Are your clothes starting to look a bit worn? Is your favourite jumper starting to develop lint balls? Well, with a bit of time and effort, electric lint removers can make your clothes look new again.

Electric lint removers - Rechargeable USB or battery-powered, electric lint removers (also known as fabric shavers), use rotating blades (often at a range of heights) which can gently pull away and gather up lint, pills, bobbles and fibres off your clothing and upholstery. Often the most efficient tool for lint removal, they can generally cover larger surface areas efficiently and collect the results for mess-free disposal. You can use a regular disposable razor instead of a fabric shaver to remove pilling from clothes. Simply lay your garment flat and carefully shave off the bobbles with the razor. Using battery-powered or electric lint removers is risky, even with finer blades, as they risk thinning or damaging the delicate fibres. This beechwood pilling comb from The White Company (who let's face it, know a thing or two about cashmere) makes a far safer alternative.A lint remover can sometimes be confused with a lint roller. While they serve the same purpose, they operate in different ways. Adjustable distance control: Some fabric shavers allow you to adjust the blade’s distance from the fabric. A shaver with this feature are more versatile and can be used on different kinds of fabrics with better accuracy. Once you understand how the fabric shaver works and have a good technique, you should be able to use it carefully on expensive garments without worrying about damaging them. What can I use instead of a fabric shaver? An upgrade from the original Steamery Pilo 1, this USB rechargeable fabric shaver offers up to two hours of operation per charge, with six powerful and efficient precision blades, a large shaving area and a strong motor that makes light work of pilling, bobbles and fuzz. You do need to remember to empty it regularly, as well as keep the blades clean using the included brush, as lint build-up can reduce its effectiveness over time. Suitable for all fabrics including more delicate items like cashmere and merino wool, it’s also a handy tool for use around the home including reviving fabric sofas, cushions and blankets.

Fabric shavers can cut holes in clothes if you’re not careful. It’s best to practice on garments you don’t mind damaging at first until you have the right technique. Size and portability - Do you intend to use the lint remover outside of the home? Smaller, more compact models are convenient for travel, however with a smaller surface area, they can take longer to use as a result. Whether it’s a manual lint remover or an electric fabric shaver, these handy, easy-to-use tools make a great addition to your wardrobe, removing bobbles, pilling and fuzz to keep your clothes fresh and lint-free all winter. Best lint removers at a glance I have the Steamery one and it's fab, completely revived an old cashmere sweater I had stopped wearing due to the pilling. It's USB charged” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user Gastropod)Rated by Mumsnet users and online reviewers alike, the Philips Fabric Shaver takes the top spot with confidence as the best lint remover you can buy today. We’d love to see a rechargeable model, however with a large shaving head, adjustable blade height and powerful motor, it's an effective tool for use across multiple fabric types. How we chose our recommendations Recommendations from real Mumsnet users Mumsnet users have long debated the best way to keep their favourite clothes looking good for longer, with many users sharing their hints and tips and the best tools for the job.

You should avoid using lint removers and fabric shavers items made from leather, suede, velvet or faux fur, as this can damage the texture and make-up of the fabric. What to consider when buying a lint remover Now that the nights are drawing in, the chances are you’ll want to be wearing fluffy woollen jumpers, cashmere cardigans and your best winter coat in an attempt to keep warm and look stylish this winter. While it doesn’t come cheap, this lightweight and ergonomically designed electric fabric shaver has a compact design that is super easy to hold as you restore your clothes to their former glory. Most, if not all electric fabric shavers also include a removable lint catcher, which collects the pills and fuzz once it’s been removed. If you choose a good fabric shaver you will find that it can work wonders at restoring old clothes. If you compare the cost of a fabric shaver with the cost of replacing your clothes, it’s definitely worth it!Rechargeable batteries: This lint remover is also cordless and very portable. However, you must remember to charge the battery regularly.

Adjustable settings - Can the fabric shaver be adjusted to suit each task? Some electric fabric shavers have a variety of height settings that adjust the closeness of the shave, allowing you to be gentle on more delicate fabrics and more firm on hard wearing clothing and upholstery. I use a Korbond cashmere comb thingy - it's lasted longer than my White Co defuzzer thing.” (Brand tried and tested by Mumsnetter BelindaAllWorkedOut) Our verdict Fabric shavers usually work by directing fuzz balls, or lint into a compartment which can then be emptied later. Regardless of your clothes fabric, you should avoid pressing too hard with a lint remover or moving it too rapidly as this can risk causing holes and tears. You should also ensure the clothes are clean and dry before use.

Lint remover vs. lint roller

If you're hoping to remove lint, pet hair and bobbles from hard-wearing clothes such as coats, suits and corduroy, as well as carpets or upholstery around the home, this manual lint remover is a practical and affordable choice.