Yes, you can significantly reduce clothes pilling by washing garments the right way.
Pilling happens mostly during washing because water, friction, and movement loosen fibers. Small changes in how you wash clothes can prevent fuzz before it starts.
Why Washing Causes Clothes to Pill
Clothes pill in the wash due to three combined factors:
- Friction between garments
- Agitation from spinning and tumbling
- Loose fibers breaking and tangling on the surface
The goal isn’t to avoid washing, it’s to reduce stress on the fabric.
Turn Clothes Inside Out Before Washing
This is one of the simplest and most effective steps.
Turning clothes inside out:
- Reduces surface friction
- Protects the outer fabric
- Keeps pills forming on the inside instead of the visible surface
This is especially helpful for:
- Sweaters
- Hoodies
- Knit shirts
- Cotton blends
Use a Gentle or Delicate Wash Cycle
Heavy cycles increase friction and fiber breakage.
Choose:
- Gentle
- Delicate
- Hand-wash cycle
These settings use:
- Slower spin speeds
- Less agitation
- Shorter wash times
This reduces the mechanical stress that causes pills.
Wash Similar Fabrics Together
Mixing fabrics increases abrasion.
Avoid washing:
- Towels with clothes
- Jeans with knits
- Zippers with delicate fabrics
Instead, group items by:
- Fabric type
- Weight
- Texture
For example, wash knits with knits and smooth fabrics together.
Use Cold Water Instead of Hot
Hot water weakens fibers and makes them more likely to break.
Cold water:
- Preserves fiber strength
- Reduces friction damage
- Is gentler on delicate fabrics
Unless the clothing is heavily soiled, cold water is usually enough.
Avoid Overloading the Washing Machine
An overfilled washer forces clothes to rub against each other constantly.
This increases:
- Friction
- Tangling
- Fiber stress
Leave enough space so garments can move freely without being crushed together.
Use Mild Detergent (Not Too Much)
Harsh detergents and excess soap can damage fibers.
Tips:
- Use a mild detergent
- Measure properly
- Avoid extra “boosters” unless needed
Too much detergent increases residue and friction during rinsing.
Skip Fabric Softener for Pilling-Prone Clothes
Fabric softener may feel helpful, but it can:
- Coat fibers
- Trap loose strands
- Increase long-term fuzziness
For pilling-prone garments, it’s better to rely on gentle washing instead.
Consider Using a Laundry Mesh Bag
Laundry bags reduce friction for delicate items.
They’re especially useful for:
- Sweaters
- Wool blends
- Lightweight knits
Mesh bags limit surface contact while still allowing proper cleaning.
Bottom Line
Preventing clothes pilling starts in the washing machine.
The most effective habits are:
- Turn clothes inside out
- Use gentle cycles
- Wash similar fabrics together
- Choose cold water
- Avoid overloading the washer
These small steps protect fibers before pills ever form.
If pilling has already started, see:
How to remove pilling safely