Nodules & pilling

Lint occurs when excess fibers reach the surface of a garment. The extent of lint formation depends on the quality and properties of the fabric used. For example, shorter cashmere fibers have a greater tendency to form lint than longer fibers such as those found in cotton or lamb's wool. In general, straight fibers tend to shed more than curly fibers. In addition, new clothing usually sheds more than older clothing because it has more excess fibers.

Pills are primarily caused by friction and wear, which is why they often form in high-wear areas such as under the arms or on the sides of the garment.

First, you should check your garment's care label to determine what material it is made of. There is a key difference between pilling on synthetic fabrics and those made from natural materials. In synthetic fabrics, the knots adhere more firmly, while in natural materials they are easier to remove. When removing pills from synthetic fabrics, pulling threads can easily occur, a problem that typically does not occur with natural materials.

Knitted sweaters that contain acrylic are particularly prone to pilling because acrylic is made of very short and straight fibers. Although acrylic looks good when new, it doesn't age particularly gracefully.

Cashmere, on the other hand, as a natural material, also tends to form lint and pills. However, this is not a sign of poor quality, but a property of the natural material. With time and wear, the appearance of cashmere actually improves.

In fact, it is not advisable to complain about cashmere products too quickly. Every year, many cashmere items are returned unjustified. It is a completely natural process for cashmere garments, especially when they are new, to develop lint and pilling. If you have trouble removing lint from cashmere clothing, you may want to consider ditching cashmere. Regular removal of lint and pills is an essential part of caring for cashmere products.

This applies to certain fabrics, especially acrylic and acrylic blends, which tend to form a lot of lint. However, things are different with cashmere. It is normal for cashmere products to initially feel a little fluffy.

A cashmere comb is perfect for removing tangles from a cashmere sweater. The comb takes the entire nodule, including the loose fiber, with it so that it cannot form again. Only minimal cashmere is removed and does not weaken the material.

Compared to pills, which are more attached to the fabric, lint is usually loose on the textile surface. A lint razor is not necessary to remove them; a gentle clothes brush is sufficient to remove loose lint and light dirt.

To remove lint and hair more effectively, especially with cashmere, it is advisable to use a lint roller. Their sticky nature ensures that lint and animal hair easily stick to them.

Lint brushes are even more handy than an adhesive lint roller. They are just as effective as an adhesive lint roller, but offer the advantage of being reusable. In contrast, adhesive rolls must be thrown away after use.