How to Treat Constipation in Newborns

Constipation can be a serious problem for newborn babies. Left untreated, it can cause a bowel blockage that might require surgery. Constipation in a newborn can also be a sign of a more serious medical problem. That's why it is very important to know how to spot constipation in your newborn and how to treat it. Luckily, there are a number of measures you can take to alleviate your baby's constipation.

EditSteps

EditSpotting the Signs

1. Look for signs of pain during your baby's bowel movements. If your baby exhibits signs of pain while trying to have a bowel movement, it could be a symptom of constipation. Look if your baby makes painful faces, arches their back, or cries while trying to have a bowel movement.^[1]
   
   • Keep in mind, however, that babies often strain during bowel movements because their abdominal muscles are underdeveloped. If your baby strains for a few minutes and then produces a normal stool, then everything should be okay.
2. Keep track of your baby's bowel movements. An indication of infant constipation is long periods without a bowel movement. If you're concerned, try to remember when your baby last had a bowel movement.^[2]
   
   • Write down whenever your baby has a bowel movement if your are worried your baby may be constipated.
   • It isn't uncommon for babies to have several days in between bowel movements. Typically if your baby doesn't have a bowel movement after five days, this could be a cause for concern, and you should contact your doctor.^[3]
   • If your baby is less than two weeks old, contact your doctor if it has been more than two to three days between bowel movements.
3. Examine any stools that your newborn passes. Even if your baby produces stool, she still may be suffering from constipation. Look for the following characteristics in your baby's stool to determine if she may be constipated.^[4]
   
   • Small, pellet-like pieces of stool.
   • Dark-colored, black, or grey stool.
   • Dry pieces with little to no moisture.
4. Watch for any signs of blood in the stool or on the diaper. A small tear in the sensitive rectal wall may have occurred from your baby forcing the passage of a hard stool.
   

EditTreating Infant Constipation

1. Increase your baby’s fluid intake. Constipation is often caused by a lack of fluid in the digestive tract. Offer the breast or formula more frequently than you have been, up to every two hours.
   
2. Use glycerin suppositories. If dietary changes aren't effective, you can try using a glycerin suppository. This is gently placed into your baby's anus and helps lubricate stool. These are only meant for occasional use, however, so do not administer a suppository without first speaking to the baby's healthcare provider.^[5]
   
3. Try massaging your baby. Try massaging your baby’s tummy in a circular motion close to their navel. This may offer some comfort to your baby and help promote a bowel movement.
   
   • Try bicycling their legs to see if this helps.
4. Give your baby a warm bath. This may help him to relax enough to allow the passage of stool. You can also try placing a warm face cloth on your baby’s tummy.^[6]
   
5. Visit your doctor. If any of these remedies don't help your baby's constipation, you should take them to the doctor right away. Constipation can cause a blockage of the bowel, which is a serious medical problem. Constipation in a newborn can be a sign of a other serious health problems. Your baby's doctor will perform a full exam and can prescribe a treatment that will alleviate your baby's constipation.
   
6. Seek emergency medical care in serious circumstances. Constipation can be a serious problem if paired with certain symptoms. Rectal bleeding and/or vomiting can indicate a bowel blockage, which is a life-threatening condition. If your baby exhibits constipation with these symptoms, visit the emergency room as soon as possible.^[7] Other concerning symptoms include:
   
   • Excessive sleepiness or irritability
   • Swollen or distended abdomen
   • Poor feeding
   • Decreased urination

EditWarnings

• Refrain from treating constipation in your baby with the use of laxatives or enemas without a health professional’s approval.

EditSources and Citations

Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found

source How to of the Day http://ift.tt/2f662Ll

How to Collect Small Business Debt

Small businesses rely on a healthy flow of income to remain in business—especially since over 50% of new businesses fail within the first five years.^[1] For small businesses, a bad debt can mean the difference between profitability and net losses. For a small business, collecting debts can be a difficult and, occasionally, litigious process. There are a number of things you can do to increase your chances of being paid. Read on to find out how to avoid bad debts, manage overdue payments and collect debts.

