Don’t you hate it when your favourite jumper gets bobbles on it? The bobbles quickly make your outfits look old and worn out, even if you’ve only worn the clothes a couple of times. It’s very annoying, right?
Have you ever sat down with a pair of scissors or your razor and tried your very best to get rid of the fuzz, bobbles, and fluff from your favourite sweater?
It can be a tempting de-bobbling technique to try, especially if the bobbles show up on that shirt that you love so much but there is an easier and safer way.
The good news is you can restore your garments to their former glory with any of the great fabric shavers reviewed in this article.
If you’ve never bought a fabric shaver before, take a look at our buying guide below.
If you’re just here to find the right product for you, then read on for our reviews of the best fabric shavers available in the UK.
Best Fabric Shavers in the UK
1. Philips GC026/30 Fabric Shaver
One of the features that helped the Philips GC026 fabric shaver make it to our list of the best lint removers for clothes is that it’s designed to handle clothes of various types of materials with different degrees of bobbling on them without causing any damage to the garments.
In other words, you can adjust this lint remover to suit the material your item of clothing is made from including cotton, nylon, synthetic materials, etc.
The Philips GC026/30 is designed with a large blade face for effective and fast handling of clothes. An adjustable cap is also integrated into this lint remover to handle fragile outfits.
The shaving head has three different sizes of holes to deal with the various sizes of bobbles on garments. The lint container in which bobbles are stored after being removed from clothes is easy to remove and empty. For cleaning, a useful brush is included in the package.
It’s a battery-powered appliance designed specifically for shaving clothes. It comes with two long-lasting batteries and a user manual that will guide you on how best to use it.
Features
- Takes 2 x AA batteries
- 3 hole sizes and adjustable height for tackling different jobs
- Comes with a user manual
- Cleaning brush included
- Rotation speed of 8800 p/m
Pros
- Fast
- Simple and easy to use
- Sold with batteries included
- Good value for money
- Safe to use
Cons
- Not much suction for pulling bobbles towards the machine
- Blades may need brushing out more frequently
Summary
This is one of the best fabric shavers for clothes in the market today. The Philips GC026/30 Fabric Shaver is very easy to use. Even if you’ve never used a lint remover before, it doesn’t take much time to learn how to use it.
2. Magictec Rechargeable Fabric Shaver
Magictec’s rechargeable fabric shaver can be easily charged in just two hours from a laptop/desktop PC, power bank, through a car charger or even a smart IC charger. This easy charging gives an estimated battery life of 60 minutes.
This fabric shaver is safe for use on most fabric types and has a precision-engineered blade designed to give great, close results each and every time. This fabric shaver can be used on winter coats, jumpers, scarves, plush toys, fabric upholstery and more.
Features
- USB rechargeable battery
- 3 sharp blades for close shave
- Replaceable blades
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to use and clean
- Battery lasts long enough to do multiple items of clothing or large areas of upholstery
- Good value for money
Cons
- Lint chamber needs emptying regularly
- Some users find charging takes considerably longer than two hours
Summary
Overall, this fabric shaver from Magictec offers good performance on a range of fabric types, both clothing and upholstery. It offers good value for money and is easy to use too. However, some people do find the lint chamber fills up really quickly, especially when working on large areas of fabric.
3. EasyLint Professional Sweater Shaver
The EasyLint sweater shaver is a handy travel-size machine that is designed to make light work of lint build-up on a range of fabrics. This fabric shaver is easy to use and can be used either plugged into the mains, or wirelessly using C batteries.
Features
- Supplied with storage case and replacement blade
- 5W motor
- Can be used either with the included mains plug or battery operated
- Large, 2.5” shaving head
- Soft-touch, ergonomic handle
Design, use and performance
The EasyLint is easy to use, and suitable for use on a range of fabrics, making it an ideal addition to most homes. Beyond the wardrobe, this lint remover can also be used on bed sheets, blankets, and some fabric furniture too.
