Wool sweaters are a true lifesaver on chilly days, but their appearance is often spoiled by pesky lint balls. Many people have noticed that even with careful wear, small pills appear on the fabric, making clothes look untidy. For a long time, Spanish homemakers have been searching for a way to restore clothes to their former freshness without spending extra money or time.
It turns out you don’t need expensive gadgets or special products to do this. All you need is a regular kitchen sponge with an abrasive side, which you can buy at any supermarket for just over a euro. The key is to use this unexpected tool correctly to avoid damaging the fabric and achieve perfect results.
Simple Life Hack
Before you begin, make sure the sweater is completely dry. Lay it flat on a smooth surface and carefully straighten all folds. Hold the fabric lightly with one hand to keep it from shifting, and with the other, gently run the abrasive side of the sponge over the surface in one direction. Don’t press hard; light strokes will collect all excess fibers without catching the main threads.
After just a few passes, the pills begin to disappear and the sweater looks tidy and well-groomed. Any remaining fuzz can easily be removed by hand or with a soft brush. This method not only saves money, but also lets you quickly tidy up even your favorite items.
Preventing Pills
To prevent the problem from recurring, experts recommend paying attention to how you care for wool garments. One unusual tip is to put your sweater in the freezer overnight. Twelve hours at low temperatures help freeze and break down small fibers, which can then be easily removed. This method is especially popular among fashion bloggers and stylists in Spain.
It is also recommended to wash these items only on delicate cycles, using cold water and special laundry bags. Avoid mixing wool with other fabrics to prevent excess friction. After washing, it’s best to dry the sweater flat on a horizontal surface, away from direct sunlight and radiators.
Care tips
Many homemakers note that hand washing is the best way to preserve the softness and shape of wool garments. Do not use harsh detergents or fabric softeners, as they can damage the fibers. After washing, gently squeeze out the water without wringing, and lay the item out on a towel to dry.
The dryer is the enemy of wool. High temperatures and vigorous spinning cause new pills to form and can deform the fabric. By following these simple rules, your favorite sweater will last for more than one season and always look as good as new.
Savings and results
Using a regular sponge instead of specialty fabric shavers is not only cost-effective, but also eco-friendly. This method doesn’t require electricity, leaves no plastic waste, and fits any budget. Plus, you’ll notice results after just one use: clothes look fresher and last longer.
In Spain, this life hack quickly caught on among young families and students who value practicality and aren’t willing to overpay for branded products. The method’s simplicity and effectiveness made it a real discovery for those used to caring for their wardrobe on their own.
In case you didn’t know, Gema Yustas is a well-known Spanish blogger and stylist whose clothing care tips regularly rack up thousands of views on social media. She specializes in practical home and fashion life hacks, sharing her personal insights and discoveries with a wide audience. Thanks to her recommendations, many Spaniards have re-evaluated their approach to garment care and learned to save money without sacrificing quality.