EditSteps

EditAvoiding Bad Debts

1. Develop a payment policy. Before you provide any services or goods, contract with your customer so they understand what they are responsible for paying and when. Make sure all document language is clear. Discuss the account with the customer so you can be sure they are familiar with any charged amounts and due dates. Payment terms need to be agreed on by both parties.^[2]
   
   • Consider adopting a late payment fee to encourage on-time payments. You may choose to charge a percentage of the total bill when payments become delinquent—2% is typical. Make sure all late fee policies are included in your contract or payment policy.^[3]
   • You may prefer to ask for at least 50% of payment upfront. This ensures you at least receive something in exchange for your time and efforts.^[4]
   • Do research about collecting interest. Federal and state laws regulate the collection of interest on debts. Always make sure that any interest you charge is lawful and included in your payment policy to avoid debt forfeiture or a fine. You can check usa.gov for your state's usury laws.
2. List the due date on every bill you send. Some invoices state, "payment due upon receipt." You may also use "net 15 days," "net 30 days" or any other period of time in which you expect someone to remit payment.
   
   • Placing a due date on a bill encourages your customer to include it in a current or upcoming billing cycle. If you do not place a due date on the bill, the business or individual may wait a month or two before paying, especially if bills are tight.
   • Don't wait 30 days from the date of service or delivery of the product to send out a bill. Bill every 15 to 30 days. The sooner you send out the bill, the more likely you will get paid sooner.
3. Send reminder bills. When a payment becomes past due, immediately send a reminder noting the amount owed as well as the fact that payment is now past due. Many customers are so busy that they simply forget a bill hasn’t been paid. They will often pay it as soon as they realize payment is past due.
   
   • Keep a record of all contact with the debtor. You will need the dates and times of your calls, letters and any other communication about the late payment, in case of legal action. You may also need to address this information when you contact the debtor.
4. Keep a contact with each company or customer. Make sure you have relevant contact information, such as address, telephone number and extension number, if available.It is also good to check in with your business contacts regularly. Engaged business relationships promote a mutual desire to fulfill transactions.
   
   • Address each bill directly to the person who makes financial decisions in a business or the person responsible for the account.
   • If you don’t have a contact for a business transaction, you can usually call the front desk and be connected to Accounts Payable.
5. Create a procedure for dealing with debts. You will need to decide what happens when payments are late. Generally, you first send out a reminder, then call the customer or business that is late with a payment, follow up, try to negotiate and then take it to collections or pursue legal action if the debt remains unpaid. Everyone in your company should understand the process so they know where to direct those who owe debts when they reach out to you.
   

EditCollecting Debts

1. Understand your debtor. Try to figure out why the payment is late. Most debtors fall into 1 of 3 categories—either they want to pay but can’t do it on time because of difficulties with finances, they habitually delay payments as long as possible due to priorities for the month or they have decided not to pay you at all.^[5]
   
   • When you speak to the person or department that owes you money, try to uncover what type of debtor they are. Once you understand if non-payment has to do with finances, priorities or actual avoidance, you can come up with a solution for both parties that is, hopefully, mutually beneficial.
   • Know that a business with financial trouble may not want to discuss their possible failure.
2. Call the debtor about the account. The first step after mailing a bill and reminder is to contact them by phone. Identify yourself and your reason for calling.
   
   • Do not harass the debtor, just be straight-forward. Always use a civil tone and try to convey a desire to keep a positive relationship. You can address consequences further down the line.
   • Ask the person how they are and if they received your invoice. To discuss the late payment, try: "I am concerned because your payment is now (insert how many days) late. What can I do to help you make this payment and minimize consequences, such as (insert consequence)?" You can also ask if there is a reason they want to discuss on why the payment has been late.
   • Try to get a verbal agreement that the invoice will be paid and when.
   • Follow up the conversation in a week by phone, email or mail.
   • Never apologize for asking about a debt that is owed to you. Remember that the money rightfully belongs to you.^[6]
3. Call back in 15 to 30 days. If the debtor has not yet paid the debt, then you will want to remind them that the debt is still outstanding. At this point, the debt is probably around 60 days late. The longer payment is delayed, the less likely you will be paid.
   
