The Best Lint Removers and Fabric Shavers
When we find our old clothes, blankets, and couches filled with pilling whether from cat scratches, dogs, or the general build-up over time as we use them, the first urge is to throw those pieces out. Thankfully it is easy to renew the fabrics without needing to throw them out, thus contributing to more waste.
Lint remover and fabric shavers all work together to get rid of unsightly and annoying piles and bring your fabric back to life again. Our list below will help you decide which of the best lint removers you should buy for yourself without all the hassle of sorting through the countless options.
Our Top Picks
What To Look For in a Fabric Shaver or Lint Remover
When looking for a quality lint remover or fabric shaver, keep these in mind:
Electric or manual: Electric fabric shavers make it much easier and quicker to get the job done. They are typically gentle enough on most fabric types and come in varying price points to match your budget. Manual lint removers are also quick to use, without requiring any charging time or fussing with batteries and are much cheaper than their electric counterparts.
Fabric types: Some shavers and lint removers are designed for specific types of fabrics, so be sure to check compatibility of a device with various fabrics. Most can be used on many types of fabric without issue or damage, but it is always better to read instructions so that you do not accidentally wreck a favourite sweater or a beloved heirloom.
Size and power: Some lint removers are rechargeable, and some require batteries. Manual shavers require neither but can lack power that you may need for thicker fabric or stubborn pilling, and for larger areas. Be sure to choose the one that works best for you and the job you need to get done.
Price: Fabric shavers and lint removers come in a variety of price points, so you are able to pick one based off of your budget. Manual ones are obviously less expensive, but electric ones are faster and are easier to use without accidentally ruining delicate material.
Battery life: Chargeable shavers are more convenient and there is no fuss about replacing batteries. Batteries can be more cost-effective and last longer than their chargeable counterpart though, so it is up to you whether you would like to go either route.
Handle shapes: This is something that comes down to preference. Some fabric shavers are designed ergonomically and made easier to hold for longer periods of time, while others may become uncomfortable or are annoying to use for large/small hands. You may have to try out a few before you find one that works well for you. (Especially if you have arthritis or any sort of hand strain that can become tedious holding small appliances.)
Aaztauet Fabric Shaver
This compact and wonderfully designed fabric shaver is made from durable ABS plastic casing, a thick stainless-steel mesh, and sharp 6-blade stainless steel blade to prevent breakage and ensures a long-lasting performance. It comes with two replaceable blades for easy switching when necessary.
The powerful suction and high-quality motor make for an easy and clean time while shaving your clothes or fabrics without damage. It is suited for various types of fabric including wool coats, bedding, scarves, gloves, blankets, sofas, carpet, plush toys, car seat cushions, and pants. It easily trims off excess lint, pills and any snagged fabric pills as well.
A bright LED display shows you the power setting you have it set to and has a one button operation design, making it the easiest to use. The lint container has a window that allows you to see when it is almost full and ready to be emptied out. It is easy to take while travelling and can be charged using the adapter with a portable charger, power bank, or even plugged into a desktop/laptop to charge. A full charge takes around 1.5 hours and lasts for 120 minutes before it needs to be recharged.
The lint remover will automatically turn off or not turn on at all if the cover or blade is not properly installed and will also automatically stop charging once it is fully charged to help keep the battery safe.
Pros
- Good design.
- LED display.
- Lint storage window.
Cons
- Can get obstructed with thicker fabric.
Conair Fabric Shaver
Safely remove fuzz, pills, and lint from socks, sofas, blankets, pants, and everything in-between that you can think of. It works on a variety of fabrics without causing issues. It is a battery-operated device and is easily portable when traveling. The fuzz is caught in the detachable lint catcher and easily disposed of. It features a large 2-inch shaving head for efficient use and requires two AA batteries.
It has adjustable distance control in three heights that allows you to safely remove lint and pills from thicker or thinner fabrics without damaging them. Be careful that you are not using the ‘closest’ setting on certain fabrics as you can accidentally tear through your fabrics.
Pros
- Three height adjustment levels.
- Ergonomic grip.
- Works on variety of fabric types.
Cons
- May tear certain fabrics on the closest setting if you are not careful.
