# Fabric care Canonical page: https://everydaygarmentcare.co.uk/fabric-care/ Publisher: Everyday Garment Care Read the care label, protect small items in the wash and choose the right tool for lint or bobbles. Updated November 2026 ![A cream wool jumper lying flat beside a mesh laundry bag]() ## Start with what your garment needs Read an unfamiliar label, compare tools for bobbles or protect suitable small items in the wash. For an unfamiliar label ### [Clothes care symbols]() Read washing, drying, ironing and professional-care instructions together. **Understand the label** For attached bobbles ### [Fabric shavers]() Compare guards, power and cleaning access for suitable supported fabrics. **Compare fabric shavers** For small, suitable items ### [Mesh wash bags]() Choose enough room, a protected closure and a shape that suits the load. **Choose a wash bag** Explore the full topic ## All fabric care guides [Search every guide]() ### Choose & compare Match a brush, shaver or wash bag to the job and compare its practical limitations. - [Fabric shavers]() - [Lint removers for dark clothes]() - [Mesh wash bags]() - [Wash bags for bras]() - [Lint brush vs shaver]() - [Shaver vs sweater comb]() - [Battery vs rechargeable]() ### Labels & delicate laundry Decode the finished garment’s label and plan a suitable wash or drying method. - [Clothes care symbols]() - [Drying symbols]() - [Ironing symbols]() - [How full to fill a wash bag]() - [Washing knitwear in a bag]() - [Dry hand-washed delicates]() - [Dry a wool jumper flat]() ### Fluff, bobbles & pet hair Tell loose fibres from attached pills, then choose a method the garment permits. - [Use a fabric shaver safely]() - [Clean a fabric shaver]() - [Remove pet hair from clothes]() - [Understand pilling & snags]() Choosing & using ## Read the label and choose the right method ## Read the label before choosing a tool On a care label, a square with lines can give instructions for natural drying. A vertical line indicates line drying and a horizontal line indicates flat drying. The iron symbol gives the ironing instruction. Check the full set of [GINETEX care symbols]() if a marking is unfamiliar. For a garment that needs to dry flat, give it a surface that supports its shape. If the label permits hanging, check there is enough drop on the [airer]() for hems to hang clear. ## Pick the tool for what you can see A **lint brush or roller** lifts loose hair and fluff. A **fabric shaver** cuts pills that have formed on the surface. For a shaver, check what the maker allows, lay the item flat and start on a hidden area. Keep the head away from loose threads, embroidery, seams and delicate open knits unless the instructions explicitly allow them. A **mesh wash bag** keeps small items together and can reduce snagging between garments. Choose enough room for the item to sit loosely, check that the closure is covered and follow the care label for the wash programme. [View on Amazon]() For attached pills on suitable fabric ### Philips Fabric Shaver GC026/80 The guarded shaving head removes attached pills into a detachable container. A height cap helps you adapt the head to the fabric, and two AA batteries are supplied. Good for Occasional de-bobbling on suitable garments laid flat, after a hidden-area check. Bear in mind Keep the blade away from seams, loose threads and open knits unless the instructions permit them. It cuts pills rather than lifting loose hair. - Height cap - Removable container - 2 AA batteries ## Explore another topic [Ironing]()[Steamers]()[Indoor drying]()[Care & fixes]() ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the difference between lint and pilling? Loose lint or hair rests on the surface and can be lifted by a suitable brush or roller. Pills remain attached to the fabric. A fabric shaver cuts those pills, so the garment must be suitable for its guarded blade. ### Can a mesh bag make a hand-wash-only garment machine washable? A bag does not change the garment’s care instructions. Use the permitted cleaning method and temperature. A mesh bag is useful for suitable items when it provides space for washing and protects fasteners from neighbouring garments. ### Can I use a fabric shaver on every jumper? Check both the garment and tool instructions. Start on a concealed area of suitable fabric, laid flat. Keep clear of loose threads, raised decoration, seams and delicate open knits unless the maker explicitly allows them. ### Should I follow fibre names or the care label? Use the care label on the finished garment. Its construction, lining, decoration and dye can affect the permitted treatment. A general rule for cotton, wool or silk cannot account for every garment made with that fibre. ### How should I support a hand-washed delicate while it dries? Follow the finished garment’s drying instruction. Where flat drying is required, support its full shape on a suitable surface or mesh support, including the sleeves. Avoid leaving a heavy wet section hanging over an edge and check for damp areas before storing it. **Affiliate disclosure.** If you buy through a product link on this page, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. [How our links work]().