White Goods Help Blog:

Commentary, reviews, free advice, and special offers from the world of white goods in the UK by a repairman with 30 years in the trade.

About | Contact me |  Subscribe to this Blog in a reader | Register (receive notification of new articles)

Bobbling or pilling on clothes and laundry

Bobbling, and linting are common terms for pilling. They refer to the little bits of fabric that stick to sheets, towels, socks and other items of clothing. Pilling is caused by damaged fibres that have separated from the rest of the fibres

Natural fibers like cotton, linen, or wool may also be subject to pilling but the separated fibres don’t tend to stick like man made fibres do and so are commonly washed away. It’s possible that with mixed fabric loads, the bits from naturual fibres can stick to the man made fibres such as polyester, acrylic, and nylon.

The cause of pilling is abrasion. The fibres simply get damaged by friction and abrasion through either wear and tear or whilst being washed.

Tips to avoid pilling (or bobbling) whilst washing

Dealing with pilling (or bobbling)

Miele honeycomb drum

This would be an expensive way of trying to prevent pilling but I mention it in case you are considering buying a washing machine and have the money to buy a Miele. Many Miele washing machines are fitted with Miele’s unique honeycomb drum which has a sculptured surface instead of the normal punched holes. A thin film of water forms during washing which cushions the garments and reduces fibre breakage and pilling. Miele claim this drum is very much more gentle on laundry.

  • Share/Save/Bookmark

Written By - Washerhelp on April 28th, 2008 with no comments, yet - What do you think?
Read more articles on General laundry or white goods topics.

Why not add your comment? click the comment link above or scroll down to the comments box

Help choosing your appliance

Research white goods appliances as well as most other consumer goods and issues and read the latest reviews and best buy recommendations. Which? Online offer a 30 day trial - Reviews of 190 washing machines including over the top performing Best Buys.

As a member myself I wouldn't buy any major product without consulting Which? first. Mind you, I like to think Whitegoodshelp is also a good resource for researching white goods :-)

Related articles

No comments yet

Please leave your comment. You don't need to sign up for anything, just comment.

 

Leave your comment...

Add your comment on the above article using the box below:



Subscribe without commenting

You can use these XHTML tags: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <strike> <strong> .

All work © Copyright Whitegoodshelp 2007 - 2009 | Feel free to quote but please link to the source.