The machine is easy to use, and the stylish matt black finish means it won’t look out of place either. The EasyLint has stainless steel blades and a powerful motor that make light work of lint and fuzz. For those bigger jobs, the large lint collector means you won’t need to stop too often to empty it either.
Pros
- Easy to use and store
- Suitable for use on wool, Lycra, linen, and cotton clothing
- Good results on some upholstery
- Can be run on 4x C batteries for wireless use
- Convenient travel size
- Stylish matt black finish
- Good value for money
Cons
- Shaver is not rechargeable
- Not suitable for use on carpets like some alternatives
Summary
The EasyLint sweater shaver is an affordable choice that does not compromise on performance. This fabric shaver is ideal for use on a range of clothing fabrics, whether you’re at home or travelling.
4. Beautural Portable Fabric Shaver
This Beautural Portable Fabric Shaver doesn’t come with batteries, which you might not expect considering the price.
However, the AA batteries it takes are very easy to come by. One unique feature which can be helpful for use on different fabrics is the varying speeds at which the blades can spin. You may want a quicker blade spin for flatter clothing with smaller bobbles.
The protection cap which comes with this model is handy if you live with children who like to pick things up and investigate them but do be careful not to misplace it as it cannot be used at the same time as the adjustable height cover.
Features
- Runs on 2 x AA batteries
- 3 adjustable shave heights
- Small cleaning brush included
- User manual included
- Large cutting head
Pros
- 1-year manufacturers warranty
- 2 speed settings on switch
- Effective on multiple fabrics, including carpets
- Easy to use
Cons
- Batteries are not included
Summary
This is a good all-rounder, suited to any household, with a similar shape to many other fabric shavers. This product has been designed with a very simple and neutral colour scheme, which may make it more appealing to men.
If you prefer to purchase products with more household brand names, then you can do so at a similar price, however this model does do the same job.
5. Duronic Fabric Shaver FS16USB
Duronic’s USB rechargeable fabric shaver was designed with simplicity and ease of use in mind. The tool can be used on a range of fabric types, and a protective mesh ensures fabric will not snag.
Features
- Rechargeable shaver
- Protective mesh cap
- Adjustable handle
- Choice of two shaving heights
- Solid plastic body with stainless steel blades
- Supplied with storage pouch, cleaning brush, and USB charging cable
Design, use and performance
The Duronic fabric shaver is a handy tool that can be used in just about every room of the average house. This one tool can be used for cushions, sofas, carpets, bedding, clothing, and more. The shaver is USB rechargeable – and can be used plugged in too, and so is ideal for de-fuzzing large areas.
This tool has a sleek, modern, and simple design that is easy to use, easy to store, and produces great results on a range of fabric types. The transparent lint trap means it is easy to see when it needs to be emptied, and the adjustable ergonomic handle ensures comfort during use.
Pros
- USB rechargeable – no batteries!
- Can be used wirelessly or plugged in
- Easy to use and clean
- Removable guard allows the tool to be used on delicate clothing
- Affordable fabric shaver
Cons
- Waste container fills up quickly
- Not suitable for use with loose-woven fabrics
Summary
Thanks to USB charging, this fabric shaver from Duronic is an eco-friendly and convenient choice. The adjustable shaver settings mean it can be used on a variety of fabrics, but you should take care with any material that has a loose weave.
6. URAQT Lint Remover Fabric Shaver
The URAQT lint remover is a handy and easy-to-use device that can be used either wirelessly or wired. The ergonomic handle makes the device easy to hold and control, and the protective shaver foil helps protect your clothing.
This fabric shaver has a powerful motor and two shaver heads, and the safety lock helps to protect inquisitive kids. This fabric shaver is suitable for a range of fabric types, including woollen coats, sweaters, bedding, soft toys and fabric furniture.
The large surface area of the cutting head means you can tackle large areas of fabric very quickly and easily. This fabric shaver has a handy drawstring storage bag that makes it ideal for on-the-go use.
