After more than 56 years in the carpet and upholstery cleaning business, I’ve seen many upholstered sofas and chairs develop small balls of fiber on the surface of the fabric. This condition is known as pilling, and it can make otherwise attractive furniture look old, fuzzy, and worn.
One thing I’ve noticed over the years is that I encounter this problem frequently on synthetic upholstery fabrics. Understanding why these pills form, why they can be difficult to remove, and what you can do about them can help you maintain the appearance of your upholstered furniture.
What Causes Upholstery Fabric to Pill?
Pilling is generally caused by friction and abrasion. When you sit on a sofa or chair, move around, or repeatedly rub against the fabric, the movement can loosen fibers from the yarns. These loose fibers can tangle together and form small balls on the fabric’s surface.
You may notice pilling on seat cushions, the fronts of sofa cushions, armrests, and other areas that receive frequent contact. The more these areas are used, the more noticeable the pilling can become.
Why Do Synthetic Fabrics Often Retain Pills?
From my observations over the years, pilling is particularly noticeable on many synthetic upholstery fabrics.
Natural fibers can pill under the same conditions. However, depending on the fiber and fabric construction, these pills may break away more readily as the fabric continues to be used.
Synthetic fibers, such as polyester, often have greater tensile strength than many natural fibers. Once pills form, the fibers can remain intact and attached to the fabric rather than breaking off. As more pills accumulate, they can create a fuzzy, rough appearance that detracts from the furniture’s overall appearance.
The specific behavior depends on the type of fiber, the yarn construction, and the weave. Nevertheless, this is a pattern I’ve observed repeatedly in my upholstery cleaning work.
Will Professional Upholstery Cleaning Remove Pilling?
This is a common misconception. People sometimes assume that if their upholstery looks fuzzy or worn, having it professionally cleaned will solve the problem.
Unfortunately, professional cleaning does not normally remove pills. Cleaning is intended to remove soil and other unwanted material from the fabric. Pilling, on the other hand, involves loose fibers that have become tangled together on the surface.
A fabric can be perfectly clean and still look fuzzy or worn because of pilling. Conversely, a fabric with considerable pilling may also have accumulated soil that needs to be removed.
Understanding the difference is important when deciding what your furniture needs.
Is There a Way to Remove the Pills?
Yes. In many cases, the pills can be carefully removed, improving the appearance of the upholstery.
Over the years, I’ve sometimes used a disposable razor, moving it very lightly over the affected areas to remove the pills. However, an electric fabric shaver is generally my preferred recommendation for homeowners because it is designed specifically for this purpose.
Whatever method you use, proceed cautiously. Test an inconspicuous area first, keep the fabric flat, and use minimal pressure. Avoid using a razor or fabric shaver on delicate fabrics, loose weaves, looped yarns, or fabrics that could snag or be cut. If you’re uncertain about the material, consult an upholstery professional before attempting removal.
The goal is to remove the pills without cutting or damaging the underlying yarns.
How Often Should You Remove Pilling?
That depends on how frequently the furniture is used and how quickly the pills return.
For a sofa or chair that receives heavy daily use, checking the fabric every six months and carefully removing any accumulated pills may help maintain its appearance. Less frequently used furniture may require attention less often.
Regular inspection can help you address the problem before the pilling becomes excessive.
Why I Recommend Removing Pilling Before Upholstery Cleaning
If you are planning to have your furniture professionally cleaned, I recommend addressing the pilling beforehand, provided it can be done safely.
Removing the pills first makes it easier to evaluate the condition of the fabric and distinguish surface pilling from actual soil. It also gives your upholstery cleaning professional a clearer picture of what needs attention.
Cleaning and pilling are two separate issues, and understanding the difference helps set realistic expectations about the results.
A Final Word From Alec
Pilling doesn’t necessarily mean your upholstered furniture is dirty or that the fabric is wearing out completely. In many cases, it is simply a result of everyday friction and the way the fibers behave.
The good news is that carefully removing the pills can make a noticeable difference in the appearance of many fabrics. Just remember that cleaning removes soil, while removing pills addresses a physical change to the fabric’s surface.
If your upholstered furniture looks dirty, dingy, or in need of professional attention, Alec’s Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning LLC has been helping homeowners care for their furnishings since 1970.
Have questions about your upholstery? Call us at 781-871-1415 to discuss your cleaning needs.
Practical guidance from more than 56 years of carpet and upholstery cleaning experience.