Yes, some types of felt may be hand-washable or dry-cleanable, so it’s important to check the care instructions on the label or with the manufacturer.
Felt is a fabric made by matting together fibers using heat, moisture, and pressure, and it is typically not recommended to wash it in a washing machine as it can cause the felt to shrink and lose its shape.
Dos and don’ts of washing felt
Dos
- Check the care label or with the manufacturer to see if the felt is washable or dry-cleanable.
- If hand-washing is recommended, use a gentle detergent and lukewarm water.
- Gently squeeze out the excess water, and lay the felt flat to dry.
- Reshape the felt while it is damp to ensure it dries in its original shape.
- If dry-cleaning is recommended, take the felt to a professional cleaner who is experienced with handling delicate fabrics like felt.
Don’ts
- Don’t machine wash felt, as it can cause the fabric to shrink and lose its shape.
- Don’t use hot water, bleach, or harsh detergents, as they can damage the felt.
- Don’t wring or twist the felt while it’s wet, as this can cause it to become misshapen.
- Don’t iron or apply heat to the felt, as this can also cause it to shrink or lose its shape.
- Don’t use fabric softener, as it can leave a residue on the felt and affect its texture.
5-step guide to washing felt
Step 1
Check the care label or with the manufacturer
Before washing felt, always check the care label or with the manufacturer to see if it’s washable or dry-cleanable. If there are no care instructions available, assume that the felt is not washable.
Step 2
Prepare a gentle wash solution
If hand-washing is recommended, prepare a gentle wash solution using lukewarm water and a mild detergent. Avoid using hot water or harsh detergents, as they can damage the felt.
Step 3
Gently wash the felt
Place the felt in the wash solution and gently agitate it with your hands. Do not rub or wring the felt, as this can cause it to become misshapen. Continue to gently agitate the felt for a few minutes until it is clean.
Step 4
Rinse and gently squeeze out excess water
Drain the wash solution and rinse the felt with lukewarm water until all the detergent is removed. Gently squeeze out the excess water by pressing the felt between your hands, being careful not to wring or twist it.
Step 5
Dry the felt
Lay the felt flat on a clean, dry towel and roll it up to remove any remaining water. Reshape the felt to its original shape and lay it flat to dry in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Avoid hanging the felt to dry, as this can cause it to stretch out of shape.
That’s it! By following these steps, you can safely wash your felt and ensure it stays in good condition for years to come.
Final thoughts ðŸ’
Washing felt requires special care to avoid damaging the fabric. Start by checking the care label or with the manufacturer to see if it’s washable or dry-cleanable. If hand-washing is recommended, prepare a gentle wash solution and gently agitate the felt without rubbing or wringing it.
Rinse with lukewarm water and gently squeeze out excess water before laying it flat to dry, reshaping it to its original shape while damp. Avoid using hot water, harsh detergents, fabric softeners, and direct sunlight or heat sources when washing felt.
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