What causes pilling in fabrics?
Question:I just can't seem to get sheets that won't pill. I had the cheapie ones, and just upgraded to 450 count, and they just started to pill. What causes it, and is there anything I can to do keep them from doing this?
Answers:
There isn't much you can do to stop fabric from pilling. It is from short fibers on the surface becoming tangled into a ball with each other.
450 count sheets are good. But look for 450 count single thread. Thread count in sheets can range from 80 to 700, although most stores sell sheets that range from 180 to 320. In general, the higher the thread count, the softer the fabric feels, but that doesn't necessarily mean the sheets will last longer (and sheets with a higher thread count are usually more expensive). Manufacturers twist two threads in a way that lets them double the sheet's thread count.
So when it comes down to it, buy a good quality sheet that is a little more expensive and it will last for years and get softer with each washing.
Are you washing anything else with these sheets? Towels can cause pilling. The best thing to do with sheets is to make sure you are washing with the same or closest to the same materials. Same way with drying them too, don't dry them with towels or washcloths. Try hang drying your sheets, it's much better for them.
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