We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
The best fabric shavers to remove pilling and get your jumpers in shape
Keep your favourite clothes looking good for longer
Tested by Blossom Boothroyd and Jasmin Joyce
Pilling can quickly transform your favourite knitwear from smart to shabby. However, help is at hand. Instead of painstakingly picking each bobble off your beloved jumper one at a time, the best fabric shavers (also known as debobblers) will swiftly remove them, leaving your clothes looking as good as new. Bye-bye, bobbles.
At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we wanted to know if fabric shavers truly deserve a spot in our clothing care line-up. So, our experts raided their wardrobes and put a selection to the test to find out. These are the debobblers that genuinely impressed us in a quick shopping. list. For our full reviews, keep reading.
Best fabric shavers to buy in 2026
Best Deal
How we test fabric shavers
We test fabric shavers just as you use them at home. Our Good Housekeeping Institute experts gather together their bobbliest jumpers and set to work to see which fabric shaver produces the neatest results. These are the factors we take into account when awarding our score.
- Debobbling performance: Each device is used across cashmere, merino wool, lambswool and polyester, so we can see how they fare across the most common fabrics in your wardrobe. Our experts first see how much it removes in one sweep from a set area of pilling, before assessing how long it takes to remove all pilling from the same area.
- Ease of use: Throughout testing, our experts examine how easy each device is to use, including how comfortable it is to hold for long periods and how much mess it makes.
- Design: We consider the usefulness of each fabric shaver's design, including features like a lint catcher and travel lock, and assess how easy it is to keep clean.
- Instructions: As always, our testers assess the clarity of any instructions each fabric shaver comes with. Guidance on using it properly – including tips to prevent damaging delicate fabrics – is crucial.
These are our winners.
Philips 1000 Series Fabric Shaver
Pros
- Excellent all-round performance
- Comfortable to use
- Rechargeable
Cons
- Takes a little longer on cashmere
Score: 92/100
This egg-shaped debobbler received glowing praise from our in-house textiles expert. They said it was comfortable to hold and cut through piling with ease – from cashmere to polyester and lambswool. Most garments looked as good as new after a quick pass, with a few more goes needed occasionally to catch smaller, stubborn bobbles.
It was neat to use, collecting all the lint inside, and you can see inside to check when it needs emptying. Opening it was slightly fiddly to master at first, but our expert got used to it after a few attempts.
It's rechargeable, and the battery lasted 90 minutes on test, recharging quickly too. Plus, a low battery indicator means you won't be caught by surprise. It's a superstar debobbler for jumpers, upholstery and more.
Read our homes editor's full Philips Fabric Shaver review
Key specifications
| Designed for | All garments - head is designed to protect even delicate garments |
|---|---|
| Type | Electric fabric shaver |
| Power source | Rechargeable via USB – battery lasts up to 90 minutes |
| Accessories | Cleaning brush, blade cover |
Russell Hobbs Revive Fabric Shaver
Pros
- Powerful model
- Travel lock stops it turning on in your bag
Cons
- Care needs to be taken on delicate fabrics
- Not all fluff gets trapped, which can be a little messy
Score: 90/100
Needing just two passes to fully de-bobble our cashmere and merino wool jumpers, this fabric shaver excelled when it came to tackling more delicate fabrics. Even large bobbles on lambswool were removed after a few passes and our knits looked wonderfully refreshed. Lint on common fabrics such as polyester was removed in just one pass too.
Some light fluff escaped its bin storage, leaving a light dusting over the testing surface, and while we love the magnetic design that makes the bin easy to remove (and empty), we’d avoid popping the fabric shaver in a bag while full in case it pops open!
Key specifications
| Designed for | All fabrics |
|---|---|
| Type | Electric fabric shaver |
| Power source | USB-C rechargeable |
| Accessories | Cleaning brush |
Pros
- Batteries included
- Clear waste bin lets you see when it needs emptying
Cons
- Batteries required; not rechargeable
- A little noisy
Score: 88/100
This electric fabric shaver removed pilling with ease across cashmere, merino wool and more, making it ideal if your wardrobe is full of different fabrics. Testers liked that its well-sized head could cover a large surface area quickly and it tackles all sizes of pilling as it goes.
They found it simple to use thanks to an ergonomic handle and an internal waste bin that trapped removed lint, keeping everything tidy. It also emptied easily. It comes with two batteries to operate, a cleaning brush and a height adjustment cap for delicate textiles. Handily if this is your first fabric shaver, the accompanying instructions are clear too.
Key specifications
| Designed for | All fabrics |
|---|---|
| Type | Electric fabric shaver |
| Power source | Two AA batteries |
| Accessories | Safety cap and cleaning brush |
Barberboss Cordless Fabric Shaver
Barberboss Cordless Fabric Shaver
Pros
- Screw-on lint compartment keeps fluff securely contained
- Internal light makes cleaning easy
Cons
- Lint bin is somewhat small so may need emptying more frequently
Score: 87/100
This affordable fabric shaver whipped away most pilling from all fabrics in a single sweep during testing – just a few more passes were needed to fully de-fuzz. It also worked well around awkward areas, such as armpits, without damaging or catching on the fabric.
