This Under $20 Gadget Saved My Couch & I Can’t Stop Using It
Let me tell you a quick story…
I have a beautiful couch from Article (it’s an online furniture company that sells affordable and quality modern furniture). I’ve had the couch for maybe 8 months, but I started to notice unsightly pilling only 3 months after owning it. Um, excuse me? This less than a year-old couch should not have its fabric deteriorating already.
So, as most people would do, I reached out to Article’s customer service to let them know about my annoying situation. After explaining the condition of the fabric and submitting pictures, I very quickly heard back from a lovely Article representative named Kim. She informed me that many fabric upholstered couches and chairs have a tendency to pill due to the loose fibers moving to the surface of the fabric. Then, due to friction, the loose fibers can twist together into pill balls.
Kim made the suggestion (via Article’s upholstery specialists) to use a fabric shaver to remove the pilling – and she offered a partial refund of $50 to cover the cost of one of the small machines. To avoid having to completely send back the couch and inevitably have the same problem with a new one, I took her up on her offer.
I purchased this Beautural Fabric Shaver and Lint Remover with great reviews from Amazon for just $17, so it was more than covered by the $50 reimbursement. I was just curious if this little thing would actually work.
To my delight, the lint shaver totally transformed my couch!
Here’s the before…
Here’s the after…
Here’s what was inside my fabric shaver…
Not only was the fabric shaver super easy to use, but I can’t believe how well it worked in removing the pill balls from the fabric. It completely filled the lint chamber after using it on the cushions—easy peasy! It’s almost addicting to watch the fabric literally transform before my eyes.
My sister Bryn also loves the gadget just as much as I do!
Her couch was having the same pilling issue as I was experiencing, so she tried out the shaver as well to remove the dark pilling fibers. Again, it worked wonders!
The couch fabric looks brand new, and it only took this small machine and few minutes to restore it to a pristine condition.
What’s amazing is that this product can also be used on blankets, sweaters, leggings, or any other fabric that’s starting to become a bit fuzzy.
While I love the fabric shaver I bought (it’s a pretty good deal at $16.99), there are some other options available for even less – like this under $10 Lint Remover & Fabric Shaver.
Outside of purchasing a gadget specifically for de-pilling, you can try these household tips to remove the unwanted fuzz—you may even already have them on hand!
You can (as an example) use this basic shaving razor (without moisturizers or soap strips) and swipe it in the same direction of the fabric to remove pilling. Follow it up by using a vacuum (or even some tape) to remove excess loose fibers.
Another cheap solution similar to the shaving razor is an eyebrow trimmer. The blade is precise and just sharp enough to gently scrape off the pills from the fabric without actually damaging the cushion fibers.
All in all, my couch is back to looking brand new thank to this handy pilling tool recommended by Article’s customer service. Now I’m looking for items around my house to start my next de-pilling project! 🤗
Check out these simple ways to save your sanity when dealing with fitted sheets.
I have owned my fabric shaver for over 20 years now, and it has saved many a sweater, but never had to use it on a couch! When not in use, I take out the batteries so that they don’t ruin the shaver when not in use. I may go several months not using it.
Oh yes! Thanks for that helpful tip! Glad you have found your fabric shaver useful too!
Any ideas for couch cushions that will not stay in place? I have a Madeleine sofa and chair and the cushions will not stay put! I have to push them back several times a day! They even have Velcro but it does not work!
Have you tried non-slip grip pads? They sell them at Amazon here.
You just really need to be careful with any shaver or razor treatment, because they could make a hole in the fabric if you aren’t being careful. I have a couch with kind of similar fabric, but it has not pilled on me. I have 3 dogs, and while I know this is not an option for most people, I take cheap full/queen size comforters and quilts in matching tones and prints to the couch and change them out to avoid the couch fabric itself having so much wear and tear from the dogs using it. If company comes, you whip the quilts and comforter off and you are good to go.
Thanks for the warning, LeAnne! I love that tip about covering the couches! My mom does that on a portion of the couch for her dog too!
I need this so bad for my couch also! So happy for the recommendation.
Oh good! SO glad this suggestion was helpful!
I use this on some of my sweaters. Just a note, the shaver is essentially removing part of the fabric which if done over and over will thin the fabric at some point and then rip. Some fabrics are more prone to pilling than others.
Thanks so much for taking a moment to comment, Laura! Good to know it may cause your fabric to thin.
I’m glad you found something that works, but it still seems like a lot of work to have to do that to a new couch to keep it looking nice. I will be sure not to buy a couch from them.
Thanks for the honest feedback, Amy! Hopefully it wouldn’t need as much attention after the first removal.
Thanks for sharing!
Any recommendations on couch cleaners? I had NO idea microfiber couches pick up every little spec of dirt?!
P.s. why cant the just make furniture like they did when we were kids?!
Thanks for the request! I’ll be sure to pass it along to the team! In the meantime, here are two posts you may find helpful!
https://hip2behome.com/product-reviews/favorite-carpet-spot-cleaners-stain-removal/
https://hip2behome.com/tips/tips-ideas-white-vinegar/
Same problem with my new chair and couch. Service guy came and asked me if I always keep a throw on them. I usually do. He said the friction of material on material did it! Bought a big shaver on his recommendation and the couch and chair look great!
Oh interesting! Thanks for passing that along! SO glad the shaver did the trick!
Thanks for the recommendation! I (overly) vigorously tried to remove an insane amount of cat hair from my couch using a variety of methods…which resulted in the fibers of my couch getting twisted & fluffed up. I saw this article, ordered this shaver & my couch looks as good as new (well, new + cat hair 🙂
Oh awesome! SO happy to hear it worked for you Wendy! Thanks for taking the time to come back and tell us about your experience! 🙂
I’ve had mine for a couple of years too. Was initially taught by my mom how to use it. It has saved/rejuvenated some of my sweaters. I noticed it does pill mote often on areas that tend to rub other fabric.
Awesome! Good to know it has worked well on your sweaters, Kath!