Why are my sheets pilling? Experts offer explanations – and solutions

If you regularly sleep with the same set of sheets, you might notice that they start to pill. Small knots may appear on the surface of your sheets. as loose fibers get twisted and torn. Your once smooth and silky bedding now feels fuzzy and threadbare.

The good news is that there are steps you can take to remove pilling. All you need is a fabric shaver and a steady hand. Still, if you've had the same set of bed sheets for several years, then it might be time to buy a fresh set that won't pill.

As H&G's resident sleep writer, I lead a team of expert testers to find the world's best bed sheets. We sleep on sheets for months before we write our reviews, so we've seen sheets start to pill through nightly wear and tear. We've learned how to remove pilling for smoother sheets, as well as which bed sheet types are most and least prone to pilling. We want to share our hard-won wisdom with you.

Why are my sheets pilling? Expert solutions

I asked an expert panel of bedding designers and cleaning professionals to tell us more about pilling sheets – why it happens, how to prevent it, and which sheet materials offer the best protection against pilling.

Why are my sheets pilling?

Before we begin, it always helps to define our terms. Bedding designer Parima Ijaz prefers to think of pilling as 'tiny fabric balls'. 'Pilling happens when loose fibers from the fabric tangle up and form small, stubborn balls,' explains Parima. 'Beyond bed sheets, pilling is quite common on soft materials. such as sweaters, blankets, and even some towels.'

As for why those fibers come loose in the first place, Parima says that 'friction is the culprit.' Every time you toss and turn in the night, you're breaking down the fabric fibers in your sheets. The same thing happens when you throw your sheets in the washer or dryer, especially when you wash them alongside more abrasive materials.

Some sheet materials are more prone to pilling than others. Shorter fibers feature more yarn ends, which are more likely to tangle with other loose fibers. Excessive abrasion accelerates the breakage of fibers and leads to pilling sheets. This might look like rubbing your feet against the sheets or scratching your stubble against the pillowcase.

How can I remove pilling from my sheets?

The quickest way to remove pilling from bed sheets is to take a fabric shaver and gently run it over the worn area. I use the BEAUTURAL Fabric Shaver and Lint Remover: it gets more than 90,000 five-star reviews on Amazon for efficiency and ease of use, and it only costs about $10.

You could just use a regular lint roller to pull away pilling, but it won't do such a thorough job. You could also use a razor, but you'd have to be super careful not to snag any fibers as you go. In a pinch, use nail scissors to snip away the small balls of fabric.

How can I prevent pilling?

Remember, slight pilling is normal, especially after years of wear and tear. Still, learning how to wash bed sheets properly should help you to retain the feel and quality of your bedding. I asked Elizabeth Shields, Operations Manager at Super Cleaning Service Louisville, for her top tips to keep sheets in good condition.

• Washing: Elizabeth recommends you 'trim loose threads and toss the sheets in a large laundry bag before washing. Fewer friction points mean less pilling. Avoid overloading the washer. When it's jam-packed, everything rubs together more aggressively. Give the sheets some space and only wash a few items at once. If you have dark sheets, wash them separately. They tend to shed fibers more easily, which can attach to lighter fabrics.'
• Detergent: 'Make sure to use a mild liquid detergent,' says Elizabeth. 'Harsh ones can break down fibers, and powdered forms are more abrasive. You might think about using fabric softeners, but I'd warn you against it: all it's doing is weakening the fibers in your sheets. Instead, you can use vinegar during the rinse cycle to soften naturally.'
• Stains: Elizabeth suggests you 'save bleach for tougher stains, not your sheets. A color-safe alternative is better, or you could opt for natural brightening agents like baking soda. For organic stains, grab a laundry enzyme booster. This will take care of the proteins, oils, and other organic matter that can cling to your sheets and cause pilling.
• Drying: where possible, Elizabeth advocates air drying. 'It might take a little longer, but it's the best way to protect the fibers. If your sheets come out wrinkled, you might be tempted to iron them out, but that will only put stress on the fabric. You could try steaming or smoothing your sheets while damp. To store, fold the sheets neatly and keep them in a cool, dry place.

Which materials are least prone to pilling?

'Fabrics made from shorter, less durable material usually lead to pilling much faster and are more prone to damage,' explains Parima. Her miracle material is '100% Egyptian cotton, made with extra-long staples, which dramatically reduces the risk of loosening. These rare fibers are much more durable than traditional cotton. With proper care and use, you can ensure long-lasting comfort and quality with Egyptian cotton sheets.'

While no sheets are pill-proof, some materials are less likely to pill than others. You're looking for sheets woven tightly from long fibers, constructed with natural materials. Here are some of the best bed sheets I've tried that are standing the test of time.

FAQs

Does fabric softener reduce pilling?

No: fabric softeners can actually break down the protective coatings in your sheets and wear out the materials. Elizabeth Shields, from Super Cleaning Service Louisville, strongly advises against using fabric softener.

Which bed sheet materials pill the most?

The worst bed sheet materials for pilling are polyester, acrylic, nylon, and microfiber blends. That's because they tend to be made from multi-ply yarns (or, a mixture of fabrics) with a looser weave that is easier to break. With that said, no material is pill-proof: natural fibers are delicate and require careful treatment to protect them from pilling.

If your pilling sheets are beyond repair, then it's time to invest in a new set. The best affordable bed sheets should wash well, dry fast, and resist pilling for mere pennies.