   • You will want to be polite and ask how the person is doing before talking about the debt. At this point, you need to be clear that consequences are forthcoming. You can say: "As we agreed when you signed the contract/payment policy, when payment becomes (insert the amount of days) late, (insert consequences)."
   • Remind them all the times you have sent out notices, called, ect. See if they are willing to make a payment toward what they owe before you get off the phone with them.
   • Inquire about reasons for which payment is delayed. Be understanding. Ask if the debtor desires to pay by payment plan in order to avoid interest.
4. Discontinue all services or goods that the debtor receives. The amount of time that needs to pass before this happens should be detailed in your payment and company policies. Call them and send them a written letter of warning before discontinuing service for non-payment.
   
5. Write demand letters. These letters should address the account and include past invoices and references to past communication. Although they should not be directly threatening, the language should increasingly reference harsher legal action if they ignore their bill. Make sure you include a date that they must take action by to avoid further consequences.
   
   • For a small fee, you can work with an attorney or collection agency (without turning the debt over to them) at this step to make your letters more persuasive. Sometimes a customer will decide to pay when they see the collection agency or attorney information on the demand letter.
6. Negotiate with the debtor. Negotiation may be your only chance to receive some payment for your services or goods. Ask what they can pay or offer them a discount, depending upon the situation. Pursuing payment after this step can be expensive, so it may be worth it to accept whatever the debtor can pay.
   
   • If you know the business or customer is avoiding payment, it may be less expensive to give a discount and never deal with them again than to hire a collections agency or lawyer.
7. Send a "pre-collect notice" to the debtor. The letter is usually sent by a collection agency letting your debtor know you are seriously considering turning the debt over. This should state what options that the debtor has at this point and the date by which they have to respond. Sometimes debtors may respond when they realize this may be their last chance to deal with you before the debt affects their credit.
   
8. Be aware of bankruptcy. If you suspect your debtor may go bankrupt, then you will need legal advice from an attorney. You will also need to file a proof of claim to help your case. Once the debtor files bankruptcy, you can no longer take action to collect the debt unless the court decides otherwise.^[7]
   
   • Signs that someone who owes you money may be considering bankruptcy include: delayed payment, no communication with you and adverse economic conditions.

EditChoosing a Debt Collection Route

1. Choose how to collect the debt. To collect a debt, you can give the debt to a collection agency, go to small claims court or go to civil court if the amount is more substantial. A collection agency specializes in collecting debts and usually works for a percentage of the debt payments they receive—usually 50%. Small claims court does not require attorney fees and may be a good option with smaller debts. Civil court is really only feasible when amounts owed exceed $40,000.^[8]
   
2. Select a debt collection service. If you decide to move forward by giving the debt to a collection agency, then you need to know how to make the best agency choice. Always research your options. Call collection agencies and talk to them about your situation and find out whether they think they can collect the money owed.
   
   • Know that some individuals and businesses will not be concerned when you hand the debt over to a collection agency. They don’t care about their credit scores or reputation. In these cases, the legal system may be a better option.
   • Be sure that the agency you choose is licensed and bonded for business. Also, make sure they follow state and federal laws for debt collection, such as the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. It can make your business look bad if you do business with an agency that is not compliant.
   • The Consumer Protection Agency in your state or the regional Federal Trade Commission (FTC) office keeps records of grievances filed against an agency. Check with them first before selecting a particular agency.^[9]
3. Turn the debt over. You’ve decided the money you’re owed is large enough to pursue. You have determined that the cost of an agency is lower than just ignoring the debt or writing it off as bad debt when you do your taxes. You’ve picked an agency and have now “sold” the debt to them to manage.
   
   • Be sure to give copies of all previous correspondence to the agency. Understand that you will not receive the full debt and will likely receive about 50% of what the agency can get from the debtor or whatever percentage you and the agency agree on.
4. Take the debtor to small claims court. If you are owed a modest sum, such as $5,000 or less, then this is a viable option. Small claims court was developed to avoid excessive legal fees for relatively small, contested amounts. It ensures you can receive some of the funds owed without having to pay high court and attorney fees.
   
