5 Tips for Washing Felt Crafts
Felt is one of the most popular fabrics in the world and it’s often used to make clothes, bags, and other accessories. However, a lot of people wonder if felt can be washed or not and what are the best ways to wash it. The short answer is yes, but you need to be cautious and follow the proper procedure to avoid felt shrinking or losing its shape. In this article, we will explain 5 tips that you can use to properly clean and wash your felt crafts.
Unlike cotton, which can easily be washed and dried in the washing machine, felt is a much more delicate fabric that needs to be handled with care. When washed improperly, felt can lose its shape and even become unusable. To avoid this, it’s recommended to hand wash your felt when possible and only do so with a detergent that is intended for wool products. Additionally, it’s important to never put felt in a dryer as this can permanently shrink the material and ruin your project.
If you really need to wash your felt, the safest way is by using cold water and a mild detergent that’s designed for wool products. This method also helps to keep your felt softer than machine washing and can help prevent the color from running or the felt from becoming misshapen.
Another great option for cleaning your felt is vinegar. Vinegar is extremely effective at dissolving stains, and it also acts as a disinfectant. You can add a bit of vinegar to your water when washing your felt and it should be rinsed thoroughly afterward to remove any residues.
Finally, you can also use a mild soap that’s specifically made for felt. This method is also effective at removing stains, but it can be difficult to get your felt completely clean using this technique. If you’re having trouble getting your felt completely clean using this method, try rubbing it with baking soda. Baking soda is a gentle yet powerful stain-removal agent that’s perfect for felt.
Lastly, you can also try using the washing machine to wash your felt. This method can be tricky to get right, and it’s recommended that you only do so if the material is especially dirty or has a strong odor. Make sure to use a cold water wash and a delicate cycle with the lowest temperature setting possible. When you’re finished, be sure to wring out the felt very gently and let it air dry on a towel.
