A few pitfalls to avoid:

• Using a razor blade to shave pills. You'll likely cut the fabric and create a hole.
• Washing in hot water to "clean better." It only accelerates fiber breakdown.
• Rubbing the collar with a towel to dry it. That's pure friction—air dry or pat dry instead.
• Ignoring the problem and letting pills build up. The more they tangle, the harder they are to remove without damaging the fabric.