   • You will need to do paperwork in order to file a small claims action, and you will need to make sure the debtor is served. You will have a court date where your case will be decided, and you will likely have small fees to pay for paperwork.
   • Try a mediation. This is often done as part of small claims court. It is useful in the case of a dispute about payment amounts, and it can help you reach a settlement. You will need to split the cost of a professional mediator with your debtor.
   • Seek arbitration. An arbitrator is an impartial party that rules on a case. If both sides agree to arbitration, the decision is final.
   • Report the debtor to the state's credit bureau. You may choose to bring in an attorney to make sure all paperwork is done right. The aim of this is to place the debt as a bad mark on the debtor's credit record.

EditWarnings

• Always research your country or state's debt collection guidelines before pursuing a debt.
• Be aware that it is illegal to falsify information in seeking the collection of a debt.

EditThings You'll Need

• Company debt collection policy
• Letters
• Phone calls
• Records of all communication
• Interest accrual (if applicable)
• Lawyer
• Small claims court
• Mediator
• Arbitrator
• Credit bureau report

EditRelated wikiHows

• Choose a Debt Settlement Company
• Write a Debt Negotiation Letter
• Collect on a Debt in Small Claims Court
• Challenge the Validity of a Debt

EditSources and Citations

Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found

source How to of the Day http://ift.tt/2fsxtTZ

How to Deal With Mean Comments on the Internet

If you text, use email, instant messaging, or social media, you know how easy it is to receive mean comments. Unfortunately, cyberbullying is common in today's society and can leave you feeling angry, sad, hurt, or isolated. You can deal with mean comments on the internet if you address one-time comments, report cyberbullying, and take care of your feelings.

EditSteps

EditDealing with an Occasional Mean Comment

1. Take a cyber-break. Sometimes taking a break from being online is the best way to deal with mean comments on the internet.^[1] Staying online makes it more likely that you will look at the comment repeatedly and get more upset. It also makes it more likely that you will respond to the comment, which isn’t a good idea.
   
   • Close the app or walk away from your device so that you can think about how you want to deal with it and so that you can calm down.
   • Do something else like taking a walk or reading a book to distract yourself for a little while.
2. Keep the comments in perspective. You can deal with mean comments by thinking about who is posting the comments and why they might be doing it.^[2] Although some people are actually trying to be mean, some comments may be meant to be funny or, perhaps, they are just worded wrong but the intentions aren’t bad.
   
   • Look at the sender. The person may not even know you. You’re probably "friends" with people on SnapChat and Instagram that you don't ever talk to in real life and may not have even met.
   • Could it be interpreted differently? For example, a comment from your best friend about a picture you posted that says ‘you look awful lol’ could just be his way of teasing you.
   • If it’s a comment on social media, think about whether it’s possible the sender didn’t mean to make the comment public.
   • For example, did your friend that is new to Snapchat post a Snap publicly that they meant to send as a private message?
3. Remove the comments. If you are sure this a one-time or random event, then deal with the mean comment by deleting it or removing It from your page. Once it’s gone, you don’t have to see it anymore or risk anyone else seeing it and making a bigger deal out of it.
   
   • Most sites and apps make it easy to remove a comment that has been posted. Usually you can click ‘help’ and find instructions for removing a comment.
   • If it's a Facebook comment, click the ‘X’ in the top right corner of the post and press "Remove Post".
   • SnapChat posts are automatically deleted after 24 hours.
   • You can delete an Instagram comment by tapping it and then holding it. A ‘trash’ icon will appear in the top right corner that you can click to delete the comment.
4. Talk to the sender in private. If the comment is from someone you know, you can deal with it by telling the person how you feel. The sender may not realize that their comment was mean or that it hurt your feelings. Talking to them in private may convince them to stop.^[3]
   
   • Tell them the comment bothered you. Try saying, “The message you sent me really hurt my feelings. I know you may not have meant for it to. But, please don’t send me anything like that again.”
   • Explain that the comments could lead to false rumors being spread or unneeded drama between friends. For example, you might say, “What you posted could be misinterpreted in a bad way.”
   • If the comments are on social media and they are about something you would rather not discuss on the internet, then explain that to the person.
   • You could say, “I really don’t want everyone to know about that. Next time, please just call me or send me a private message.”
5. Talk to an adult you trust. If you are a child, pre-teen, or teenager and the mean comment is from an adult, you should tell another adult. You should also talk to an adult if the comment bothers you so bad that you can’t sleep, or your eating habits change, or you feel bad about yourself for a while.
   
