Buying guide for Best fabric defuzzers
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A fabric defuzzer, also called a fabric shaver, is a handheld tool that removes excess fuzz, lint, or pilling from sweaters, coats, blankets, curtains, upholstery, and other household fabrics. This easy-to-use tool is an inexpensive way to make your favorite items look brand new again.
Fabric defuzzers are either corded or cordless and vary in size and settings. Some have larger heads that are better suited to defuzzing things like bedding or upholstery, while others have smaller heads that allow for precise trimming. Models that have blades with adjustable heights allow you to work on a variety of fabrics with varying levels of pilling.
Key considerations
Fabric defuzzers capture fuzz in their lint chamber, which can be easily emptied. Some models have adjustable razor heights and speeds to accommodate different fabrics and different levels of pilling.
Choosing the right fabric defuzzer for you means considering how often you intend to use it, whether you will take it with you when you travel, and what type of fabric you will use it on.
Corded or cordless
Corded fabric defuzzers must be plugged in to operate but tend to pack more power. There’s no need to worry about whether the battery is full. Some corded models may also have rechargeable batteries, offering the ability to unplug when you need to reach a tricky area or you just want to bring your defuzzer on the road.
Cordless fabric defuzzers either use batteries or have a built-in rechargeable battery. Those that use disposable batteries usually take two AA batteries. Some cordless models may include AC adapters and can be plugged into a wall outlet.
Expert tip
Pair a battery-operated model with rechargeable batteries. These are great for those who need to travel with a fabric defuzzer.
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Shaving surface size
A larger shaving surface paired with a more powerful motor can handle larger items like blankets, while a smaller shaving surface is better for precise trimming, which is useful when working with clothing.
Smaller fabric defuzzers usually have a head with a diameter of around two inches, which works well for clothing but can also be used for larger items, particularly if it is a corded model.
Larger defuzzers have head diameters of around 2.5 inches, making them well suited for bigger jobs. They can be used on clothing but may struggle with smaller areas and difficult angles.
Blade height and speed settings
Many fabric defuzzers have only one blade height and speed setting. Defuzzers designed to work on different fabrics in varying states of disrepair have blade height and speed settings.
Height adjustments are useful for dealing with different types of fabric or particularly delicate fabric. Speed adjustments allow you to work quicker or slower, depending on how delicate the task at hand may be.
Lint collection
Most fabric defuzzers have a lint compartment that collects removed fuzz. When the compartment reaches its maximum capacity, it can be emptied into the garbage.
Some models have a detachable lint compartment, which is somewhat more convenient than a compartment attached to the defuzzer itself. Models without a dedicated lint compartment require you to remove the head to empty collected lint.
Take note of the size of the lint compartment. While the specific size isn’t usually listed by manufacturers, customer reviews may note a larger lint compartment that allows you to work longer without stopping to empty the compartment.
Features
Design and portability
Fabric defuzzers can range greatly in their shape, weight, and size.
One of the most common designs looks similar to a rotary razor, with a round handle and angled head. Some models may have a separate lint compartment that sticks out below the head. Other models have elongated designs with the head on one end.
Ultra-compact models are almost spherical in design, so the whole device fits in your hand. If you plan to stow your fabric defuzzer in your luggage, consider a compact and lightweight design. Some fabric defuzzers weigh as little as three ounces, while others can weigh up to 20 ounces.
Included accessories
Some models may include additional accessories to care for and protect your fabric defuzzer to keep it working well.
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A cleaning brush can be used to get fabric out of the foil to allow the blades to rotate at their maximum speed.
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Protective caps can keep dirt and other debris from getting into the head and damaging the blades.
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A storage bag not only protects your fabric defuzzer but also keeps it in the same place as its accessories and parts, like a charging cable or spare batteries.
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Spare blades can keep your defuzzer trimming efficiently and can prevent your clothing from becoming damaged.
Expert tip
Store your fabric defuzzer somewhere like your linen closet after each use so you always know where it is when you need it.
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Fabric defuzzer prices
Inexpensive
Fabric defuzzers for $4 to $10 may work in a pinch but lack the power and precision of more expensive models. These may have cheap parts that can break easily, and a broken foil can exacerbate your pilling problems and even damage fabric.
Mid-range
Most defuzzers fall in the $10 to $20 range. These may be corded or battery-powered and sometimes have multiple settings for different fabric types. Detachable lint compartments can often be found in this range.
Expensive
Defuzzers from $20 to $60 are often made with durable components and may include additional accessories like carrying bags and cleaning brushes. The motors of more expensive defuzzers tend to be more powerful, making them better able to defuzz items like curtains or sheets.
Tips
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The lighter a fabric defuzzer is, the longer you can use it without your arm becoming tired.
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For the best results, you should lay your clothing on a flat and hard surface to ensure even trimming.
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When comparing the weight of defuzzers, take the weight of the batteries into consideration.
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Not all cordless fabric defuzzers can or should be used while plugged in. Take note of the manufacturer’s recommended use.
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Just about anything with fabric can benefit from a fabric defuzzer — this includes items like pillowcases, socks, and even stuffed animals.
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Excess lint doesn’t have to be garbage. It can be used to make firestarters, or it can be composted if it came from natural fabrics.
FAQ
Q. Can fabric defuzzers damage clothing?
A. If used properly, it is highly unlikely the defuzzer will damage the part of the fabric that is still holding together.
Expert tip
You can clean manual fabric defuzzers by rinsing them with hot water.
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Q. Can fabric defuzzers be used on handmade items?
A. Yes, they should be able to remove pilling and fuzz without damaging handmade items.
Q. What type of motion should you use when using a fabric defuzzer?
A. In general, a circular motion will yield the best results, but moving the defuzzer in different directions won’t damage fabric.
