If you have ever noticed small rough balls of fabric clinging to your bed sheets, you have likely encountered sheet pilling. While it's a common issue, it can be frustrating. Especially when you've invested in high-quality bedding. In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what sheet pilling is, why it happens, how to get rid of it, and - most importantly - how to prevent it by choosing the right materials.
Let’s dive in and help you reclaim smooth and luxurious sleep surfaces.
What Is Sheet Pilling
Sheet pilling occurs when small loose fibres in the fabric become tangled and form tiny balls or “pills” on the surface of the sheets. These can create a rough texture that’s uncomfortable against your skin and can make your bedding look worn out far too quickly.
Pilling is most common in areas that experience frequent friction - such as where your body lies on the bed, where your feet rub the sheets at night, or when the sheets are washed and tumble dried.
Why Is My Bed Sheet Pilling
There are a few key reasons why your bed sheets may be pilling:
1. Low-quality fabric
Cheaper fabrics with shorter fibres are more likely to pill. The ends of the short fibres come loose more easily and start to knot together.
2. Friction
Consistent movement across the surface of your sheets, whether from tossing and turning at night or from rubbing feet, causes fibres to break and tangle into pills.
3. Harsh detergents or over-washing
Washing sheets too often with harsh chemicals or on high temperatures can break down the fibres and increase the chances of pilling.
4. Incorrect drying techniques
Tumble drying on high heat can be aggressive on the fabric, causing friction that leads to more pilling over time.
How to Get Rid of Bed Sheet Pilling
If your bed sheets are already pilling, there are a few things you can try to minimise the impact:
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Use a fabric shaver or pill remover
A gentle fabric shaver can remove the pills without damaging the surface. -
Avoid pulling them off by hand
Doing so can loosen even more fibres and make the problem worse. -
Wash with care
Switch to a gentle cycle and cold water, and always wash your sheets inside out. -
Avoid heat
Let your sheets air dry or use the lowest heat setting in your dryer.
However, keep in mind that once pilling has started, it's difficult to return sheets to their original smooth texture completely.
Sheets That Don’t Pill: Choose the Right Material
The most effective solution is prevention and that starts with choosing high-quality, pill-resistant sheets. At Ethical Bedding, we do for example use luxuriously smooth eucalyptus-based fibres made from TENCEL™ Lyocell.
Why eucalyptus sheets are naturally resistant to pilling:
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Longer fibres
TENCEL™ Lyocell fibres are long and smooth, which means fewer loose ends that can tangle or form pills. -
Strong yet soft
Our sheets are incredibly soft to the touch but durable enough to withstand friction, reducing wear and tear. -
Breathable and moisture-wicking
Because they regulate temperature and stay dry, there’s less friction caused by sweat or movement — a major factor in pilling. -
Naturally hypoallergenic
They’re gentle on the skin and ideal for sensitive sleepers, all while maintaining their quality over time.
How to Prevent Sheet Pilling Long-Term
Here are some simple but effective tips to keep your sheets smooth and pill-free:
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Invest in premium eucalyptus sheets
Cheap cotton or blended sheets may save money in the short term but are more likely to pill. Choose better materials like TENCEL™ Lyocell. -
Wash with gentle detergents
Avoid bleach and strong chemicals that can weaken the fibres. -
Skip the fabric softener
It can leave residue that damages the fabric surface and increases pilling. -
Wash separately
Keep sheets away from rougher fabrics like towels or jeans to avoid friction in the wash. -
Dry with care
Air dry when possible or use a delicate dryer setting. Avoid overloading the dryer to reduce fabric friction.
Experience Smooth Bedding That Lasts
At Ethical Bedding, we believe your sheets should feel as good on night 300 as they do on night 1. That’s why our TENCEL™ eucalyptus bedding is carefully engineered to be incredibly soft, strong, and resistant to pilling - so your sleep experience stays smooth and luxurious.
Looking to upgrade your sheets?
→ Explore our eucalyptus sheet sets
→ Learn more about TENCEL™ Lyocell benefits