MIITO Fabric Shaver
Effective and powerful, this electric fabric shaver is equipped with six stainless steel blades and a powerful 8W motor to flawlessly revive your old fabrics and get rid of the unsightly pills and lint areas. Three speed settings allow for delicate or stronger fabrics without accidentally damaging the surfaces. The LED digital display shows your battery level and current mode. (100 means a fully charged battery and below 10 means that it needs to be recharged.)
It charges with a type-C charger and can be used while charging without needing to wait. 2.5 hours charge will allow for at least two hours use before it needs to be charged again. A safety protection switch will automatically ensure that it turns off and the large lint bin holds a decent amount before it needs to be emptied. The ergonomic handle allows for easier holding and maneuvering.
It comes with two replaceable stainless-steel blades.
Pros
- Large lint bin.
- Comfort design.
- LED display.
Cons
- May be smaller than anticipated.
AW Union Fabric Shaver
This budget electric fabric shaver can get the job done quickly and easily without any fuss. It runs via a USB cable, and does not need to be charged or used by batteries – it works via the USB being plugged in. It says that it comes with a 70” cable, but some users have said it is too short and have substituted their own longer charging cables that worked better.
It is compact, space saving, and has three different honeycombs ‘hole sizes’ to determine the closeness of your shave and to ensure that you get rid of the pilling without damaging your clothing or fabric, such as on couches or rugs. It comes with a sweater shaver, a replacement blade, a storage bag, and a cleaning brush to keep everything neat and tidy together for travel.
Pros
- Easy to use.
- Works well.
- Great price point.
Cons
- Plastic may crack.
- USB cord is short, but can be replaced with your own charging cable.
Gleener Manual Lint Remover
This manual lint remover is easy to use, has an ergonomic grip, and does not require any batteries or charging time at all. It has a built-in lint remover that helps to clean up pet hair and stray fabrics, and to ensure a nice clean finish while de-pilling your clothes or sofa, etc.
It is gentle on clothing and fabrics such as rugs and couches, though you do need to be careful to ensure that you do not press too hard or use it too roughly and accidentally tear your fabrics. The ergonomic handle has a soft molded grip, and the quick release button makes it easy to switch out the lint shaver edges when needed. A note from a few customers is that the quick release button can be accidentally pushed while in use and it makes the shaver edge release. Besides that, Gleener works wonderfully and has many top-rated reviews.
Pros
- Built-in lint brush.
- Ergonomic design.
- Easy to use.
Cons
- The quick release button can get in the way while holding it and the shaver edge can come off.
Scienbeauty Fabric Lint Remover
This electric lint remover has an LED ring light that shows your area of work to make sure you are not missing any pilling or lint while in use. The powerful motor and stainless steel six blades work well on a variety of fabrics, including sweaters, pants, couches, rugs, blankets, cashmere and wool, duvets, and even curtains without worrying about it tearing or ruining anything.
A thick steel mesh cover and six razor sharp floating steel blades protect your clothes and other fabrics from being snagged or accidentally torn through. When the mesh is loosened or removed the shaver will stop automatically to prevent any hazards or damage. The large capacity lint container holds a decent amount of lint before it needs to be emptied. Scienbeauty suctions the lint into it without needing to go back through afterwards to ensure that your fabric is clean.
It is rechargeable with a USB cable and has the option to be used cordless or while plugged in and charging.
Pros
- LED ring light.
- Rechargeable.
- Ergonomic grip.
Cons
- Charge lasts for 40-60 minutes and sometimes less.
Our Methodology
For this article we chose the best fabric shavers and lint removers based on top-rated user reviews and other trusted review websites to compile the best available products within Canada. We also considered different fabric needs and budgets. Rechargeable and manual fabric shavers were also taken into account for this article.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are manual or electric fabric shavers better?
Manual vs electric fabric shavers—all comes down to your budget and how comfortable you are with using a fabric shaver/lint remover. Manual is more cost-efficient but takes longer and has a learning curve to it that can end in accidents if you are not careful enough. Electric shavers are much faster and easier to use, but they cost more.
Can fabric shavers ruin my clothes or fabrics?
They can if you are not careful enough. Typically, electric shavers are great for most types of fabrics, but be sure to check if the one you are looking for is suitable for what you will be using it for. That also goes for manual shavers: if used too aggressively and that can lead to accidental ripping or tearing of your fabric.
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