   • Immediately tell an adult like your parent, teacher, coach, or religious leader if another adult posts something mean, untrue, or scary about you or to you.
   • For example, you could tell your coach, “Coach, a grown-up posted a comment about me on Facebook that really hurt my feelings and made me feel bad about myself.”
   • You could talk to your dad by saying, “A while ago someone posted a comment about me that was mean. I tried to ignore it, but it still really bothers me.”
   • Adults can help you with things like figuring out who the person is (if you don’t know), how to make sure they don’t do it again, and how to help you with how you feel about it.
6. Don’t feed trolls. Posting negative comments, or trolling, is a way for some people to gain recognition and sometimes it is just something they do to entertain themselves. If you are dealing with someone who often posts negative comments online for you or other people, then this person might be an internet troll. Internet trolls can be anonymous posters, or even people who are part of your social network.^[4] The best thing to do if you are dealing with a troll is to avoid giving that person the attention they are seeking.
   • Don’t respond to the person in any way, whether you are going to say something positive, negative, or neutral. Responding (or feeding) the troll will only cause that person to feel noticed and want to continue the abusive commenting.^[5] Ignore the comment and move on with your day.
   • Try taking a few deep breaths to calm down and then distract yourself with something pleasant, such as a video, an interesting article, or something offline, such as the view outside of your window.

EditAddressing Cyberbullying

1. Document the comment. Sometimes comments cross the line between mean and bullying. If the comments get sexually graphic, violent, threatening, humiliating or if the same person (or people) posts lots of mean comments about you, then it is cyberbullying.^[6] You should save some form of evidence of it so that you can report it.
   
   • If the comment references race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or disabilities it can be considered discrimination.^[7]
   • People often go back and delete mean comments they post on social media, so document the comment as soon as you see it.
   • Take a screenshot of the comment. Try to make sure you get the time, date, and sender’s name in the shot.
   • Keep a journal documenting where the comment was posted, what exactly it said or showed, who sent it, etc.
2. Don't post a response. Even though you may want to retaliate, stand up for yourself, or defend yourself in a reply post, it’s not a good idea. Responding to a cyberbully might make you feel better for a minute or two, but in the end, it will only make things worse.^[8]
   
   • The person wants a response from you and will probably use anything you post in response as a way to harass you even more.
   • A response from you could bring extra attention to the situation and upset you even more.
   • Write what you would post in response to the comment in your journal or in an email to yourself, instead.
3. Report the comments. Telling someone of authority like the site administrators or even a teacher is the best way to deal with cyber-bullying.^[9] They will be able to help you make the bully stop leaving mean comments (even if the person sends them anonymously).
   
   • If you are a child or teen, tell an adult like your parent or teacher about the comments. They can help you handle the situation and report it to the right people.
   • Make sure you send or show them your documentation of the comment. It will make it easier and quicker to stop the bully.
   • Some social networking sites have places like Facebook’s ‘Safety Center’ where you can report cyberbullying.
   • If the comment threatens something physical or sexual you should also report it to the police.
4. Change your privacy settings. Consider setting your email, messaging, and social media accounts up so that only people you know (or no one) can leave comments without you reviewing them first. Doing this will make it harder for the cyberbully to contact you and leave mean comments.^[10]
   
   • If possible, block the person that has been cyberbullying you. This may mean deleting them as an online ‘friend’. Check with the site or app for specific directions on doing this.
   • Send their email messages directly to your ‘spam’ or ‘trash’ folder or use your email provider’s block feature.

