How do I prevent their clothes from looking "pilly"?

I'm really annoyed... I have always bought clothes at Kohls or Carters but never noticed them getting so used/bally looking so soon. I've always washed their clothes on delicate, and always used Dreft, too.
I have leggings and tee shirts and baby pajamas that look so crappy after 1 washing... Am I doing something wrong?
Does anyone recommend a detergent that keeps them looking newer longer?

Re: How do I prevent their clothes from looking "pilly"?

not sure if it will help but what I have been doing with DD's clothes because I am sick of things shrinking or wearing thin
I hang them after washing them in cold on delicate and then after they are dry - I toss them in the drier on low or no heat just to get that stiff feeling out of them
it seems to keep them looking better longer

How do I prevent their clothes from looking

I use trader joes detergent and have never had problems. Have a lot of Carter's clothes over the years too. Dreft has chemicals in it. Maybe that has something to do with the break down of the material. Definitely try a free and clear detergent. Also I always wash on cold (with my clothes too). I think it keeps them longer.

How do I prevent their clothes from looking

I've been using Nellie's Laundry Soda for the past few months and it's absolutely fantastic -- no chemicals, dyes, fragrance, etc. They sell it on HSN/QVC but I always find it at Home Goods for cheaper. I believe one of the bags is $7.99 and it does 50 loads. Because its all natural, everyone's clothes get washed in it (DH, DD, and mine) which saves us from having to buy a separate detergent for baby clothes/items. You don't have to use fabric softener either with it, which saves me more $$. Also, I have the Nellie's dryer balls and have completely stopped using dryer sheets which are also full of chemicals and oils that can actually transfer onto your clothes and stain. Haven't had any clothes get "pilly".

How do I prevent their clothes from looking

Maybe wash their stuff inside out?

Re: How do I prevent their clothes from looking "pilly"?

Maybe there are too many clothes in the machine slamming against each other? Or maybe the material- tougher material like towels or jeans are eating up the cotton shirts?

Re: How do I prevent their clothes from looking "pilly"?

Re: How do I prevent their clothes from looking "pilly"?

dreft, turn clothes inside out, cold water, gentle cycle, dryer. plus watch the fabrics you buy. a lot of my carters stuff does that, but none of my ralph lauren clothes do that lol. however the materials are quite different. I always attributed it to low quality vs. high quality clothing lol. but the main thing i think is turning the clothes inside out. its annoying though because it makes laundry take double the amount of time.

Re: How do I prevent their clothes from looking "pilly"?

I find, sometimes, that if I buy stuff on the more economical side -- like if I just want a few cheap shirts from Carter's sale rack for DS because he squeezes tangerine juice all over them that they don't hold up that well. Granted, they were dirt cheap but still - one or two washes?? Ugh! But yeah totally I notice the same thing but then if I have something that is a little more expensive, it lasts. Argh!

How do I prevent their clothes from looking

I feel like it really depends on the clothes..I wash all DD stuff on cold gentle with Dreft and most of her stuff looks great, Childrens Place, BRus and Carters hold up ok but stuff from Penny's and Kohls looks like crap after a few washes. I think it just depends.

How do I prevent their clothes from looking

I wash DC clothes inside out and dry that way as well.

Re: How do I prevent their clothes from looking "pilly"?

I have never had an issue with their clothes pilling ........the ONLY thing that ever pilled was the carters PJs that were 2 piece, w/ the baggier pants ........I bought them once, and never again. My sister has issues w/ the leggings pilling a lot for my niece's stuff. She washes them inside out.

Re: How do I prevent their clothes from looking "pilly"?

I agree. I had this issue with tights and leotards. I wash cold water delicate cycle with woolite and hang to dry and it seems to have fixed the problem.

How do I prevent their clothes from looking

Ok I'll try hanging as well, maybe a real free and clear detergent!
I totally separate the laundry, too...no towels or denim with the softer stuff and I do wash them inside out for the most part. It's. Frustrating but I'll try some of these tips thank you!