Can You Wash Felt? If So, How To Wash Felt?

Felt is one of those fabrics that feels timeless—literally and figuratively. Whether it’s used in crafts, clothing, or home decor, felt has a charm that’s both rustic and elegant. But when it comes to cleaning felt, there’s often confusion. Can you wash felt? If so, how should you go about it? Let’s dive deep into felt care, and guide you through everything you need to know about washing felt fabric, ensuring your felt products from Needle Felt Creation stay in tip-top shape.

Understanding Felt Fabric

What is Felt Fabric?

Imagine you’re holding a piece of felt. It’s soft, dense, and slightly fuzzy. Felt is a non-woven textile made by matting, condensing, and pressing fibers together. Unlike most fabrics that are woven or knitted, felt is unique in its construction, which gives it a thick, durable texture. Felt can be made from natural fibers like wool or synthetic fibers like acrylic. Wool felt, in particular, is known for its warmth, water resistance, and softness.

But here’s the kicker: the very properties that make felt so desirable also make it tricky to clean. Felt can be delicate, especially when wet. If handled improperly, it can shrink, lose its shape, or even fall apart. So, understanding your felt fabric is key before you even think about tossing it in the wash.

Types of Felt Fabric: Can You Wash Felt Fabric Safely?

Not all felt is created equal, and this is where things get interesting. The type of felt fabric you have will dictate how you should wash it—or if you should wash it at all.

• Natural Felt (Wool Felt): Made from natural wool fibers, this type of felt is prized for its softness and durability. Wool felt can be washed, but it requires a gentle touch. Because wool is a protein fiber, it can shrink if exposed to hot water or harsh agitation. This process is known as felting (yes, the same name as the fabric), where the fibers bind together even more tightly, causing shrinkage.
• Synthetic Felt: Usually made from acrylic, polyester, or other synthetic fibers, this type of felt is more resistant to shrinking. However, synthetic felt doesn’t have the same natural resilience as wool and can become misshapen or pilled if not washed properly.
• Needle Felt vs. Wet Felt: These terms refer to the process of making felt. Needle felting involves repeatedly stabbing a mat of loose fibers with a barbed needle, which entangles the fibers. Wet felting, on the other hand, involves using water, soap, and agitation to bind fibers together. Wet felt can often withstand washing better than needle-felted products, which are usually more delicate.
  

Understanding the type of felt fabric you’re dealing with is the first step in answering the question, “Can you wash felt?” Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be able to approach the washing process with confidence and care.

Can You Wash Felt?

The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think. Yes, you can wash felt fabric, but it must be done with care and caution. Felt, especially natural wool felt, can be finicky when it comes to water and agitation.

The risks of washing felt include shrinkage, distortion, and loss of texture. This is especially true for wool felt, which can shrink significantly if exposed to hot water or vigorous washing. Synthetic felt, while more resilient, can still suffer from pilling or stretching if not washed correctly. The key is to use the right method depending on the type of felt and the specific product.

Many people assume that washing felt will ruin it, but that’s not always the case. In fact, with the right approach, washing can help maintain the longevity and appearance of your felt items. So, while it’s safe to wash felt fabric, it’s essential to know when and how to wash it to avoid any mishaps.

When Should You Wash Felt Fabric?

Washing felt shouldn’t be a frequent affair. Felt fabric is naturally resistant to dirt and moisture, meaning it often doesn’t need to be washed as frequently as other fabrics. However, there are times when washing is necessary:

• Stains and Spills: If you spill something on your felt fabric, it’s best to address the stain as soon as possible. A quick spot clean might do the trick, but if the stain is stubborn, washing may be necessary.
• Odor: Over time, felt products can develop odors, especially if they’re exposed to moisture or stored improperly. A gentle wash can help freshen them up.
• Dirt and Dust: Felt fabric can attract dust and dirt, especially if it’s used in home decor or clothing. Washing can help remove accumulated grime.
• Crafting Residue: If you’ve been crafting with felt, bits of glue, paint, or other materials might get on your fabric. A careful wash can remove these residues without damaging the felt.

Remember, over-washing felt can lead to wear and tear, so it’s important to only wash it when absolutely necessary. For regular maintenance, spot cleaning and proper storage can keep your felt looking its best.

How to Wash Felt Fabric: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a comparison of the three main washing methods:

Pre-Wash Preparations: How Do You Wash Felt Fabric Safely?