EditHandling Your Feelings

1. Use meditation as a coping technique. Even if it is just one comment, a mean post on the internet can be stressful and hurt your feelings or make you feel bad about yourself. Using coping techniques like meditation can help you deal with the effects the mean comments are having on you.^[11]
   
   • Sit or lie somewhere comfortable and allow your body to relax as much as possible.
   • Focus your mind on your breathing or on relaxing your body more. You may want to focus on a phrase or word like “Calm” or “I am relaxed”.
   • You can use meditation when a mean comment has you extra stressed, as well as practice it regularly to improve your health and well-being overall.
2. Try deep-breathing. Controlling and slowing your breathing can help you when you are feeling anxious or upset about a mean comment.^[12]
   
   • Inhale slowly through your nose. Try to feel the breath all the way to your belly.
   • Hold it for a few seconds, then slowly exhale through your mouth.
   • Repeat this as many times as you need to. Try to take longer to inhale, hold it for longer, and take longer to exhale with each breathe.
3. Express how you feel. Mean comments can affect you when you read them, as well as for a while after that. You may feel betrayed, angry, depressed, confused, or sad. Don’t ignore how you are feeling. The best way to deal with the way the comments make you feel is to acknowledge it.
   
   • Talk to someone close to you about how the comments make you feel and why they make you feel this way.
   • ”You might say, “Someone left a mean comment on my page and it really made me feel bad. Can I talk to you about it?”
   • Write about how you feel in your journal. Write down each feeling and why you think the comment made you feel this way. Write about how you can feel better.
   • Talk to someone like a parent, religious leader, or therapist if the comments are causing you to become depressed, lose sleep or affect your eating habits.
4. Focus on the positive about yourself. Don’t let the bully win by beating yourself up or believing the comments.^[13] Instead, deal with the mean comments by thinking about all the good things about you and the positive things in your life.
   
   • Make a list of all the positive things about you. Include things about your personality, skills and talents you have.
   • Look over your list frequently, but make a special effort to look over it after you receive a mean comment. This will help you deal with the comment without feeling bad about yourself.
   • Look at the nice and positive comments that people have sent you on the internet. Add any words they use to your list.
5. Use positive self-talk with yourself. It can be easy to start believing what the mean comments say and to start using negative self-talk like, “I AM stupid” or “I must be ugly”. Protect your self-esteem and your feelings by using positive self-talk to protect your feelings.^[14]
   
   • Any time you notice that you have thought something negative about yourself, immediately tell yourself the thought wasn’t true and remind yourself how great you are.
   • For example, you might say to yourself, “These comments aren’t true. I am a good person, people like me, and I like myself.”
6. Go offline. It’ll be much easier to deal with mean comments on the internet if you aren’t always on the online.^[15] So, turn your electronic device off and do something that you enjoy or to improve yourself. You’ll handle your feelings about being cyberbullied better if you do.
   
   • Spend time with friends and family in-person instead of online. They can help you deal with the mean comments, have fun, and feel better about yourself.
   • Do something active like going for a bike ride, taking a hike, or doing martial arts. It will give you time away from the internet and support your health.
   • Take a class or volunteer in your community. You’ll have the chance to meet new positive people as well as improve yourself or your community.

EditVideo

EditWarnings

• Don't give out personal information on the internet.
• If the comments turn into a situation where your safety is being threatened, you need to tell authorities.

EditRelated wikiHows

• Be Safe on the Internet
• Stop Cyber Bullying
• Avoid Being Cyberbullied
• Settle Internet Drama
• Stop Making Abusive Comments Online
• Deal With Message Board Criticism

EditSources and Citations

Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found

source How to of the Day http://ift.tt/2e9yqOZ

How to Remove Pilling From Clothing

Pilling occurs when the fibers in a fabric or garment rub together, causing them to break off and accumulate in small piles. Pilling usually occurs from extended wear and washing. Your favorite sweater or thrift-store find may seem unwearable due to accumulated pilling. Try to remove the pills at home before getting rid of a garment. Your favorite garment may be easily returned to its original state.

EditSteps

EditRemoving Pills With Household Tools

1. Use a sandpaper sponge. If you scrub your clothing with this sponge, your pilling will be gone!
   
2. Trim with scissors. Depending on the number and size of the pills, you may be able to trim them away with a pair of scissors. Lay the garment on a flat surface. Pull up individual pills trim away with your other hand. You may also put your hand inside the garment in order to pull it taught, and then gently trim away the pills.
   