Our tester found the finger loop tended to get in the way and would have preferred a moulded handle for a better grip, and they found the bin somewhat small, so you may find yourself needing to empty it a few times during bigger projects. However, no lint escaped, which makes it a tidy option.
Our tester enthused about one feature, in particular. “I love that when you’re cleaning it with the brush, the ‘on’ button will activate a light that allows you to see all the little bits of fabric you need to clean up more clearly,” she said. “Very handy!”
Key specifications
| Designed for | Clothing, bedding, upholstery, curtains, and soft furnishings |
|---|---|
| Type | Electric |
| Power source | Rechargeable via USB – battery lasts up to 90 minutes |
| Accessories | USB-C charging cable, cleaning brush |
Beldray Easy Empty Electric Lint Remover
Beldray Easy Empty Electric Lint Remover
Pros
- Magnetic bin lid is easy to remove after use
- Has two different speeds for tougher or more delicate fabrics
Cons
- Handle may feel small or uncomfortable for people with larger hands
Score: 86/100
We love that this fabric shaver has two speeds, which means it can handle more robust fabrics while being able to go more slowly on delicates. It removed most pilling in just one pass, with just one or two more sweeps needed for smaller bobbles and fine fluff.
The magnetic bin cover makes emptying it very fast and easy – a real plus when you’re tackling bigger projects – and the mini cleaning brush provided is great for getting under the blade. Our tester just noted that while the handle is comfortable for short periods, anyone with larger hands may not be able to get a good grip through the hole. A simple gadget at a good price, though.
Key specifications
| Designed for | Clothes, upholstery, blankets and more |
|---|---|
| Type | Electric |
| Power source | Rechargeable via USB – battery lasts up to 2.5 hours |
| Accessories | USB-C charging cable, cleaning brush |
Gleener Fuzz Remover 2 in 1 Clothes De-Piller and Lint Brush
Gleener Fuzz Remover 2 in 1 Clothes De-Piller and Lint Brush
Pros
- Manual design doesn’t need batteries
- Easier to control than electric models
Cons
- Requires some elbow grease
Score: 83/100
Does the thought of taking electric blades to your favourite jumpers make you feel nervous? Then this manual jumper defuzzer is an excellent alternative. Despite requiring a touch more work to achieve the desired results, it did a great job of freshening up fabrics, particularly with merino wool, lambswool and polyester. Plus, it has three different heads so you can tailor it to different textiles, and there’s no worrying about batteries or recharging.
Testers found its handle comfortable and said it was good at getting into corners and seams. It requires more clean-up since you need to collect fluff as you go, but it does have an integrated lint brush to speed this up. It comes with detailed instructions, and you can store it neatly in an accompanying travel pouch.
Key specifications
| Designed for | All fabrics apart from embroidered fabric, very delicate fabric or loose weave knits |
|---|---|
| Type | Manual |
| Power source | N/A |
| Accessories | Storage bag, three adjustable heads |
Pros
- Sleek design
- Rechargeable battery lasts two hours
Cons
- Higher price tag
- Needs emptying regularly
Score: 82/100
For a wool bobble remover that looks as sleek as the garments it’s working on, look no further than this premium electric model. It's rechargeable, so you don’t need to worry about batteries, but you still benefit from added power.
Testers found the debobbler’s large head covered their garments quickly, reliably removing pilling within a few sweeps. It worked the fastest on polyester, and all our wool was left looking refreshed.
Note that while the lint is stored within the body, our testers recommend cleaning the blades regularly during use to prevent clogging. Otherwise, it’s another great buy for beginners, with clear instructions, making it a chic and effective wardrobe companion.
Key specifications
| Designed for | All fabrics |
|---|---|
| Type | Electric fabric shaver |
| Power source | Rechargeable via a USB – charge lasts for up to two hours |
| Accessories | Cleaning brush and charging cable |
The White Company Beech Wood Pilling Comb
The White Company Beech Wood Pilling Comb
Pros
- Small and portable
Cons
- Best for small areas
Score: 71/100
If you’ve got a whole wardrobe in need of some TLC, we wouldn’t recommend this comb as you’ll be working for a while. That said, if you just need a debobbler for small touch-ups on the go, the compact design is ideal.
As it’s entirely manual, you have to put some effort in for the best results, and because it has just one texture, it's not suitable for more delicate fabrics. But for knitwear, testers found their jumpers started to look noticeably revived after a few sweeps. We found it wasn’t too messy to use either. One to keep in your bag or suitcase.
Key specifications
| Designed for | Knitwear and cashmere |
|---|---|
| Type | Cashmere comb |
| Power source | N/A |
| Accessories | None |
Why you should trust the Good Housekeeping Institute
Here at the Good Housekeeping Institute, we’re all about extending the life of our clothes – so we couldn’t wait to put these fabric shavers through their paces. The strict testing protocols we used were developed by our highly experienced homes testing manager Blossom Boothroyd, and were designed to reflect how you'd use them at home.
Our senior homes writer, Megan Geall, then took the results and turned them into easy-to-read reviews, pulling out the best buys for every need and budget. Megan has her finger firmly on the pulse of the latest homes product launches, talking to brands and attending industry events.