Before you start washing your felt fabric, it’s important to prepare properly. Jumping into the washing process without the right prep can lead to disastrous results. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Test for Colorfastness: Felt fabric, especially when dyed, can bleed color when washed. To avoid this, test a small, inconspicuous area by dabbing it with a damp cloth. If the color transfers, you’ll need to wash it with extra care or consider dry cleaning.
2. Remove Surface Dirt and Lint: Use a lint roller or a soft brush to gently remove any loose dirt, dust, or lint from the surface of the felt fabric. This prevents dirt from embedding further into the fabric during washing.
3. Choose the Right Cleaning Method: Determine whether hand washing, machine washing, or dry cleaning is the best method for your felt fabric. This will depend on the type of felt and the extent of the cleaning needed.

Can You Hand Wash Felt Fabric?

Hand washing is often the safest and most effective method for cleaning felt fabric, especially for wool felt. Here’s how to do it:

1. Fill a Basin with Cold Water: Use cold or lukewarm water to prevent shrinking. Add a mild detergent designed for delicate fabrics.
2. Submerge the Felt Fabric: Gently press the fabric into the water, ensuring it’s fully submerged. Avoid rubbing or wringing the fabric, as this can distort the felt.
3. Soak and Gently Agitate: Let the fabric soak for about 10 minutes. After soaking, gently agitate the water with your hands to help lift dirt and stains.
4. Rinse Thoroughly: Drain the soapy water and refill the basin with clean, cold water. Gently swish the fabric to remove any detergent residue.
5. Press Out Excess Water: Lay the felt flat on a clean towel and press down to remove excess water. Avoid wringing or twisting the fabric.
6. Dry Flat: Lay the felt fabric flat on a dry towel, reshaping it as necessary. Allow it to air dry away from direct sunlight or heat sources.

Can You Wash Felt Fabric in the Washing Machine?

While hand washing is preferred, you might wonder, “Can you wash felt fabric in the washing machine?” The answer is yes but with caution. Here’s how to do it:

1. Use a Delicate Cycle: Set your washing machine to a delicate or wool cycle, using cold water to prevent shrinking.
2. Use a Mesh Laundry Bag: Place the felt fabric inside a mesh laundry bag to protect it from excessive agitation.
3. Choose a Mild Detergent: Use a detergent designed for delicate fabrics. Avoid using bleach or fabric softeners.
4. Skip the Spin Cycle: If possible, skip the spin cycle to reduce the risk of distortion. Instead, press out the water manually after the wash.
5. Dry Flat: Just like with hand washing, lay the felt flat on a towel to dry, reshaping as needed.

Important Note: Machine washing is best for synthetic felts or large, durable felt items. For delicate or intricate felt products, stick to hand washing.

Dry Cleaning Felt Fabric: Is It a Safe Alternative?

If you’re unsure about washing your felt fabric at home, dry cleaning might be a safer option. Here’s what you need to know:

• When to Consider Dry Cleaning: If your felt fabric is delicate, heavily soiled, or has intricate detailing, dry cleaning is often the best choice. Professional dry cleaners have the tools and expertise to clean felt without damaging it.
• Pros and Cons of Dry Cleaning: Dry cleaning is gentler on felt than traditional washing methods, reducing the risk of shrinking or distortion. However, it can be more expensive and time-consuming than washing at home.

Post-Wash Care for Felt Fabric

How to Maintain the Shape of Felt Fabric After Washing

One of the biggest concerns when washing felt fabric is maintaining its shape. Felt has a tendency to shrink or distort if not handled properly. Here’s how to keep your felt looking its best after washing:

• Reshape While Wet: After washing, gently reshape the felt fabric while it’s still damp. This helps to maintain its original form.
• Dry Flat: Always dry felt fabric flat on a clean, dry towel. Hanging felt to dry can cause it to stretch or lose its shape.
• Use a Pressing Cloth: If your felt fabric needs ironing, use a pressing cloth to protect it from direct heat. Set the iron to a low temperature and press gently.

Storing Felt Fabric

Proper storage is crucial to keeping felt fabric in good condition between washes. Here’s how to store your felt:

• Avoid Folding: If possible, avoid folding felt fabric to prevent creases. Instead, store it flat or roll it gently.
• Keep Away from Moisture: Store felt fabric in a cool, dry place to prevent mold and mildew. If storing long-term, consider placing it in an airtight container.
• Use Cedar or Lavender: To keep moths and pests away, store felt with cedar blocks or lavender sachets. This helps preserve the fabric and keeps it smelling fresh.

Final Thoughts: Can You Wash Felt? Absolutely, But With Care

Washing felt doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right approach, you can keep your felt products from Needle Felt Creation looking fresh and beautiful for years to come. Whether you’re hand washing, machine washing, or dry cleaning, always remember to handle felt with care. By understanding your felt fabric and following the proper washing methods, you can enjoy your felt items without worrying about damage. So go ahead, give your felt a little TLC—it deserves it!