1274 days ago

What is Fabric Pilling?

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean (The Curtain Store)

Whilst it can be unsightly, pilling is not a fabric defect or flaw.

You’ve no doubt had clothing, furniture or blankets that have developed ‘pills’ over time, or little lint balls, that can make the fabric look worn. This undesired texture is caused by loose or broken fabric fibres that rise to the surface and knot together after being rubbed or subjected to any friction. The loose fibres that are bunched into balls also bring in strands that are still secured to the fabric itself, thus the balls stick around on the exterior. Even though people are dismayed to see pilling on their items, understanding fabric pilling helps to prevent and remove these bothersome balls.

Causes of Fabric Pilling
What does it mean when fabric is pilling? Pilling is a result of normal wear and tear that causes friction on the fabric. Simply wearing clothes, using your couch or otherwise rubbing up against the material gives the possibility of pilling. Washing and drying clothes or fabric can also speed up the pilling process as it causes multiple surfaces to rub together fairly quickly and for a long period of time.

Sometimes you can have pilling that differs in colour to the base fabric as multiple coloured fibres have migrated and twisted together. Although not desired, a little decorative perhaps?

Pilling is more noticeable on synthetic fibres. This is mainly because natural fabrics shed loose fibres easily and naturally slip away so they tend to not become matted into balls. However, synthetic fibres are extremely strong, so it will pill and then remain strongly attached to the fabric.

Keep reading: www.curtainclean.co.nz...

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More messages from your neighbours
4 days ago

John Terris former Mayor HCC died 2 Feb 2026 Hutt

Sandra from Normandale

NOW THAT WE HAVE NO LOCAL newspapers.
Message just forwarded - the former Mayor of Lower Hutt John Terris died on Monday 2/2/26.
John was Mayor, MP and councillor [city and regional] over the years giving his all to Lower Hutt and beyond.
RIP John.

22 days ago

Poll: As a customer, what do you think about automation?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Press investigates the growing reliance on your unpaid labour.

Automation (or the “unpaid shift”) is often described as efficient ... but it tends to benefit employers more than consumers.

We want to know: What do you think about automation?
Are you for, or against?

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As a customer, what do you think about automation?
  • 9.4% For. Self-service is less frustrating and convenient.
    9.4% Complete
  • 43.4% I want to be able to choose.
    43.4% Complete
  • 47.1% Against. I want to deal with people.
    47.1% Complete
2511 votes
J
8 hours ago

Kiwisaver Changes

Jo from Hutt Central

Has your accountant told you about recent changes to KiwiSaver contribution rates and how they may affect wages and payroll calculations?

These updates can have flow-on effects for both employers and employees, and understanding them early helps avoid surprises.

Contact Stephen Larsen or www.stephenlarsenandco.co.nz... for more info