Pilling vs Shedding
| Category | Pilling | Shedding |
| Appearance |  |
 |
| Definition | Pilling is small balls or clusters of tangled fibers that are irremovable by hand | Shedding is loose fibers or lint coming off the fabric that are removable by hand |
| Feel | Fuzz ball, almost rough | Tiny, soft fibers |
| Cause | Fabric made with short/ weak and low quality fibers fabric mixed with friction (from sleeping or washing) | Can occur when stubborn, excess, loose fibers hang on during finishing process |
| Location | On the specific high friction areas (like where your body moves most) | All over the sheet or mainly in the wash/dryer |
| When | Frequently after some light to medium use and washes | On newly purchased, unused fabric right after the first few uses and washes |
| Type | Permanent - cannot remove without help of instrument like a fabric comb, electric fabric shaver or by hand with scissors | Temporary - Remove by hand, use a lint roller or throw in another dryer cycle with dryer balls |
| Longevity | Makes sheets look worn out, rough and feels uncomfortable | Short term and causes no long term damage |
| Fix | Cannot fix without intervention of tools or instruments | Disappears after a few wash and dry cycles - use dryer balls! |
Tips to Deal with Shedding
Washing/ Drying on Proper Settings with Correct Materials
Washer Steps
Delicate/ Gentle Cycle: Must use delicate settings on washing machines.
Cold Water: Heat weakens fibers! Always use cold water during the wash cycle.
Never use Bleach: Bleach and other optical brighteners coat fibers and make them weaker.
Never use Fabric Softener: Fabric softener weakens the fabric fibers.
Only Wash with Same Fabric: Wash sheets separately from other items like metal zippers, towels, or jeans. Washing with other items can cause friction.
Use Liquid Delicate Detergents: Always use mild, enzyme free detergent. Never use abbrasive powder detergents. We recommend detergent liquid and not pods.
Detergent Recommendations:
- The SILK Laundry Gentle Silk Wash
- Woolite Delicate
- The Laundress Delicate
- Soak Laundry Soap
- Seventh Generation Free & Clear (bonus, plant based!)
- Dirty Labs Hand Wash & Delicate Detergent
- Ecos Hypoallergenic Laundry Detergent - Free & Clear
- Any detergent labeled "delicate" "baby" or "silk"
Dryer Steps
Tumble Dry Low: Must use low/ no heat.
Hang Dry/ Air Dry: Can also hang or air dry but wrinkles may occur.
Clean Lint Trap: Sheets can accumulate lint from previous cycles if lint trap is full.
Never use Dryer Sheets: Dryer sheets chemically coat fibers and make them weaker.
Always use Dryer Balls: Dryer balls are your best friend when it comes to maintaining your sheets. We recommend 100% wool instead of plastic.
Dryer Ball Recommendations:
Leave a comment