   • Make sure to hold the scissors close to the fabric. Be gentle and slow, so you do not damage the fabric.
   • Small nail scissors are safer to use. They are duller and more precise, and are less likely to damage the fabric. ^[1]
3. Use a shaving razor. Take a disposable razor and lay the garment on a flat surface. Pull the fabric near the affected area taught with one hand. This will prevent you from cutting through the garment. Gently shave upward with the razor in small strokes. ^[2] Start with the lightest contact possible and increase as necessary.
   
   • Once you have accumulated a pile of pillings, use tape to remove from the fabric. Wrap a large loop of packing tape around your closed fingers, sticky side out. ^[3] Press against the fabric to pick up the accumulated pillings. Replace tape when it becomes full of pills. If you do not have packing tape, small strips of masking tape will also work.
   • Make sure to use a sharp, new razor. This will most effectively remove the pills. Avoid using shaving razors that have moisture strips or soap bars on either side. This will likely cause more pilling when rubbed against the fabric.
4. Use Velcro hair rollers. Hair rollers are very gentle, making them ideal for use on delicate fabrics like wool and cashmere. ^[4] Lay the garment on a flat surface and pull it taught. Lay the roller flat on the affected area. Gently roll upwards and out until the area is pill-free. The pilling will get caught in the hair roller. Pick it up and move it to another area if the garment is pilled in several areas.
   
5. Use a strip of Velcro. ^[5] If you have a piece of Velcro you can also use this to remove pillings. Consider using Velcro found on a shoe or wallet. Apply the Velcro hook-side down to the affected area of the garment. Gently pull up and repeat until the pilling is gone.
   
   • This method can damage very delicate fabrics, so do not use on cashmere or wool.

EditShopping for Pilling-Removal Tools

1. Buy a sweater comb. A sweater comb is a small, fine toothed comb made specifically for removing pilling. It is different from a hair comb because the teeth are smaller and closer together. Pull the fabric taught and scrape the affected area gently. Be careful not to damage the fabric.
   
2. Use an electric sweater shaver. An electric pill remover is more expensive than other tools, but the fastest, most effective method. Insert batteries and lay the garment on a flat surface. Apply to the garment in small, circular motions. Start with the lightest contact possible and increase as needed. Continue until the pills disappear. They will accumulate in the shaver's barrel, which you can empty as it fills up.
   
3. Try a sweater stone. A sweater stone is made especially for removing sweater pills. To use, lay the garment on a flat surface and pull flat. Gently rub the stone against the affected area. Drag it across the fabric and pull of the extra pills as they accumulate, using tape or your fingers.
   

EditPreventing Pilling Before it Occurs

1. Shop for fabrics that are less likely to pill. Fabrics made of fiber blends are more susceptible to pilling. Fiber blends combine natural and synthetic fibers, and they are more likely to rub together and form pills. This is especially true for fabrics with three or more different types of fibers. ^[6]
   
2. Look for tightly knit sweaters. Check the fabric before you buy. Tightly knit fabrics are less likely to pill, whereas looser weaves or more susceptible to pilling ^[7]
   
3. Turn your garment inside out. Turn the garment inside out before washing. This will prevent noticeable pilling as the fabric rubs against itself and other garments in the wash. You can also try storing the garment inside out by turning it inside out before hanging or folding it. ^[8]
   
4. Wash gently. Use a delicate cycle when washing in the washing machine. Delicate cycles are shorter and gentler, causing less abrasion in the garments.
   
   • Consider hand washing garments like sweaters that are more likely to pill. This is the gentlest way of washing. Look for detergent made especially for handwashing and wash in a sink or bathtub. ^[9]
5. Avoid the electric dryer. When possible, hang garment to dry rather than using the drying machine. This will cause less abrasion to the fabric and prevent pilling. ^[10]
   
6. Use liquid detergent. Powder detergent rubs against the fabric as it dissolves. This makes it more likely to cause pilling during the washing cycle. Liquid detergents are the most gentle solution for delicate fabrics. ^[11]
   
7. Brush with a lint roller regularly. Be sure to regularly brush delicate sweaters with a lint roller or lint brush to prevent pilling. Consistently using a lint roller will prevent pills from accumulating on the fabric. ^[12]
   

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