Features
- USB rechargeable
- Up to 9,000 rpm
- Supplied with spare blade
- Rose gold finish
- Safety lock
- Supplied with cleaning brush
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Transparent lint collector makes it easy to see when it needs emptying
- Does a good job on not only clothes, but furniture and mattresses too
- Very good results on wool
Cons
- Battery doesn’t last very long
- Lint collector is quite small
- Instructions aren’t easy to follow
Summary
Overall, the fabric shaver from URAQT is easy to use and safe on most fabric types. The safety lock makes this device safe for use in households with small children, and for convenience, this device is even supplied with a replacement blade.
7. Gleener Ultimate Bobble Remover Fabric Shaver and Lint Remover
Gleener’s Ultimate bobble remover and fabric shaver is a handy 2-in-1 tool that includes a built-in lint brush to give a perfect finish to de-pilling, whether you are working on clothing, upholstery, or furniture. The tool is available in a range of colours, and is supplied with three separate heads.
Features
- Manual, battery free operation
- 2-in-1 shaver and lint brush
- Suitable for thick, medium, and delicate fabrics
- Can be used on clothing, upholstery, linens, and more
- Ergonomic design
- Supplied with a travel pouch
Design, use and performance
Gleener’s manual fabric shaver is supplied with three separate blades, and so can be safely used on a wider variety of fabrics than some other manual alternatives.
The tool is supplied with a blade for bulky fabrics, one for medium fabrics, and one for delicate fabrics, and changing between them is easy. The tool even has a built-in lint brush for finishing up.
The size and ergonomic design of the tool means it can be used on clothing, upholstery, and even fabric furniture. The tool is even easy to clean and store.
Pros
- Battery-free operation is more eco-friendly
- Interchangeable blades mean it can be used on a wide range of fabrics
- Can be used to pull hair and fur out of fabric furniture and rugs
- Choice of colours
- Good value for money
Cons
- Replacement blades are hard to come by
- Can struggle with some larger pills
Summary
The Gleener Ultimate bobble remover’s three separate heads means that it is suitable for use on a range of fabrics, even some delicate ones.
The tool is easy to use, and the manual operation means it is more eco-friendly than electric versions, however replacement blades are hard to come by.
8. Yewrrite Portable Lint Remover
Yewrrite’s portable lint removers come in handy packs of three and provide a simple way to get wool bobbles out of clothing, carpets, and other fabrics.
These little lint removing tools are designed to easily tackle bobbles, stuck pet hair, and general lint build-up.
Features
- Battery-free
- Ergonomic design
- Long lasting copper blades
- Wooden, non-slip handle
- Sold as pack of three
Design, use and performance
The Yewrrite lint removers are lightweight, ergonomic, and easy to use, and they do a great job of tackling bobbling on sturdier fabrics.
However, like other manual bladed lint removers, they can damage some lightweight or delicate fabrics.
The lint removers are ideal for families with pets, as they do a great job of getting fur out of carpets, blankets, wool, and other hardy fabrics.
Pros
- Small size makes it easy to use and store
- Can be used on clothing, bedding, furniture, and car upholstery
- Great for getting hair or fur out of carpets
- Good value for money
Cons
- Lightweight construction can feel cheap
- Can damage some clothing or delicate fabrics
Summary
Yewrrite’s manual lint removers have an ergonomic design that ensures comfort during use, and they do a great job on sturdy clothing and carpet full of pet hair.
Battery-free operation means they are eco-friendly, and their small size makes them easy to store and transport.
Fabric Shaver Buying Guide
What are fabric shavers?
Fabric shavers are small gadgets used for removing bobbles (pilling) from clothes, furniture and upholstery. They are usually handheld electric devices that you run over your sweater or another item of clothing and remove the bobbles.
Fabric shavers are a bit like electric shavers, though they have a rotating round head with a spinning blade and a guard to protect the fabric.
Fabric shavers usually work by directing fuzz balls, or lint into a compartment which can then be emptied later.
