What a fabric shaver is

Short answer: A fabric shaver is a small battery powered device with a rotating blade behind a mesh guard. It cuts off pills without touching the fabric itself. It is a simple way to make worn clothing look neat again without having to replace it.

What pills are

Pills are small balls of fibre that form when fabric rubs against itself or against something else. They usually appear under the arms, on the sides and where a bag or seat belt rests. Loose fibre ends twist into small tufts that stay on the surface. It is wear, not a flaw in the fabric.

The mesh protects the fabric

The blade sits behind a thin metal mesh with small holes. It can only reach the fibres that poke up through the mesh, and the rest of the fabric is protected. That is why it removes pills without cutting into the knit. Do not press hard, or the fabric is pushed into the holes. See bamboo slips.

Use it on a flat surface

Lay the item flat on a table rather than holding it in the air. When the fabric lies smooth and taut, the mesh glides over it without catching any folds. Move the shaver in small, calm circles over the areas with pills and check the result as you go. See bamboo T-shirts for women.

Empty the container often

The pills collect in a small container behind the blade. When it is full, the shaver cuts less well and can start pulling at the fabric instead of cutting. Empty it after each item and brush the mesh clean with the little brush that usually comes with it. That keeps the blade sharp for longer.

Thin and thick fabrics

Thin, soft fabric needs more care than thick knit. Use light pressure and only a few passes on thin items, and make sure the fabric does not become thin in one spot. Thick sweatshirts can take a little more. On socks, pills mostly gather at the heel and sole. See socks for women.

It costs very little

A shaver costs less than a single item of clothing and can be used for years. It only needs batteries or charging, and there are no other parts to replace. When a top that is otherwise in good condition starts to look worn, a few minutes with the shaver can make a clear difference.

How to get fewer pills

Wash clothes inside out and with similar fabrics, so they do not rub against rough fabrics such as denim or towels. Use a delicate programme and a moderate spin speed. Avoid the tumble dryer, or use low heat if you do. It will not stop pilling entirely, but it slows it down.

When not to use it

Do not use the shaver on very loosely woven fabrics or on fabrics with a long pile, because the mesh can catch the loops. Also avoid seams, buttons and zips. If in doubt, try a small hidden area first, such as the inside of a seam, before doing the rest of the item.

Frequently asked questions

Does a fabric shaver damage the fabric

No, not when it is used on a flat surface with light pressure. The mesh makes sure the blade only reaches the fibres that poke up, not the fabric itself.

How often should you use it

When the pills become visible, usually a couple of times a year on the items you wear most. There is no need to use it on clothing that already looks neat.

Can you use scissors instead

Yes, but it is slow and risky. With scissors it is easy to cut a hole in the fabric by mistake, especially on thin and soft clothing.