No one can buy the Good Housekeeping Institute’s seal of approval. It only appears on products that have passed our rigorous, independent assessments, which are carried out in our dedicated testing lab. We’ve been reviewing products for over 100 years, so we know exactly what separates the great buys from the disappointing ones.
Final verdict: what is the best fabric shaver?
If you're wondering whether you need a fabric shaver, our answer would be a resounding yes. These handy gadgets can give your clothes numerous new leases of life, and they'll help care for those treasured pieces. Bye-bye bobbles!
In terms of which one our experts recommend, the Philips 1000 Series Fabric Shaver shot straight to the top of our list following its impressive performance on test.
If you prefer the control of a manual fabric shaver, opt for Gleener's Fuzz Remover 2 in 1 Clothes De-Piller and Lint Brush. It's versatile and effective, and you'll never need to worry about battery life.
Do fabric shavers really work?
Yes – when used correctly, a fabric shaver (also known as a debobbler or bobble remover) is very effective at removing pilling and giving clothes a smarter-looking finish. In our tests, the best models removed bobbles quickly from a range of fabrics including cashmere, merino wool, lambswool and polyester.
While they won’t make heavily worn garments brand new, they can significantly extend the life of your knitwear and keep clothes looking well cared for.
What is the difference between a fabric shaver and a lint remover?
A fabric shaver is designed to remove pilling (those small bobbles that form when fibres rub together), usually by cutting them away.
A lint remover, such as a sticky roller or brush, lifts surface debris like hair, dust and fluff but won’t tackle embedded bobbles. In short, lint removers tidy the surface, while fabric shavers deal with more serious wear and refresh the fabric itself.
Are fabric shavers safe to use on delicate fabrics like cashmere and wool?
Many fabric shavers are designed with protective heads or height adjustment caps to reduce the risk of damage, so they’re safe to use on delicates, as long as you go carefully. Always hold the fabric taut, use light pressure and avoid lingering over one area. For very delicate or loose-weave knits, a manual fabric shaver or comb may offer more control.
What’s the difference between an electric fabric shaver and a manual one?
Electric fabric shavers use rotating blades to cut away bobbles quickly and usually collect lint in an internal bin, making them faster and neater to use. A manual bobble remover – such as the Gleener 2 in 1 Fuzz Remover and The White Company Beech Wood Pilling Comb – rely on scraping away pilling by hand.
Manual debobblers take more time and require a bit more effort but give you greater control and don’t need batteries or charging. Both can be effective; the best choice depends on your most-worn fabrics and how much debobbling you plan to do.
If you’re replacing an existing fabric shaver, there are plenty of places for you to safely recycle your old one. Find your nearest electrical recycling point, or read our guide on how to donate or dispose of your appliances and tech for extra guidance.
Love the Good Housekeeping Institute’s tried and tested reviews? Click the 'Add to Preferred Sources' button at the top of this article to see us more often in your Google searches.
Megan is the Good Housekeeping Institute’s senior homes and lifestyle writer. She loves diving into the latest product releases to find the very best buys on the market and has written hundreds of product reviews on everything from the best vacuum cleaners and coffee machines to the best ice cream makers and robot window cleaners.
When she’s not writing about the newest gadgets and gizmos for your home and garden, you’ll find her running every distance from 5km to 100km or relaxing at home with her cat – there really is no in between.
Megan has an MA in Magazine Journalism and has previously written for Stylist, Glamour, Women's Health, TimeOut, SquareMeal, and YOU magazine. You can find Megan on Instagram @meganlouisegeall.
Jasmine is the Good Housekeeping Institute’s homes writer. With a background in design, she is committed to sorting the good products from the great –and helping Good Housekeeping readers do the same.
Throughout her career, Jasmine has written extensively about product quality, craftsmanship and sustainability, and is passionate about consumer rights. She previously worked as a writer and researcher at the product longevity platform Buy Me Once.
If she isn’t reviewing the latest gadgets for your home, you can probably find Jasmine cooking elaborate meals or crafting something weird and wonderful!
Blossom is passionate about finding the best home products and appliances for GH readers. As head of the homes testing team, she has led reviews across multiple categories, from pizza ovens, and smart plugs to portable fans and hobs. She enjoys delving into the intricacies of products and refining testing protocols to ensure we’re testing them against their claims. Her aim is to find the top-performing products on the market, to help take the hard work out of housework. Blossom’s most notable accomplishment in the lab has been toasting 528 slices of bread in her quest to find the best toasters money can buy. In her free time, she openly admits to being a music geek and indulges her creative side through crocheting, baking, singing and writing.
Jasmin is a Household Product Specialist at the Good Housekeeping Institute, with extensive experience testing products across kitchen, sleep, laundry care, household cleaning, refrigeration, dish care and more. Her work ranges from detailed performance analysis of washing machines, dishwashers and refrigeration appliances to hands-on assessments of cookware, cleaning products and sleep essentials.
With a Master’s degree in Chemistry from Imperial College London, Jasmin combines technical expertise with a strong aptitude for interpreting large datasets to deliver clear, evidence-based consumer insights.