The fabric shaver is often referred to by other names including lint remover, sweater shaver, lint shaver, defuzzer, debobbler, bobble shaver and bobble remover.
Fabric shavers have several uses:
- Removing bobbles and pilling from clothes, especially sweaters and woolly jumpers
- Removing fuzz balls from sofas
Why buy a fabric shaver?
A lot of people assume that once an item of clothing starts pilling and bobbles are popping up left, right and centre, it’s had it. That simply isn’t true—with a fabric shaver, you can make it look just like it did the day you bought it.
Fabric shavers are therefore a great way to keep your clothes looking fresh and stop them getting that worn-out look.
Fabric shavers are especially useful if you own a lot of woollen clothing, as wool tends to collect lint balls much more than other kinds of fabric.
What kinds of fabric shavers are available?
Some fabric shavers are more powerful than others. A heavy-duty fabric shaver is better for tough fabrics, whereas a less aggressive fabric shaver is better for delicate clothing.
What should you look for in a fabric shaver?
The kinds of features your ideal fabric shaver will have depends a lot on what you will be using the fabric shaver for. Here are some things to consider:
- Large pill cup: If you’re going to be running the fabric shaver over a large settee or using it on a lot of clothes, you should look for one with a large pill cup, as this means you won’t need to empty it so often.
- Doesn’t damage clothes: This seems obvious, but you want to make sure you get a lint remover that has been tried and tested and won’t damage your clothes.
- Safety guard: If you have children, you will want to be extra careful about the kind of fabric shaver you choose. Look for one with an automatic safety protection feature, or a well-designed safety guard if you have kids.
- Rotations per minute: Lint removers with a higher the number of rotations per minute will be able to remove bobbles quicker than those with a lower number of rotations.
- Battery-operated: This is especially important if you want to take your lint remover with you while travelling.
- 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.
- Ergonomic grip: Many fabric shavers are designed with a non-slip, ergonomic handle. This is a good feature to have as it gives you more control over the fabric shaver.
How to Use a Fabric Shaver
There are a range of ways to remove pilling from clothing, but an electric fabric shaver is easily one of the most efficient. If you’ve just invested in a new fabric shaver and aren’t sure how to use it, keep on reading.
An electric fabric shaver is easily the fastest and most effective method of removing pills from clothing. Once the device is charged up or you’ve inserted batteries, lay the fabric across a flat surface.
Apply the device to the garment in small, circular motions, starting with the lightest possible contact, increasing as needed. This will protect your fabrics from damage.
Continue until all of the pills have been removed. They will then be stored in the shaver’s lint collector ready to be emptied.
Fabric Shaver FAQs
Is a fabric shaver worth it?
Most fabric shavers cost between £10 and £20 pounds. They also use electricity, unless you choose a manual lint remover, so there are some running costs as well.
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!
In fact, it’s an investment that will allow you to keep your clothes for longer. A fabric shaver is a particularly good choice if you have things like expensive woollen or cashmere jumpers that you don’t want to throw away.
However, lower-quality fabric shavers can be a waste of time and money. Some fabric shavers will barely make a difference to your clothes, so it’s important to choose a good product that actually works.
Do fabric shavers ruin clothes?
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.
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?
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.
You can also use electronic clippers or a beard shaver.
Do fabric shavers work on sheets?
Yes, you can use a fabric shaver on sheets and other bedding such as mattress toppers and pillow covers.
Do fabric shavers get dull?
Yes, the blades on fabric shavers eventually go dull. It’s usually not possible to buy replacement blades, meaning you’ll need to replace the shaver itself. This can be frustrating, especially when they go blunt quickly.
Conclusion
There you have it, our list of the top lint removers and fabric shavers for clothes. Our number 1 pick is the Philips GC026/30 Fabric Shaver as it works effectively, is reliable and comes at an affordable price.
We hope you found this article useful in your search for the perfect lint remover – now get de-pilling those clothes and bring your wardrobe back to life!
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