with proper care.   

Remember, some pilling is normal. But with these simple tips and regular maintenance, you can keep your furniture looking fresh and fabulous for years to come!  

Want to learn more about caring for your upholstery? Check out our guide on how to clean a white couch for more furniture care tips and tricks. And don’t forget, simple maintenance will keep your Crypton performance fabric looking good as new.