Yes, you can wash craft felt, but it requires specific methods to prevent shrinkage and maintain its shape and texture.
Washing craft felt is possible when needed to clean off dirt, dust, or light stains accumulated during crafting or use. However, felt, especially wool felt, is prone to shrinkage and distortion if not handled carefully. Fortunately, there are proven methods to minimize these risks.
According to information from June 12, 2023, there are two main methods often recommended for cleaning felt specifically designed to prevent it from shrinkage: machine washing and hand washing. These methods, when performed correctly, allow you to refresh your craft felt items without damaging them.
Why Wash Craft Felt Carefully?
Felt is made by compressing and matting fibers together. When exposed to heat, agitation, and moisture, these fibers can mat even further, causing the material to shrink and become denser. This is particularly true for wool felt, but even acrylic craft felt can be affected by high heat. Proper washing techniques aim to minimize this agitation and temperature exposure.
Best Methods for Washing Felt
As highlighted by the reference stating there are two main methods of cleaning felt that prevent shrinkage, hand washing and machine washing are the primary approaches. The choice between them often depends on the size and delicacy of the felt item, as well as the type of felt (e.g., acrylic vs. wool).
Hand Washing Felt
Hand washing is often considered the gentler option, offering more control over the process. It's ideal for smaller or more delicate felt pieces.
How to Hand Wash Craft Felt:
- Prepare the Water: Fill a basin or sink with cool or lukewarm water. Avoid hot water, which can cause shrinkage.
- Add Detergent: Use a small amount of mild detergent or wool wash. Avoid harsh chemicals or bleach.
- Submerge and Soak: Submerge the felt item and let it soak for 10-15 minutes. Gently press it down to ensure it's saturated.
- Gentle Cleaning: Avoid rubbing, wringing, or twisting. Gently squeeze the felt to work the soapy water through. For targeted stains, dab gently.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Drain the soapy water and refill with clean, cool water. Gently squeeze the felt repeatedly until all soap is removed.
- Remove Excess Water: Carefully press the water out by sandwiching the felt between clean towels. Do not wring.
- Reshape and Dry: Lay the felt item flat on a clean, dry towel or mesh rack. Gently reshape it if needed. Allow it to air dry completely, away from direct heat or sunlight.
Machine Washing Felt
Machine washing can be suitable for larger or more robust felt items, provided the right settings are used. The key is minimal agitation and cool temperatures.
How to Machine Wash Craft Felt:
- Use a Laundry Bag: Place the felt item inside a mesh laundry bag to protect it from excessive friction and stretching during the cycle.
- Select Settings: Use the delicate or wool cycle on your washing machine. This uses low agitation.
- Choose Water Temperature: Select cold water. Hot water should be avoided at all costs.
- Add Detergent: Use a mild detergent suitable for delicates.
- Wash: Run the chosen cycle.
- Remove Excess Water: After the cycle finishes (or ideally before the spin cycle, if you can stop it), remove the felt from the bag. Gently press out excess water with towels. Avoid machine drying felt entirely, as this will almost certainly cause significant shrinkage and damage.
- Reshape and Dry: Lay flat to air dry, reshaping as needed.
Key Considerations for Washing Craft Felt
- Felt Type: Acrylic felt is generally more resilient to water than wool felt, but both can shrink with heat and agitation. Wool felt is much more prone to felting (tightening/shrinking) if not handled with extreme care.
- Embellishments: Consider any added embellishments (like beads, sequins, glued items) that might not be washable or could detach.
- Test First: If possible, test a small, inconspicuous area or a scrap piece of the same felt before washing the entire item.
By following these gentle washing methods, you can effectively clean your craft felt projects while preserving their original size and appearance, leveraging the techniques recommended for preventing shrinkage.
| Method | Recommended For | Agitation Level | Temperature | Shrinkage Risk (if done correctly) | Drying Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hand Wash | Small/Delicate Items | Very Low | Cool/Lukewarm | Low | Air Dry (Flat) |
| Machine Wash | Larger/Robust Items | Low (Delicate Cycle) | Cold | Low | Air Dry (Flat) |
